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    Family Guide Washington, DC
    Family Guide Washington, DC
    Family Guide Washington, DC
    Ebook1,091 pages6 hours

    Family Guide Washington, DC

    By DK Travel

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    About this ebook

    Discover how the whole family can enjoy Washington, DC-from the Lincoln Memorial and the White House to the National Air and Space Museum-with this colorful, kids-oriented travel guide.

    The best places to visit in DC are all approached from a family-friendly angle. The guide is organized around "hubs"-major sights around which to plan your day-and gives child-friendly eating options, age-range suitability info, places for letting off steam, detailed maps, activities for rainy days, and plenty of ideas things to do with kids beyond the major Washington, DC, attractions. Plus there are Kids' Corners in every chapter with cartoons, quizzes and games to keep young travelers happy all day long.

    Written by travel experts and parents who understand the need to keep children entertained while enjoying family time together, DK Eyewitness Family Guides offer child-friendly sleeping and eating options, detailed maps of main sightseeing areas, travel information, budget guidance, age-range suitability, and activities for every age.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherDK Travel
    Release dateMay 22, 2018
    ISBN9781465477729
    Family Guide Washington, DC

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      Book preview

      Family Guide Washington, DC - DK Travel

      DK

      Table of Contents

      How to Use this Family Guide

      Introducing Washington, DC

      The Best of Washington, DC

      Washington, DC Through the Year

      Getting to Washington, DC

      Getting Around Washington, DC

      Practical Information

      Where to Stay

      Where to Eat

      Shopping

      Entertainment

      Parks and Gardens

      Spectator Sports

      The History of Washington, DC

      Quirky Events in Washington’s History

      Exploring Washington, DC

      National Mall

      National Mall East

      National Air and Space Museum

      National Museum of the American Indian

      Hirshhorn Museum

      Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden

      Arts and Industries Building

      Smithsonian Castle

      National Museum of African Art

      Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

      Freer Gallery of Art

      Forestry Information Center

      Bureau of Engraving and Printing

      US Holocaust Memorial Museum

      National Museum of African American History and Culture

      National Museum of American History

      National Museum of Natural History

      National Gallery of Art West Building

      National Gallery of Art East Building

      National Sculpture Garden

      National Mall West

      Washington Monument

      World War II Memorial

      Reflecting Pool

      Constitution Gardens

      Vietnam Veterans Memorial

      Korean War Veterans Memorial

      Lincoln Memorial

      Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

      Tidal Basin

      Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

      East Potomac Park

      Thomas Jefferson Memorial

      Capitol Hill

      Capitol Hill

      United States Capitol

      US Botanic Garden

      Capitol Grounds

      Capitol Reflecting Pool and Monuments

      Bartholdi Park

      Library of Congress

      Folger Shakespeare Library

      US Supreme Court

      Eastern Market

      Sewall-Belmont House and Museum

      National Postal Museum

      Union Station

      The White House and Foggy Bottom

      The White House and Foggy Bottom

      The White House

      White House Visitor Center

      Freedom Plaza

      Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

      Renwick Gallery

      Blair House

      Decatur House

      Lafayette Square

      St. John’s Church

      Kennedy Center

      Penn Quarter

      Penn Quarter

      Newseum

      National Archives

      Old Post Office

      Ford’s Theatre

      The Petersen Boarding House

      International Spy Museum

      Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery

      National Museum of Crime and Punishment

      Madame Tussauds

      National Museum of Women in the Arts

      Georgetown

      Georgetown

      Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

      Washington Harbour

      Old Stone House

      N Street

      Dumbarton Oaks

      Beyond Central Washington

      Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park and around

      Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park

      Peirce Mill

      Hillwood Estate

      Embassy Row

      Washington National Cathedral

      Dupont Circle

      National Geographic Museum

      The Phillips Collection

      US National Arboretum and around

      United States National Arboretum

      Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

      Frederick Douglass House

      Oxon Hill Farm

      Day Trips and Excursions

      Day Trips and Excursions

      George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate

      Old Town Alexandria

      Gunston Hall

      The Pentagon

