Summer with family--hotels and transportation

Question

We will be flying in for a few nights in DC. We will most likely Uber/Lyft to and from the airport. We are a family of 4 with a preteen and teenager. We plan on mostly going to the monuments and museums. I know everything is kind of spread out.

1. Is it feasible to get around by walking and/or trolley/hop on hop off bus? (We did this in NYC several years ago with the hop on/off buses. It worked for us.)

2. What area should we try to find a hotel in? We just need a decent place to sleep with breakfast if possible. We aren't looking to spend an outrageous amount, but want to be conveniently located.

Answer

Washington DC is very walkable in the National Mall area, and using hop-on/hop-off buses or trolleys is an excellent way to cover more ground without tiring out younger travelers. Many of the major museums and monuments are concentrated near the Mall, so walking between them is feasible, but distances to some locations, such as Georgetown or the Capitol from the Lincoln Memorial, can be significant for preteens and teens over multiple days.

Regarding transportation:

Walking: Most Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam & Korean War memorials, and the Washington Monument are within reasonable walking distance of each other. Be prepared for 1–2 mile walks at a time.
Hop-on/Hop-off buses: These are convenient for families, allowing you to see key sights without dealing with public transit schedules. They often include narrated tours, which can be educational and entertaining for kids.
Public transportation: The DC Metro can take you farther afield, such as to the National Zoo (Woodley Park/Adams Morgan area) or the U.S. Capitol. Buses also reach areas not served by Metro.
Rideshares: Uber or Lyft can fill gaps, particularly if traveling in a group or when tired from walking.

As for hotel location:

Downtown / Penn Quarter: Central to many museums and monuments. Easy walking access to the Mall, restaurants, and Metro stations. Family-friendly and plenty of mid-range hotel options.
Foggy Bottom / West End: Close to the Lincoln Memorial, Kennedy Center, and easy access to the Mall. Typically quieter than downtown but still walkable to major attractions.
Capitol Hill / Eastern Market area: Near the Capitol and Library of Congress. A bit farther from the Lincoln Memorial and some museums, but offers charming neighborhoods and local eateries.
Georgetown: Beautiful area with shopping and waterfront, but not directly served by Metro. More difficult to walk to the Mall; better suited if you plan to explore Georgetown specifically.

Additional tips:

Look for hotels offering complimentary breakfast to streamline mornings with the kids.
Book early, as summer is busy in DC and family-friendly hotels fill up quickly.
Consider proximity to a Metro station even if primarily walking, to give options for longer trips or rainy days.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and plan for afternoon breaks to keep the kids energized.

Overall, a combination of walking and hop-on/hop-off buses is practical and enjoyable for a family of four. Staying near Downtown, Penn Quarter, or Foggy Bottom balances convenience, access to attractions, and reasonable hotel pricing.

Summer with family--hotels and transportation

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