Washington D.C. Travel Guide
I’m not surprised Forbes declared Washington D.C. as the coolest city in America. I love DC! It’s the US capital -full of history and culture. Having lived in the DC area since the early 90’s, I’ve learned a thing or two and I’m happy to pass it along to you. If you’re planning your first trip to the District, I would highly recommend visiting in the spring. If you’re able to, try to time your visit to experience the city’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually runs from mid-March to mid-April. You can read my ‘First Timer’s Guide to the D.C. Cherry Blossoms’ HERE. If you miss the Cherry blossom festival, don’t worry! D.C. is great to visit any time of the year with plenty to do year round. In fact, there are so many things to do and see, I have to split this guide into two parts.
PART ONE: Things you must see and do when visiting D.C.
1. Washington Monument
Washington Monument honors America’s first president. It is located on the National Mall. You can ride an elevator to the 500ft observation deck but you must have a ticket. Tickets may be ordered online 90-days in advance. Same day, free tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis daily, starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge.
2. United States Capitol
The United States Capitol is a monument and a working office building. It is open to the public and you do not need an appointment to visit. Same day passes are available at the Visitor Center information desk (free of charge). The Capitol is open Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm and it is closed on Sundays.
3. The White House
The White House is one of the most famous buildings in Washington D.C. It has been the residence of every US president since 1800. Anyone visiting DC can request a tour of the White House by submitting a request though their Member of Congress. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. Tours are free of charge. For more information you can visit www.whitehouse.gov
4. The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is open to the public, offers free one-hour walking tours, where you can learn all about its history, art and beautiful architecture. You can also obtain a Library of Congress Reader Identification Card to read a book in one of the Reading Rooms. The library of Congress is open Monday-Saturday 8:30am-4:30pm, it is closed on Sundays.
5. Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution consists of 19 museums, 9 research centers, and affiliates around the world. Our favorite museums to visit (especially with kids) are National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian American Art Museum (including Renwick Gallery) and of course the National Zoo. Entry to all these museums and the Zoo is free. Some exhibits within the museums may have an entry fee (for example, the Butterfly Pavilion at the National Museum of Natural History requires tickets. Adults: $7.50, Children: $6.50, Tuesdays are free!)
The Space Shuttle Discovery is located at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
6. The National Mall
The National Mall is America’s most visited national park. It is over 2 miles long, stretching from the US Capitol on the east end to the Lincoln Memorial on the west end. Walking though America’s front yard you can explore D.C.’s favorite monuments and memorials.
PART TWO: The extras
If you have more than 3 days to spend in the Nation’s Capital, I would highly recommend exploring Georgetown. Georgetown is DC’s oldest neighborhoods, full of charm, fancy shops, and restaurants. We find something new, every time we explore. Not too long ago we stumbled upon this hidden gem. You can read all about it HERE.
The International Spy museum is another favorite. It’s interactive and super fun for kids. Tickets are $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids (7-12), free for kids 6 and under. Seniors and military tickets are $19.95.
The U.S. Botanic Garden is one of my favorites. Admission is free and it is open daily, including all weekends and holidays. It’s located near the US capitol.
Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public 365 days a year. Admission is free if you wish to tour the site and pay your respects. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs every hour on the hour. My husband’s grandparents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, so we try to visit at least once a year.
District Wharf is another neighborhood worth exploring, with lots of shopping, dining, and events for the whole family. You can find DC’s biggest St. Patrick Day festival right at the waterfront. This event is scheduled for March 14th, 2020, 1-6pm at the District Pier.
Let’s not forget that DC is a theater town! With places like the National Theater, the Kennedy Center, Warner Theater, Ford’s Theater, Lincoln Theater, Shakespeare Theater Company, and many, many more there is a range of performances and cultural experiences for everyone in your family. Hamilton will return to the Kennedy Center Opera House in the summer of 2020. Tickets are on sale now.
Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.
xoxo, Ania
