Washington DC Travel Guide
Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city rich in history. From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the halls of the Smithsonian Museums, it offers a front-row seat to the story of the nation. With so many museums and historical sights, along with vibrant neighborhoods and diverse cuisine, this city makes an excellent travel destination.
Walking Tour through DC
Washington DC is home to the White House, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Museums, and plenty of other historical sites. One of the best ways to see DC is on a self-guided walking tour. In this article, we lay out how you can see the top sites in a single day.
One Day Walking Tour of Washington DC (From a Local!)
Top Experiences in Washington DC
National Mall. This open park space stretches almost two miles from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. The National Mall is flanked by museums, art galleries, memorials, and monuments. For the best experience, walk from one end to the other, making stops at the sites along the way.
Smithsonian Museums. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest complex of education, research, and museums. 11 of the Smithsonian’s 21 museums are located on the National Mall. Some of our top picks include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Washington Monument. The world’s tallest obelisk, the Washington Monument stands just over 555 feet tall, and is one of the most iconic sites within Washington DC The Washington Monument is located on the National Mall. Guests can book a tour that includes an elevator ride to the top for views of the city.
War Memorials. Several war memorials sit on the western side of the National Mall and are well worth a visit. These include the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the D.C. War Memorial. Plus, there are a few other war memorials in the surrounding area.
Lincoln Memorial. This popular memorial sits at the western end of the National Mall and features a 19-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln. You also get one of the best views of the National Mall from the steps of this memorial.
Capitol Building. The Capitol Building is home to the United States Congress. Visitors can book a tour of the Capitol Building and even request a pass to watch Congress in session.
White House. The White House is the official residence and office of the President of the United States. The White House can be viewed from pedestrian streets and on a guided tour through the interior.
Georgetown. This charming and historic neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, great restaurants, lively bars, and a scenic waterfront park.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Spend an afternoon at one of the United States’ oldest zoos. With over 400 different species, visitors to the National Zoo will be delighted to see elephants, tigers, lions, orangutans, and much more.
Arlington National Cemetery. Although not technically within the District of Columbia, Arlington National Cemetery lies just across the Potomac River. This cemetery is the final resting place for many U.S. veterans and war heroes. Popular places for visitors to pay respects include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite with its eternal flame.
Cherry Blossoms. Blooming in early spring, Washington DC’s cherry blossoms are best viewed at the Tidal Basin. The Tidal Basin is a man-made reservoir surrounded by park space and landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Best Time to Visit Washington DC
The best time to visit Washington D.C. is during the spring (late March-early June) and fall (September-November) seasons. The weather will be more pleasant for walking around the city, and you will avoid high crowds that congregate during the summer. In addition, the National Mall will be more scenic with blooming spring flowers and vibrant fall colors.
The cherry blossoms bloom in early Spring, but the exact timing of the peak bloom fluctuates from year-to-year. Therefore, it is best to check online sources that track the bloom status. Note that this is a hot spot for travelers, so do expect high crowds at this time.
Places to Visit Near Washington DC
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