Beyond Apex

Activities

The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the biggest library in the world, and the structure itself is a masterpiece, including exquisite architectural elements and a lovely, elaborate reading room. It offers a wonderful escape from the heat of Washington, D.C., for anyone looking to learn something new. WeVenture’s regional sales manager, Kevin Fanning, a former tour guide in Washington, D.C., advises tourists to obtain a library card. “You might never go into the reading rooms, but it’ll be a souvenir that says you are a member of the Library of Congress.” All patrons must purchase a timed-entry card in advance, and the library is closed on Sundays and Mondays. They are available for free online.

Read more about Bus tours D.C. by visiting our website.

Mount Vernon by George Washington

Discover the life and legacy of the first president by taking a tour of George Washington’s estate residence. Mount Vernon has Washington’s grave, a functioning farm, gardens, a slave monument, a museum and teaching center, and the home, which is open by time. Seasonal activities such as fireworks, a colonial market, and whiskey tastings are also held here. The estate is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day of the year. Adult admission is $28, children aged six to eleven pay $15, and children under five enter free of charge.

The National Mall

Known as “America’s front yard,” the National Mall is home to famous landmarks such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial. When questioned about the two-mile stretch of monuments, Kevin Fanning said, “The D.C. Circulator is the easiest way to get around the National Mall.” “There’s a city bus that runs around the National Mall every 10 minutes.” Be sure to visit their website to view both seasonal and regular schedules.

Museums

There are 74 museums in Washington, D.C., covering everything from science and aerospace to history and art. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum—which is devoted to the continuous preservation of Holocaust history—are notable museums. Carolyn Crouch, the creator of the well-known walking tour firm Washington Walks, suggests going to the Capital Jewish Museum as well.It has the oldest synagogue structure in the city. ‘Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsberg,’ its first exhibition, is worth seeing.

The Botanic Garden of the United States

Don’t miss the chance to view this carefully planned wildlife show in the center of downtown D.C., even though the National Arboretum is larger. This is the oldest continually running public garden in the United States, having been established in 1820. It’s a wonderful spot to get away from the city and learn about different plants and flowers.

The Best Times to Go

April through June are the ideal months to visit Washington, D.C., since they provide plenty of activities and pleasantly temperate temps.

The capital city’s most beautiful season, the renowned cherry blossom season, arrives in the spring. As T+L blogger Katie Chang recently noted, “Very few cities undergo a seasonal transformation more beautifully and dramatically than Washington, D.C.” “Its 3,000-plus cherry blossom trees remain a visually striking symbol of renewal, hope, and friendship.” During the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from late March to early April, visitors may take part in a parade, a kite festival, and food with a cherry blossom theme.

Graduation season begins in May, when hotels around the city begin to fill up with happy families. If you intend to visit during this period, book your accommodations well in advance, especially at the best hotels in the city.

In addition to being the warmest months of the year, July and August are the busiest times of year in Washington, D.C. For the nation’s capital, the Fourth of July is a major attraction. Carolyn Crouch encourages visitors to “get out on the water” when the weather is pleasant. From the Southwest waterfront, take a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria or Georgetown. Along the route, you’ll pass some famous locations.

How to Get There

Washington, D.C. is accessible by bus, train, and airplane. The largest airport in the region is Washington Dulles International Airport, which is served by all of the main American airlines. But it’s in Chantilly, Virginia, some 26 miles outside of D.C. Despite being only five miles away from Washington, D.C., Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers a far smaller selection of flights, with only eight airlines operating there.

Every day, Amtrak trains go straight to Union Station, which is close to some of the most well-known attractions in Washington, D.C., from major cities including New York, Boston, and Chicago.

Companies like MegaBus provide a number of routes to the capital city if you would rather take the bus. Currently, MegaBus provides service to D.C. from the majority of large cities, such as Boston, Pittsburgh, and New York.