It can be difficult to decide exactly where to stay in Washington, DC, because there are so many charming neighborhoods. Your best bet if you're here for the first time is Downtown.
Choosing the wrong area to stay
In Washington, DC, summertime is the busiest travel season. As a result, there are long lines almost everywhere at the Metro, museums, national monuments, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Planning a summer trip to Washington DC
Reloadable farecards called SmarTrip are offered online, at Metro sales offices, and at any Metrorail station.
Not purchasing a SmarTrip card
Many famous monuments in Washington, DC, including the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, are open for nighttime visits.
Doing all your sightseeing in the daytime
Some of the sights in Washington, DC, can be explored in a few hours, but others may take a full day or longer.
Allocating far too little time for big attractions
There are eleven Smithsonian museums and art galleries, as well as the memorials and monuments of the nation's capital, all within easy walking distance of the National Mall.
Only sightseeing in the National Mall
A man-made pond that is stunning all year long is the Tidal Basin. When hundreds of cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in the spring, it attracts a sizable throng.
Visiting Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season