20 Essential Tips for a First Visit to Washington, DC

The seat of American government, bustling Washington DC is home to the touchstone by which all other museums are judged as well as monuments and memorials that tell the story of the nation’s rich history.
A DC trip can be easier on the budget than other destinations across the country because so many attractions within the city are free.
If you plan on spending time in the District and you’ve never been here before, we’ve put together a list just for you. In this episode, we share with you 20 essential tips for a first visit to Washington DC.
#WashingtonDC #DC #TravelTips
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[@JohnCregoWorldMusic]

Just did a bus tour of DC. this past April which included Mt. Vernon. All I can say is, I was impressed. The two times that were very emotional were George Washingtons grave site and The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier. I don't mind saying I welled up and got teary. Maybe being a Navy vet had something to do with it. It was well worth the trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

[@yourhandleshouldbe]

as a lifelong resident of dc i want to personally thank you for telling visitors not to drive here 😂

[@tbraghavendran]

Why? You guys drive. Why shouldn't the others do the same?

[@trey4048]

@@tbraghavendran Use your critical thinking skills.

[@Wifi_Cable]

@tbraghavendran People in DC only have cars so they can out of DC.​ The city is so easy to get around by doot/bus/train. Additionally DC driving is quite dangerous and difficult. You will only make your trip worse by trying to drive inside the city.

[@ramochai]

I lived exactly in that area for 5 years. The good and the bad. DC has great things to offer but for me it was never a permanent location. I like cities with cozy downtowns that has a lot less car traffic and more pedestrianized squares, market places, alleys and malls.

[@jackiepylaw7988]

What a good place to explore! Thank you ChadGallivanter

[@dr.baotran8448]

Great video. Thank you.

[@Top.Mallorca]

Beautiful city! Greetings from Mallorca Spain! Like 👍

[@Cenlalowell]

Good tips I really appreciate it.

[@musashimarc7536]

Thanks for the good tips in this video !

[@drrsbr89]

it's THE VOICE again...very distinct! Great video!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Wow, thank you!

[@raizedbynerdz8718]

I would throw in a a couple tips. We knew where we would be looking at during our time and got parking pre paid for with parking panda.Now called spot hero. So you can reserve a spot in parking garages. With the mentioned bus ride you can also get trolley tours which you can get off and on at stops. Also, the drivers are well knowledgeable about the history of the city, so you can learn things as well and see other things maybe not on your list

[@JoseDiaz-lj2mp]

Excellent! Thank you for your video!

[@ChadGallivanter]

You are welcome!

[@jessicajones5742]

so cool place to visit there

[@frankiecacafranca2313]

super helpful videos. thank you so much!

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@cheryl62022]

Great video. Also include a inside/outside tour of the Pentagon and the silent drill team at the marine barrack downtown

[@roselineantoine4307]

Good video. I am planning to go in July

[@helgabullabong]

Love Washington. This brought back happy memories. So much to see and do there. Watching your video I realise I need to revisit. Cheers

[@ChadGallivanter]

Thanks Helga!

[@walk4718]

We stayed within walking distance of the 3rd last Metro station in VA. The hotel rate was super reasonable and the ride to the Mall was quick. We used the Metro Circulator to navigate the monuments and museums. If you are fortunate enough to score a White House visit, you’ll need to drive into DC. We found the least expensive parking at the Willis hotel, only a short walk to the White House.

[@clauderoxboroughiii4444]

For live music, a neighborhood called Adam's Morgan is good. For good food and walking, a neighborhood called Georgetown is good, especially ending at Tony & Joes on the waterfront.

[@bart2923]

Excellent

[@justiceforall007]

Subscribed when I saw "for the Gen X traveler".❤

[@strll3048]

Thank you.

[@ChadGallivanter]

You're welcome!

[@raimondasmarciulevicius7599]

Chad, thank you for your lovely invitation to visit Washington, DC. I will visit Washington, DC, when I will become a millionaire. Chad, we are brilliant, noble and strong together.

[@peggymicsky8607]

The Cherry Blossoms are so pretty in the Spring. Fun, historical city but large with lots to see and tiring! Don't forget to visit Georgetown.

[@shakinafrink7030]

Saw some of it 😢❤wish I could go back

[@marmar71]

Metro absolutely does service the National Mall. The Smithsonian station is right on the Mall, and L'Enfant Plaza and Federal Triangle are just off it.

[@roddiesimmons8773]

For safety sake, make sure you find a seat close to the metro door on the end closest to the escalators.

[@Scipio488]

@@roddiesimmons8773 🙄

[@eddavis9506]

This is one of the better Washington DC videos I’ve seen better detail 🎉🎉🎉

[@ChadGallivanter]

Wow, thanks!

[@TheLCarine]

merci

[@robnewman6101]

I had been to Washington D.C one time before.

[@infolover_68]

I miss being there again!!

[@kalendamaya100]

Excellent information! Our gals travel group plans to visit DC in the fall. You’ve given us lots of helpful and useful suggestions. Thank you!

[@eddiew2325]

My friend works at the something something institute

[@ChadGallivanter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Toxic_Muk]

Im from a smaller city in the north east and driving here is super easy and there a ton of parking 2 what im usto up north tho i love the availability of the city

[@jamesstaal673]

Washington D.C. is one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. If you disagree, the gift of eyesight has been lost on you.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Agree!

