Ya so theres a bunch of lanes and lots of traffic almost any time of day, but just like all big cities avoid rush hour. Any other time its no different from any big city and no need to fear it. You will like Cheery Hill and others have already given you the scoop. Just leave your toad and use the tube into the central DC mall area. Fast and cheap. And pedestrian friendly. Takes at least three days to see most of the major attractions. Take the moonlight bus tour of the monuments. The Vietnam Wall is pitch dark and very spiritual. Soft light of candles from mourners add to erie ambiance. A very moving experience, especially for my generation. Aero buffs need to grab the shuttle from the mall to the Dulles museum. Just about every civilian and war bird that ever flew is on display. Could not believe how big the XR71 Blackbird spy plane is.
