Washington DC Travel Guide: Best Attractions | Discover the top picks personal experience
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Everything you need to know before going to Washington, DC—alright, let’s go! Washington DC Travel Guide
The first thing you need to know is some general information about this city. Washington, DC, is the capital of the United States of America and home to some of the country’s most famous landmarks, including the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial.
There are also tons of world-class museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian Institution, which houses 17 of the country’s most amazing museums. About 700,000 people live in the city proper, but the metropolitan region, which includes Northern Virginia and Maryland, is home to about 6 million people.
Now, the official name of Washington, DC, is actually not Washington, DC—it’s the District of Columbia, or “the District” for short. Sometimes, locals also refer to it as “the city” when talking about it within the region.
How did we get the name Washington, DC? Well, “District of Columbia” seemed too long, so they took the “D” and “C” from it and added “Washington,” the last name of the first U.S. president, in front of it. Most people just call it Washington, DC, or simply DC.
Sometimes, people also use the acronym “DMV” to refer to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. While most visitors only stay for a couple of days, you could easily spend a whole week here, especially if you’re exploring the entire region. This is particularly true if you want to visit George Washington’s house, Thomas Jefferson’s house, or other sites located outside the city itself.
For more detailed tips and insider knowledge, check out this Washington DC Travel Guide. It covers everything you need to know for a fantastic trip to the U.S. capital!
Things to experience in Washington DC Travel Guide
- Explore the National Mall
- Tour the Smithsonian Museums
- Visit the White House
- Wander through Georgetown
- See the Memorials and Monuments
Here are our top 10 picks: Washington DC Travel Guide
Washington, DC: Navigating the City
- The city spans 70 square miles and is easy to explore.
- DC has four quadrants centered around the US Capitol.
- Streets follow a grid with lettered, numbered, and diagonal roads.
The second thing to know is some information to help you get oriented to the city. It’s a relatively small city, covering 70 square miles (about 180 square kilometers), which makes it easy to get around. DC is a master-planned city, with the US Capitol Building at its center. There are four quadrants around the Capitol Building: northwest, northeast, southeast, and southwest.
Every street address in DC will have a little NW, NE, SE, or SW after it to indicate which quadrant it’s in. Make sure you get the quadrant right in Google Maps or your Uber app to ensure you’re going to the right place—because if you enter the wrong quadrant, you could end up in a completely different part of the city than where you actually want to go.
As a tourist, you’ll probably be spending most of your time in the Northwest quadrant, because that’s where most of the major tourist attractions are, including the White House. Now, to help you navigate the city, you should know a bit about its layout. You’ll find letter streets running east to west.
One of the major letter streets that runs east to west is K Street. You’ll find numbered streets running north to south, and there are diagonal streets that cut through the grid, like Connecticut Avenue. The diagonal streets are typically named after states. And in the middle of all those streets, you’ll find circles, like the one right here.
Getting to Washington, DC: Airports & Access
- DC has three major airports nearby.
- Reagan (DCA) is the closest, just 10 minutes away.
- Dulles (IAD) offers more direct flights and Metro access.
This is DuPont Circle. It’s my favorite of all the circles, but the circles are great places to hang out, take a selfie, and if you’re here in the winter, DuPont Circle is a fantastic spot for snowball fights. The third thing to know is about getting into DC. There are three major airports in the Washington, DC area, though none of them are actually in the city itself.
The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Airport, with the three-letter code DCA. It’s just across the Potomac River from DC in Arlington—about a 10-minute drive into the city. It’s connected to the Metro, and a taxi or Uber ride will cost you about $20 to get into the city. If you’re looking for the closest airport, Reagan is your best bet. However, it is prone to weather delays because the runway is small and it’s quite busy.
The big airport in the DC area is Washington Dulles International Airport. It’s about 25 miles west of DC. It’s United’s major hub and where you’ll find many of the international flights coming in and out. Dulles is now connected to the metro line via the silver line, which takes about an hour to get from Dulles into the city center and costs about $6.
If you’re taking a ride-share, expect to spend somewhere between $50 and $75 for the ride into the city. It’ll take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Washington Dulles is generally my airport of choice because it tends to have the most direct flights, and I like that because the runway is really long and it’s less prone to weather delays.
Traveling to & Around Washington, DC
- BWI is farther but serves budget airlines.
- Amtrak offers a direct train to Union Station.
- Walking and the Metro are the best ways to explore.
