The MARC trains have racks above the seats. However, they aren't meant for big bags. You can put some soft-sided bags and small carry-on bags on the racks. As for getting to the Mayflower from Union Station---again, it depends on how much luggage you have. You'll be riding Metro during off-peak hours so it won't be that crowded. So it's up to you whether or not you want to do that or take a taxi. Certainly, you and your family can take a walk in the Dupont Circle area after dinner.

As for Friday night, either a walk on the Mall or a "monuments by moonlight" tour would be good. The advantage of the tour is that you'll have a break from walking around and dealing with the humidity. But, then again, if you live in Houston, you're used to humidity :-)!

Thanks for your input and yes we are quite used to the heat and humidity!

We'll pack light and each have just a carry on sized bag so hopefully we'll be ok.

Another question- I was planning on bringing a backpack with water and snacks with us as we toured. Is this allowed everywhere (except Capital and White House)?

Thank you for your help.

Last question first - I don't know about the water bottles and such - perhaps on the associated web site?

Your itinerary sounds good overall - I'll toss out random thoughts, if thats OK.

Metro will definitely work for 1st day arrival (Union Station to Farragut North, all on Red Line) but it's really up to your comfort level. You'll have to find the Metro (easy), figure out and pay for everyone's fare cards (moderate), then find the correct train and make your way (easy). I usually give myself a break on the 1st day in a new city, but sometimes its fun to overcome your fears - and really, this isn't too tough. If you're already stressed take a cab - if you're feeling good, try Metro.

Wandering Dupont Circle is fine, and safe, but is the area is more geared towards workers during the day and 20 somethings in the evening - not a big family hangout area. Going out and finding a good restaurant will work great, then maybe a bookstore or something afterwards. Most people will be heading to the clubs as it gets later - I'd head back to the room and relax.

Botanic Gardens are great if that's something that interests you, but as you're here only one full day I'd make it a quick drop-in. I'd visit the Gallery of Art's web site and find out when they do a free highlights tour - usually done around noon. Air and Space is great. I always recommend a hop-on hop-off tour for short-time visitors, such as the Old Town Trolley, perhaps on your last day if you can't fit it in the first. You may want to consider the DC Duck tour as well, I think your 13-year old would like that.

Washington Monument is of course a biggie but the Old Post Office tower, easier to visit (and less of a time-sucker), should suffice till your next visit. Holocaust Museum is excellent but may be good for your next visit as well - doesn't really convey the DC experience you may want in a one-day visit. And I'd try to see the memorials at night, either on your own or on the moonlight tour. The best sites cover a large area, however, so if you're going to do it on your own (Metro then walk) you won't see it all.

I think the Air and Space Museum is a must especially for your son. We live here and my sons ages 11 and 9 visit the museum at least once a year. You can visit the Gallery of Art which is across the Air and Space while your husband and son visit the museum. The Holocaust museum is I think a great place to visit but you have to set aside half a day to a full day for it. Museum of Natural History is also very interesting and it is in the Mall where most of the museums are located. Hope you have a great time.

The National Park Service recently announced that the Washington Monument would be open until 10:00 pm during the summer. So, if you wanted to go up in the evening, you could do that either Thursday or Friday. I would still recommend ordering tickets online ahead of time.

One thought: if you use the observation tower at the Post Office Pavilion, you can easily nix the Washington Monument. You'll get a more interesting view at the Post Office and will save a lot of time in lines. Look for the other thread on this topic: Old Post Office Bell Tower or Washington Monument?

I did the Washington Monument on my first trip to DC when I was 18 and was unimpressed. I went again last year with my parents and was reminded why I hadn't gone again in 17 years!

Thank you everyone for all of your feedback and suggestions. I'll post new questions as I think of them and maybe a trip report when we get back.

We rode the MARC train from Union Station to Baltimore Camden Yard on Wednesday. Our luggage, 2 suitcases and a big rolling duffel, wouldn't fit in the overhead racks. We asked one of the attendants on board and he stored our luggage in between the cars against a door that wouldn't be opening. It worked fine for us. The seats on the train are comfortable and the ride goes by quickly.

We stored our luggage at Best Lockers at Gate A in Union Station on the day of our departure. I didn't want to deal with going back to the hotel so this was a good option for us.