10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Washington DC
What Not to Do in Washington DC on Your 1st Visit
Common mistakes people make when visiting Washington DC are relatively few, though avoiding them entirely can seriously result in an enjoyable travel experience.
The US federal capital has so many national monuments, world-class museums, and verdant parks that it’s virtually impossible to explore them within a short time. It’s always a good idea to do your research and plan accordingly, especially if you wish to visit Washington DC during peak season. This guide shows you what not to do in Washington DC on your 1st visit.
1. Choosing the wrong area to stay
Downtown is usually the best for first-time visitors
With so many enticing neighbourhoods in Washington DC, choosing exactly where to stay can be tricky. If you’re visiting for the first time, Downtown is your safest bet. It has more than enough hotels to suit any budget, with excellent bars along 19th St and Massachusetts Ave. The neighbourhood is also within walking distance of iconic landmarks, such as the White House and National Mall.
Capitol Hill is also one of the best places to stay in Washington DC. It runs from Pennsylvania Ave to the east of the National Mall. Sightseeing opportunities include the United States Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress, while shopping and dining are available at Eastern Market and Barracks Row.
2. Planning a summer trip to Washington DC
The city’s humid subtropical climate can be quite stifling
Summertime is peak tourist season in Washington DC, which means long queues virtually everywhere, including the Metro, museums, national monuments, restaurants, clubs, and bars. The city also gets rather hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons – this can heavily affect your sightseeing experience.
Washington DC has pleasant weather and significantly fewer visitors in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). If you can, try to visit in early spring if you want to avoid huge crowds that celebrate National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin.
3. Not purchasing a SmarTrip card
You can use it on multiple modes of transit
SmarTrip is a reloadable farecard available at any Metrorail station, Metro sales offices, and online. You can use this card when riding the bus or train in Washington DC. This saves time and helps you avoid the hassle of preparing exact change for tickets.
Best of all, SmarTrip has no expiry date so you can keep this card for your next visits to Washington DC.
4. Doing all your sightseeing in the daytime
Many monuments are open 24/7
Washington DC has plenty of iconic monuments you can visit at night, such as the Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
You can enjoy an evening stroll in the National Mall, where many buildings are beautifully lit up in various colours. Some museums host after-hour activities, guided tours, and special exhibits after 5 pm.
5. Allocating far too little time for big attractions
Or trying to fit everything in a single day
While Washington DC has several landmarks that only require a couple of hours to enjoy, some can take the entire day (sometimes even longer!). If you’re thinking of checking out the Smithsonian Institution, it’s good to know that there are 19 museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo under its name.
Washington DC also constantly hosts events, concerts, and ceremonies, so it’s a good idea to have a relaxed approach to your sightseeing plans.
6. Only sightseeing in the National Mall
There’s plenty more to see in Washington DC
The National Mall is one massive sightseeing hub, where you can visit the capital’s memorials and monuments, as well as 11 Smithsonian museums and art galleries. It’s very easy to spend your entire vacation in this central part of Washington DC, but it’s worth venturing into the city’s eclectic districts as well.
Explore Dupont Circle for niche exhibits in the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Larz Anderson House, and The Phillips Collection. Georgetown is a picturesque district where you can visit the Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, Dumbarton Oaks Museum, and Georgetown Waterfront Park.
7. Visiting Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season
It’s a beautiful spot year-round
The Tidal Basin is a manmade pond that’s beautiful any time of the year. It draws a big crowd in spring when hundreds of cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Washington DC’s largest spring celebrations. You can expect heavy traffic on roads leading to the Tidal Basin and hundreds of people strolling the 2-mile-long pathway surrounding the pond during this time.
8. Not scheduling a tour of the White House
You need to plan at least 21 days in advance
The White House is usually the first stop for many first-time visitors to Washington DC. The iconic white building has been the official residence of every US president since 1800, so it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
Tours are free of charge but require booking (at least 21 days in advance). Foreign visitors can apply for a tour request at their home country’s embassy. If you fail to secure a tour of the White House, stop by the visitor centre to enjoy extensive displays about the building’s history and past residents.
9. Missing out on Arlington
It’s just across the Potomac River
Arlington is a pretty city just 5 miles southwest of Washington DC, across the Potomac River. The city is known for its lush parks, such as the 67-acre Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Hikers can tackle the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac River’s western bank, between George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Like the nation’s capital, Arlington highlights the USA’s military history in the form of government buildings, war memorials, and historic houses. Must-visits include the Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the United States Marine Corps War Memorial.
10. Skipping Washington DC’s local restaurants
The half-smoke is a must-try
Many of Washington DC’s most beloved dishes are served in family-owned eateries and taverns, so we highly recommend skipping chain restaurants during your visit.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the city has over 15 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. It’s a good idea to explore outside the National Mall to experience Washington DC’s more eclectic dining scene. Adams Morgan boasts a nice collection of innovative restaurants and LGBTQ+ bars, while Bloomingdale appeals to young professionals with tapas bars and BBQ joints.
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