Know Before You Go: About Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is more than just the nation’s capital, it is also an astonishing collection of historical sights, sprawling green spaces and is home to largest museum complex in the world
Steeped in history, the D.C. area is a growing hub of culture, food, music and entertainment. Bring the family along and learn about inspiring events that shaped the United States.
Weather Conditions
The nation’s capital is a city of all seasons. If you’re visiting D.C. in winter, get ready to battle the elements. The temperature frequently dips into the low 40s, and ice storms sometimes rage through the capital. Spring truly springs in D.C. when the Yoshino cherry blossom trees near the Tidal Basin and Potomac River bloom. Their light pink petals paint the skyline, typically starting in early April and blooming for approximately 14 days. For about five weeks—from late March through mid-April—the celebratory sounds of cultural performances, parties and sporting competitions fill the air at the world-famous Cherry Blossom Festival. Temperatures heat up during the summer when they frequently reach into the upper 80s with stifling humidity to match. In the fall, when the days are warm and the evenings cool, conditions can change faster than political loyalties.
D.C. Attractions
Patriotic pride is on display along the National Mall, a two-mile parkway with iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial tucked around every corner. Pause for a reflective moment at memorials dedicated to veterans and fallen heroes from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. You could build an entire trip around the Smithsonian Institution’s 15 museums, which are all free to the public. Sneak a peek inside Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis at the Air and Space Museum or delve into a trove of treasure—from Lincoln’s top hat to Dorothy’s ruby slippers—at the American History Museum. Kids will burst with excitement trekking through the 163-acre National Zoo, home to the rarest of sights—a family of giant pandas. Explore the inner workings of the federal government with a tour of the Supreme Court, the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
Washington D.C. Transportation
Interstate 95, which runs from Maine to Florida, connects the Eastern Seaboard to Washington, D.C. Traveling from Boston, New York or Philadelphia? Save time and gas by hitching a ride aboard Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express. Fly into centrally located Reagan National Airport and you’ll feel as though you can touch the tip of the Washington Monument seconds before landing. Another popular option is Dulles International Airport, 26 miles outside the capital.
Gridlock isn’t a term reserved just for politics in Washington—it also describes the traffic. Bypass sluggish road delays by hopping aboard the expansive underground Metrorail system, or save the driving for someone else by hailing one of D.C.’s 6,000 taxis. Cheaper alternatives include city bus lines such as Metrobus and D.C. Circulator. Its six routes frequently cover many areas popular with tourists, including the National Mall.
Capital Industry
It's no surprise that politics and tourism are intertwined as Washington, D.C.’s top industries. While 21 percent of D.C.’s workforce earns a paycheck from the federal government, politics also draws business travelers to the region. Lobbyists come to town to meet with lawmakers, and restaurants are bustling when Congress is in session. More than 18 million domestic travelers, including vacationing families, descend upon the capital annually, generating more than $7 billion in revenue and creating 75,000 jobs.
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D.C. is steeped in history, with a monument or memorial seemingly around every corner.