Washington Trip June 13th-20th

Question

I'm planning a trip with my teen sons, June 13th-20th of this year. I'm looking on Expedia to get a hotel, flight, and rental car. I have been researching and I am not exactly sure where we should stay. I figured just outside the city, but which area? I would like to have access to the Metro to take into the city, but is that always super busy? Would it be better to take an Uber into the city or I even seen a water taxi. I'm mainly renting the car so that we can leave our hotel and drive over to Gettysburg one of the days and possibly Mt. Vernon or Manassas. I was thinking Arlington area. The vacation package has us flying into Baltimore or I can choose one of the Washington airports, the prices are just different. Any info would greatly help me and is appreciated. Thank you.

Answer

For a family trip to Washington DC with teen sons, staying just outside the city in Arlington, VA, is a very practical choice. Arlington provides good hotel options, generally safer and quieter than downtown DC, and has excellent access to both the Metro and major highways, making day trips easier.

Transportation into DC:

The Arlington Metro stations, particularly Rosslyn, Court House, and Pentagon City, connect you directly to downtown DC. The Metro can get busy during rush hours, but mid-morning and early afternoon trips are typically manageable. Since you’ll have teens and may be carrying backpacks or souvenirs, plan to avoid peak commuting times if possible. Uber is convenient for direct trips and off-hours travel, though it may be more expensive than the Metro. The DC water taxi is a scenic option along the Potomac, but it only serves specific routes and isn’t practical for general sightseeing or connecting to multiple sites.

Hotel Area Recommendations:

Arlington, VA: Near Courthouse, Rosslyn, or Crystal City. Offers easy Metro access, a range of hotel prices, and family-friendly neighborhoods. Good balance for city access and car trips.
Alexandria, VA: Especially Old Town Alexandria. Charming historic district, walkable with restaurants and shops. Metro access is available at King Street Station, but slightly less central than Arlington.
Tysons Corner or Vienna, VA: Farther out but offers lower hotel rates and plenty of parking. Metro access from Vienna station (Orange Line) is convenient, but travel into central DC takes longer.
Bethesda or Silver Spring, MD: Good alternatives in Maryland with Metro access to DC. Bethesda is closer and has a nice downtown area for dining and walking.

Car Use:

Since you plan to drive to Gettysburg, Mount Vernon, or Manassas, staying in Arlington or nearby makes highway access convenient. Parking is easier in Arlington hotels compared to central DC, where parking can be expensive and scarce. With a rental car, you can balance city sightseeing by Metro and day trips by car.

Airport Considerations:

Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): Often cheaper flights. About 1 hour drive to Arlington depending on traffic. Easy rental car pickup.
Washington Dulles (IAD): Slightly farther from downtown DC (~35-40 min), generally convenient for Arlington. Offers multiple car rental options.
Ronald Reagan National (DCA): Closest to Arlington and downtown. Limited parking and rental options, but ideal for shorter trips if you prefer minimal driving upon arrival.

Overall, Arlington is the best compromise for first-time visitors who want easy Metro access, reasonable driving distance for day trips, and a quieter, family-friendly environment. With your rental car, you can do both city exploration and excursions without relying entirely on public transport.