BUDGET

Getting there

You don't need a car in Washington, so take Amtrak. Two seats start from $198 (one way) for adults and from $148.50 (one way) for one adult and one child. On most trains on most days, up to two children may travel at half-price with each full-fare-paying adult. Depart from Atlanta's Buckhead station at 8:21 p.m. and arrive at 10:10 a.m. into Union Station downtown. The trip takes about 14 hours. Trains depart Washington at 6:30 p.m. and arrive in Atlanta at 8:13 a.m. www.amtrak.com

Stay

After a complete renovation, the Liaison Capitol Hill (formerly the Holiday Inn on the Hill) offers double rooms from $110 a night when bookings are made by Monday for stays through Dec. 31. Included is a welcome drink and a city experience kit. The contemporary rooms have posh new Affinia beds and the hotel has a rooftop pool. It is three blocks from Union Station and the Capitol. www.affinia.com.

Eat

The wood-fired pizzas at 2 Amys are so authentic and fresh that the Italian government gives its quality assurance designation (main courses from $8). Open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays-Sundays; dinner only Mondays. Casual. Best for late lunch or you'll endure grueling waits. 3715 Macomb St. N.W. 202-885-5700, www.2amyspizza.com. Metro: Cleveland Park.

Experience

Enjoy free jazz concerts Friday evenings in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery through Oct. 3. www.nga.gov/programs/jazz. The Smithsonian Institution and the National Zoo are always free.

——————————

MODERATE

Getting there

One-way, two-week advance purchase rates of $171 are offered on nonstop AirTran, Delta, United and US Airways flights. Prices are as low as $79 each way during frequent AirTran sales.

Stay

When you need more than two days, look to the Staying Power package from Marriott properties. Stay three nights for a 30 percent discount; 40 percent for four nights. Stays include a $100 credit for future two-night stays at any Marriott or Renaissance hotel. (Valid on stays through Jan. 4. Refer to code C77.) Per night rates start from $132 at the Marriott at Metro Center, with easy access to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. http://tinyurl.com/5maa67.

Eat

The Cafe des Artistes in the atrium of the Corcoran Gallery of Art offers a spirited Sunday Gospel Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($25 adults, $12 children under 12). The cost includes museum entry. 500 17th St. N.W. at New York Avenue. 202-639-1786.

Experience

Take a two-hour Segway Safari to the Capitol, Union Station, Supreme Court, National Archives, White House and more. Tours, including training, are $70. A $45 one-hour mini-tour visits the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress and archives. May-October. Riders must be at least 16 and weigh less than 260 pounds. C&E Safari, www.segsinthecity.com.

——————————

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up business class seats on AirTran or Delta nonstop flights are $439 one way.

Stay

Open for 30 years, the Inn at Little Washington is still one of the most coveted overnight stays in America. In the charming village of Washington, Va., and in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the inn is 65 highway miles west of D.C. After two recent additions, the inn has 18 sumptuous rooms and suites. Standard rooms start from $410 a night for two people. One of the newest, the two-story Gamekeeper's Cottage, features a loft bedroom, a stone fireplace, a private courtyard and views of the mountains; from $950 a night. Reservations are accepted one year in advance. www.theinnatlittlewashington.com.

Eat

Stay where you are. The inn has earned the Mobil Travel Guide's five-star and AAA's five-diamond award for its accommodations and food. Reservations are accepted a month in advance for Saturday and Sunday dinner and up to a year in advance for other evenings. Prix fixe menus range from $148 to $168 per person. 540-675-3800.

Experience

Take a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride with Blue Ridge Ballooning. A private romantic flight ends with a celebratory picnic of fine hors d'oeuvres, a toast of sparkling cider and digital photos. $795 per couple Monday-Friday mornings; $845 Friday-Sunday evenings. Shared flights from $210 per person. www.blue ridgeballoon.com.