Welcome to "the center of the free world!" The nation"s seat of government is as exciting and powerful as you would expect it to be. The city"s population evolves constantly, as each election ushers in new groups of people, and sends others scurrying from public office. In the midst of all this change, DC tourism remains strong; everyone seems to want to see the iconic Washington DC attractions, and feel the pulse of this nation in so doing.
Washington DC visitors come here for many various reasons, and from many parts of the world. They all tend to enjoy some of the same sites and tours, though. For this DC travel guide we have therefore come up with a list of the ten most popular - or most Washingtonian - things to do whilst playing DC tourist.
You will often hear that the best way to appreciate DC is to view the major Washington DC memorials by night. That is because it is true! Assuming the evening is reasonably comfortable, weather-wise. No Washington DC visitor should miss the powerfully moving experience of standing by moonlight in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools, gazing across at the night-lit Washington Monument ringed by flags, while veterans linger by candlelight at the adjacent Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Ambience is just as important when you visit the Jefferson Memorial and rent a paddleboat on the Tidal Basin. Do it on a sunny day in the summer, then take the family for ice cream. Another great way to see the Washington DC attractions is to take a dinner cruise on the Potomac River, with a DC travel guide aboard to narrate the local history.
DC tourism wouldn"t be the same without the rail system, so visit the grand Union Station and the adjacent US Capitol one afternoon, and see Capitol Hill alive with the business of government. While there, why not visit your congressional representatives? Their appointment schedulers are generally happy to schedule brief meetings with constituents. Later, unwind with a fabulous performance at The Kennedy Center, and make sure to go outside on the deck, for the fabulous waterfront view over the Potomac.
Another day, visit the White House and Freedom Park adjacent to it, where protestors are always exercising their rights of assembly in true democratic form. From there it is easy to wander along the National Mall, where you can take in any number of the Smithsonian Museums, art galleries, or simply picnic and fly kites in the grass.
While catching the entire DC tourist attractions, don"t forget to experience actual Washingtonian life. Spend a day lunching and shopping in historic Georgetown on the canal, then spend a wild evening dancing and dining in the eclectic bohemia of Adams Morgan. One of the most popular Washington DC attractions, especially with the youngest Washington DC visitors, is the National Zoo, which is part of the Smithsonian collection. All of these are activities almost any DC tourist would enjoy, but don"t stop there. Explore many facets of this wonderful city. DC tourism is as diverse as the nation it celebrates!
Showing posts with label Where to go in Washington DC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Where to go in Washington DC. Show all posts
Friday, 22 April 2011
Where to go in Washington DC
When planning to visit Washington DC, unless you are coming in for a specific event, the most important considerations for when to go are the weather and the crowds. Washington DC vacation planning tends to include a look at the congressional calendar, as well. Basically, when Congress is in, which is approximately from mid-January to June, and from mid-September through Thanksgiving, hotels are full of guests here on policy-oriented business, and rates will be higher. When Congress is out, not only is the city a quieter, more serene place, but hotels and tour operators are more likely to offer Washington DC vacation packages that are good deals.
The most popular time to visit Washington DC is in the spring, when the cherry blossoms and other flowering trees are blooming along the water, and temperatures are mild, between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many outdoor attractions to enjoy on your Washington DC vacation, and springtime allows you to meander happily along the Mall, fly a kite by the Washington Monument, or dine al fresco at any number of vibrant eateries. Spring is also the most crowded time of the year, due to the Cherry Blossom Festival, Spring Break, and the fact that Congress is usually in session, as well. Springtime is also a favored time for marches and protests, which can be a fascinating and often rewarding experience, often featuring national entertainers performing free of charge.
Summers are long, very hot and extremely humid. Some people love that, and if so, making DC trips when Congress is out, particularly in the heat of August, can save you money. However, with schools out, many families and international tourists come in the summer, so events and tours can get crowded and noisy. Most of the public buildings and museums are air-conditioned, as is the Metro train system. But a lot of the attractions are outdoors or involve walking along the mall, so if you are heat-sensitive or crowd-adverse, you may prefer to wait for cooler days. Or, you may prefer to enjoy your summer Washington DC vacation by scheduling more of your outdoor activities in the evenings, which can be cooler, moonlit, and very serene, especially around the monuments.
Other than the obvious excitement and loaded event calendar of springtime, fall may be the best time to visit Washington DC. Washington DC vacation packages often take advantage of the first week of October, when the deciduous foliage along the Potomac and in the neighboring Appalachians attracts admirers from all over the world. There is no better time to try the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah Valley than in the fall. Best of all, the summer family crowds go home so the kids can go to school, and Washington DC returns to a more homey, businesslike ambience at this time of year.
Winters in Washington DC are mild, depending on what you are used to, of course. Temperatures rarely drop for long below freezing, tending to stay in the 30s and 40s, with intermittent crisp sunshine and the occasional ice or snow storm. This is the most unpredictable time of year, so pack a range of clothing options for warmth. The holiday season can be a beautiful time to visit Washington DC, and there are many interesting DC vacation packages that center around the Inaugural season every four years, also in winter.
There is always something special going on in this great city, and people make DC trips year-round. Just know yourself and keep these guidelines in mind, and you can"t go wrong. You should be able to find all the information you need to plan a wonderful Washington DC vacation adventure.
The most popular time to visit Washington DC is in the spring, when the cherry blossoms and other flowering trees are blooming along the water, and temperatures are mild, between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There are many outdoor attractions to enjoy on your Washington DC vacation, and springtime allows you to meander happily along the Mall, fly a kite by the Washington Monument, or dine al fresco at any number of vibrant eateries. Spring is also the most crowded time of the year, due to the Cherry Blossom Festival, Spring Break, and the fact that Congress is usually in session, as well. Springtime is also a favored time for marches and protests, which can be a fascinating and often rewarding experience, often featuring national entertainers performing free of charge.
Summers are long, very hot and extremely humid. Some people love that, and if so, making DC trips when Congress is out, particularly in the heat of August, can save you money. However, with schools out, many families and international tourists come in the summer, so events and tours can get crowded and noisy. Most of the public buildings and museums are air-conditioned, as is the Metro train system. But a lot of the attractions are outdoors or involve walking along the mall, so if you are heat-sensitive or crowd-adverse, you may prefer to wait for cooler days. Or, you may prefer to enjoy your summer Washington DC vacation by scheduling more of your outdoor activities in the evenings, which can be cooler, moonlit, and very serene, especially around the monuments.
Other than the obvious excitement and loaded event calendar of springtime, fall may be the best time to visit Washington DC. Washington DC vacation packages often take advantage of the first week of October, when the deciduous foliage along the Potomac and in the neighboring Appalachians attracts admirers from all over the world. There is no better time to try the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah Valley than in the fall. Best of all, the summer family crowds go home so the kids can go to school, and Washington DC returns to a more homey, businesslike ambience at this time of year.
Winters in Washington DC are mild, depending on what you are used to, of course. Temperatures rarely drop for long below freezing, tending to stay in the 30s and 40s, with intermittent crisp sunshine and the occasional ice or snow storm. This is the most unpredictable time of year, so pack a range of clothing options for warmth. The holiday season can be a beautiful time to visit Washington DC, and there are many interesting DC vacation packages that center around the Inaugural season every four years, also in winter.
There is always something special going on in this great city, and people make DC trips year-round. Just know yourself and keep these guidelines in mind, and you can"t go wrong. You should be able to find all the information you need to plan a wonderful Washington DC vacation adventure.
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