Travel Guide

Washington D.C. Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

 

Washington D.C. – Take in the many splendors of the nation’s capital. Explore the city with us and start planning a journey of your …

Washington D.C. is an exceptional destination for 2026, as the city serves as the epicenter for the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America’s 250th Birthday). Because of this, expect unique exhibitions, enhanced festivals, and higher-than-usual crowds.

1. 2026 Special Events & Festivals

The “DC250” celebration will run all year, but these are the specific highlights:

  • National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20 – April 12): Featuring “Petalpalooza” (April 4) and the Blossom Kite Festival (March 28-29). 2026 is expected to be one of the largest iterations ever.

  • United States Semiquincentennial (July 4, 2026): The actual 250th anniversary. Expect unprecedented fireworks and events on the National Mall.

  • National STEM Festival (June 22–27): A massive, free public event showcasing innovation from AI to aerospace.

  • Giant National Capital BBQ Battle (Late June): Designated as the “Official National BBQ Championship” for the 250th anniversary.

2. Top Attractions & Museums

While most Smithsonian museums are free, many now require Timed-Entry Passes.

  • National Air and Space Museum: Highly popular; you must book passes weeks in advance online.

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture: Requires free timed-entry passes, released in batches 3 months out.

  • The White House: Requests must be made through your Member of Congress 21 to 90 days in advance.

  • International Spy Museum: One of the few major non-free museums, but highly interactive and worth the ticket price (~$30).

  • The People’s House: A new White House experience tour that provides an immersive look at the Executive Mansion without the strict security of a West Wing tour.

3. Where to Stay

Washington D.C. is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your priority:

Neighborhood Best For… Vibe
Downtown / Penn Quarter First-timers High energy, walking distance to the Mall and museums.
Capitol Hill History Buffs Residential feel, historic row houses, close to the Library of Congress.
The Wharf Foodies & Views Modern waterfront development with upscale dining and live music.
Dupont Circle Nightlife & Culture Trendy, walkable, full of embassies, galleries, and bistros.
Georgetown Luxury & Shopping Historic cobblestone streets; no Metro station, but very picturesque.

4. Getting Around

  • Metrorail: One of the cleanest and safest systems in the U.S. Use the SmarTrip app on your phone to tap-and-go.

    • Pro Tip: On escalators, stand on the right, walk on the left. Locals are very strict about this!

  • DC Circulator: A $1 bus that runs specific loops around the National Mall and between neighborhoods like Georgetown and Union Station.

  • Capital Bikeshare: Perfect for getting between monuments on the Mall, which are further apart than they look (the Mall is over 2 miles long).

5. Budgeting for your Trip

  • Museums: $0 (Most are free).

  • Food: $15–$25 for casual lunch; $40–$70 for a nice dinner.

  • Transport: $10–$15 per day using Metro and bikes.

  • Lodging: $250–$450 per night for a central 4-star hotel.

Would you like me to create a 3-day sample itinerary based on your specific interests, or help you find the booking links for the timed-entry museum passes?

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