The capital of the United States of America is a city to be reckoned with. Packed to the gills with iconic historic monuments, government buildings, and free museums, the city has more than a little bit to offer.

Visitors could easily spend weeks exploring the museums and monuments alone. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied in Washington, DC.

When to Visit Washington, DC

Located on the east coast of the United States, summers in Washington, DC can be especially hot and humid, with temperatures reaching in to the 90’s Fahrenheit (30’s Celsius) and feeling up to 10 degrees warmer thanks to the humidity. The months of June and July are typically busy while things tend to taper down in August when temperatures are at their warmest.

The winter months are cold but receive relatively little snow. The fall and spring months are very mild and are some of the nicest months to visit. The most popular time of year to visit Washington, DC is early spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, usually held in April, will add some extra fun and excitement to your adventures in the capital.

Transportation throughout Washington, DC

If you’d like to leave the capital city with your sanity you should seriously consider parking your car at the hotel and using the DC Metro to travel from sight to sight. The metro is incredibly easy to use and will drop you off near almost every attraction in the city, including the National Zoo, Arlington Cemetery, the National Mall, and the White House.

Using the DC Metro is relatively inexpensive, too. A day pass, perfect for those who plan on riding three or more times in a day, cost a mere $6.50 – far less than you’ll spend on gas and parking if you try to drive around. The average wait for a train is 10 minutes and at night you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 20 minutes for your train to arrive.

Washington, DC has a very sophisticated bus system as well, reaching into the areas the DC Metro misses. The buses, known as Circulators, are painted bright red and are easy to recognize. Rides are $1 each but if you ask for a transfer upon boarding you’ll be able to get on and off the bus for free for up to two hours.

You can, of course, simply walk around the entire city. The numbered streets are incredibly easy to navigate and will give you the opportunity to see some of the lesser known sites like the International Spy Museum (a must see!) or the popular Zaytinya Restaurant.

Washington, DC Tourist Information

There’s a lot to see and do in Washington, DC so your first trip should be a stop at Destination DC, the official tourism corporation for the city. The center is located at 901 7^th St. NW, 4^th Floor, Washington, DC 20001. You can easily plan your trip in advance by visiting the center online at www.washington.org.

Safety Precautions in Washington, DC

Don’t let the fact that you’re in the capital city give you a false sense of security. While crime rates are relatively low, you should take the same precautions you’d take in any major city. Keep your cash hidden, hold on to your purse tightly, and don’t walk in strange areas at night.

That said, you’ll find that there are dozens of local police officers canvassing almost every neighborhood during the days and evenings. Even if you don’t see an officer you can assume there is probably an undercover agent from one of our country’s many agencies (FBI, CIA, Secret Service, etc) nearby.  Call 911 if you have an emergency.

Free and Low Cost Things to Do in Washington, DC

The coolest thing about Washington, DC is that there are a myriad of free and low cost activities you can participate in all year round. Start by taking a tour of some of the country’s most honored memorials. Every single one is free of charge. These include the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the World War II memorial.

Almost all of the museums in Washington, DC are free of charge as well. These include every museum categorized as part of the Smithsonian Institution (and there are quite a few) as well as the National Archives, Washington National Cathedral, and many more.

The National Arboretum, Carter Barron Amphitheater, and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center are great places to relax or take in a free show as well.

Washington, DC has plenty to offer visitors and tourists not only from the United States but from around the world. Spend at least a few days to get a real taste of what life is like in this incredible city. You won’t regret the decision to stay and explore.