Additional DC questions About This Page:

[Shell_of_the_South]

I just read the thread Lori started about Washington DC - what a wealth of knowledge there! I wanted to ask two other questions, and I was afraid they might get lost, so I'm asking them in a separate thread.

1) What is the best time to visit DC? We'll have to go in the summer, and I'm wondering if it is more crowded around July 4th.

2) How many days should we plan to spend there? We can't do everything, but we want to get a good sampling in.

Thanks!!

[DrDolphin]

My favorite time of year in DC is spring around the cherry blossoms blooming.... and I love the fall - the trees turning colors and the leaves starting to fall. Cool enough for sweaters - but not so cold you need coats.

I think I could easily fill up 4 days in DC with all the museums and memorials!!!

Have a great trip!

[chezp]

We've been in the winter before - usually November and December and have loved it, especially when it snows, it's beautiful, but I can't help with information on visiting in the summer. We could easily spend three or four days there, there's so much to do.

[Lumieregirl]

Around July 4th you will see a large increase in crowds. Of course it would be super-crowded to see the fireworks etc on the actual day of July 4th. However, the museums and such should still be ok the days before and after, as they are capable of handling a lot of people.

You can see the highlights of DC in about 2-3 days, depending on your pace. But, like Cheryl said, there is so much to do, you could easily spend much more time.

[Colexis Mom]

July 4th will be crowded with all the events going on. We could easily spend 4-5 days down there, between all the museums and other things to see Thankfully my DSIL lives just outside the city, so we pop in for a day or two everytime we go down to see her

[poohmaine]

It is crazy crowded in DC in the spring and summer. Our senator's office told us we were nuts to come during that time, because we would experience long lines and large crowds everywhere. In late August, the crowds drop.

We spent a week in DC the last week in August two years ago. The crowds weren't bad, and we had no trouble getting tickets. (Tickets are free, and not everything needs a ticket, but you have to pick up tickets the same day, and the lines for tickets can be hours long). But even with the lower crowds, we still didn't get a chance to see everything! You could easily spend one whole day in just one of the museums.

Remember to contact your senator or representative's office ASAP after you have your vacation dates so they can get you tickets for a tour of the Capitol (then you don't have to wait in line for tickets). We were lucky, and they also arranged a tour of the White House for us (although what you get to see is pretty limited).


Here is a link to my trip report if you want more info:
http://www.passporterboards.com/ubb/show...part=1&vc=1
There is a list of websites that I used for information at the end of the report.

Have a great trip!

[Plannergirl]

I live about 5 miles outside DC and I would tell you unless you like lots and lots of people and baking heat dont come in the summer. DC is a wonderful place but come in the Fall or late Winter (before the Cherry trees bloom) the lines will be gone, the locals are more friendly and prices are better. Honestly Fall is my fav time in DC as its a pretty area and there are lots of weekend festivals.

Best of luck and enjoy your trip

[Carousel96]

I agree that Spring and Fall are the best times, but if you have to do Summer, I'd avoid July 4 itself. It's crowded. And if you want to see the concert on the Capitol lawn (the one on PBS every year) plan to spend the day camping out. We tried it and bailed at about 2:30 because it was too darn hot (when the park service guys were passing out water by the shrink-wrapped 12 pack, we knew we were in for it).
I have a conference in DC every summer -- usually the week after the 4th, sometimes the week before, and the crowds are noticibly lighter than for the holiday itself.