Washington DC Ultimate Travel Guide

The nation’s capital is bustling with history around every corner. Visiting Washington DC is an incredible experience that is both educational and political for visitors. DC has a vibrant culture and hosts some of the region’s best ethnic cuisine and houses some of the country’s most precious artifacts within museum doors. Like most cities in the United States, there is no wrong time to visit Washington DC as you will find plenty of activities are year-round. Some of the best activities are indoors including the museums and federal landmarks, so winter snow and summer heat will only be applicable if you are spending the majority of your time outdoors. The ideal time to visit Washington DC is in the spring months when the cherry blossom trees reach peak bloom. These dates vary year over year so be sure to plan with that in mind as you a consider a trip to DC.
Text says "Know Before You Go" with a photo of a person in front of a colorful neon light display at an arcade or entertainment venue.
The word 'DESTINATIONS' in bold, pink capital letters on a white background.
Logo for the National Mall featuring the Washington Monument with people celebrating in front.
A logo with a circular image of a baseball stadium on the left and the text 'Navy Yard' next to it.
Photo of Old Town Alexandria with people walking on the street, lined with shops and restaurants.
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BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

  • Take a tour of the White House

    Did you know that you can actually go inside the White House? Tickets have to be reserved months in advance and you have to request them from your state congressman. Feel like the president and take a stroll around the grounds of the White House.

  • Two adjacent colorful townhouse doors, one blue with a holiday wreath and one red with a holiday wreath and bow, on a city street with greenery and black iron steps.

    House hunt in Georgetown

    We wish, but walking the colorful streets of Georgetown is one of my favorite DC past times. Exploring the neighborhood on foot or by scooter will have you stopping at every corner to snap a picture. Oh, and there’s pretty good shopping too!

  • A woman with red hair standing in front of a wall art installation consisting of multiple small TVs and colorful neon outline of the United States map.

    Visit the National Portrait Gallery

    The National Portrait Gallery is a historic art museum between 7th, 9th, F, and G Streets NW in Washington, D.C., in the United States. Founded in 1962 and opened to the public in 1968, it is part of the Smithsonian Institution. Its collections focus on images of famous Americans.

  • A woman standing by a river, surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees, wearing sunglasses, a light pink blazer, white blouse, black pants, and beige shoes, enjoying the scenic view during sunset.

    Experience full bloom at Tidal Basin

    Cherry Blossom season in DC is quite the spectacle. Tourists line the area around Tidal Basin and DC proper during the peak bloom of these gorgeous flowers. Cherry blossoms were gifted to the United States from Japan in 1909 and since then, annually people flock to see them.

  • View of a baseball stadium during a game, with players on the field and a crowd of spectators in the stands under a clear blue sky.

    Watch the Nationals play a ball game

    The 2019 World Series Champion team play locally in Washington DC in the Navy Yard neighborhood. Ticket prices could be as low at $12 during weekdays and are well worth the price of experiencing such a fun event. Before your game, make sure to stop at the Bullpen to play cornhole or Mission for some nachos.

  • People entering Martin's Tavern, a restaurant established in 1933, located in a building with blue window shutters and a black metal roof, outside on a clear day.

    Visit the oldest family owned restaurant in the district

    Since 1933, Martin’s Tavern has been an important DC staple restaurant. JFK even proposed to Jackie right in booth #3! Every U.S. president from Harry S. Truman to George W. Bush has dined here and you must too! Also, owned by one of my dear sorority sisters, be sure to check out this iconic eatery!

  • Washington Monument under partly cloudy sky with American flags at the base and visitors walking on the grounds in the foreground.

    Visit the National Mall

    No, it is not a shopping mall (like what I thought in middle school). Visiting the National Mall is a must on every trip to Washington DC. Renting a scooter and riding it around all the monuments is the best and fastest way to view everything, or else you would never see everything!

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