If this will be your first time visiting the DC area (or at least since a middle school field trip), this is the page for you! Make a whole weekend out of it and use these ideas to get you started.
Getting Around
We’re big fans of the Metro!
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA for short) operates bus and light-rail service throughout the region.
Hint: Google Maps (on web and mobile) does a great job of recommending routes via Metro. Just choose the “Transit” option as your travel mode when looking up directions instead of Driving.
Uber/Lyft
Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft are available in the entire DC area and drivers are always abundant.
Bikes & Scooters
Dock-less scooters (e.g. Lime) are available throughout DC and some areas of Maryland and Virginia.
If biking is more your style (late-September DC weather is perfect for it), check out the Capital Bikeshare network of bike docks throughout the region.
Weather
Temperature in the DC area towards the end of September tends to average in the low 60s to high 70s. Sweater weather in the evenings but it can still feel hot on a sunny afternoon.
Museums
Smithsonians
All DC-area Smithsonian museums are free, but hours vary and some may require reserved entry passes. Visit www.si.edu for more info.
Private Museums & Galleries
DC is also home to plenty of private museums and galleries. Some highlights include:
- International Spy Museum
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Building Museum
- The Phillips Collection
- Planet Word
- Glenstone Museum
- JFK Exhibit at The Kennedy Center
Monuments
The National Mall and Memorial Parks are managed by the National Park Service. The NPS website is a great place to start your planning.