I've always wanted to take the train in from the west.  MARC commuter rail
goes all the way out to Martinsburg, WV.
https://mta.maryland.gov/marc-train  That should be a very scenic route.

There is also commuter train service from the S in VA which I have taken
into DC from my hometown of Fredericksburg.  http://www.vre.org/service/map/

I also once parked at a metro, I think in Vienna and rode that into DC.

Have fun!
Edward

On Fri, Jan 6, 2017 at 9:29 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:

> This upcoming spring break (don't know exactly when it will be) I would
> like to take my grandson to visit the Museum of Natural History in DC and
> maybe others. We are in North Alabama, it's a two-day trip if nothing bad
> happens.
>
> I'm looking for information as to what might be good places to stay
> overnight on the way, and also what campgrounds might be available outside
> DC. And then there's the problem of where to park and which trains to take
> into town.
>
> Anyone with experience in the area, I would like to hear suggestions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
>