      Mount Vernon Bike Trail

      Theodore Roosevelt Island

      Arlington National Cemetery

      Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

      Manassas National Battlefield

      Great Falls Park

      Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

      Harpers Ferry National Historic Park

      Leesburg

      White’s Ferry

      Frederick

      Skyline Drive

      Monticello

      Charlottesville

      Fredericksburg

      Middleburg

      Colonial Williamsburg™

      Jamestown

      Yorktown Battlefield

      Yorktown Victory Center

      Colonial Parkway

      Busch Gardens®

      Annapolis

      Baltimore’s Inner Harbor

      Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum

      Sports Legends Museum/Geppi’s Entertainment Museum

      The Walters Art Museum

      Chesapeake Bay Driving Tour

      A Day at the Beach

      Where to Stay in Washington, DC

      Washington, DC Maps

      Acknowledgments

      Copyright

      DK

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      DK

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      Eat & Drink Price Guide

      Picnic under €25; Snacks €25–45; Real Meal €45–90; Family treat over €90 (based on a family of four)

      Accommodation Price Guide

      The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and any additional taxes.

      € Under €200; €€ €200–350; €€€ over €350

      DK

      The Best of Washington, DC

      Washington, DC Through the Year

      Getting to Washington, DC

      Getting Around Washington, DC

      Practical Information

      Where to Stay

      Where to Eat

      Shopping

      Entertainment

      Parks and Gardens

      Spectator Sports

      The History of Washington, DC

      Quirky Events in Washington’s History

      < Back to Introducing Washington, DC

      The Best of Washington, DC

      DK

      From left to right Washington Monument rising above Constitution Gardens; Facade of the Supreme Court; Visitors at the National Air and Space Museum

      DK

      The series of paintings entitled Voyage of Life by Thomas Cole in the National Gallery of Art West Building

      The city of Washington, DC is perfect for families – small enough to get around easily, but with enough fun attractions, cultural events, and one-of-a-kind experiences to keep everyone entertained. The National Mall is full of quality museums and theaters, and beyond it, the city and its environs include a range of kid-oriented attractions, from one of the world’s best zoos to the remarkable interactive exhibits at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

      Amazing art in gorgeous galleries

      Start at the National Gallery of Art West Building, which offers an audio tour designed for kids. Walk to the National Gallery of Art East Building, where a recent renovation has added 12,250 sq ft (1,138 sq m) of new exhibition space that includes two soaring tower galleries and a rooftop terrace. Stop at the Children’s Shop on the lower level, and ride Villareal’s walkway, Multiverse, as many times as you want. Don’t forget to see Alexander Calder’s mobile and Andy Goldsworthy’s Roof in the atrium. On the terrace, find an enormous electric blue rooster strutting its stuff, and enjoy a spectacular view of Pennsylvania Avenue.

      For lunch, head to the Pavilion Café in the National Sculpture Garden. Let the kids run in the garden afterward, but make sure they see Typewriter Eraser, Scale X, and Thinker on a Rock. Next, stop at the Freer Gallery of Art to see some wonderful Asian art and Whistler’s legendary Peacock Room. An underground passage links the Freer to the National Museum of African Art, which is full of exciting stuff like primitive drums, ceremonial weapons, and masks.

      For a break, head to the Smithsonian Castle for snacks and then on to the Mall so the kids can ride on the historic carousel. Head to the Hirshhorn Museum and let the kids go wild in its Sculpture Garden.

      Marauding through museums

      Begin your day by taking flight – at the National Air and Space Museum. Get in and out before the crowds arrive, but be sure to see the Wright Flyer, the Moon rock, and the Spirit of St. Louis. Dash to the National Museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the Hope Diamond and the forensic re-creations of our ancestors in the Hall of Human Origins.

      The National Museum of the American Indian offers a chance to meet modern Native Americans and to enjoy Native-inspired dishes at the Mitsitam Café. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is an exciting new addition to the National Mall, where interactive exhibits tell the complex narrative of African American history.

      Saving the best till last, the International Spy Museum is filled with interactive goodies geared for children. Create a cover, see historical and modern spy gear, try breaking a code, and visit the re-created bunker where the US spied on East Germany during the Cold War.

      Check out the government

      Those interested in the workings of the American government can watch the US Senate and House of Representatives in action at the United States Capitol. When the Supreme Court is in session, you can step into the gallery to watch the Justices debate the legal issues of the day.