The third major airport is Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). It’s really more of a Baltimore airport than a Washington airport. Located 45 miles north of Washington, DC, BWI serves many low-cost carriers, particularly Southwest Airlines. It’s my least favorite of the three airports for getting into DC because it’s not connected to the DC Metro.
Your options from BWI are a taxi, which will cost about $100 because of the distance, or you can take the MARC or Amtrak trains, which will bring you into Union Station. There is a Baltimore train station stop, but you’ll need to take a shuttle from the airport to get to it. So, while it’s doable, it’s a bit of a hassle.
Speaking of the train, that’s another great option for getting into DC. If you’re coming from points north, like Philadelphia, New York City, or Boston, definitely consider the Amtrak trains. They’ll bring you directly into Union Station, right next to the Capitol Building. This is pretty convenient if you’re already near a train station in one of your previous destinations.
It’s also a good way to get out of the city. If you’re connecting to New York after DC, definitely take Amtrak.
The fourth thing to know is about getting around DC. One of the best ways to get around is simply to walk. It’s a super walkable city. In fact, it’s been named one of the 10 most walkable cities in the US by whoever ranks those sorts of things.
Because the city is small and compact, the sidewalks are good, the traffic lights prioritize walking, and you’ll find tons of signs everywhere to help with directions. Definitely make sure to walk around.
Now, the second-best way to get around DC is to take the metro, which is what they call their subway system here. I think the DC Metro is the best subway in the USA. I know people from New York would give me a hard time about this because they’d argue theirs is bigger, but I think the DC subway is cleaner, nicer, and just a better overall experience. You’ll pay $2 to $6 per ride, depending on the distance. Be sure to get a Smart rip card to ride.
Getting Around Washington DC: Transit & Tours
- Use a SmarTrip card for the Metro and buses.
- DC Circulator offers $1 rides to key spots.
- Biking, scooters, and Segways are great alternatives.
You can buy them at the vending machines in the stations. You can also purchase them on your Apple or Google phone through the Google Wallet app or Apple Wallet app. You can either buy one and add it to your wallet or buy one digitally right away.
Since the DC Metro is distance-based, you need to tap in and then tap out, and that’s how much you pay. If you’re going to be riding a lot, consider one of their daily or multi-day all-you-can-ride passes.
Oh, and if you’re a public transportation geek, the DuPont Circle Metro Station has one of the longest escalators in the DC metro system. That’s a long way down. I think the longest might actually be at Rosslyn, though. That station is really deep.
The DC Metro also operates a pretty extensive network of buses. They’re really designed for commuters, less so for tourists. Google Maps will let you know if a bus is a good option, but there’s one particular fleet of buses that primarily runs around the touristy areas. It’s called the DC Circulator.
It makes a few short loop routes around DC, making it really convenient to get from DuPont Circle to Georgetown. The fare on these buses is only a dollar.
Cycling is another great option for getting around. You’ll find tons of app-enabled bicycles and scooters that you can rent by the minute. You’ll also find Capital Bikeshare. They have over 300 stations around DC, and there are over 3,000 bikes you can use. DC has been adding a lot of bike lanes, so it’s a pretty bikeable city—particularly when you can just drop off your bike and pick up another without worrying about it getting stolen since it’s a city bike or a Lime bike.
If biking or walking sounds like too much energy for you, then you can do a Segway tour. I always see a lot of people on Segway’s here, and if you’ve ever wanted to try one, DC is your spot.
Now, a lot of people often ask me, “Chris, are the double-decker bus tours worth it?” For most people, I would say no. But if you’re mobility-limited, then yes, because there isn’t much public transit that actually takes you around the National Mall. That’s when these tours can be useful.
Driving & Best Time to Visit Washington DC
- Parking is expensive; use the Spot Hero app.
- Summers are hot and humid; winters are mild.
- Cherry blossom season (March-April) is ideal for visiting.
You can certainly drive around DC—there are plenty of roads—but I wouldn’t really recommend it because traffic is heavy, and parking is expensive.
Almost all of the street parking is metered. If you’re driving in and looking for a place to park, my recommendation is to use the Spot Hero app. It’s a great app where you can search for parking and parking garages, often at half the price you would pay if you just pulled up.
However, if you’re just pulling up to a parking garage, be aware of the “come-on” prices. They’ll post a sign out front that says something like, “$9 to park here.” But this is an early bird special only if you come in by 9:00 AM and leave by a certain time. So definitely be prepared to pay if you’re bringing your car into the city.
