The Best Time Of Year To Visit Washington D.C.

Yes, cherry blossoms are nice, but are they really worth the hiked-up airfare and hotel prices (check out AirBnB instead), the crowds of school groups, and families you’ll have to fight to see all of the good stuff? I think not. There is a time where you not only can avoid all of that, but you can have fantastic weather, enjoy the more local festivities, celebrate more holidays, and the foliage is like nothing you’ve ever seen. I’m talking about fall, folks. Here are some reasons why it’s the best time to come to D.C.

For starters, the weather is the best, hands down. The warm weather during the daytime is perfect for seeing all the outdoor sights and monuments. If you come in October, that’s when you’ll start to feel the cooldown and crisp nights that accompany the wonderful autumn colors of the trees.

The foliage is another terrific reason in and of itself. The National Mall is a historic place to check out this transition as well as the many parks and gardens around the city, including Rock Creek, West Garden Court, National Arboretum, Potomac Park, and Lady Bird Johnson Park.

If you come from September to November, there are some important events that every local comes to. Since most of the tourists are back home with their kids in school, here are some of the best events that you absolutely must plan your vacation around: In September, you have your Labor Day Concert, H Street Festival, and the Library of Congress National Book Festival. In October, it’s Taste of D.C. and Marine Corps Marathon. Other great activities to get to know the local scene are the must-see concerts at D.C.’s many acclaimed music venues and raising a stein of beer at one of the beer gardens.

Want to celebrate something a little more nationally acclaimed? Take your pick of the holidays: There’s Labor Day in September, Halloween in October, and Veterans Day is in November. And let’s not forget the almighty Thanksgiving, which put roasted turkey and stuffing on the map. If you come during that time, you’ll have the rare honor of seeing the president pardon a turkey. Yes, that’s a real thing. If you don’t know, now you know.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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