Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

From the embassies lining Massachusetts Ave NW, to the offices and federal buildings downtown, to the monuments and museums along the National Mall, the all the local bars and food joints, like Ben's Chili Bowl, DC is a story of power, influence, beauty, and deep-rooted culture often overlooked by all the politics of the capital.

Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

You can't go wrong on the Mall. With the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument on one end, and the US Capitol on the other, this stretch of land is flanked on both sides by the Smithsonian Museums. Popular museums include Natural History, Air and Space, and American History, but the Native American Museum and African American History Museum are must-sees as well. Catch the metro into Dupont and check out the Mansion on O Street, a museum with over 100 secret doors and 70 hidden rooms. To the west, you'll make your way into Georgetown, with more than just Georgetown Cupcake to fill your sweet tooth. Spend a day in the sun in the Kenilworth Aquatic Garden and National Arboretum in Northeast DC. For the best nightlife, head to U Street Corridor, Adam's Morgan, or Dupont Circle. DC is filled with politicians, lawmakers, diplomats and more, so you never know who you might see on the streets.

Best Time to Visit Washington, D.C.

March through May, September and November are all the ideal months to visit. During these months you'll avoid the peak tourist periods and the notoriously hot summers.

A Local's Guide to Washington D.C. Vacation Rentals

Washington D.C. is unlike any other destination. The Nation’s capital is packed with more history and culture than arguably any other city in the United States, making it the perfect destination for a vacation rental. But beyond the monuments and museums, Washington D.C. is home to a lively food and bar scene, electrifying professional sports teams, and a budding art scene.

See & Do

Spend a day immersed in American history. Begin on the scenic National Mall, where you will find the impressive Lincoln Memorial, the humbling Jefferson Memorial, the towering Washington Memorial, and many other national monuments and memorials commemorating critical moments in US history. From there, head to Capitol Hill and take a tour of the legislative branch of government. Stroll down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House, and then dip into the Smithsonian.

After, take a trip to the city’s Arts District, where you will find breathtaking contemporary museums, world-class theater, and a lively music scene. If you’re in D.C. during the spring, visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival, commemorating the 1972 gift of Japanese Cherry Blossoms to the U.S.

Wind your evening down at one of D.C.’s noteworthy eateries. A D.C vacation will have a bit of something for everyone.