The fifth thing to know is about the weather and when to visit. DC experiences all four seasons, though they’re generally mild. In January, it does snow, but not much. This year, I think they only got one day of snow, and the temperature generally doesn’t drop below freezing at night.
The summer can definitely be hot and humid, and quite oppressive if you’re walking around in the sun. Though it’s not as bad as a place like Singapore, the daytime highs in July average around the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 30 degrees Celsius).
One thing to be aware of regarding the weather is that DC gets a lot of rain—over 40 inches a year—and a lot of it comes in the summer, particularly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. So, make sure you bring an umbrella with you.
Now that we’ve covered the weather, when should you visit? Probably not in the summer—it’s just too hot and sticky to walk around. Plus, all the school kids are here, and hotel prices skyrocket. My favorite season is definitely the cherry blossom season, which is in March or April. The weather’s quite pleasant, and these amazing cherry blossoms bloom around the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. It’s pretty neat if you can time it right.
Another great season to visit is winter. If you come in December or January, hotel rates are cheaper, and if it snows, there’s still plenty to do indoors—museums, the Capitol, White House tours, and all those things. They’re still open. DC is, for the most part, a city where many attractions are indoors, so if it’s cold, it’s okay. It’ll just make you want to go inside where it’s warm.
There are, however, sometimes you’ll want to avoid visiting DC, and that’s when the government is in full session.
However, if you’re just pulling up to a parking garage, be aware of the “come-on” prices. They’ll post a sign out front that says something like, “$9 to park here.” But this is an early bird special only if you come in by 9:00 AM and leave by a certain time. So definitely be prepared to pay if you’re bringing your car into the city.
The fifth thing to know is about the weather and when to visit. DC experiences all four seasons, though they’re generally mild. In January, it does snow, but not much. This year, I think they only got one day of snow, and the temperature generally doesn’t drop below freezing at night.
The summer can definitely be hot and humid, and quite oppressive if you’re walking around in the sun. Though it’s not as bad as a place like Singapore, the daytime highs in July average around the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 30 degrees Celsius).
One thing to be aware of regarding the weather is that DC gets a lot of rain—over 40 inches a year—and a lot of it comes in the summer, particularly in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. So, make sure you bring an umbrella with you.
Now that we’ve covered the weather, when should you visit? Probably not in the summer—it’s just too hot and sticky to walk around. Plus, all the school kids are here, and hotel prices skyrocket. My favorite season is definitely the cherry blossom season, which is in March or April. The weather’s quite pleasant, and these amazing cherry blossoms bloom around the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basin. It’s pretty neat if you can time it right.
Another great season to visit is winter. If you come in December or January, hotel rates are cheaper, and if it snows, there’s still plenty to do indoors—museums, the Capitol, White House tours, and all those things. They’re still open. DC is, for the most part, a city where many attractions are indoors, so if it’s cold, it’s okay. It’ll just make you want to go inside where it’s warm.
Where to Stay in Washington, DC
- Stay near the White House for the best location.
- The Mayflower offers history and a central location.
- Avoid hotels south of the National Mall; it’s quieter at night.
There are, however, sometimes you’ll want to avoid visiting DC, and that’s when the government is in full session. Like when Congress and the House are in session. So many people come to DC that it jacks up the room rates. To find a cheaper time to visit, search for when the federal government is on break because all those people will be back home, and you’ll have the city all to yourself.
By the way, if you come here in the summer, you’re going to hear this sound (imitates cicadas). The cicadas in the summer can be quite noisy, and the fireflies are pretty neat and beautiful, though those are hard for me to catch on camera.
The sixth thing to know is about where to stay. The first thing you should know is that hotels in DC can really range in price—from pretty inexpensive in the winter to really expensive in the summer tourist months.
But where do I like to stay? Location, location, location. The best location is going to be in the northwest quadrant near the White House. Use the White House as your search point, and then kind of go out from there.
One of my favorite hotels in terms of location and history is the Mayflower. It’s just a few blocks from DuPont Circle on Connecticut Avenue. This hotel has been here for over a hundred years and has been beautifully renovated. Even if you’re not staying there, you can go inside, check out the lobby, and head up to the mezzanine where they have a little history exhibit about the hotel. It’s kind of neat.
If you like high-end hotels, you’ll probably really enjoy the Park Hyatt or the Fairmont. They’re right across the street from each other.
