[rattlsnak]

First thing to do is contact your state or local representative. There is a link on the dc.org page. He can set you up with all sorts of special/private/behind the scenes tours all for free. WELL WORTH IT!! You will bypass all the lines.

You can stay in the city if you want, but we usually stay in Crystal City. Hop on the subway and 8 minutes later you can pop out wherever you want. Eveyplace you want to go is on the subway. We never had a need for a cab at all. Also recommend orange trolleys, as you can get on and off all day long at different stops for one price.