Vacation rentals in Washington
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Where to stay in Washington
Locals share their top neighborhood recommendations to help you find the one to call home for your vacation
Stay near Washington’s top sights
“I occasionally go here at night, sit on the steps, and just observe the reflection pool along with the Washington Monument in the night sky. I honestly think the experience is better at night. There’s usually college aged adults and small groups of tourists around even at 1am. ”
“The National Mall is basically Washington DC’s backyard – it’s a grassy lawn where visitors and locals hang out on sunny days. Full of world-class museums (we’ll get to this later) and fun festivals, the National Mall is the center of many activities in the city.”
Tips from Washington locals
Get advice about the city from the people who know it best. Local hosts share their tips and recommendations for travelers like you.
What should I pack?
What should I pack?
“Bring a variety of layers I would definitely recommend packing in layers. temperatures can vary wildly - from 50f to 90f+ in one day. i would recommend bringing at least a sweater.”
What should I book before I arrive?
What should I book before I arrive?
“Some museums and tourist sites Get tickets for the african american history museum online with timed entries and get there early (or hit the museum late in the day (3-5) when crowds are thinner; the white house, the capitol (through your congressperson) if a us citizen; some popular restaurants (use open table); nats or caps games (although some day before, nosebleed seats are available at cheap prices); shows at the local theaters, etc.”
“Bible museum & washington monument While tickets are free, they must be reserved in advance. make sure to have them booked and to show up for the time slot on your ticket or you might not get in.”
What should I not miss?
What should I not miss?
“Shows and performances at the atlas theater. Visit their website or simply walk to the theater to inquire about viewings.”
“Bus boy's and poets - poetry, karaoke, social hour You can enjoy brunch, poetry reading, books along with their monthly youth open mic. good luck finding parking it is usually hectic on a busy night. try catching lyft/uber instead!”
How can I save money on this trip?
How can I save money on this trip?
“There are an abundance of activities to participate in that require minimal fees. The daily newspaper is a god source of information to find out what is going on in the city and where. also use your google search to find what is close.”
Traveling with kids
Traveling with kids
“Metro rails do have elevator access for families traveling with strollers and other carriers. Consult with metro employees to get directions or information about accommodations.”
More local recommendations
All about Washington
D.C. is the white-hot center of government and political history in the U.S. But aside from being home to important American landmarks and museums, D.C. is also known for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and a thriving nightlife and bar scene. Get to know the many architectural styles while searching for your place to call home, from Federal and Contemporary-style buildings to Tudor, Colonial, and Victorian gems.
Getting there
Good news: You’ve got options. Three airports serve the D.C. area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). All three are served by the Metrorail and Metrobus systems, and all three allow taxis and rideshare services. Dulles is just a little bit further from downtown: It takes about 45 minutes, whereas Reagan and Baltimore/Washington are less than a half hour.
Weather
Winters are bitterly cold in the nation’s capital, with temperatures regularly in the 10s and 20s (Fahrenheit). You will see snow — an average of 15 inches per year. On the flipside, summers in D.C. can be muggy, but luckily they don’t touch triple-digit temperatures very often. Outdoor activities are easy to enjoy well into the fall.
Annual events
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with dragons, floats, Chinese folk dancing, and plenty of firecracker fun.
The biggest and best celebration of the annual bloom of cherry blossoms this side of Japan attracts more than 1.5 million visitors.
World-affairs buffs can enjoy checking out the open houses of many international embassies during this month-long festival.
The nation’s capital celebrates its diverse LGBTQ community with a Pride parade, a lively festival, and fun concerts.