Washington, DC holidays

When you think of Washington, DC holidays, the capital’s landmark cenotaphs probably spring to mind. Structures like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial are eye-catching tributes to those who have shaped the city.

Make the National Mall the first stop on your itinerary. It’s the most popular national park in the US, and a must-see site on your holiday to Washington, DC. The famous strip is home to the Lincoln Memorial in the west, the US Capitol to the east, and the Washington Monument and World War II Memorial in the middle.

Just a 15-minute walk away is the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. This white building sits on the bank of the Tidal Basin and pays homage to the US president, who drafted the Declaration of Independence. On the other side of the Potomac River, you’ll find Arlington National Cemetery and the striking US Marine Corps War Memorial, showing US men erecting their flag in Iwo Jima.

You’ll never be stuck for something to do in Washington, DC. Adults and children alike will love exploring the Smithsonian Institution’s various museums, galleries and zoo. There are over 150 different items to discover, and you can see them all for free. Another popular attraction is the White House Visitor Centre, where you’ll get a glimpse of life inside one of the world’s most famous buildings.

If sport is your thing, it’s worth visiting the Washington Metropolitan Area. This district is home to some of the city’s biggest sports venues, from the Capital One Arena to the RFK Stadium. Or, if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, head to CityCenterDC – a huge shopping quarter with labels including Gucci, Hermes and Dior. Round the day off in Downtown DC, where the many bars and clubs will keep you dancing ‘til dawn.

Washington, DC residents love to come together to celebrate life in the city throughout the year. Spring and summer are particularly busy, with a number of different annual festivals.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a real gem, so if you only visit one event, make sure it’s this one. Every year, over a million people travel to the Tidal Basin to see the city’s many trees during the ‘peak bloom’ period. Usually, this falls in March or April and lasts for up to two weeks.

On the first two Saturdays of May, Passport DC celebrates the region’s diversity. This is your chance to see the inside of the city’s international embassies. On the last Monday of the month, why not take part in the Memorial Day events and parades? In the first half of June, music-lovers can unite at the DC Jazz Festival. And don’t miss the Independence Day fireworks at the National Mall in July.

Holidays to Washington, DC are great year-round, as its main attractions are the impressive buildings and monuments. But temperatures can drop below freezing in January – so if you want to avoid chilly weather, you’re best off scheduling your getaway for spring, summer or autumn.

The city experiences temperatures in the thirties in July, when the highest number of tourists flood in. This can make for uncomfortable sightseeing, so unless you’re desperate to catch the summer sun, we recommend travelling between March and May, or September and November. That way, you’ll be able to get about easily.

In the spring, Washington, DC’s characteristic cherry blossom trees are in full bloom and make for fantastic photographs. And in the autumn, of course, the city’s many trees put on an impressive display of colour, before it’s time for the Christmas decorations to go up.