Over on the Georgetown side of things, there’s also the Four Seasons. But I don’t love the Four Seasons in Georgetown because it’s just too far from the metro for my liking.
Now, if you’re looking at hotels and find something south of the National Mall, I want you to think twice about it, especially the hotels that are south of the National Mall and north of 395. There’s a little strip there that’s close to the museums, but it’s really dead at night. There’s nothing to do there.
There are also some really nice new hotels along the southwest waterfront, and there are a lot of things to do at night in that area. But you’ll end up being a little trapped from all the touristy activities. You’ll be doing a lot of Ubering and taxiing around if that’s where you stay.
There’s also a neighborhood called the National Harbor in Maryland that many people get confused about. They think, “It’s National Harbor, it must be in DC!” There’s a big MGM casino hotel there, and a Gaylord Hotel. It’s a neat neighborhood if you’ve got business or pleasure in that area, but it’s not super convenient for actually coming to DC. The National Harbor is not connected to the DC area Metro Public Transit in any way.
Where to Affordable Stays & Food in Washington DC
- Stay in Arlington or Alexandria for cheaper options.
- The National Mall has limited food; try museums for better options.
- Union Station and L’Enfant Plaza offer great food choices.
Now, if you’re looking to save a little money, my recommendation is actually not to stay in DC but to stay on the other side of the river in Virginia, either in Arlington or Alexandria. The DC metro runs out there, with stations like Crystal City in Alexandria, and if you’re heading toward Rosslyn or Ballston, you can catch the Orange or Silver Line.
So, those are good spots to consider if you don’t have a car. Just make sure you’re near a metro station because being able to get around on the metro is one of the biggest pluses about DC, so definitely prioritize proximity to a metro station.
The second thing to know is about food: where to eat and what to eat. Let’s start with where to eat.
The first thing you need to know is that the National Mall area, with the museums and monuments where pretty much everyone goes, has very little food. It’s a bit of a food wasteland.
Now, if you are stuck on the National Mall and hunger strikes but you don’t want to eat a hot dog or from one of the food trucks, check out the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. They have a really cool cafeteria inside with some fantastic Native American food. Also, the Department of Agriculture has a neat, healthy cafeteria.
One thing about DC is that there’s always something going on—sirens, protests, you name it. And you know what? If you see a protest, just go the other way.
Other than that, head over to Union Station, where I’m sitting right now. There’s a neat basement-level food court that’s pretty big. Although the pandemic hit it and some stalls are closed, it’s making a comeback. There are also plenty of sit-down restaurants on the ground floor. L’Enfant Plaza is another good spot for food, particularly around lunchtime. It’s just south of the National Mall.
Some other great neighborhoods for food include Chinatown, which has a lot of great options. Although the Chinese food isn’t amazing there, the other eateries are solid. If you’re craving Chinese food, though, head out of the city and into Virginia to visit George Bush’s favorite Chinese restaurant.
Washington DC Travel Guide: Top Food Spots in DC
- Peking Gourmet Inn for amazing Peking duck.
- Moby Dick, House of Kabob offers flavorful kebabs and rice.
- Nando’s Peri Peri serves spicy Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken.
It’s also mine. Peking Gourmet Inn is famous for its Peking duck. If you like Peking duck, make sure to check it out—you’ll thank me later. Now, if you’re in Chinatown and looking for a good spot, check out Chinatown Express. They make some really great noodles. Interestingly, their sign says that Chinatown doesn’t boast many Chinese restaurants, but Chinatown Express is a solid choice.
For my international visitors, you should be aware of sales tax in DC. The advertised price on the menu is not the price you’ll pay. You’ll have to add 10% sales tax on top of the price listed, and then you’ll be expected to leave a tip of 15 to 20% at sit-down restaurants where you get waiter service. Of course, if you’re at Chick-fil-A or another counter service place, no tip is necessary.
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, I have a couple of great suggestions. First, if you want a quick sandwich, stop by Pret. Pret originated in the UK but has several locations around DC. They offer pre-made, freshly made sandwiches that are delicious and perfect for a grab-and-go option. If you’re after something made to order, try Potbelly Subs. Most of their sandwiches are hot, and they are incredibly tasty. The chicken and cheddar sandwich is my personal favorite—when I lived in the DC area, I ate at Potbelly once a week.
