D.C.- Alexandria?

I live in Alexandria and it is safe in the Old Town section. The nearest Metro to Old Town would be the King St. stop on the blue and yellow line. It is a far walk from the Metro to Old Town, maybe 15 blocks. Parking on the street is hit or miss. Just drive around and you might find a spot. They do have parking garages in Old Town, but they do get expensive.

Downtown DC is very safe. Check out Georgetown for sure. Museums on the Mall are also safe. Leave some time to hang out in Old Town, because frankly...I love it better than Gtown. Metro is about a mile or 16 blocks from the water. It's a nice walk (do it every day). Metro is the ONLY way to get into DC. Trust me...its just not worth the hassle, cost and inconvenience. If you feel you must drive...particularly to see the monuments/Mall/Smithsonian. Suggest parking at la enfant plaza..Parking is about $20 but is central to the Mall core and has easy access to get back on I95. (Even then...I still take Metro). Also, to get to and from the monuments and Gtown...there is the RED Circulator bus...for a buck...it saves your "dogs" cuz they will be tired.

Try the new Indian Museum, but go early because lines are long to get in. Museum is near Air and Space which is also a must see.

Hope this helps.