Originally Posted by GoingAway
Where are you staying that you've rented a car? That might be an extra (and wasted) expense. Look through threads in this forum and you'll find a lot of information on things to see and do in the area. Post any specific questions, there are a lot of DC based (and non-DC based) folks on FT that can provide information.
Idem that, if you are staying central, a car would not be necessary. This year was also my first trip to DC and really for DC downtown, a car is not necessary. From your timing indicated, seems that you will not have much time to move around. I thnk the best would be just the White House and the whole mall thingy, all the way from Capitol to the Lincoln memorial. Most probably you will have to do it evening time which could be nice.
The only advantage that I see with the car would be for you to drive around these attractions to get a quick sightseeing tour (if you don't get lost). Advises given to my when I asked the forum the last time was that lots of streets there are one way streets and seems that parking can be a pain even on the weekends.
But as mentioned, there are lots of info already on this subject.
