Things to Know Before Visiting Washington DC

Packed with fascinating history, beautiful memorials, and some of the nation’s most incredible parks, galleries, and monuments, Washington DC is one of the most interesting places to visit. If you’re thinking about where to go on your next vacation, there are a few things to know before planning your visit to Washington DC. Check out some of these tips for planning your vacation to our nation’s capital!

Neighborhoods

For first-time visitors, there’s definitely a huge urge to spend the majority of your time touring the National Mall, or the area between the Lincoln Memorial and the United States Capitol grounds. However, it’s so important to make sure you’re getting out and exploring some of DCs other fascinating neighborhoods as well! Don’t forget to check out Georgetown with its gorgeous cobbled streets and architecture, the charming and historic neighborhood of Logan Circle, the outdoor markets and nightlife of Adams Morgan, or the city scene minus the skyscrapers in Dupont Circle. 

Planning Your Route

Make sure you know which of the attractions you want to see are free and open 24/7, and which require some advanced tickets or scheduling. Luckily there are tons of free options for those who might be on a budget, including but not limited to the National Zoo, Smithsonian museums, and many of the memorials such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials, and the Martin Luther King Memorial. If you’re looking to visit the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Pentagon, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, or the Washington Monument, however, you should look into booking ahead and doing some research to find out what types of options for touring are available.

Be Prepared!

Before you visit Washington DC, make sure you come with all the correct supplies to get the most out of your trip. Bring a water bottle so you can refill at fountains during your many walks and tours, especially during spring and summer, and a good pair of walking shoes is also highly recommended. Make sure you also have a comfortable bag with you to store your water, hand sanitizer, snacks, and other travel essentials. One of the amazing things about DC is that there are so many attractions so close together, so whether you’re walking between locations or hopping on and off a bus, make sure you have everything you need to spend your day outdoors sightseeing. 

Visit Washington DC with DC Trails

If you are looking for an amazing bus company in Washington DC, then you should check out DC Trails. We offer some incredible day tour options for DC as well as private bus charters, and our professional staff will make sure you see the best that DC has to offer. Contact us and book your dream DC tour today!