Washington, D.C. Inauguration Travel Guide: Activities, Attractions, Public Transportation and More
This Washington, D.C. Inauguration Travel Guide will help you get around Washington even after the inauguration of Obama. Washington, D.C., is an attractive destination any time of year, whether for springtime cherry blossoms, the incredible selection of museums and monuments, or the unparalleled variety of restaurants, all of which reflect Washington’s eclectic melding of world cultures.
Expand All Guide SectionsThings to Do in Washington, D.C.
There are plenty of things to do in Washington, D.C. Enjoy midday brunch in a quirky neighborhood like U Street or Adams Morgan, a day of sight-seeing at museums and historic monuments, dinner at a high-end restaurant like Citronelle, or a night on the town at a pub frequented by politicians. Discover the many options for D.C. visitors on the Web sites in this section.
Insights for Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
- In D.C. you’ll find free admission at most museums; plan ahead to take full advantage of the city’s generosity.
- For great people watching, delicious food and a true taste of local culture, head to one of Washington, D.C.’s weekend markets, such as Eastern Market near Capitol Hill, and the Fresh Farm Market at Dupont Circle.
- For many Washingtonians, late nights include a visit to KramerBooks. In addition to the books, there’s a café serving food and drinks, and live music Wednesday through Saturday.
Top Sites for Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
For an overview of Washington, D.C. attractions …
Washington
Destination D.C. is the official tourism Web site of the district, providing a keen sense of what the locals do for fun, as well as practical advice on things to do in Washington, D.C. for first-time visitors and tourists wanting to experience D.C.’s unique mix of historical, active outdoors and artistic attractions.
For historic sites …
National Parks Service
The U.S. National Parks Service provides a travel planner to Washington D.C.’s historic neighborhoods, buildings and monuments. Click on an area of the map for further background information, as well as details of building hours, location and Metro stops nearby.
For free activities …
National Geographic
National Geographic maintains its main offices in Washington D.C., which lends insider insight to its “Free Cities” guide to the district. Learn how to have fun for little to no cash, whether you prefer listening to jazz or observing elephants.
For eating and entertainment …
BlackBook
BlackBookMag is a trendy publication full of short, snappy descriptions of bars and restaurants in Washington D.C. Listings are organized according to neighborhood, type and special features. Recently opened bars and eateries are also listed, for those who’ve had a taste of D.C. dining and imbibing already.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post Events Calendar can be viewed in a daily or monthly format, allowing D.C. visitors to find out what’s going on tonight, tomorrow or next week. Events vary, and include holiday-themed, live music, theater and arts happenings. Also scroll down and click on “Going Out Gurus” for tips on free cultural events.
For video footage …
Trip Films
Trip Films allows users to post their travel videos online, including several Washington D.C. films. This clip offers an introduction to the district’s famed sites, neighborhoods, restaurants and hangouts, narrated by the chef-concierge of a luxury hotel near the White House.
For a firsthand D.C. travel essay …
findingDulcinea
The Washington D.C. Travel Tale includes a firsthand account of travel in the District, including a meal at an Ethiopian restaurant, Adams Morgan Jazz clubs, a unique statue called “The Awakening,” and more.
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
When deciding where to stay in Washington, D.C. you'll have quite a choice of classic hotels, trendy boutique properties, hostels and unique rentals. However, it will most likely be difficult and expensive to find a place to stay during the inauguration. Use our tips and suggested Web sites to figure out where to rest your head in the District.
Insights for Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
- Destination D.C., the official tourism portal of the District, suggests calling their toll-free number to learn of hotel availability during inaugural events. Destination D.C. has called hundreds of area lodgings ahead of time so that you won’t have to. The number is 1-800-422-8644.
- Visit the findingDulcinea Web Guide to Travel for further insight into finding a deal on a hotel room, and links to additional hotel search Web sites.
- D.C. is laden with college students, many who have tried to rent out their rooms to the highest bidder for the inauguration. But, according to Politico, some schools, such as George Washington University, have barred students from doing so. If you come across a student ad on Craigslist or Facebook, find out first if the school permits such rentals.
