traveling Rt. 4/Pennsylvania into D.C.? (dangerous, garages, suburban)

[kaydeb]

Hi, all.
We're visiting family in Southern Maryland, and would like to go tomorrow to visit D.C. In looking at a google map, it seems that Route 4 heads straight into DC from the east side, and it turns into Pennsylvania Avenue.

I can't tell from the google map if Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue, remains a 2-way in and out of DC, or if it turns into a one-way for certain portions.

would it be a good route, for going into the city and coming back out, without having to detour through dangerous areas?

thanks
kaye

[North Beach Person]

It's divided 4 to 6 lane the entire trip.

[slowlane]

Route 4 is a main two-way thoroughfare and easy to follow straight up to the U.S. Capitol and Smithsonian-National Mall, I've driven that was many times. On Sundays, traffic should not be a problem, and parking, though always in high demand downtown, should be more available (and garages cheaper) than on weekdays. Parking at suburban metrorail lots is also ample and free on Sundays. I believe the Smithsonian outdoor Folklife Festival has already closed down ?

[kaydeb]

Originally Posted by slowlane

Route 4 is a main two-way thoroughfare and easy to follow straight up to the U.S. Capitol and Smithsonian-National Mall, I've driven that was many times. On Sundays, traffic should not be a problem, and parking, though always in high demand downtown, should be more available (and garages cheaper) than on weekdays. Parking at suburban metrorail lots is also ample and free on Sundays. I believe the Smithsonian outdoor Folklife Festival has already closed down ?

thanks, Slowlane.

and thanks NorthBeach, too.

My husband really likes marching bands, and we've heard about the Marine Corps band. I've been googling to find out if there are any outdoor concerts, impromptu, or otherwise.

thanks a lot.

Kaye