I am going to Bethesda in late January 2003. I have been to the USA many times but this will be my first time in the capital. I will be there for about 6 days, and there is so much to see, I do not know what to choose! The Smithsonian is a given, but appart from that, what are a few sites that one absolutely HAS to see in Washington DC? I don't want to overload myself with stuff...

Also I need accomodation, preferably in Bethesda itself, something cheap but secure... any recommendations welcome.

[This message was edited by Silja on 11-04-02 at 12:45 PM.]

The Smithsonian is actually very close to the Mall, so you can do the whole thing on foot in one day. Things to see at the Mall:

--Lincoln Memorial
--Washington Monument
--White House
--Capitol Building

Within view of the Mall is the Patomic River, and on the other side you'll see the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetary. (These you can walk to, also, if you really like walking. Both have parking.)

There is NO WAY you can see the Mall AND the Smithsonian in one day....To see all of the "Smith" and comprehend what it has is the minimum of two days, and preferably three...
If you into plants and flowers, down the steps and across from the Capitol, is a huge glass Victorian building that house a nursery that grows all the plants and things for the White House...Really, Really interesting...Most people do not know about it...Have Fun....