Washington D.C. Planning & Tips

Getting There and Around
While it is fairly easy to drive around the National Mall area, parking can be a challenge. Side streets offer metered-parking, plus access to parking garages (for a fee). Best bet: keep your car at the hotel and walk or use the convenient public transportation options mentioned below. Washington is a very walkable (and stroller-friendly) city with wide-sidewalks and lots of street-side carts selling beverages and snacks near popular attractions.

DC's s color-coded Metrorail system, referred to as "Metro," (202-637-7000) offers access to many points of interest including those in neighboring Maryland and Virginia. Stations are marked with a big letter "M" at street level. Fares depend on a trip's start and end point and can be pre-calculated on the website. Generally, regular fares (weekdays from opening until 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. to closing) range from $1.65 minimum to $4.50 maximum. Reduced fares (all other times) are from $1.35 minimum to $2.35 maximum. Up to two children, age 4 and under, ride free with each adult full fare.

The city's new Ciculator bus service (202-962-1423) offers easy access between Georgetown, Union Station, the Washington Convention Center, Southwest waterfront and the National Mall via three routes. Buses pick-up approximately every 10 minutes, from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Evening service is available on certain routes and days. Best part: the buses are clean with low-floors, big windows, and multiple doors. Fee is $1 per person, per ride or $3 for an all day pass; ages 4 and under ride free.

The Art of Smart Timing
For cheaper rates and smaller crowds, visit DC in later summer or winter. Hotel rates are typically higher on weekdays, September-May, due to business travel and less expensive on weekends. Be prepared for large crowds during school breaks and springtime (especially during Cherry Blossom Festival). While spring and summer months are busy, many attractions offer extended hours. Check attraction websites for up-to-date schedules.

Even though springtime is one of the busiest of the year, it's also a great time to see one of the city's most beloved events: The National Cherry Blossom Festival. This two-week festival is usually held between the end of March and mid-April, when the cherry blossom trees are covered in pink and white blooms. The trees (a gift from Japan in 1912) commemorate friendly relations between our two countries. Festivalgoers can sample sushi and sake, learn about origami and listen to J-POP music at Sakura Matsuri, the largest Japanese Street festival in the U.S. Other events include a fireworks show, 10-K run, kite-festival, parade and numerous other cultural events.

Smart pre-planning is as important as smart timing when it comes to touring The White House. No matter what time of year you visit, a tour requires advance planning. Contact your congressional or senate representative's office as much as six months in advance to reserve a tour. In case you cannot tour the White House though, rest assured that you can still get a feel for it through the White House Visitor Center (located diagonally across the street). The Center is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., showcasing many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, and social events, as well as a thirty-minute video. Admission: free.

Another good attraction to book in advance is Washington Monument tours. Avoid the lines and reserve tickets for the half-hour tour by calling 877-444-6777.

Off the Radar
Stages for the Ages, 202-334-5885
More than 30 area theatres offer a free ticket for kids 17 and under for each adult ticket purchased at regular price. Sponsored by the League of Washington Theatres and The Washington Post.

C&O Canal Boat Ride
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, 202-653-5190
Travel back to the 1870s on a one-hour cruise aboard a replica canal boat pulled by mules and watch as the boat rises 8-feet in the lock. Park rangers in period costumes tell stories (and humorous tall tales) as you ride on this historic waterway. Be ready to sing along. Open April through October. $5.00 per person. Children age three and under ride free.

A Kid's Guide to Washington D.C. has great fun facts like "Every U.S. State has a street name in Washington, D.C. all are avenues, except for California (Street) and Ohio (Drive)," plus reviews of popular sites, puzzles, car games, a little history lesson, and photos.

Visitor Bureau
The official convention & tourism corporation for Washington, DC offers event calendars, hotel packages, and travel tips (800-422-8644). Visit the National Park Service for information on touring the National Monuments.