Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Washington, DC
** Affiliate disclosure. This web site is supported by its awesome audience. When you click or purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you’re planning a visit to Washington, DC, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Read on to discover some tips on everything from how to park your car to where to take a sightseeing tour.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is the tallest stone structure in the world. It stands at 555 feet. The obelisk is located on the National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
The monument is a great tourist attraction and offers incredible views of the city. However, visitors must pass through security checkpoints before entering. In addition, there is a limited amount of parking available on Ohio Drive and the National Mall. Visitors can rent bikes to go around.
To get the best view, you can take a guided tour. The Washington Monument tour will take about 60 minutes and requires security clearance. A park ranger will direct you to the security entrance. When you arrive, you must sanitize your hands and wear a mask. Once inside, you will see the obelisk from all four sides. You can also visit the museum located on the floor below the observation deck.
You should plan your visit to coincide with sunrise or sunset. If you do not, you may be unable to get up to the top of the monument.
National Archives
The National Archives is a treasure trove of priceless documents. From the Declaration of Independence to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, these documents have helped shape America’s history. If you are looking for a fun and interesting way to learn more about the nation’s founding documents, then the National Archives may be just the place for you.
The National Archives is an excellent resource for genealogists and other research enthusiasts. In addition to holding some of the most important records in the country’s history, the National Archives also hosts educational programs and workshops.
One of the most important artifacts in the National Archives is the Magna Carta of 1297. This document influenced many of the other historical artifacts in the museum. A copy of the document can be seen in the Rubenstein Gallery.
Another must-see at the National Archives is the Special Exhibition Gallery. There, you can see traveling exhibits from presidential libraries, as well as document-based exhibits.
The Public Vaults are a special gallery that features over 1,000 documents. These include photographs, papers, and audio clips that highlight the many ways that our nation has worked to defend itself.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution is one of the most famous museums in the world. It is a renowned collection of 19 museums located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Each museum features different artifacts and exhibits.
One of the most popular of all the Smithsonian museums is the National Air and Space Museum. This museum features many displays on space exploration. These include the Apollo 11 Command Module, space shuttles, and aircraft. In October, the museum added a new exhibition on the history of flight.
Another great museum to visit is the National History Museum. You can take a self-guided tour. However, you will need to go through security screening. If you are planning to visit the museum during the holidays, you can make a reservation.
Visitors should not take their phones into the museum. Also, do not bring pockets or purses into the museum.
For those with young children, the Discovery Room is a great place to have fun. This room has interactive displays and allows children to try on clothes from around the world.
Georgetown
When visiting Washington DC, you might want to spend some time in the historic district of Georgetown. This part of the city is full of beautiful homes, parks, and restaurants. The area has also become a center for high fashion. You can find designer stores like Rag & Bone and Alice & Olivia, as well as some of the best local boutiques.
Georgetown’s nightlife isn’t quite as trendy as other hot spots, but you can still find a few good places to dance. El Centro DF is one of the more popular dancing venues.
There are also plenty of places to eat, including some of the hottest restaurants in D.C. One place to check out is Stachowski’s, a butcher shop that’s been a local favorite since 1972.
Georgetown is home to the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, which features over fifty acres of landscaped beauty. It includes a museum and a rare book gallery.
Another place to see is the Old Stone House, which is one of the oldest structures in the area. It was built in 1765 and is on its original foundation. The house is open to the public for tours.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. This monument honors the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
The memorial features two massive granite structures, including a 30-foot-tall statue of Dr. King, which was created by sculptor Steven Dickey of Tampa, Florida.
A 450-foot-long inscription wall contains quotes from King’s speeches and sermons. These quotations are arranged in a crescent-shaped form.
When visiting the memorial, visitors enter through a gateway on a small mountain called “The Mountain of Despair.” From there, they proceed to a plaza on the Tidal Basin. Located between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the site is situated on four acres.
The monument is part of a new national network of Civil Rights Movement sites. It is the first non-war memorial on the National Mall.
The memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day. There is a ranger on duty to answer questions and provide interpretive programs. Visitors should wear facial coverings.
The memorial is a permanent tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. King, and he will be remembered forever.
Espita Mezcaleria
Located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, DC, Espita Mezcal is a small but mighty mezcal bar. The GM of the aforementioned establishment, Josh Phillips, has made mezcal a big part of his business, and has helped build one of the best mezcal lists in town. With over 100 different mezcals in stock, you can be sure to find something to suit your palate.
Aside from the mezcal bar, the restaurant also offers an extensive collection of Mexican cuisine. The menu is designed to showcase a wide variety of authentic Mexican desserts, main dishes, and cocktails. For the beverage aficionados, the menu includes a mezcal-laced margarita.
While Espita’s cocktail list may not be as extensive as its food selection, it’s certainly better than most. They offer a selection of themed cocktails, including a mezcal-heavy version of the negroni. This cocktail is made with mezcal, triple sec, and a touch of agave nectar.
In the bar, you’ll find a large selection of mezcals, representing over two dozen agave varietals. The owner of the establishment is particularly passionate about Denomination of Origin, as well as sustainable practices in the tequila and mezcal industries.
Old Town Trolley Tour
If you’re visiting Washington DC, one of the best ways to see the capital is with an Old Town Trolley Tour. These tours give passengers a fun, narrated trip through the city’s many landmarks. They pass by many major attractions, including the White House, the National Mall, and the Washington Monument.
The tour takes about 90 minutes, and stops at 15 locations around the city. Passengers can ride the trolley as much as they like, and hop on and off at designated stops to see what they like. Whether you want to see the famous landmarks, or just take a break from sightseeing, the tour has what you need.
In addition to the sightseeing tour, the Old Town Trolley offers a Transportainment tour, which combines transportation with entertainment. A trained, knowledgeable host will narrate the tour and share fascinating historical facts.
The transportation service is open nine am to five pm every day, except on federal holidays. Tickets are available for purchase at the Washington Welcome Center, located at 1001 E St. N.W., or at the trolley’s stop at 10th and E Streets.
Parking in DC
Getting around in Washington DC can be a challenge. It has some of the best public transportation in the country, but you’ll still have to make sure you find enough parking. This city’s streets are a mix of metered and unmetered spaces, but most spots are regulated.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) manages the parking system. They have a website where they list a variety of parking programs. Those programs include free parking for non-residents and free street parking during certain times.
You can also get a visitor parking pass for DC, which allows you to park in a standard permit zone for more than two hours. You can apply for a parking pass on their site.
In addition to street and paid garage parking, you’ll also find many hotel parking lots. These often offer cheaper rates than local garages. There are also many parking apps to help you find and reserve a spot. LazParking and Colonial Parking are just two examples. Using these apps can save you a lot of time and hassle when looking for a place to park.
About The Author
