Did you know there were eight United States capitals before the Compromise of 1790 deemed Washington, D.C. the seat of the government of the United States? Today, the bustling D.C. metro area is home to nearly six million people and counting. Full of rich history and modern neighborhoods, it’s a great place to visit at any time of year.
Here are some tips to get you ready for your trip to Washington, D.C. and to help you make the most of your adventure!
What do I need to know about Washington, D.C.?
Formal name: District of Columbia
Location: Situated at the border of Maryland and Virginia on the east coast of the United States, Washington, D.C. is a federal district that doesn’t belong to any specific state.
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
How can I get there?
Airplane: There are three major airports within or easily accessible to the D.C. area, including Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Train: Amtrak offers train service directly to the city center.
Car: If you’re on the east coast or in the surrounding area, you can easily drive into the city. Traffic and parking may vary depending on weather, special events, and time of year.
What should I expect while visiting?
Weather: Winters are cold with a bit of snow while summers are hot and humid. The best time to visit is in spring or fall when the temperatures are mild.
Food: Washington, D.C. offers a variety of cuisines, thanks to its cultural history and proximity to the water. Try some Chesapeake blue crab, Korean fried chicken, Ethiopian cuisine, or an iconic D.C. half-smoke.
Transportation: Take advantage of the bus and Metro system, or rent a bike or scooter to get around.
What are the most popular attractions in Washington, D.C.?
Landmarks: Check out the US Capitol, the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, or the White House, for starters!
Museums: Enjoy some of the country’s best galleries and artifacts at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Gallery of Art, the United States Botanic Garden, and more. Admission is free to all Smithsonian museums.
Sports: Catch a professional game while you’re in town — the Nationals (MLB), Capitals (NHL), Wizards (NBA), and Redskins (NFL) are all based in the area.
What should I pack for my trip to Washington, D.C.?
Some basics for your trip include:
- Sneakers or comfortable footwear
- Layers — think a T-shirt, long sleeves, and a sweatshirt or sweater in case it gets cold
- A rain jacket in case of inclement weather
- A reusable water bottle for extra hydration
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
Are you a teacher who is interested in taking students along for the ride? Explorica takes care of all of the little details so you can focus on making your trip to our nation’s capital educational and fun. Plan a trip to Washington, D.C. today!