Washington, D.C. can be an overwhelming destination for visitors. With so many museums, so many historic sights, so many working government buildings to see―not to mention its scintillating foodie and nightlife scenes―just coming up with a plan can be stressful.

That's where Frommer's comes in. We've hired an expert local journalist to supply the advice and details you need to create the right vacation for you. These include strategies for seeing the iconic sights without fighting the crowds; places that only locals know about; and smart itineraries so you can make the most of your time in the city.

Frommer's Washington, D.C. includes:

• Dozens of maps, including a handy fold-out map of the city and its underground train system to help you make the most efficient (and fun) use of your time in the Capitol

• Exact pricing for hotels, attractions, restaurants and more so there's never any guessing

• Public transportation information for every listing in the book, so you don't have to waste money on pricey rides

• Opinionated reviews which tell you which attractions are worth your time, and which will only be of interest to some visitors

• Star ratings that take value into account, and will help you find the right hotels, restaurants, nightspots and shops for you, in all price ranges

• Fun-to-follow, self-guided walking tours of DC's most intriguing neighborhoods

• Vibrant photographs throughout

• Helpful planning advice for getting there, getting around, getting the best price on lodgings, and getting the most from your trip

About Frommer's: There's a reason that Frommer's has been the most trusted name in travel for more than 60 years. Arthur Frommer created the bestselling guide series in 1957 to help American service members fulfill their dreams of travel in Europe. Since then, we have published thousands of titles, becoming a household name by helping millions upon millions of people realize their own dreams of seeing our planet. Travel is easy with Frommer's.

Washington D.C. writer Meredith Pratt works as a free-lance journalist, and she is the author of several Frommer's guidebooks to D.C. Her work has also appeared in the American Library Association's conference magazine, WebMD, the Magazine, Washington Flyer, Home & Design, and other regional, trade, and online publications.

As a resident of the D.C. area fro nearly 20 years, she has covered D.C.'s evolution from a political town at best to an international hotspot, with monuments and memorials but also star chefs, global clout, and silent acclaim.

She lives in Silver Sporing, Maryland, and is the mother of three amazing little girls - who are her world and take up all her time when she's not writing -- plus way too many pets to count.