Looking for advice for a DC trip.

[mooby]

I definitely agree on not driving in and out of the city. Even though Metro is always having issues I always prefer it to driving in the city. If you want to stay close Rosslyn/Pentagon City/Arlington are good places, Alexandria as well although you will spend some time on Metro going in. Easiest way to get into DC is to take yellow line across the river instead of riding the blue line around. It will save you a lot of time but if you get on at blue line you will have to transfer. Also something to think about, Metro doesn't do day passes or week passes like NYC does, and if you are riding during non-rush hour there is a good chance you will experience delays.