The National Mall is a landscaped park within the National Mall and Memorial Parks, an official unit of the United States National Park System. It is located near the downtown area of Washington, D.C., the capital city of the U.S.

The National Mall is a national park in downtown Washington, D.C. It's home to iconic U.S. landmarks including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and U.S. Capitol. The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a variety of recreational activities and events throughout the year. /n The National Mall also serves as a symbol of American history and democracy, hosting numerous rallies, protests, and celebrations. It's a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is a national park in downtown Washington, D.C. It's home to iconic U.S. landmarks.

The home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.

The U.S. Capitol is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It's one of the most iconic buildings in the country, known for its neoclassical architecture. /n The building is open to the public and offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the history of the U.S. Congress and the Capitol building itself. The Capitol also features a museum with a collection of artifacts related to American history and government.

The U.S. Capitol is the home of the United States Congress and the seat of the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.

A group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States.

The Smithsonian Museums are a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States. They are most widely known for their collections of artifacts and exhibits related to American history and culture. /n The museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from art and history to science and technology, making them a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about American culture and history.

The Smithsonian Museums are a group of museums and research centers administered by the Government of the United States.

A vibrant area with parks, restaurants, and stunning views of the Potomac River. It's a great place to relax, have a picnic, or enjoy some outdoor activities.

Georgetown Waterfront is a vibrant neighborhood in Washington, D.C., known for its scenic views, restaurants, and shops. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of activities and attractions. /n The area is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, as well as a bustling waterfront park that offers stunning views of the Potomac River. Whether you're looking to dine at a waterfront restaurant, shop at unique boutiques, or simply enjoy a stroll along the river, Georgetown Waterfront has something for everyone.

Georgetown Waterfront is a vibrant neighborhood in Washington, D.C., known for its scenic views, restaurants, and shops.

One of the oldest botanic gardens in North America, offering the public an opportunity to learn about plants and the environment.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a botanic garden on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It's home to a wide variety of plants and offers educational programs and exhibits. /n The garden features several different areas, including a tropical rainforest, a desert garden, and a rose garden. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and a must-visit for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts.

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a botanic garden on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections. It's a must-visit for book lovers and history buffs. /n The library offers a variety of services and programs, including research opportunities, exhibitions, and educational programs. It's also home to the U.S. Copyright Office, and is a major research center for scholars from around the world.

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the United States National Cultural Center, located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C.

The Kennedy Center is a performing arts center located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. It's home to the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, and a variety of other performances. /n The center offers a wide range of performances, from classical music and opera to theater and dance. It's a must-visit for any arts and culture enthusiast visiting Washington, D.C.

The Kennedy Center is a performing arts center located on the Potomac River, adjacent to the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C.

One of the oldest zoos in the United States, and it houses 2,000 individual animals of 400 different species.

The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It's home to about 2,700 animals from 390 species. The zoo is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and admission is free. /n The zoo is known for its efforts in conservation and research, and offers a variety of educational programs and events. It's a must-visit for animal lovers and families visiting Washington, D.C.

The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. It's home to about 2,700 animals from 390 species.

Mount Vernon was the plantation house of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and his wife, Martha Washington. The estate is situated on the banks of the Potomac River and offers tours of the mansion, gardens, farm, distillery, and gristmill.

Mount Vernon was the plantation of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It's now a historic site that offers tours and educational programs. /n The site includes the original mansion, gardens, a working farm, and a museum and education center. Visitors can learn about the life and legacy of George Washington, and explore the history of early America.

Mount Vernon was the plantation of George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Experience the heart of American history and culture in Washington DC, the capital city of the United States. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the White House, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Explore the Smithsonian museums, stroll along the National Mall, and pay tribute at the war memorials. Immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, and thriving arts scene. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring or the beautiful fall foliage. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, Washington DC offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to all interests. Don't miss the chance to discover the rich heritage and dynamic present of this fascinating city.

National Mall

U.S. Capitol

Smithsonian Museums

Georgetown Waterfront

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the National Mall, taking in the iconic sights of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. Enjoy the fresh air and the bustling atmosphere of this historic area.

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grassy areas of the National Mall. There are plenty of food trucks around offering a variety of cuisines to choose from.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Smithsonian Museums. There are several to choose from, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.

Have dinner at a cozy restaurant in the Georgetown area, known for its charming architecture and vibrant food scene.

End your day with a romantic walk along the Georgetown Waterfront, enjoying the beautiful views of the Potomac River.

Exploring the National Mall and Georgetown

U.S. Botanic Garden

Library of Congress

Kennedy Center

Start your second day with a visit to the U.S. Botanic Garden. Enjoy the beautiful plant displays and the peaceful atmosphere.