Top Sites for Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
For Washington, D.C. hotels …
Travel Pod
Travel Pod combines its fast hotel search engine with insider information from Trip Advisor traveler blogs and hotel ratings. The Travel Pod search engine scours out deals from various sites, such as Expedia and Travelocity, which you’ll be connected to for booking.
Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton Hotels has six luxury boutique hotels in Washington, D.C., each with its own stylish theme. View photos of each property, learn about amenities and book a room at the Kimpton Web site.
For Washington, D.C. rentals …
Washington City Paper
Washington City Paper has a D.C. Inauguration Guide with advice on renting and leasing District properties in late January. Breaking news reports related to the inauguration, and inauguration party listings are also provided.
Washington D.C. Craigslist
Craigslist has listings of rental accommodations. Search manually by clicking “sublets/temporary” or “vacation rentals,” or enter the term “inauguration” into the search engine to find a place to stay during the Obama inauguration.
For Washington, D.C. hostels …
Hostels.com
Hostels.com lists Washington D.C. hostels with photographs, alongside traveler ratings and reviews. Book online through the Hostels.com Web site, and learn about the Hostelling International card, which can save you money if you stay in hostels often.
Getting Around Washington, D.C.
Compared to many other cities, getting around Washington, D.C. is a dream. Consistently named among the best U.S. walking cities, and praised for having an extremely efficient and clean Metro system, you may be able to avoid the expense of cabs and rental cars altogether.
Insights for Getting Around Washington, D.C.
- The Washington, D.C., Metro system is a fast and clean way for getting around Washington, D.C. You’ll probably like it, even if you’ve never been a fan of underground transportation.
- Metro officials suggest buying your passes ahead of time (online at Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) if you plan to visit during the inauguration. Also give yourself an extra hour or so to get to the capital, and expect big crowds.
- Use walking maps to get from place to place, and you’ll see more of the city than the average tourist. If you have time, walk through the National Mall at night for a dramatic scene.
Top Sites for Getting Around Washington, D.C.
For getting around Washington, D.C. using public transportation …
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Web site covers subway (metro) and bus transportation, including maps, timetables and fares, and tips on boarding and exiting trains and buses.
HopStop
HopStop makes it easy to plan your trip by rail, bus, taxi or walking. Just enter your starting point and destination and HopStop provides specific directions to anywhere in Washington, D.C., in seconds.
For D.C. walking maps …
Map Network
Map Network has interactive, printable walking maps of downtown D.C. and of the entire District. A map of the D.C. regional area is also available. All are free of charge, download quickly and allow you to zoom in or out.
For self-guided walking tours of Washington, D.C. …
National Geographic
National Geographic Places of a Lifetime series has walking maps of Georgetown, Embassy Row and U Street, with descriptions of sites and historic background.
For running in D.C. …
Washington Running Club
The Washington Running Club lists running routes of different lengths all over the city and into Virginia. Each route has a map, step-by-step written directions, and a brief description of terrain, making it easy to choose the perfect run.
For getting around Washington, D.C. with a car rental …
Expedia
Expedia connects D.C. visitors to the cheapest car rental services from several different companies, including Alamo and Enterprise. Scroll down to the “Rent a Car” search tool to find your vehicle. However, according to Expedia, “renting a car is only essential if you need to drive outside the city limits or if you’ve flown into Dulles Airport.”
For Washington, D.C. taxi services …
DC Pages
DC Pages explains the zone system of pricing in the District, including how to save money and the history of the zone system. Phone numbers for several taxi companies are provided.
For D.C. bike sharing …
The Washington Post
The Washington Post explains how to use the D.C. SmartBike bicycle-sharing program in three simple steps, and provides a map of SmartBike locations throughout the city. SmartBike membership cards are $40 and must be ordered over the phone or online ahead of time.
SmartBike DC
SmartBike DC membership information is available at the official Web site of the program.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
