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Plan Your Trip to Washington DC: Best of Washington DC Tourism
Essential Washington DC
Trip ideas from our community
A long D.C. weekend with two little kids
Kimpton Banneker Hotel99For this go-go-go city trip, we wanted a centrally located crash pad where we could comfortably stash both kids. The modern, spacious King Studio Suite at the Kimpton Banneker worked perfectly, with a tucked-away entry alcove for our older son's air mattress and a bathroom for the baby’s pack 'n' play—plus a dog bed and treats.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden913Few things rally kids and Instagramers in equal measure more than Yayoi Kusama, known ‘round the world for her polka-dots and pumpkins. At the Kusama exhibition at The Hirshhorn, my preschooler bounced from one mirrored, Technicolor installation to the next, giggling as I tried (and mostly failed) to snap the perfect pic. Timed tickets make the experience delightfully crowd-free.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute4,627Zoos have always been a last resort in my parenting arsenal, but even the grinch-iest zoo-goer will be charmed by very adorable (and very famous) giant pandas here. There are lots of incredible other habitats to explore, as well, but the grounds are huge: Bring snacks, strollers, and anything else that will help little legs last until lunchtime.
Ted's Bulletin 14th Street843There comes a time in any trip with kids where all you wanna do is shove a cinnamon roll the size of a small soccer ball into your face. Enter the "Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head” at Ted’s Bulletin, where a decidedly tot-friendly brunch menu includes eggs, pancakes, homemade Pop-Tarts, and more.
Commissary1,511With hand-scrawled LGBTQ+ pride flags behind the bar, Commissary is a progressive and upbeat cafe. As we learned, it’s also an amazingly family-friendly choice for happy hour: As my husband and I nursed $4 beers, my sons bopped around the room, grooving to the music while the friendly waitstaff egged them on.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library15We spent a drizzly February afternoon at the children’s room here, where we were greeted with a display of picture books featuring LGBTQ+ characters, a floor-to-ceiling mural from “The Snowy Day,” and a massive Mo Willems trove. But the “secret” slide was perhaps the biggest hit: Just open an otherwise nondescript door and you’ll find a two-story wooden slide that whizzes along floor-to-ceiling windows fronting G Street.
Da Hong Pao Restaurant153At this dim sum parlor, my kids were googly-eyed as platter after platter of shrimp- and pork-stuffed creations emerged. The rice noodle rolls were so good that we ordered seconds. And when my younger son grabbed a pork bun and waved it around like a glow stick, the waitstaff seemed nothing but amused—a true indication of family-friendliness.
National Air and Space Museum23,570My preschooler is an outer-space and transportation obsessive, making the Air & Space museum a must-visit. And although he was tired after a rain-soaked walk down the National Mall to the entrance, he perked up at the sight of the moon and the planets. He also loved the experience of “boarding” a real-life American Airlines plane from the 1950s.
Browse collections
Go beyond the SmithsonianLesser-known museums to add to your itinerary
Fam-friendly adventuresDoing D.C. with kids? Start here.
Toast the townTop bars and lounges to grab a drink or two
If you're feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
Discovering Black historyMuseums, tours, and renowned landmarks
D.C. on a dimeEats and activities that won't break the bank
Must-see monumentsWorld-famous sights and under-the-radar faves
Head to the waterCruise, kayak, and more on the Potomac River
Best-kept secrets and hidden gemsIf you know, you know
A blast from the pastTake a trip back in time to historic D.C.
More great cities for early American history
Washington DC Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing Washington DC
elaine s
The best part of visiting Washington, DC is, even with the crowds, you can visit many historic spots on the fly for free. The city is family and kid-friendly. Start early in the day to maximize your experience.
iStefPayne
Rooftop restaurants and bars are big in DC -- check out the views across the relatively shortly-stacked city.
Ayako E
The United States capital is filled with history, but Washington, DC, does not only offer monuments and museums. Sure, families will love the many interactive museums in this city, but there are also great parks and restaurants to discover.
Dennis P
We found the Hop On Hop Off bus tours through the city an ideal way to locate and visit the major attractions with the minimum of fuss and cost.