Have lunch at a trendy cafe in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, known for its eclectic food scene.

Spend the afternoon touring the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress. These iconic buildings are not only architecturally stunning, but also rich in history.

Enjoy a romantic dinner at a fine dining restaurant in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. This area is known for its diverse culinary offerings and vibrant nightlife.

End your day with a visit to the Kennedy Center for a performance. The center hosts a variety of shows, from ballet to theater to music.

A Day in Capitol Hill and Dupont Circle

National Zoo

Start your final day with a visit to the National Zoo. Enjoy seeing a variety of animals and learning about conservation efforts.

Have lunch at a local eatery in the Adams Morgan neighborhood. This area is known for its diverse food scene and vibrant street art.

Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, visiting the home of George Washington and enjoying the beautiful views of the Potomac River.

Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant in the Wharf district, enjoying fresh seafood and beautiful views of the water.

End your trip with a sunset cruise on the Potomac River, taking in the beautiful views of the city's landmarks.

Visiting the National Zoo and Mount Vernon

Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November; note: the 50 united states cover six time zones

UTC-5

Washington DC's Metrorail system is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city and the surrounding areas. It consists of six lines: Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow, and Green. The system connects all four quadrants of DC, with stops at popular attractions such as the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, and the Capitol.

The District's bus system, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), provides extensive coverage throughout the city and its suburbs. The Metrobus operates hundreds of routes, including express services and special routes for events.

Capital Bikeshare offers thousands of bikes at hundreds of stations across Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Fairfax County. It's a fun, affordable, and convenient way to get around, especially for short trips.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft operate extensively in Washington DC. These services offer a convenient and often cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Taxis are plentiful in Washington DC and can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or booked via phone or app. All DC taxis use a meter, so the cost of your trip will depend on the distance and time.

Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit places outside of DC where public transportation is less available. However, parking in the city can be expensive and hard to find, and traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

Many of DC's most popular attractions are located close together, especially around the National Mall. Walking can be a pleasant and convenient way to get around, especially in good weather.

Electric scooters, available from companies like Bird, Lime, and Spin, are a fun and quick way to get around. They can be found and rented using a smartphone app, and can be left anywhere in the city when you're done.

The Potomac Riverboat Company operates water taxis that connect Washington DC with Alexandria, National Harbor, and Georgetown. It's a scenic and relaxing way to travel, especially on a nice day.

A local specialty of Washington, D.C., a half-smoke is a half pork, half beef sausage, which is smoked and then grilled. It's typically served on a hot dog bun and topped with herbs, onions, and chili sauce.

Half-Smoke

A popular food in the D.C. area, these crabs are sourced from the nearby Chesapeake Bay. They are typically steamed and seasoned with Old Bay, a local spice blend.

Chesapeake Blue Crabs

A sweet and tangy sauce that originated in the city's African-American community. It's typically used as a dipping sauce for fried chicken or french fries.

Mumbo Sauce

A famous chili dog from Ben's Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C. The chili is made with a secret recipe and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Ben's Chili Bowl Chili Dog

A local fish that's abundant in the Chesapeake Bay. It's often grilled or baked and served with a lemon butter sauce.

Rockfish

Maryland's official state dessert. It's a multi-layered cake, typically with 8 to 12 thin layers of yellow cake with chocolate icing in between each layer.

Smith Island Cake

A type of country ham that's cured in Virginia. It's known for its salty flavor and is often served sliced thin and eaten on biscuits or rolls.

Virginia Ham

A popular southern dish that's made its way to D.C. It consists of fried chicken served on top of waffles, often with syrup or gravy.

Chicken and Waffles

A breakfast staple in D.C., these pancakes are made with ricotta cheese, giving them a rich and creamy texture.

Ricotta Pancakes

A local craft beer that's brewed in Washington, D.C. It's known for its unique flavors and is a favorite among beer enthusiasts.

DC Brau

With Virginia's wine country just a short drive from D.C., many local restaurants and bars offer a selection of Virginia wines. The state is particularly known for its Viognier and Cabernet Franc.

Virginia Wine

A type of whiskey that's popular in the D.C. area. It's made from at least 51% rye and has a spicy, fruity flavor.

Rye Whiskey

New Year's Day

New Year's Day (substitute)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Presidents' Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day

Veterans Day (substitute)

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

Historic home of George Washington, offering tours & exhibits.

Mount Vernon

National park with waterfalls, hiking trails & picnic spots.

Great Falls Park

Historic district with 18th-century buildings, boutiques, restaurants & waterfront park.

Old Town Alexandria

Waterfront development with hotels, restaurants, shops & a ferris wheel.