      Also worth a stop is the National Archives, where the Constitution and other key documents on the founding of the American state can be examined. The Newseum has many exhibits that highlight freedom of the press, while a tour of The White House and the White House Visitor Center offers insights into the US presidency.

      DK

      Equestrian statue of Washington, Mount Vernon

      The great outdoors

      Washington’s planners had gardens and green spaces in mind when they laid out the city two centuries ago. Start at the Washington Monument and walk northwest through the pretty Constitution Gardens. For a longer walk, head southwest around the Tidal Basin (which is lined with shady cherry trees, and then back east along the south side of the Mall. Behind the Smithsonian Castle, Enid A. Haupt Garden has manicured lawns and some quiet, hidden nooks.

      Stroll east to the US Botanic Garden and explore 3 acres (1.5 ha) of flowers and paths in the National Garden, but also pop into the conservatory to check out the orchid collection and the Jungle with its waterfalls and second-story catwalk. Younger kids will enjoy the Children’s Garden.

      For lunch, head to Georgetown’s Washington Harbour and dine at Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place. Walk south to the Thompson Boat Center to rent kayaks for a paddle on the Potomac, or hire bikes and head north on the C&O Canal towpath. End your day with a stroll along the green trails of Theodore Roosevelt Island after visiting the memorial statue of the 26th president, one of America’s best-known conservationists.

      Washington, DC on a budget

      Washington, DC is one of the best cities in the US in which to have a great time without spending too much money. This is because admission to almost every attraction on the Mall, including all memorials and Smithsonian museums, is free (although there might be a charge for guided tours and special exhibits). Some other free sights on the Mall include the US Botanic Garden, the US Capitol, and the National Gallery of Art. Tours of The White House (arranged well ahead of time), the National Archives, and the Library of Congress are also free.

      There is free stuff away from the Mall too. Admission to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Washington National Cathedral (cathedral tours: $12 adults, $8 kids over 5), US National Arboretum, and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is free.

      Attend one of the free performances that take place at the Millennium Stage in Kennedy Center at 6pm daily. In summer, the Sylvan Theater (202 315 1313) on the Mall hosts free music and theatrical performances, and free movies are shown at the Screen on the Green on Monday nights. Free guided walking tours (gratuity requested) are offered by DC by Foot.

      DK

      Sculpture of a lion at the entrance to the National Zoological Park

      Washington, DC by season

      Washington turns into a riot of pink and white in springtime, when thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in late March and early April is Washington’s largest celebration, filling the city with special events, concerts, and family- and kid-oriented events. The biggest thrill, however, is simply strolling around the Tidal Basin or along the roads of East Potomac Park under hundreds of cherry trees blanketed in bright blossoms. The Blossom Kite Festival is also held at the same time, filling the sky above the Mall with fluttering color and excitement.

      Also in spring, a sea of azaleas in the US National Arboretum is in bloom, and at the White House, the annual Easter Egg Roll, for which tickets are distributed via an online lottery, is open to kids everywhere. Every year, thousands show up for a day of music, activities, and, of course, Easter eggs.

      Summer brings the Smithsonian Folklife Festival to the Mall, highlighting homespun art and crafts from around the globe. On the Fourth of July, the Mall becomes one big family picnic as crowds gather for music and fireworks celebrating American independence.

      Fall is the time for the National Book Festival, which brings music, food, books, and fun activities for kids to the Mall. During this season, DC restaurants line Pennsylvania Avenue with tents and booths offering every type of delicious food imaginable in the annual Taste of DC Festival.

      Winter brings the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, and in February, Chinese New Year lights up the neighborhood of Chinatown. Throughout this season, kids and adults flock to the National Sculpture Garden to ice-skate to beautiful music on the big rink surrounded by the classic buildings of the Mall.

      DK

      Azaleas in bloom at the US National Arboretum

      Three days in Washington, DC

      On the first day, head to the Washington Monument for a walk in the monument grounds which offer great views of the National Mall. Then stroll to the World War II Memorial, and walk through the lovely Constitution Gardens on the way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. Grab a taxi to the Capitol Visitor Center Restaurant for lunch, after which take the tour of the United States Capitol and admire the Rotunda and the view of the Mall from the balcony. Walk down to the US Botanic Garden, tour the conservatory and National Garden, then walk across to the National Museum of the American Indian.