One of my absolute favorite spots to eat in DC is Moby Dick, House of Kabob. I love this place so much that I visit almost every time I’m in the city. My go-to order is combo number two, which includes one chicken kebab, one koobideh kebab, and a side of the most pillowy, buttery rice you’ve ever eaten. They also make fresh flatbread in-house, and the yogurt sauce they serve with it is incredible. You’ll find a couple of locations in DC, one near DuPont Circle and another in Georgetown.
If you’re craving chicken, head to Nando’s Peri Peri, a Portuguese-style rotisserie chicken joint. It’s a spicy chicken experience that’s definitely worth checking out. For those of you who prefer healthy food, Cava is super popular in the DC area. They serve Mediterranean bowls that are a bit like Chipotle, where you can choose your toppings and make your bowl just how you like it.
More Recommendations for Food in Washington DC
They’ve been expanding to more and more locations, and there are often long lines at lunchtime. If you like steak, my favorite steakhouse is Mastro’s Steakhouse. Make a reservation, and you’re going to need proper attire—no shorts or t-shirts. If you’re looking for someplace where the whole family can eat, check out the Luna Hall Food Hall.
This is a new food hall that just opened in Chinatown. They’ve got a lot of little Asian stalls in there to fill anybody’s tummy. If you’re looking for some of DC’s best burgers, you’ll find them at Five Guys, which started in DC. There are a lot of outposts of Shake Shack here now, and I also like the burgers at Good Stuff Eatery.
If you must have some Mexican food while you’re in DC, my DC friends all tell me they really like District Taco. I wouldn’t know, being a California boy. I can’t eat Mexican food here. Oh, and if you like cupcakes in Georgetown, you’re in luck. There are three really good cupcake places in Georgetown:
- Georgetown Cupcake, the Georgetown Original.
- Sprinkles, the import from Los Angeles.
- My favorite, Baked and Wired. Try all three if you want the cupcake trifecta.
A neat thing to know about shopping in DC is that there’s actually not a lot of shopping in downtown. The most famous mall in the city is the National Mall, a grassy strip that runs from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. That’s what’s called the National Mall. There are no shops here. Actually, there are some shops in the museums—the gift shops are pretty good places to get souvenirs. But beyond that, where should you shop?
DC’s other big upscale shopping area is Georgetown. You’ll find a lot of high-end clothing retailers along M Street. My favorite area for shopping for more local goods is around DuPont Circle. Not the circle itself, but the neighborhood. You’ll still even find some independent bookstores there.
One of the newest and most upscale shopping areas in the city is City Center DC. This complex takes up a few city blocks and features the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Tiffany. You’ll also find a number of restaurants here and some cool outdoor dining in their center plaza.
Top Things to Know About Washington DC Attractions
- Un Je Ne Sais Quoi
- Smithsonian Museums
- Federal Monuments
You’ll find this a couple of blocks from Chinatown. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, check out Un Je Ne Sais Quoi. How’s my French? They make some really delicious French pastries here, particularly some special meringue pastries that I find really tasty. It’s right next to DuPont Circle.
The ninth thing to know is about museums. You definitely need to know about the Smithsonian Institution. They operate 17 museums and galleries in the city, primarily on the National Mall, and all of them are free. If you see the sign that says “Smithsonian,” that means it’s free. The visitor center for the Smithsonian is a great place to start. If you’re looking for something specific, you can go in there and ask. But that’s not a museum in itself.
One of my favorites is the National Air and Space Museum, just down that way. It’s currently under a big construction project, but it is open. They have a second location near Washington Dulles Airport, so if you’re a real air and space nerd, check that out if you’re flying in and out of Dulles.
Another one of my favorite Smithsonians is the National History Museum right here. It has a whole bunch of cool things like dinosaurs, fossils, and other interesting exhibits.
Now, just because the Smithsonian’s are free doesn’t mean all museums in DC are free. For example, the Spy Museum is a private one that costs money. But I think the fact that there’s so much free stuff to do makes DC a pretty cheap destination.
Some of the museums do require you to go through metal detectors and similar security measures, so be prepared for that. Also, beware of their opening and closing times—they close pretty early, most of them around 5:00 PM. While there’s not much in the way of public transportation up and down the National Mall, you can still get here easily by taking the metro’s silver, yellow, or blue line to the Smithsonian Station.
If you like plants, definitely check out the U.S. Botanic Garden. It’s right below the U.S. Capitol building. There’s a conservatory inside that is open until 5:00 PM. If you’re here in the summer, the gated outdoor garden is open until 7:00 PM, so this is something neat to do after the rest of the museums close.
