Any good advice for a first time trip to Washington DC?

I'm planning a trip, this June, with my family. I'd appreciate any good advice such as where to stay, what to see, and where to eat, that is budget %26amp; family friendly. My kids are 11,12, %26amp; 15 years old. I won't be renting a car, so transportation needs to be close by.Any good advice for a first time trip to Washington DC?
Try looking at some of the more reasonable places north of the city in Rockville or Gaithersburg. For instance, Chase Suites Hotel rooms begin at $99 per night and have a king bed, living/dining room with a sofa bed and a kitchen. Rollaways are available and breakfast is included. You would be very close to Metro and can catch the subway downtown to all the sights there are to see.





You might want to reconsider renting a car since this is a fairly widespread area. In two weeks you might want to visit Mount Vernon, George Washington's Home, for instance, or go to Baltimore and visit the Inner Harbour and all of the attractions you can find there.





Metro will take you right to the Zoo, the Smithsonian Museums and many of the other attractions. You can also secure tickets on a tour bus for several days that will let you on and off the bus without restraint.





Food ranges from outrageously expensive to a real bargain. Most of the Clyde's restaurants, including the Old Ebbitt, are a good value. Fuddrucker's is very reasonable and kids the ages of yours like it. It's in Chinatown (believe it or not), right on the Metro stop and you should experience the China Gate and what's left of Chinatown before it's gone.





Street vendors here are fairly well controlled, so you can get a hot dog or eggroll without worrying in most cases. If you want a real experience, though, try Ben's Chili Bowl. Both Bill Cosby and President Obama love it. You'll see why when you visit.





Food is much, much cheaper in both Rockville and Gaithersburg and we do have plenty of ';suites'; style hotels and motels in the area. I agree with the responder who advises that you plan your sightseeing. Best bet is to take that tour bus around the city first and plan the stops you want to make. A 3-day pass will give you lots of options.Any good advice for a first time trip to Washington DC?
When I went with my kids I stayed at a hotel in Arlington that offered free shuttle to the airport Metro station. We then took the Metro into downtown DC





As for what to see and do, the whole area around the Mall is fantastic and free: NASA museum, Smithsonian, Congress and more
Stay at the hotel thats near the National Park ( I forgot its name). Its probably called Madison Hotel (not sure).


Go visit:


Capital Building


Vietnam and Korean War memorial


Tomb oof the Unknown solider


WWII Memorial


Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial


National Park


Arlington Cemetery


Washington Monument


Etc.


Enjot your trip!
Plan out what sites you are going to see in order because we didn't so we ended up doing miles of walking since we kept walking all around D.C.