Ayako E
DC Metro is a convenient way to get around most parts of the city. Note that fares differ depending on whether you are traveling at peak or off-peak times.
Stephen C
Hot as DC can be in the summer, it can be cold indoors when you're in light clothing and the air conditioning is running. Always carry a sweater.
Farrah H
Make reservations for Capitol tours, White House Tours, Engraving and Printing and Archive at least two to three months in advance. Always take your ID with you to verify your reservations.
Gooner10-8
Imagined by the Founding Fathers as the seat of U.S. Government, created largely by George Washington's determination, designed in large part by Frenchman Pierre Charles L'Enfant, home to every President from the second (John Adams) onward - today this is a superb, fascinating, absorbing & safe destination for any visitor, whether from the USA, or, like myself, from overseas.
Stephen C
From captivating memorials to some of the best museums in the country, Washington, DC, is jam-packed with things to do. You could easily spend a week here (and still not hit everything)..
Mali
Washington, DC, is a must-visit city. It's got something for everyone, the history fanatic, the art appreciator, the foodie and even the nature lover.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Washington, D.C. is served by three airports: Washington Dulles International, 26 miles from downtown in Sterling, Virginia; the far smaller Ronald Reagan Washington National, three miles away in Arlington, Virginia, which is served only by short-haul domestic flights, and Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which is 10 miles south of downtown Baltimore.
train
Amtrak trains arrive from all over the country and stop at Union Station. Maryland Rail Commuter (MARC) trains run between Union Station to/from Baltimore — the Penn Line stops at BWI Airport. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides weekday rail service to Union Station from the Virginia suburbs of Manassas and Fredericksburg.
bus
Low-cost buses operated by Megabus, Greyhound, Bolt Bus and more connect Washington, D.C., to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charlotte and beyond.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Washington DC from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Washington, D.C. is spring (March and April) when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and average highs are between 55°F (13°C) and 66°F (18°C). Crisp breezes and changing leaves make fall another attractive season; highs are between 70°F (21°C) and 59°F (15°C). Note that summers are typically uncomfortably sweltering.
Alternatively, visit over the holiday season, when Christmas markets, NYE parties, and festive illuminations show the City of Lights at its most atmospheric. During the holiday season Washington, D.C. sees average highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s (10 to 0 C).
Get around
walking
Washingtonians walk a lot. And, with many main attractions within strolling distance of one another, you should be prepared to do the same: wear comfortable footwear.
subway
Washington’s subway system is clean and reliable. To ride DC Metro, you can load a "SmarTrip" card (buy at the machine in the station) with money, or order a card for 1- or 7-day unlimited travel (order in advance of your trip). For more information, see here.
bus
For places that are hard to reach by Metro, the Metrobus fills the gap, with hundreds of routes throughout the D.C. metro area. Buses accept SmarTrip cards. For more information, see here.
bike
Capital Bikeshare is D.C.’s bikeshare system. There are 24-hour and three-day passes available. For more information, see here.
car
Due to ever-present gridlock and complicated parking regulations, driving in downtown D.C. should be avoided at all costs.
taxis
You can hail a taxi on the street. Taxi roof lights have LED text stating whether or not it is available.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The U.S. Dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail.
Restaurant
18-20%.
Bellhop
$1 to $3 per bag.
Housekeeper
$2-$3 per night.
Taxis/rideshare
15-20%.
Shuttle driver
$1-$2 per person.
Tour guide
10-20%.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 21 years old.
Public transit
On the Metro escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Stand on the right-hand side to make way for people in a hurry. When on the train, give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant and people with disabilities. Stand to the sides of the Metro doors when they open so riders can get off safely.
Don’t forget the tax
For visitors to the U.S. from overseas, it can be easy to forget that sales tax is not included in displayed prices. In D.C., there is an additional 5.75% sales tax on all shopping purchases.
See the monuments at night
After dark, there is something magical about the illuminated monuments: it’s the perfect time for a stroll.
Enjoy the city without breaking your wallet
From the Smithsonian museums to Library of Congress, many of D.C.’s top attractions are free. But don’t overlook the free events on offer: for example, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage hosts a daily free performance at 6 p.m.