The Embassy suites hotel in Alexandria is just across (directly) the street from the Bradock Rd metro station. It is also within walking distance of Oldtown Alexandria/waterfront.

The tickets you speak of are for the White House tours. The schedule has been dependent upon the current security risk.

Once you get here, there's plenty to do on the mall all within access of the metro and for free (museums, monuments, etc.).

There are good restaurents scattered in Oldtown Alexandria, Georgetown, and in DC.

I live nearby and these are some of my favorites:

In the district:

The Capitol building is a great tour, though I don't know if or how any new security restrictions are affecting it.

Everyone who comes to DC should visit the Holocaust Museum.

Of course the mall, its monuments and the Smithsonian museums can fill up a several days. The Imax theatre in the Air and Space museum is a good place to chill after a lot of walking.

Ford's theatre and the museum house across the street where Abraham Lincoln died after he was shot.

Off the beaten path:

The National Cathedral is quite impressive and don't miss their gardens.

George Washington"s Mount Vernon on the Potomac is worth the trip. Great gardens there too.

The National Zoo is free and a great place to go if any kids are along.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mount Vernon

Buy an all day Metro pass for $5. Be sure to tour Arlington Cemetery and of course, all the Mall monuments and memorials. The Dept of Printing and Engraving and the FBI have interesting tours of their buildings. Georgetown is a fun place to walk around and look at the shops.

Is the FBI tour open again since Sept. 11? I'd love to go on that!

Are you going during Garden Week in Virginia - the last week of April? There are so many special tours and exhibits of both private homes and museums like Mt. Vernon, Monticello, Williamsburg, etc. The whole state celebrates gardening. I agree with Kurt regarding staying in Alexandria. When we travel to the northern Virginia area, we always stay at the Embassy Suites in Old Town Alexandria. You can walk across to the metro and get to Arlington Cemetery or DC in a very short time. There are no white house tours since 9/11. One of my favorite places near D.C. is the Marjorie Merryweather Post mansion. If you don't have a car, you'll need to take a cab from D.C. - a short ride, but it is worth it. I love the National Gallery and could spend a whole day there - easily. I like the Decatur House - across the street and down the block from the White House. But Alexandria is such a fun little city - you'll love it and feel much safer than you would in D.C. Arlington Cemetery is very interesting also. Do visit Mt. Vernon and if you have a car, drive to Annapolis - about 45 minutes from D.C. - it is one of my favorites - so charming, right on the water, great walking tours, antique shops, history, beauty and lots of fun.
Cathleen