First Time in DC

Question

Hi All, My wife and I are driving to visit DC in May. We are 64 and 67 but healthy. Planning to see as much as we can for 4 days. ( Monday to Thursday ) Should we stay outside of DC but near a Metro? Since hotel and parking might be too expensive. Where will be a good location to stay? Thank you.

Answer

For a first visit to Washington DC, staying in the city itself is ideal for convenience, but it can be expensive and parking is limited. If you want to save on hotel costs and don’t mind using public transit, staying just outside DC near a Metro station is a very practical option. This way, you can easily access downtown attractions without the stress of driving or parking.

Some great areas to consider that offer easy Metro access and good hotel options include:

Arlington, VA – Particularly around the Rosslyn, Courthouse, or Clarendon areas. These locations have multiple Metro lines, plenty of hotels, and restaurants within walking distance. Arlington is just across the Potomac, making it quick to reach the National Mall and monuments.
Alexandria, VA – Old Town Alexandria is charming with historic streets, shops, and waterfront dining. The King Street Metro station connects directly to downtown DC. Parking can still be tricky in Old Town itself, but some hotels offer parking options.
Silver Spring, MD – A bit further out on the Red Line, but has good Metro connections into downtown DC. Hotels here are generally more affordable, and the area has restaurants and shops for evenings.
Bethesda, MD – Another Red Line option, upscale with plenty of dining and shopping. A short Metro ride to downtown DC, but slightly more expensive than Silver Spring.

Other considerations for your trip:

Since you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing, proximity to a Metro station will save time and energy compared to parking downtown.
Check if your hotel offers parking deals if you plan to drive; some suburban hotels offer free or reduced parking for guests.
Staying outside the city also makes it easier to access a car if you want to do day trips, like Mount Vernon or other nearby attractions.

Overall, Arlington is often the best balance of convenience, Metro access, restaurants, and manageable hotel costs for a first-time DC visit. It allows you to maximize your 4 days seeing monuments, museums, and walking the National Mall without the hassle of downtown traffic and parking.