by Len Morse

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 08, 2009

Touring the memorials, monuments and parks of Washington, D.C., is a wonderful experience, and almost all attractions are free. However, you should create a plan of attack that allows time for an unrushed visit. The city contains too many sights to see all in one day.

Instead, consider touring D.C. over at least two days, visiting the National Mall and Arlington, Virginia, which are separated by the Potomac River. Although you can drive between them, highways and local traffic patterns make it difficult. Less driving means less stress, and downtown D.C. is quite pedestrian friendly.

Below are suggestions on how to visit rarely seen structures that you probably never heard about. These, plus a few tips will help you make the most of your monument-hunting time.

== Getting Around ==

Drivers should park outside the city and take public transportation in. Even on good days, the traffic in D.C. can make you feel like you're starring in a remake of "Road Rage." However, if you are adventurous and drive into the city, take a detailed street map (showing one-way streets), lots of change for meters, and plenty of patience. Parking is available, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

If you shuttle in from other cities, the Metro (rail) is your best option from the downtown hubs of Regan National Airport or Union Station, as well as any hotel. The Metro map looks much like a handful of colored spokes without a wheel, and any outlying Maryland or Virginia stations will have parking.

TIP: Washington, D.C., frequently hosts a number of large events, so if you want a normal day with no strain on public transportation, avoid major holidays, plus festivals, marathons, or any given inauguration. Visit the Washington, D.C., Event Guide (http://washington.dc.eventguide.com/annual_events_ov erview.html) for more information.

== National Mall ==

You will probably not see a larger collection of marble domes, statues, and columns in one place (outside of Europe) than at the memorialized images dotting Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. Perhaps you've already seen "big boys" like the Lincoln or Jefferson Memorials, or maybe you just want to avoid the crowds. Fair enough. Here are some ideas for visiting monuments and parks only a few blocks from the Mall.

In the words of comedian Jeff Dunham, the Washington Monument "looks nothing like the guy." If you want to see an actual statue of George, there are two places you can go:

- The Capitol Building rotunda (east end

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