One of my favorite places to visit is Washington D.C. After living and working there for a summer while in school, and having visited several times, I can say I actually know a little more about this city than the average tourist. I have a few tips I have thought would share with the millions of people who faithfully read this blog on a regular (perhaps even daily) basis. My thoughts include the following:
1. Do Not Rent A Car. Like many large cities, driving in and around the District is insane, especially if you are not sure of where you are going and/or are used to the traffic. The Beltway can be maddening, and the streets in the District itself are twisted, crowded, and confusing for the visitor. Plus, the Metro is the outstanding, clean and safe. Use the Metro to get to where you're going. The only reason to rent a car is if you plan to visit sites outside of town, such as Mount Vernon (George Washington's homestead), Charlottesville (Univ. of Virginia college town), or Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's homestead), all of which are wonderful by the way.
2. Fly into Ronald Reagan. Unless you're staying somewhere else outside of town to the North, for example, avoid Dulles and fly into Ronald Reagan National Airport. It is somewhat hectic but runs better than the other options. The Metro stop is right outside of baggage claim, so skip the cab and just hop on the Metro to get to your hotel (unless you've got a ton of luggage).
3. Understand The Scope of the Smithsonian. Don't think you're going to "see the Smithsonian" while you're there. Understand that the Smithsonian is actually comprised of 19 separate museums and 9 research centers in many separate buildings, most of which are in DC but some of which are outside of town. Focus on the big ones, such as Museum of Natural History, Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, etc. (each of these are located close to one another around the National Mall), and try to tackle them.
4. Don't Forget the National Zoo. Even if you do not have kids with you, consider a trip to the National Zoo. Actually part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is accessible and fun, though it does not rival some of the well-known zoos (e.g. San Diego). Accessible with a brief walk from the Metro, take a stroll in the area and visit the 2,000 or so inhabitants of the Zoo.
5. Grasp the Distance Between Monuments. On a map of the National Mall, the Capitol Building looks like it is a stone's throw from the Washington Monument, which in turn looks awfully close to the Lincoln Memorial. True, you can stand just about anywhere in the National Mall and see all three of these attractions. However, in truth, there's quite a walk from one end of the National Mall to the other. Actually, it is about 2 miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. It will not look like it when you are there - trust me, the size of these structures makes them seem closer than they really are. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
6. Consider Staying Oustide the District. When I worked in Washington D.C., I lived in an apartment in Alexandria, VA, about 8 miles from the District and a short train ride away. Old Town Alexandria is charming, much slower paced, but offers easy access to both Ronald Reagan National Airport and the District and its main attractions such as the National Mall. On our last trip, my wife and I used Alexandria as our home base. While there are many safe, enjoyable places to stay in the District, consider the easy, affordable (generally) charm offered by Old Town Alexandria as a base of operations (especially if you're going to have a car rental - again, parking and driving in the District is not worth it).
7. Take Care In The District After Dark. Many large US cities should have the same warning attached to them. However, if you are in the District after dark, you will want to know where you should or should not be as a tourist. Stick to well known areas and those that are more upscale and tourist friendly (e.g., DuPont Circle; Georgetown; certain areas in Foggy Bottom) and you will be fine. Wandering around looking for a Metro stop after dark without a good idea of where you're going, however, is not a good idea.
8. Know The Weather. Weather in Washington D.C. can vary widely depending upon the season, or even the time of day. Summers are generally very humid and warm. If you're from Texas or Florida, it feels relatively comfortable - to the rest of us it feels oppressive. Winters can be cold and may include severe winter storms with snow. So, for example, if you are visiting in June, understand that a 2 mile walk from the Capitol to the other side of the National Mall may be a brutally hot experience.
9. Beware the Fourth of July - But Definitely Go! OK, a word of caution first. The Fourth of July on the National Mall is insane. Simply insane. There's 750,000 or so people crammed onto the mall from early in the morning until well afer the fireworks are over, plus trying to get out of the District when the fireworks are over and back out to the 'burbs in Maryland or Virginia is just about impossible. Count on a crowded, long wait at a Metro stop afterwards. However, with all that being said, if you have the chance to go, you should do it. Definitely, do it. Seeing the fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall as they wash alternating green, red, and blue light over the famed monuments and the endless sea of people is unforgettable. The experience far outweighs the burdens that come along with the event.
10. Enjoy What You Can See, Don't Worry About the Rest. It is a big, amazing, overwhelming place. Living there for several months I still had so many things I didn't find the time to enjoy. Don't let the things you don't see detract from the experience of what you are seeing. Pick your battles, get to the things you want to see the most and enjoy them without concern for what you're missing. True of any trip, I think, but seems perfectly appropriate when discussing Washington D.C.
I think these are a handful of thoughts that can help any first time or return visitor to capitol of the United States enjoy their trip.
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