DC planning need help

Question

Hi,

Planning to go to DC somewhere between Nov 9th to 12th (two or possibly 3 nights) with our 11 year old daughter... And we will be driving a car..

Plan to visit:

- White House (only from the outside)

- Monument

- Capitol

- probably congress library

- Lincoln Memorial

- maybe spy museum

And we can't decide what else and what's good for 11 year old tho and any hotel recommendation would be appreciated and need to have car park for our car tho..

We are expecting around $250 a nite (including car park if possible) but if convenient wise will be so much different by adding some more dollar, it will surely be considered.

And please also help us to put in order of the places to visit as we are not sure from the hotel recommended which place will be best to visit first, next, and last as according to the walking path.. (as we don't want to ended up go back and forth and waste too much time in walking here and there)

Thanks again...

Answer

Washington DC is an excellent destination for an 11-year-old, and early November is a great time to visit—cool, comfortable weather and lighter crowds. Since you’ll have a car and want a hotel with parking around $250/night, I’ll recommend realistic hotel options, family-friendly attractions, and a practical sightseeing route so you don’t waste time walking back and forth.

Below is a complete, organized plan that works well for a 2- or 3-night stay.

Best Hotels in DC With Parking Around $250/night

Hotel prices fluctuate, but these properties regularly fall into (or close to) your budget and include on-site or adjacent garage parking.

Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC – U.S. Capitol
Usually around $180–230/night. Has a garage for a fee. Walking distance to Capitol, Union Station, and museums.
Hampton Inn Washington DC – NoMa Union Station
Family-friendly, breakfast included, and parking available. Often $170–220/night.
Hyatt Place Washington DC / National Mall
Great location for the Air & Space Museum, Smithsonian Castle, and the Washington Monument. Parking available but sometimes pricey; the convenience may be worth the extra.
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
One of the best locations for families. Parking on-site. Steps from the Smithsonian museums.
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center
Clean, close to Metro, with garage parking; often around $220–260/night.

If you can stretch your budget slightly, the Hyatt Place and Holiday Inn Capitol offer the best combination of convenience + walking access to major attractions, reducing your transportation needs.

Additional DC attractions that are great for an 11-year-old

Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum – Always a top favorite for kids.
Natural History Museum – Dinosaurs, gems, animals… perfect for this age.
International Spy Museum – Not free, but extremely popular with kids. Interactive exhibits.
National Museum of American History – Fun exhibits like pop culture, transportation, and First Ladies’ dresses.
National Zoo – Free and easy; depends if your schedule allows.

For 2–3 nights, focus on the Mall + Spy Museum + 1–2 Smithsonian museums.

Ideal sightseeing plan (to avoid backtracking)

This assumes you stay near the National Mall. If you pick a hotel farther out, I can adjust the route.

Day 1: Monuments + White House (easy walking loop)

Start at the Washington Monument
Walk to the World War II Memorial
Continue along the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial
Walk through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (short detour)
Optional: Walk to the Korean War Memorial
Finish at the White House North Lawn (best photo spot)

This is a logical loop from east to west across the Mall and then up to the White House without doubling back.

Day 2: Capitol + Library of Congress + Museums

Start at the U.S. Capitol (outside view)
Walk to the Library of Congress (10 minutes)
Optional: Visit the Supreme Court (right next door)
Walk down the Mall to the Smithsonian museums
Choose one or two depending on interest:
- Natural History
- Air & Space
- American History

This path moves west from the Capitol toward the center of the Mall without circling back.

Day 3 (if staying a third night): Spy Museum + Wharf area

Visit the International Spy Museum
Explore the Wharf for food, ice cream, and waterfront views
Optional: Take a water taxi to Georgetown or Old Town Alexandria

The Spy Museum is near L’Enfant Plaza and the Wharf, so it makes sense to pair these together.

Driving & parking tips for your trip

Try to park at your hotel and leave the car—driving around DC is slow and parking is expensive.
DC Metro is safe and easy; most Mall sights are walkable.
If you need cheaper garage parking than the hotel offers, apps like SpotHero can help.

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