      Start your second day at the National Air and Space Museum as soon as it opens, then head to the National Museum of Natural History. Walk one block west and one block north to Elephant & Castle for good pub food in a kid-friendly atmosphere. In the afternoon, walk east and south to the National Archives to see the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Spend the rest of the afternoon looking at masterpieces at the National Sculpture Garden and the National Gallery of Art across Constitution Avenue.

      Head first to the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park on your third day. Arrive early, as the animals are more active in the cool morning air. Spend a couple of hours here and then head to the Washington National Cathedral and take its self-guided tour. Have lunch at the fun and funky 2 Amys, then drive or take a ferry from the southwest waterfront to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and spend the afternoon learning about George Washington on his riverfront plantation. Have dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn and then get back to the Mall to watch the sun set behind the Lincoln Memorial. Walk to Tidal Basin, then stroll past the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and get to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial just in time for the evening lights.

      DK

      The Great Hall in the Library of Congress

      Theatrical Washington, DC

      Washington has a wealth of stage and theater options. The Kennedy Center is the city’s largest venue for theater, symphony, opera, and popular music. It also has a regular schedule of children’s plays and entertainment.

      Another large and varied venue, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is home to the 7,000-seat Filene Center, which hosts over 90 music, theater, comedy, and dance performances during the summer season. The Barns at Wolf Trap hosts a variety of local and special interest acts, and there are also regular children’s performances at the Theatre-in-the-Woods.

      Elsewhere around DC, Ford’s Theatre offers a year-round roster of classic family entertainment, while the National Theatre (www.nationaltheatre.org) presents a wide range of Broadway and popular plays. The Arena Stage specializes in American plays, while the Woolly Mammoth Theater offers avant-garde and cutting-edge modern stage productions. The venerable Folger Shakespeare Library presents classic Shakespeare plays and the Shakespeare Theatre Company (www.shakespearetheatre.org) performs both Shakespearean and contemporary plays.

      < Back to Introducing Washington, DC

      Washington, DC Through the Year

      DK

      From left to right A traditional dragon dance during the Lunar New Year Festival, Chinatown; The National Christmas Tree across the street from the White House

      DK

      The colorful and vibrant National Cherry Blossom Festival parade

      Each season brings its own reasons for parades and festivals in Washington, DC. The city shines in spring with clouds of cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin and kites flying high above the Mall, while summer means Fourth of July fireworks and food festivals. Fall brings theater and music performances to the Kennedy Center, and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree kicks off the holiday season. Major League sports draw cheering fans in all seasons.

      Spring

      Washington is at its very best in spring, when the city is blessed with mild weather, abundant flowers, and endless festivities to herald the season. No photo can capture the full beauty of the cherry blossoms that canopy the Tidal Basin in clouds of pink and white each year, inspiring DC’s largest festival. Most of these trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912.

      MARCH

      The DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade starts the fun, filling Constitution Avenue with floats, bagpipes, costumed dancers, and the wearin’ of the green. The National Cherry Blossom Festival includes a lavish parade, fireworks, and a street festival showcasing Japanese performances, arts, crafts, and food. Festivities kick off with the Blossom Kite Festival in the grounds of the Washington Monument, showing off the skills of kite-makers from across the world. Events include kite ballets and demonstrations, a young kite-makers’ competition, and a hot tricks showdown featuring amazing flight patterns to music. Activity tents offer kids the chance to learn origami and make a wind sock or a kite.

      The White House Easter Egg Roll, for which tickets are issued via an online lottery, is a tradition dating back to 1878. The president and his family preside over the South Lawn while children listen to stories and search for the 24,000 wooden eggs that are hidden on the grounds.

      DK

      The colorful kite-flying festival in the Washington Monument grounds

      APRIL

      Filmfest DC, an 11-day international film festival, showcases top cinema from around the world with over 100 feature films, documentaries, and short films. The Smithsonian Craft Show draws the best contemporary artisans in the nation to show and sell their works.