The tenth thing to know is about the other big federal attractions, monuments, and memorials here. First, we’ll start with the big buildings—the White House and the Capitol Building. Yes, they are open for tours for the public, but you have to make reservations in advance. For the Capitol Building, you can make reservations online, but you can’t just turn up the day of.
Washington DC Monument and Memorial Tips
- Capitol and White House Tours
- Washington Monument Tickets
- Memorials and Cemeteries
They’ll distribute tickets. Go to the visitor center, which is on the backside of the Capitol building, to actually enter and go through the security check.
The White House is a bit more complicated. You need to reserve significantly further ahead, often through your Congressional representative. That one is not quite as straightforward.
And if you do get in, honestly, I felt like the tours of the White House are underwhelming compared to the tours of the Capitol building. The Capitol building, if Congress is in session, allows you to actually go in and listen to Congress or the House. So that’s pretty cool.
Speaking of monuments, the one you’re going to have to reserve a ticket for is the Washington Monument right here because there’s an elevator you can take to the top. They distribute timed tickets the day of at this little white building down here, starting at 8:45 every morning. However, if you’re getting a same-day ticket, get here early because they do run out. You can also book tickets online 30 days ahead of time or the day before.
Oh, and you know what? They call these tickets for the Washington Monument “free,” but they actually charge you $1 to make the reservation ahead of time.
Now, on the subject of memorials, there are a ton of memorials in DC. A couple of the most famous are the Lincoln Memorial here at the end of the Reflecting Pool, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial over there by the Tidal Basin, and not a memorial, but a large cemetery—Arlington National Cemetery—just across the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial. You can see the daily changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
If you’re coming here in the summer, be aware that there are a lot of mosquitoes due to the humidity. So make sure to bring your mosquito repellent.
Washington DC Travel Tips: Bug Bites, Restrooms, and Attractions
- Mosquito Bites
- Public Restrooms
- Explore Beyond the Mall
I’ve got a lot of bug bites already. I regret not putting on my mosquito repellent. Those are going to itch tonight.
Now, another thing that the National Mall doesn’t have, in addition to food, is public restrooms. Well, all the museums have public restrooms, so you can use those when they’re open. But if you’re walking here, like at seven o’clock after all the museums are closed, you’re going to find almost no public restrooms from the Capitol building to the Washington Monument.
That’s where you’re going to find public restrooms again. If you need them in a pinch, there are some right here around the Washington Monument. You’ll also find some in the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.
If you’re really into Abraham Lincoln, Ford’s Theatre still stands. You can go inside and even see shows there. That is where Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed, but he later died in the house across the street. There’s a sign right there that says, “This is the house where Abraham Lincoln died.” You do need tickets to take a tour of that, and it’s right next to the Abraham Lincoln Museum.
Also on the street, you’re going to find all of DC’s tackiest souvenir shops and the Lincoln Waffle Shop.
But definitely, while you’re by Ford’s Theatre, check out the headquarters of the FBI, which I’m sure you’ve seen in so many movies.
Though, whatever government-related activities you plan to do, make sure they’re actually open when you come. You probably noticed at the beginning of this blog that the Capitol building’s under construction—lots of DC is under construction. There are government timelines for repairs.
There’s a carousel here on the National Mall, and it’s under construction for the next three years, set to return in 2026. Yeah, the Washington Monument elevator was closed for years for refurbishment too. So make sure the things you want to visit are actually open.
The 11th thing to know is that there’s so much more to do in DC than just the museums and government sites. There is a whole city around here. So make sure you get out beyond the National Mall and explore all that DC has to offer. Some of my favorite neighborhoods for you to check out? I’ve already mentioned DuPont Circle. It’s more than just a circle—it’s a whole neighborhood around the circle. You can take the metro here and just explore around.
Explore DC: Neighborhoods, Attractions, and Walks
- DuPont Circle & Penn Quarter
- Georgetown & Potomac River
- U Street & Ballpark Area
I really love the shops and eateries around DuPont Circle. Check out Penn Quarter. It’s near the National Mall, probably the closest. Chinatown is also a cool, vibrant neighborhood where you can catch a hockey game as well.
If you go a little south off the beaten path, the neighborhood around the ballpark has had a lot of development. Check out a Nationals baseball game while you’re there.
