Tips for Visiting Washington DC

(Updated May 2026)
Visiting the Nation’s Capital is a wonderful opportunity to see history come to life, spend time in amazing free museums, and enjoy the view of the monuments that make the city so special. There is so much to see and do, but Washington, DC can often be overwhelming for the first time visitor.

This post highlights tips for visiting Washington, DC to help make the most of your visit. Combine this information with our Guide to Visiting Washington DC (updated with highlights for Summer 2026 and America’s 250th) that contains recommendations and information on favorite museums, walking tours, food, and other must-see attractions. Let us know if you have any other helpful tips to add to the list. 

Best Time to Visit the Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Museums are free and awesome but can often be very crowded. If you have never been to DC, it’s helpful to know which museums are the most popular. The top five Smithsonian museums in DC based on visitation (data through 2025) include the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian American Art Museum (+ Renwick Gallery), and the National Portrait Gallery.

Arrive when the museum opens or later in the day during the busy spring/summer months. Saturdays are often the busiest day to visit. Allow at least half a day or longer in each museum for the best experience. Or visit mid-week in January, with minimal crowds!

Extra Museum Activities for Kids

Before you go, get online and print out select pictures from the museum websites, glue them onto index cards, and challenge your kids to be the one to find them in each museum.  It’s a cheap scavenger hunt that is sure to keep them entertained. Or buy postcards from the museum shop before you start your tour. Finally, don’t forget to stop by the front desk at each museum to see what other resources or packs are available for kids and families. 

Head Outside in Between Museum Visits

Break up your museum visits with some outside activities on the National Mall. Just keep in mind there may be a line to get back in if you want to return to the same museum. You can download different Junior Ranger books or pick up a copy from a Park Ranger.

There are some great scavenger hunt-type activities that kids can do related to all the nearby Memorials. Visit the National Park website to find Junior Ranger Programs in DC. Also, depending on the time of year and the weather, the area near the Washington Monument is a great place to fly a kite!

Plan Ahead

It’s definitely worth the small convenience fee to reserve tickets online for some of the more popular attractions. At the National Archives, reserve tickets ahead of time, and then skip the outside line (which is almost always wrapped around the block during tourist season). Same is true for Ford’s Theatre, where it’s worth the small convenience fee to get tickets ahead of time or risk not getting in. Again, spending some time on-line before you visit may save you hours of waiting in line. 

Look for Deals

You are probably wondering if it is worth paying admission for attractions when there is such a variety of free museums around the city. I would definitely consider visiting at least one of the paid museums like the International Spy Museum or the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, opening summer 2026. Check online for discounts, or possibly through a site like Groupon. Try to get on their mailing list several months before you go. 

Take Advantage of Metro

With Metro stations running all the way to Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia, there are more options than ever for hotels if you don’t want to stay in the city. For certain attractions, such as the National Zoo, taking Metro is definitely your best option. It will be helpful to visit the Metro website before you come to town to become familiar with the system and to find out the latest delays and track closures.

The lines are all color coded, and the maps are easy to read. Use the Tap.Ride.Go or SmarTrip card options to pay. Keep in mind that kids four years or younger ride free (up to two per paying adult).

And as a local, I will tell you that if you are heading to the National Zoo on Metro, get off at the Cleveland Park station so that you don’t have walk half a mile uphill (important if you are pushing a stroller!). 

Read Reviews

When it comes to restaurants and hotels, things can change rapidly. When we travel, I rely heavily on online reviews, particularly from sites like Tripadvisor and Yelp. To me, it’s essential for hotels, restaurants and paid attractions. There is nothing worse than spending a ton of money only to have a bad experience. 

There IS an App for That

In today’s technology driven world, there are so many helpful apps for the family traveler. It’s a good idea to download one or two apps ahead of time to make your visit run more smoothly. I keep all the hotel booking apps on my phone for easy access. The National Park Service app is another one we use frequently. It contains helpful information for the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Try This Not That

Don’t want to deal with the crowds on the Tidal Basin to see the Cherry Blossoms? Head to the National Arboretum instead for seasonal blooms. Can’t book a tour at the White House? Consider a visit to the immersive The People’s House: A White House Experience (reserve passes in advance).

Other Helpful Hints.

• Bike Riding on the National Mall: There are a number of Capital Bikeshare locations around the Mall and along Constitution Avenue. Any of these would be great spots to rent a bike if you just wanted to pedal around the National Mall for an hour and you can check on-line to see how many bikes are available. 
• Parking: My first advice is don’t drive! But if you do have a car, especially during the week, consider using a parking website like Spot Hero to find the best parking deal. I’ve used them a number of times and have saved a bit on parking in both DC and NYC. Finding street parking can be challenging. The paid spots around the National Mall fill up quickly.
• Don’t despair if you can’t get tickets to something. Often there are same day tickets available. This is true at the National Museum of African American History & Culture, where you may have luck finding same day entry passes online. Check the website each morning, as time slots are released for the day. If not, enjoy one of the other world-class museums in the city.