Filed under Travel on November 19th, 2008:
4 Easy Steps to Plan a Trip to Washington DC for the Holidays
Do you know your presidential history? Do you like to sight see? Are you looking for a holiday getaway? If you want to learn more about the history of our great country, plan a trip to the Unites States capitol, Washington DC.
Step 1: Check the Weather
The first step to planning your trip is finding out what the local weather will be like when you plan to visit Washington DC. The winter months often bring a hefty amount of snow. Check average temperatures in Washington DC.
Step 2: Book a Flight
Choose which Washington DC Airport you’ll fly into…there are two serving the metro area. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 26 miles from downtown Washington DC, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), in Arlington County, Virginia, is just 4 miles from downtown Washington, DC.
Step 3: Find a Hotel
You might want to stay near the National Mall, close to many of the Washington DC attractions. You will not need a rental car if you stay close to the capitol. You can walk or use the the Metro subway and bus system to easily get from one part of town to another, or from the suburbs into DC.
Step 4: Choose Sights to See
The White House – This home and office of the President is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Without advance reservations, you can only visit the White House Visitor Center at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets. If you would like a tour of the White House, you must make a request through one of your members of Congress at least one month in advance.
The U.S. Capitol Building – This building stands at E. Capitol St. and First St. NW, Washington DC, at the east end of the National Mall. To visit this historic landmark you’ll need to be part of a guided tour. You can get free tickets at the Capitol Guide Service kiosk located near the intersection of First Street, S.W. and Independence Avenue.
The Smithsonian Museums – The world-class Smithsonian museums offer guided tours, special programs and hands-on-activities. In the Smithsonian American Art Museum you’ll find Luce Foundation Center, a three-story open storage area with more than 3,000 pieces of art from the museum collection.
The Washington Monument – This monument, at 15th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, honors the memory of President George Washington and is an important historic site and landmark. It’s part of the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Arlington National Cemetery – Located across the Memorial Bridge from DC, this is America’s largest cemetery. It houses the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
DC The Lights! – This is a night-time tour of all the major attractions in DC. Exploring this beautiful city at night will be an experience to remember.
Another fun thing to do is to visit Washington DC for the holiday season. Take a walk with your loved ones and see all of the beautiful Christmas lights.
And if you still need more ideas of things to do in Washington DC, check out this blog on living in and exploring Washington DC. You’ll be exhausted by the time you get back to your Orlando home.