      The ceremony for Jefferson’s Birthday includes a military color guard, wreath tributes, and the sounding of Taps at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, while Shakespeare’s Birthday brings Elizabethan costumes, dances, songs, and a cake to the Folger Shakespeare Library.

      Baseball fans look forward to hearing the opening words: Play Ball as the Washington Nationals begin their season at Nationals Park.

      DK

      The cake-cutting ceremony celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday at the Folger Shakespeare Library

      MAY

      Everyone looks forward to Passport DC, a month-long event saluting the city’s rich international culture with street festivals, open houses, and embassy events that showcase art, music, dance, and food from around the globe. The highlights are tour days, when embassies and international cultural centers open their doors to visitors. As part of the festival, the Meridian International Center and the Ronald Reagan Building stage festivities for kids featuring music, dance, and films from across nations.

      Also on the May agenda are the DC Dragon Boat Festival, with colorful races on the Potomac, and the Fiesta Asia Street Fair, with live performances by musicians and martial artists, a lion dance, Pan-Asian foods, and a multi-cultural marketplace.

      Washington marks Memorial Day with a big parade paying tribute to America’s war veterans and a National Symphony Orchestra concert on the Capitol Grounds. Twilight Tattoos are popular free outdoor events held by the US Army and feature a military pageant.

      Summer

      There are many good reasons why so many tourists stream into Washington in the summer. During this busy time, the city offers a feast of outdoor entertainment. Free concerts by different military bands take place nightly at the Capitol Grounds, and the Navy Band holds weekly concerts at the US Navy Memorial. The Carter Barron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park offers films and music shows. Many other events, from fireworks displays and festivals to sports, make it well worthwhile to join the crowds.

      JUNE

      Kids love the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby, when racers aged 8 to 17 come careering down Capitol Hill in motorless cars. The three-week Source Festival premieres new works from theater, dance, music, film, puppetry, and poetry.

      The National Capital Barbecue Battle fills Pennsylvania Avenue with competition between BBQ chefs, plus demonstrations, tastings, and kids’ activities, while the DC Caribbean Carnival Parade is known for its masqueraders in costumes dancing down Constitution Avenue. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival fills the Mall with free performances, crafts, cooking demonstrations, and storytelling.

      JULY

      Washington is the place to be on America’s Independence Day as bands, floats, military units, and giant balloons parade along Constitution Avenue, followed by a free evening concert by the National Symphony Orchestra and spectacular fireworks over the Washington Monument grounds.

      The 18-day Capital Fringe Festival offers edgy theater, dance, music, and puppetry in venues around the city.

      DK

      Fireworks over the US Capitol during Independence Day festivities

      AUGUST

      Tennis fans eagerly await the Citi Open, when top names compete in a major tournament at Rock Creek Park, while food mavens look forward to the city’s biannual Restaurant Week, when the best restaurants in town offer bargain-priced lunches and dinners.

      Fall

      The Labor Day weekend marks the traditional end of summer and the National Symphony Orchestra gives the season a fine send-off with the last of the outdoor concerts in the Capitol Grounds. Fall days bring some of the year’s best weather, and the city’s parks and hiking and biking trails are all the more appealing amid fall foliage. Summer crowds thin out, also making this an ideal time to take in the city’s many monuments and museums.

      SEPTEMBER

      The two-day National Book Festival attracts book lovers to the National Mall to meet famous authors and illustrators, including writers of best-selling kids’ books.

      September is synonymous with the start of the Washington Redskins football season and brings cheering crowds to the impressive FedEx Field.

      OCTOBER

      Cheer on 30,000 or so runners at Washington’s Marine Corps Marathon as they run past the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian museums, the famous memorials, and The Pentagon, before winding up in Arlington. Kids aged 5 to 12 are invited to sign up for the Healthy Kids 1-mile (1.6-km) run, held the day before the big race. This race is not timed and all kids receive a medal, T-shirt, and a goody bag.

      Food lovers will enjoy Taste of DC, when Pennsylvania Avenue is packed with food and drink stands from area restaurants and breweries. There is also live family-friendly entertainment.

      There’s no better way to celebrate Halloween than the Boo at the Zoo at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park. Kids can come in costume and enjoy encounters with a spooky crew of bats, spiders, and owls. There are also haunted trails and festive decorations, and candy and snacks are available from more than 40 treat stations.

