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A new year has begun, which means if you haven’t already mapped out your vacations for 2020, it’s time to consider where it is you want to go. Tourism is a booming industry, which means you have an assortment of choices as to where you go and how you get there. Sure, traveling abroad is always an attractive choice, but it can be hard on your wallet and jetlag can leave you drained rather than refreshed by the end of your stay.
If you are looking for a place rich in history, adorned with arresting architecture, and chocked full of exciting adventures and activities to engage in, consider a trip to our nation’s capital. There is plenty of sightseeing in Washington, D.C.
From the world-famous Washington monuments and memorials to the district’s renowned restaurants and museums, there is something here for everyone to enjoy, and 2020 is a great year to do it! With a new decade beginning, it’s time to try new things, and considering it’s an election year, there’s plenty of action to be in the middle of.
When visiting Washington, D.C. for the first time, however, you want to be prepared. It is the epicenter of politics in the free world, which means there is always a lot going on. Know what to expect with these simple tips provided by the tourism experts at USA Guided Tours in Washington, D.C.
More than likely, vacation time is largely determined by your work schedule. If there is some flexibility in when you take time off, consider what you are hoping to gain from your trip to Washington, D.C. Each season comes with its pros and cons, but one of them will certainly be the right choice for you.
Spring is right around the corner, so if this is when you are wanting to visit, you better plan fast. With splendid weather and the National Cherry Blossom Festival taking place from late March to early April, spring is one of the most popular times of year for sightseeing in Washington, D.C. Since schools let out at different times for spring break, crowds remain fairly controlled, providing plenty of photo opportunities without masses of people flocking around you.
Enjoy the warm weather with a tour around the National Mall with USA Guided Tours, where you will get easy access to some of the top Washington monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National World War II Memorial, and more.
Beginning mid-March, USA Guided Tours opens one of our seasonal tours of Old Town, Alexandria, and nearby Mount Vernon. Spring is a great time to visit the areas surrounding Washington, D.C. Picturesque cities like Alexandria, Virginia make for a wonderful day trip and will wow anyone with their classic architecture and robust history. We then take a quick excursion to George Washington’s plantation, Mount Vernon. With foliage in full bloom during spring, this is worth working on your journey to Washington, D.C.
Take in the beauty of our nation’s capital and get in touch with the legacy of our forefathers when you schedule a springtime tour with USA Guided Tours.
Summertime in Washington, D.C. is hot and humid, and touring Washington’s monuments outside at this time of year can prove uncomfortable. On that note, this is the best time to enjoy indoor attractions like the district’s many free museums. With many waterfront districts and bike paths along the Potomac River, there are also plentiful water-based activities to take part in around the area. From boat tours to paddle boat rentals, there is a multitude of ways you can enjoy Washington, D.C. from the waterfront.
Without a doubt, the beginning of summer is the busiest season to go sightseeing in Washington, D.C. The kids are out of school, and parents want to get vacations taken care of before preparations for the next school year begin. By the end of summer, however, visitors have fled, locals have returned to work, and Congress is still out. August’s tail-end will show dramatic drops in hotel prices, making it the perfect time for the cost-conscious traveler to visit.
To beat the heat and the crowds, USA Guided Tours offers exclusive night tours that give visitors a truly unique perspective of our nation’s capital.
Nearly all Washington, D.C. locals will admit that the best time to visit the nation’s capital is when the leaves start to turn in autumn. The weather is mild, and the crowds aren’t as large, so you can enjoy your stay stress-free and comfortable. With vibrant ambers and vivid reds decorating the landscape, there are endless opportunities for capturing Washington’s monuments in glorious splendor.
Congress is back in session during this time of year, so expect a lot of political buzzes and government hubbub to be going on. Visiting Washington, D.C. during this period may greatly excite the political enthusiast, but for those who are overwhelmed by the energy of government happenings, try to arrive before the second week of September. You’ll get to go Washington D.C. sightseeing during one of the district’s prettiest times of the year, all with low crowds and political grumblings.
No matter what experience you would like to create, USA Guided Tours has options for you. For those looking to take in the outdoor beauty of Washington, D.C. in autumn, we can take you to the most picturesque spots along the National Mall. For those driven by the history and politics of the United States capital, consider our Arlington Cemetery & DC Highlights Tour, which is geared toward an appreciation of this significance.
Come wintertime, Washington, D.C. hits freezing temperatures and experiences heavy snow, both of which greatly decrease the number of tourists who visit. Just as you can find reprieve from the heat in summer, in winter, you can find warmth in museums with free entry. Likewise, hotel prices experience notable cuts.
While putting up with the cold may not suit everyone, if you are up to it, wintertime in Washington, D.C. has a lot to offer. Not only will you save money, but there are also activities and events you can only experience in Washington, D.C. when it is winter. Take a day to go sledding on Capitol Hill or visit the White House for the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree.
Sightseeing in Washington, D.C. during the winter doesn’t have to be in frigid conditions. USA Guided Tours has a fleet of climate-controlled vehicles that allows you to enjoy your trip in ultimate comfort. Celebrate the season for what it is by doing something special. These are things you can only do in our nation’s capital, so take advantage if you can. It will make for an excellent shot on Facebook or Instagram.
Be sure to observe legal national holidays, as many establishments will be closed in recognition of these days. It would be a shame to plan a visit somewhere when admission is not allowed, so keep this in mind when planning the time of your trip.
In this vein, keep in mind that most tourist attractions are likely to be busier on weekends than they are on weekdays (especially on Saturdays). Mondays and Wednesdays tend to be the slowest days for crowds, while museums are best visited after school crowds dissipate around 2 pm.
If visiting the White House is on your “must visit” list, be sure to plan ahead (think six to nine months ahead).
First-time visitors should expect to spend a minimum of three days to fully achieve their Washington, D.C. sightseeing. There is so much our nation’s capital has to offer, anything less would prove unsatisfactory.
For something a bit more special, consider a specialty tour that focuses closer on your interests. Perhaps you would like to learn a bit more about African American culture and how it has impacted our country’s history. Or maybe you would like a private tour of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate. No matter what you appreciate about U.S. history, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In the end, there isn’t a bad time to visit Washington, D.C. It all comes down to personal preference and what you are looking to get out of your trip. When in doubt, turn to a professional tour company like USA Guided Tours. We provide the best Washington, D.C. tours available. From our expert local tour guides to our climate-controlled luxury buses, we offer tourists the ultimate experience.
Carefully curated to give you the experience of a lifetime, we make sightseeing in Washington, D.C. something special.
USA Guided Tours Blogging Team