Head up to Georgetown for high-end shopping and restaurants. Then head up to U Street. U Street is the historic African-American section of DC. Make sure you grab a chili half smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl—a classic institution.
Now, speaking of the Potomac River, there are a lot of cool walks to do along the Potomac here in Georgetown. This is the Georgetown Waterfront. There’s actually a Latin music dancing class going on tonight for summer. But there are paths that run along the Potomac for most of the length of DC and most of the Virginia side too.
If you want to do a short loop, you can walk from Georgetown to the bridge behind the Lincoln Memorial, cross over into Arlington National Cemetery, and then take a path along that side. This little spot right here in front of Rosslyn is called Theodore Roosevelt Island—it’s a nature preserve. You can walk around there and then come back along the Key Bridge.
When you’re in Georgetown, also make sure to check out the C&O Canal. It’s between M Street and the waterfront. This canal used to be used for shipping things in and out of DC. They’ve got some old replica boats that you can see, along with the mechanisms that allowed boats to go upstream.
The water still runs here, and I think the locks might still function. I’m not sure if they’re used anymore, but it’s interesting to see this piece of maritime shipping history in our country.
Alright, now in addition to all those attractions, I have a few favorite walks through DC that I want to share with you.
DC Walking and Biking Tours: Best Routes and Parks
- Georgetown Walks
- Farragut Square to Smithsonian Zoo
- National Mall Recreation
One of my favorite walks is through Georgetown, but because there’s no metro here, I have a couple of ways I like to get through Georgetown. One, I like to take the metro to DuPont Circle and then walk down P Street into Georgetown. You get to see all of the cool houses, and then you can walk down M Street all the way back to Connecticut Avenue, or shorter to Foggy Bottom or somewhere like that if you just want to catch a quick metro.
Another cool walk through Georgetown is to take the metro to Rosslyn on the Virginia side, walk across the Key Bridge, down M Street, and then you can catch the metro again at Foggy Bottom.
Another one of my favorite walks starts here in downtown DC at Farragut Square, just a couple of blocks from the White House. It takes you down Connecticut Avenue, one of the diagonal streets. The Metro Red Line runs right under Connecticut Avenue, and you can take it all the way to the Smithsonian Zoo—great to check out the pandas. Then you can take the metro back from there, since there’s a Red Metro Line zoo stop. If you want to add a little zigzag, you can take a detour to check out the Adams Morgan neighborhood while you’re on your way.
Another great place to walk—and even bike ride—seems to be along the National Mall. There are sidewalks on either side, but there are also dirt paths that run the length of it. In the summertime, the National Mall just becomes a huge park for DC residents. They’re out here playing frisbee, playing dodgeball, and all sorts of things.
And that sign says they’ve got free vegan popsicles. I might just go check those out. You know what? There really were free vegan popsicles there, courtesy of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Grape flavor—tasty!
And the last thing to know is there’s even more on Yellow Productions’ blog about Washington DC. You’ll find links here on the screen or in the description below to my entire DC travel series.
Making the Most of Your top Washington DC Travel Guide Information
Washington DC is a must-visit destination for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. From the iconic landmarks like the Washington DC Travel Guide Monument and Lincoln Memorial to the free Smithsonian museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Washington DC Travel Guide.
Explore vibrant neighborhoods such as DuPont Circle and Georgetown, or take a scenic walk along the Potomac River. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or historic sites, this Washington DC Travel Guide has you covered with tips to help you navigate the city. Be sure to plan ahead and enjoy all the incredible attractions in Washington DC!
Thank you, and that wraps up Embark on an Unforgettable Rome Bike Tour. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
This Blog is top Washington DC Travel Guide. if know travel United sates other Cities and know anything please visit. Read More
frequently asked.
What is the #1 attraction in Los Angeles?
Santa Monica Pier is one of the top attractions, offering an amusement park, scenic views, and the iconic Route 66 sign.
What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
The best time to visit is between March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller.
Is public transportation a good way to get around Los Angeles?
Yes, Metro Rail and Metro Bus are affordable options, but renting a car or using rideshare services like Uber/Lyft is often more convenient.
What are the best free things to do in Los Angeles?
Visiting Griffith Observatory, exploring Venice Beach, walking through The Broad Museum (free general admission), and hiking to the Hollywood Sign are great free activities.
Where can I see celebrities in Los Angeles?
Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Malibu, and popular restaurants like Craig’s and Nobu Malibu are known for celebrity sightings.