      October brings sporting excitement to the Verizon Center, where the professional Washington Wizards basketball team and the Washington Capitals hockey team can be seen in action.

      NOVEMBER

      FotoWeek DC, held at the former Spanish Ambassador’s residence (2801 16th St NW, 20009), features photography exhibitions and competitions, displaying thousands of entries from both professional and amateur photographers, and experts offering tips at workshops.

      Winter

      Washington winters are chilly, but only a few days dip below freezing and there is still plenty of life in the city, especially during the gala holiday season. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse by the nation’s first family is a beloved American tradition and includes entertainment and a visit from Santa. The tree is lit until 11pm every night through January 1, and free nightly performances are held around it. Colder days also see the opening of the ice rink at the National Sculpture Garden, an exceptional setting surrounded by beautiful sculptures. If you would rather watch than skate, Pavilion Café at the National Gallery of Art offers a panoramic view of the scene.

      DK

      Ice-skating at the National Sculpture Garden, outside the National Gallery of Art

      LATE NOVEMBER–DECEMBER

      During this holiday season, festive music can be enjoyed in December at the Washington National Cathedral. The Norwegian Train Display at Union Station has a handmade model train that winds through replicas of the mountains and fjords of Norway.

      ZooLights at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park lights up the night with animal-shaped light exhibits. This event features a special train ride for kids, zoo-themed model train displays, entertainment, talks by keepers, and a contest for the best gingerbread creations.

      Christmas at Mount Vernon finds George Washington’s estate aglow with decorations, traditional chocolate-making demonstrations, a gingerbread model of Mount Vernon, and even a Christmas camel, just like he had on the grounds for Christmas in 1787.

      JANUARY

      The International Motorcycle Show displays the latest in bikes, cruisers, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and includes a stunt show and prizes. The Washington Auto Show features some 700 sleek new makes and models, and offers giveaways, kids’ activities, and entertainment.

      DK

      A biker performs at the International Motorcycle Show

      FEBRUARY

      Washington’s Chinatown celebrates the Chinese New Year with a Lunar New Year Festival, featuring a parade with music and dance performances, the traditional Chinese dragon dance, crafts, face painting, lion dancing, and tai chi and kung fu demonstrations.

      Lincoln’s Birthday is marked with the laying of a wreath and a moving reading of the Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial.

      The liveliest President’s Day celebration is at Mount Vernon, where visitors can sample George Washington’s favorite breakfast of hoecakes (small cakes made of cornmeal) cooked over an open fire, chat with a costumed Washington re-enactor about life in the 18th century, and view a parade with fife and drum corps, early American music, and heritage breed animals marching past the mansion.

      The Lowdown

      Spring

      DC Dragon Boat Festival www.dragonboatdc.com

      DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade www.dcstpatsparade.com

      Fiesta Asia Street Fair www.fiestaasia.org

      Filmfest DC www.filmfestdc.org

      Jefferson’s Birthday Apr 13; www.nps.gov/thje

      Meridian International Center www.meridian.org

      National Cherry Blossom Festival www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

      Passport DC www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/passport-dc1

      Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center www.itcdc.com

      Shakespeare’s Birthday Apr 22; www.folger.edu

      Smithsonian Craft Show www.smithsoniancraftshow.org

      The White House Easter Egg Roll www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll

      Summer

      Capital Fringe Festival www.capitalfringe.org

      Citi Open www.citiopentennis.com

      DC Caribbean Carnival Parade www.dccaribbeancarnival.org

      Greater Washington Soap Box Derby www.dcsoapboxderby.org

      National Capital Barbecue Battle www.bbqdc.com

      Restaurant Week www.ramw.org/restaurantweek

      Smithsonian Folklife Festival www.festival.si.edu

      Source Festival www.sourcefestival.org

      Fall

      Boo at the Zoo www.nationalzoo.si.edu

      FotoWeek DC www.fotoweekdc.org

      Marine Corps Marathon www.marinemarathon.com

      National Book Festival www.loc.gov/bookfest

      Taste of DC www.thetasteofdc.org

      Winter

      International Motorcycle Show www.motorcycleshows.com/WashingtonDC

      Lunar New Year Festival www.ccccdc.org

      National Christmas Tree www.thenationaltree.org

      Norwegian Train Display www.unionstationdc.com

      Washington Auto Show www.washingtonautoshow.com

      ZooLights www.nationalzoo.si.edu

      Public Holidays

      New Year’s Day Jan 1

      Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday 3rd Mon in Jan

      Lincoln’s Birthday Feb 12

      President’s Day 3rd Mon in Feb

      Memorial Day last Mon in May

      Independence Day Jul 4

      Labor Day 1st Mon in Sep

      Columbus Day 2nd Mon in Oct

      Election Day 1st Tue in Nov

      Veterans Day Nov 11

      Thanksgiving Day 4th Thu in Nov

      Christmas Day Dec 25

      < Back to Introducing Washington, DC

      Getting to Washington, DC

      DK

      Passengers on a platform of the Metrorail station at Ronald Reagan National Airport

      One of the most popular destinations in the US, both for business and pleasure, Washington, DC welcomes some 15 million visitors each year, well over a million of them from other nations. Served by three airports and a busy rail terminal, the city offers excellent connections to the rest of the US and the world. Knowing what to expect on arrival, and having all necessary credentials ready, including the kids’ passports, will make entry easier.

      US entry requirements

      Citizens of 36 nations, including most European countries, Australia, and New Zealand, do not need a visa to enter the US, but must apply for the I-94W form via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in advance. Canadian and Mexican visitors need only valid passports. The Transportation Security Administration is the best source for security regulations.

      Before landing, overseas passengers need to fill in a Customs and Border Protection Agency form with their passport details, flight number, an address in the US, and the value of any gifts being brought in. Passengers are allowed to carry $100 in gifts without tax.

      Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Form I-94 or Form I-94W. Those who need to prove their legal-visitor status can access their CBP arrival/departure record information online.

      Photos and fingerprints of non-residents over 14 years are taken as a security measure.

      Arriving by air

      Washington has two international airports, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI). Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) serves domestic flights. US carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines offer regular flights to Washington, while international lines include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, and Lufthansa. An hourly air shuttle service operates on Delta and US Airways between Boston or New York and Reagan.

      Fares are generally lower midweek and lowest during off-season (Nov–Mar). Apex and Superapex fares are usually the lowest, but check the airlines’ sites for special rates too.

      Luggage carts can be rented at all airports; machines require exact change but credit cards are also accepted. Porters are available to help with baggage for a tip. All airports have currency exchanges, ATMs, and luggage storage.

      DK

      Travelers waiting at Baltimore-Washington International Airport

      Airport transfers

      All airports have counters that can book transport. The average driving time from Dulles and BWI into the city is about 45 minutes, and about 10 to 15 minutes from Reagan.

      From Dulles, the taxi fare to central Washington is $57–61, while SuperShuttle shared vans cost $29, with a reduction for more than one passenger. A Silver Line Express bus ride from Dulles will bring you to the Wiehle-Reston East metro ($5; $10 roundtrip, free for children under two) and from there to downtown, a journey of about 90 minutes. The Metrobus 5A to the L’Enfant Plaza metro station costs $6.

      BWI has a train service to Union Station for $15–30, and the MARC commuter train to Union Station runs from Mon to Fri ($6). The taxi fare from BWI is about $90, SuperShuttle shared vans cost $39, and Metrobus B30 will cost $7. From the Ronald Reagan National Airport, take the metro directly into the city, or a taxi for $15–20.

      A limousine service from Carmel Car Service or Airport Commuter is available at all airports for about $20 more than the taxi fare. One limo fare covers the family. Reserve a car at least 24 hours in advance, and ask for a van if you are traveling with strollers.

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      Aerial view of aircraft docked at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport

      Arriving by rail

      Washington is a major destination for Amtrak, the national rail system in the US. When arriving by train from US destinations, there are no security procedures to slow your arrival, and cabs are usually plentiful outside the station. Book online in advance for discounts, and check for weekly specials and multi-trip travel pass details on the website.