National Harbor

Historic city known for the U.S. Naval Academy, Maryland State House & waterfront dining.

Annapolis

Historic town known for John Brown's raid, Civil War history & outdoor activities.

Harper's Ferry

City known for its Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, historic ships & crab cakes.

Baltimore

Historic town known for its Civil War battlefield & museum.

Gettysburg

National park known for Skyline Drive, hiking trails & wildlife.

Shenandoah National Park

Historic city known for the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall & Philly cheesesteaks.

Philadelphia

Capital of Virginia known for its Civil War history, museums & gardens.

Richmond

Beachfront city known for its casinos, boardwalk & Miss America pageant.

Atlantic City

World-famous city known for Times Square, Central Park, Broadway & the Statue of Liberty.

New York City

Washington Monument as seen from Constitution Garden Park

The Washington Monument and the United States Capitol on the National Mall

Washington Monument during the Cherry Blossom Festival

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial and the Monument

Washington DC operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST) and observes daylight saving time.

The city is known for its hot, humid summers and mild-to-chilly winters. Average temperatures range from 24-40°F (-4 to 4°C) in winter and 73-89°F (23 to 32°C) in summer.

The city is very walkable, but it also has an extensive public transportation system, including the Metrorail and Metrobus.

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.

The city is divided into four quadrants (NW, NE, SE, SW), which are important to know when navigating.

Washington DC is a very international city, with more than 170 embassies and international cultural centers.

The city has a vibrant food scene, with a wide variety of cuisines available, including Ethiopian, Salvadoran, and Vietnamese.

Tipping is customary in Washington DC. A 15-20% tip is standard for restaurants, taxis, and other services.

The city has strict smoking laws. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants, and within 25 feet of building entrances.

The legal drinking age in Washington DC is 21, and it's strictly enforced.

Washington DC is a very bike-friendly city, with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.

The city is home to many free public parks, which are great for picnics, sports, or just relaxing.

Washington DC is known for its jazz and punk music scenes. Check out local listings for live performances.

The city has a dress code that is generally more formal than other US cities. Business casual is a safe bet for most places.

Washington DC is home to many farmers markets, offering fresh, local produce and goods.

The city has a high sales tax rate of 6%, which is added to most goods and services.

Washington DC is a very diverse city, with residents from all over the world.

The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Washington Nationals (baseball), Washington Capitals (hockey), and Washington Wizards (basketball).

Washington DC is known for its cherry blossoms, which typically bloom in late March to early April.

The city is home to many festivals and parades throughout the year, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the DC Jazz Festival, and the Capital Pride Parade.

January is the coldest month in Washington DC, with occasional snowfall. Dress warmly and prepare for indoor activities.

February is still quite cold with a chance of snow. It's a great time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

March sees the beginning of spring with slightly warmer temperatures. Cherry blossoms start to bloom towards the end of the month.

April is a beautiful month to visit with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The weather is mild, but bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.

May offers warm days perfect for sightseeing. It's an ideal time to visit the National Mall and other outdoor attractions.

June marks the start of summer with hot, humid days. Stay hydrated and plan for indoor activities during the afternoon heat.

July is the hottest month in Washington DC. Enjoy the city's Independence Day celebrations, but be prepared for high humidity.

August is still hot and humid. It's a good time to visit the city's many museums and enjoy evening walks by the Potomac River.

September sees the start of fall with milder temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city's parks and outdoor monuments.

October offers beautiful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. It's an ideal month for walking tours and outdoor activities.

November is a cooler month with the first signs of winter. It's a good time to explore indoor attractions and enjoy the city's food scene.

December is a festive month with holiday decorations around the city. It's cold, so pack warm clothing and enjoy indoor activities.

When visiting Washington DC, it's important to be aware of the city's four distinct seasons and pack accordingly. 

Spring (March-May) is a beautiful time to visit, with temperatures ranging from 40-70°F (4-21°C). This is also the time when the famous cherry blossoms bloom, providing a stunning backdrop for your visit. However, spring can also be rainy, so don't forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat.

Summer (June-August) in DC can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 90°F (32°C). It's advisable to wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated. Also, don't forget to apply sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the city's monuments and parks.

Fall (September-November) brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 45-70°F (7-21°C), and beautiful autumn foliage. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy milder weather. A light jacket or sweater would be sufficient for this time of year.

Winter (December-February) can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing (32°F/0°C). Snow is also common during these months, so be sure to pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat.

Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're prepared for the weather. Also, remember that the weather can change quickly, so it's always wise to pack a variety of clothing options.

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3-Day Local's Guide: Outdoor & Gourmet Experience for Couples in DC

About Washington DC, District of Columbia