Washington D.C. is our nation’s capitol and a traveler’s dream. A compact city on the Potomac River, bordering the states of Maryland and Virginia, its importance as the world’s political capitol and the seat of the U.S. federal government offers its visitors so much. Over 20 million visitors annually descend on it making it one of the most visited cities in the U.S. And it’s no wonder! History, art, amazing architecture, great food and more make this choice an easy one for travelers. My family has been lucky enough to visit our capitol on multiple occasions through the years. And I’m here to provide some guidance on how to have a “Capitol Time” in Washington D.C..
So let’s get packing. First you need to decide when to go. My advice is, if you can, …
Visit in the Spring or Fall
Springtime brings the blooming of the cherry blossom trees, a gift to us from Japan, that explode with color around the city. Fall is the perfect time with cooler weather and smaller crowds.
Summers in D.C. are hot and humid, extremely popular with families and just overall very crowded. Winters are snowy, windy and cold. But, of course, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit at these times! That is a personal decision.
So, you’ve picked when to go, now you need to…
Book popular sights’ tickets online, when possible.
Timed entry tickets to enter certain D.C. sites were necessary even pre-pandemic. But now, this requirement may even be more extensive with rules constantly changing. I suggest you always check the website of all places you want to explore.
For example, White House tours are only available to visitors with ticket reservations made through your congress person. Tickets can take several weeks to several months to secure.This was the protocol even pre-Covid. However, this is not the case with most of the Smithsonian museums that line The National Mall. You can enter without a timed entry ticket. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an exception.
Without smart planning, many visitors are left in the cold, viewing sites from the outside. So be a smart planner and don’t be disappointed.
Now, how to get there. If possible…
Leave your car at home
Of course, if you’re driving to D.C., this is not possible. But like many big metropolitan areas, parking in D.C. is scarce and expensive. Plan on shelling out $20 or more a night to park in a hotel’s garage. Airbnb rentals and stays at a bed and breakfast may provide you a parking spot. If you can go in this direction, go for it. It can save you a lot of money. And D.C. is not for drivers. Even with a car, plan to use the extensive transit system.
Start with a…
Ride on the Metro
which is D.C.’s subway system. It is the second busiest in the United States, serving 91 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Modeled after Paris, France’s Le Metro, this subway system is clean, efficient and cost effective. Pick up a map and you’ll be on your way.
The Metro consists of six color-coded lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Green and Silver. The lines are connected to each other via transfer stations and many Metro stops are serviced by more than one color. Believe me, after a day, you’ll be a pro!
Now,if you or fellow passengers are limited in your ability to walk or prefer getting around “above ground,” …
Book a bus tour or take the “Circulator”
Big Bus Tours offer 24 or 48 hour hop-on, hop-off bus tours allowing you to view the wonders of the National Mall at your own convenience with a tour narration. Cost varies by number of days and the type of ticket you purchase. Click here for all details: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/washington-dc/washington-dc-bus-tours/
Looking for a more cost effective option? Use the D.C. Circulator. Part of the Metro system, it uses the same SmartTrip cards as the Metro trains and buses. The fare is only $1.00 and you can essentially “hop on and hop off” for up to 2 hours. It has several loops around the city, but is most useful for tourists looking to get around the National Mall area. If you’re just looking for transportation without the bells and whistles of a tour bus, this is a great choice.
It’s now time to start exploring this magnificent place. First, most visitors will…
Explore The National Mall
Did you know that The National Mall is the most visited National Park in the United States?
Centrally located and stretching over 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial on the west end to the U.S. Capitol on the east end, the National Mall contains most of the Smithsonian museums. Smithsonian offers a total of eleven museums and galleries on the National Mall plus six other museums and the National Zoo in the greater National Capital Area. And what is so amazing about all of them is they are ALL FREE!!
Please make sure you realistically plan the amount of time you think you may want to spend in each of these places. Each museum can realistically take a half day, a full day or more. So my advice is to do some research and depending on how much time you have in D.C., pick and choose a few with the belief that you will be back one day.
Here’s a listing of all the sites on The National Mall. Pretty extensive, huh?
- National Gallery of Art
- National Air and Space Museum
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of American History
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- The Freer Gallery of Art
- National Museum of African Art
- The Smithsonian Castle
- National Archives Museum
Now, the National Mall is not the only place to see great museums and sites. Make sure to…
Explore OUTSIDE of The National Mall
As first time visitors, many do not explore much, if at all, outside of the prime tourist area. And honestly, the museums contained in the National Mall can keep visitors busy for weeks. But as I always say, venture outside the main tourist area of any city. You may very well come upon a hidden gem. And Washington D.C. is no different.
Some of my family’s favorite sites were outside “the Mall.” Some are free and some require admission to special exhibits. Always check the website for up to date information.
Top sights include:
- National Zoo
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- The Phillips Collection
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Building Museum
- National Geographic Museum
- African American Civil War Museum
- National Law Enforcement Museum
- Smithsonian National Postal Museum
Now, of course, after all this sightseeing, one will work up an appetite.
Explore the “foodie” scene
Washington D.C. offers an array of foods and cuisines. So challenge your food buds when you can. There are plenty of foods for even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you want a burger at Michele Obama’s favorite place, The Good Stuff Eatery, or want to dine at one of Chef Jose Andreas’ restaurants, you won’t be disappointed.
A food find for my family was at the National Museum of the American Indian. Here, we tasted amazing fried bread and had terrific food. So don’t discount the museums for some yummy food finds.
Take a side trip
If you have the time, venture outside of D.C. Click here to read about the importance of “side trips:” https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=7107.
One of our favorite side trips was to Mount Vernon — George Washington’s home. Other favorite options include:
- Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
- Monticello (Thomas Jefferson’s home) and
- Colonial Williamburg
But there’s more. Just do some research to see what appeals most to you and your fellow travelers.
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Washington D.C. offers something for every type of traveler. And it is more than just a “government” town. Its sites and neighborhoods offer the savviest of travelers an amazing experience.