      Arriving by bus

      Greyhound is the largest intercity US bus line, with a slow but economical service. Their newer buses are comfortable, with ample legroom and electrical outlets. The Greyhound North America Discovery Pass available to foreign visitors is the cheapest way to travel. Purchase tickets online in advance and check for family discounts and other offers on the website. All long-distance buses arrive at the bus depot, from where cabs can be hired. However, porters are not always available here.

      The newer and more comfortable Megabus or Bolt buses from New York, Boston, or Philadelphia arrive at central locations, including Union Station. Fares average $30.

      Arriving by car

      Public transportation in the city is excellent, but those who want to drive can rent a car at the airport. However, traffic is heavy, particularly during rush hours. On-street parking is hard to find, and parking garage or hotel rates are high. Some travelers choose to stay in nearby Virginia and Maryland towns with metro stations, where rates may be lower. US currency is required for any bridge and tunnel tolls when driving into the city.

      The Lowdown

      US entry requirements

      Customs and Border Protection Agency www.cbp.gov

      Transportation Security Administration www.tsa.gov

      Arriving by air

      Baltimore-Washington International Airport 800 435 9294; www.bwiairport.com

      Dulles International Airport 703 572 2700; www.metwashairports.com/dulles

      Fare Comparison Websites

      www.cheaptickets.com

      www.expedia.com

      www.kayak.com

      www.priceline.com

      www.travelocity.com

      Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority www.metwashairports.com

      Ronald Reagan National Airport 703 417 8000

      www.metwashairports.com/reagan

      Airlines

      Air France www.airfrance.us

      American Airlines www.aa.com

      British Airways www.britishairways.com

      Delta www.delta.com

      Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com

      United Airlines www.united.com

      US Airways www.usairways.com

      Virgin Atlantic www.virgin-atlantic.com

      Airport transfers

      Airport Commuter 888 876 1777; www.airportcommuter.com/washington_dc_baltimore

      Carmel Car Service 866 666 6666; www.carmellimo.com

      MARC 866 743 3682; www.mta.maryland.gov/marc-train

      Metrobus 202 637 7000; www.wmata.com

      Silver Line Express 888 927 4359; www.washfly.com

      SuperShuttle 800 258 3826; www.supershuttle.com

      Arriving by rail

      Amtrak 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com

      Arriving by bus

      Bolt 877 265 8287; www.boltbus.com

      Greyhound 800 231 2222; www.greyhound.com

      Megabus 877 462 6342; www.megabus.com

      < Back to Introducing Washington, DC

      Getting Around Washington, DC

      DK

      From left to right People outside the centrally located Smithsonian metro station on the Mall; One of the open-top double-decker buses offering tours of the city; Cyclists biking along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

      DK

      Interstate road signs in Washington, DC

      Washington, DC’s metro is one of the cleanest and most efficient subway systems anywhere in the world, and covers a large part of the city and its surroundings. If the metro doesn’t get you to your destination, the DC Circulator or a city bus probably will. Taxis are easily available, though more expensive. Some areas of the city are walkable, and ample sightseeing services add to the options.

      Finding your way

      The city is divided into quadrants, with the US Capitol as the center. The quadrant, NW or SE for example, is included in every address. The streets are numbered and named alphabetically, and most avenues are named after states. Pennsylvania Avenue is the main artery between the Capitol and the White House, and Massachusetts Avenue is the city’s longest thoroughfare. The street plan is simple to follow, but a map is needed to see how the avenues cut across the grid. Refer to the map at the back of this book, or print one from the Destination DC website.

      DK

      Tree-lined, traffic-filled Pennsylvania Avenue at night, with the US Capitol lit up in the distance

      Using the metro

      The Metrorail is by far the fastest way to get around the city and it covers almost every main sightseeing location except for Georgetown, where bus connections are needed. Metro stations are clearly marked with a post bearing a large letter M and color strips showing which of the five color-coded rail lines serve that station. The Metro Pocket Guide, available at the station manager’s booth, has a Metrorail system map, locates points of interest near metro stations, and gives information on system hours, fares, and passes. It can also be downloaded or ordered in advance from the WMATA. The metro runs 5am–11:30pm Monday to Thursday, 5–1am Fri, 7–1am Sat, and 8am–11pm Sun.

      Farecards for metro trains

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