What should you know when visiting Washington, D.C.?
More than 16 million tourists come to Washington, D.C. every year, making it one of the most visited cities in the United States. Visitors come from all over the country to explore the attractions that our nation’s capital has to offer, including the White House and the Smithsonian. Before you head out on your trip, you may want to do some research on this historic city. Through sensible planning and preparation, you can make the most of your visit to Washington.
When to Go:
The best times to visit Washington are in the spring and autumn. During these months, the weather often hovers in the 60s F, (15-18C) and most of the crowds have thinned out. Additionally, the cherry blossoms and the fall foliage create a stunning backdrop for your trip. If you’re willing to brave the cold weather, you might want to visit Washington in the wintertime. Numerous hotels and airlines offer discounts in the off-season, and the city comes alive with holiday events like the National Christmas Tree and the “Zoo Lights” display at the National Zoo.
Booking Ahead:
The Capitol Building: To ensure your ability to participate in a guided tour of the Capitol Building, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Tour schedules can fill up quickly, so please make your reservation well in advance of your visit.
Same-day Tour Passes for the Capitol Building:
For those that do not have advance reservations, same-day tour passes may be available at the Information Desk located on the lower level of the Visitor Center. During peak visitation periods, such as spring and summer, the availability of same-day tour passes is limited. Therefore, you may experience a wait-time to acquire passes for the guided tour. Please plan accordingly to better ensure your opportunity to tour the United States Capitol.
Visiting the White House:
For a tour of the White House, make your reservation a few months before your trip. You can reserve your spot by contacting your congressional representative.
Best Time to Visit the Capital City
To maximize your time in Washington, avoid visiting popular sites in the afternoon due to the heavy crowds. Instead, head to attractions like Union Station and the National Gallery of Art in the morning because they don’t get packed until noon. Also, be sure to tour the national monuments after dark because they stay open 24 hours a day. If you’re visiting Washington in the summer months, take advantage of the Smithsonian’s extended hours. From May through September, four Smithsonian museums remain open into the evening to accommodate the swell of tourists.