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FAST FACTS
Washington, DC
Best Time to Go
 If you are planning a vacation in Washington D.C. and have the flexibility to go when you wish, we recommend that you try going in spring or fall. Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms to the trees and the various gardens are bursting with color as they begin to bloom. In fall, leaves are turning beautiful colors and the air is crisp yet comfortable enough to walk around all day. The best part about visiting Washington D.C. in the fall is that most of the summer crowds have thinned out so it tends to be easier to get into the museums and take in the sights--when there aren't so many people out and about. If you are interested in seeing our government in action, be sure to visit when congress is in session.
Average Weather
Average temperatures of the Washington D.C. area in the spring and fall are usually a mild 50 to 60 degrees. In winter, temperatures rarely drop much lower than 30 degrees, but the occasional snow storm is possible. The area has even been known to have a blizzard from time to time. Summer brings very hot and humid weather, with average daytime temperatures in the 80s and 90s.
Transportation
To be perfectly honest, driving in D.C. is a terrible mess; many people refer to it as a nightmare (and that's being polite). If you do venture into the district with your car, be prepared to pay a lot for parking, if you can even find a spot. Most importantly, beware of rush hour traffic if you have no choice but to drive.
The best option for transportation is to hop on the Metro or walk. Many popular sights around Washington D.C. are just a short walk or quick ride on the Metro from each other. Basically, if sight-seeing is what you are here for, you do not need a car. Simply leave your car at the metro station and follow the maps with color coded rail lines to the stop nearest your destination. Then, hop off and enjoy a nice walk.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) also offers Metrorail and Metrobus services in DC and the nearby suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. The fare will be calculated depending on the time of day and how far you go. You have the option of paying as you go to getting a Metro Tourist Pass.
Hailing a cab is one more method of transportation for you to choose--but beware of inflated rates. Cab fares are not regulated in many areas and you could find yourself paying a lot more than necessary for a ride. Always ask the driver how much it will cost to get somewhere before you get into a cab.
Day Trips
Alexandria: Staying in the Washington D.C. area but want to get away for a little bit? Take a short train ride into Alexandria, Virginia, one of the oldest cities in America. Alexandria is an old historic town that has tons of great shopping, popular restaurants and many eighteenth-century buildings. Be sure to stay, dance, or dine at Gadsby's Tavern, a popular place that a many historical figures once visited; among them were George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison.
Annapolis: Here is yet another one of the oldest cities in the country. The U.S. Naval Academy was established in Annapolis in 1845. Visitors to Annapolis will enjoy the waterfront festivals that take place each summer. Annapolis is known as a boating community, and tours and cruises are available throughout most of the year. Annapolis is less than an hour east of Washington D.C. by way of Route 50.
Baltimore: Baltimore is just under an hour northeast of Annapolis (providing you don’t hit a traffic jam) and has many things to interest visitors of all ages. From the Reginald F. Lewis African American History Museum to the Walter's Art Gallery, to the Kid Powered Museum of Port Discovery. Don't feel like spending a lot of money on admission fees? Just walking around the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill can be a treat with the many unique shops and eateries of every kind.
Ocean City: If you have a little time to play while you're in the Washington D.C. area, head to Ocean City. Just about three hours east of the city, this vacation spot is best suited for a weekend getaway. The resort town is an escape for Baltimoreans. Deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, sailing, cruising the boardwalk, or just lounging on the beach are favorite pastimes here. Click here for Ocean City Hotels at guaranteed lowest prices.
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