[@billspruce8368]

What would I have added to the list... sports!! Depending on the time of the year, DC is home to multiple sports teams... the Capitals of the NHL, Nationals of MLB, and the NFL's Commanders. I always try to catch a hockey or baseball game if I am in another city and the schedules mesh.

[@user-qw5fz9pq1g]

^_^らららら

[@leiladesilva]

👏👏👏

[@alantubbs5113]

The Metro stop at McPherson Sq. (on the Blue Line) is where you get off to see the White House, then walk SW or ask for directions. Bring a camera!

[@harmoniedingui8476]

Sweet! I want to go to see the LoC!!! I would EXPLODE! 😂😂😂🤓 planning my trip

[@ChadGallivanter]

The LOC definitely one of our faves!

[@dayindayout77]

This guy has been watching Texas Country Reporter with Bob Phillips.

[@twoblink]

Wish this video was chaptered....

[@jeffb.4800]

What kind of sunglasses are you wearing?

[@sassycatz4470]

First off, there is a Metro stop right on the Mall unironically called, Smithsonian. Secondly, DC is proposing phasing out the Circulator in 2025, much to my unhappiness. I use the route that goes through Georgetown all the time. As for things you missed, there are estates to visit within DC's city limits, like Dumbarton Oaks and Hillwood. The latter is in the Van Ness neighborhood and is the former home of the heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post. There's always events and exhibits there, not to mention the artifacts she collected. She was the mother of the actress, Dina Merrill. Also, when mentioning independent bookstores, I'm surprised you didn't bring up Politics and Prose, which has three locations. The main store hosts constant author appearances of some of the most famous authors and politicos who have written books. The main store is in Forest Hills, north of the Van Ness metro station. Surprised you didn't mention the Wharf which has some good restaurants, Arena Stage Theater, and The Anthem -- a place to hear live music. (By the way, in that same neighborhood, you can pick up a boat that will take you to Mt. Vernon. The cost of the boat ride to and fro also includes tickets to the estate.) Also there is some great theater in D.C. besides the Kennedy Center. There is Woolly Mammoth, The Harmon Shakespeare Theater and the Landsburg, The Folger, The Roundhouse, Fords theater, the Keegan, and many more. For some great boutique shopping get off at the King Street Metro in Alexandria and take the free shuttle to all the shops, dining, and some historical buildings.

[@ronscorner99]

👍

[@jeremysmith7708]

All good tips and recommendations save using Metro. Due to a train derailment in October 2021, nearly 60% of its rail trains are not in use causing significant headways between trains. Additionally, maintenance on the bridge than connects the yellow line from DC to Virginia and work to tie in a new station south of Reagan will result in significant disruptions along the Blue and Yellow Lines in Virginia in September 2022. Until these are addressed and Metro demonstrates it can safely return to pre-pandemic service levels, one should look for alternative means to travel within the District and surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland.

[@maviswanczy8351]

Hello

[@davidmoser3535]

its all GOOD

[@estherdelgado1167]

Where do you recommend parking for a day? We’re visiting DC for the day. We would like to park and walk through the day.

[@ThunderMan690]

Washington dc beach park

[@sinasofreitas]

Country house in the next few days later in this area is the best of luck with your friends and neighbours for their support and guidance on how much it would be a bit like the look of it, and a half hours ago save money on a daily basis of the year and the family are all well aware that the company has been sent by email to a few weeks ago by the time of booking and money are safe with us, but it was the only way.

[@kckgirl78]

I drove in DC *once*…….never again. When I tried the METRORAIL system it was a wrap. I’ll always use public transportation in DC.

[@mercedesbryant3]

What about if traveling with a toddler in winter? Would you still suggest ditching a rental car?

[@sinasofreitas]

Very difficult to estay when I have importantion emprezario my finished document to behavior all conectionew agri some egois in dedicated other fans athores i'm rich chouse multimate and different types of people in my opinion the same time as the first one is the best way to go for it is the most important part in this area is the best way.

[@randallporter4835]

The District is awful in July. I am done it way to many times. Now I am going to do it in Late Sept.

[@paulcho1692]

I was going to go mid-July for a few days but thanks for this heads up

[@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094]

Why is it so bad then?

[@robertdavies3593]

@@animalsarebeautifulpeople3094 It's extremely hot and humid in July - August. The past few weeks has been around 95f with a heat index of ~105f. Which makes it miserable to be around walking / sight seeing in the area. Spring and Fall are by far the best times to visit.

[@Marisol20101]

How about places to eat?

[@papagramps1257]

there are A LOT of good (but sometimes overpriced) fine dining resteraunts downtown around the white house but you can pretty much go anywhere in the city and there will be great small businesses everywhere. But popular places tend to be Ben’s chili bowl in U-street and pretty much anywhere in Georgetown

[@WaluyaDar]

Washington DC is the most famous city in the world.

[@nematoad]

No it isn’t lol

[@minasotah]

How dare you not mention the National Air & Space Museum. For any one with families it is a must visit.

[@ChadGallivanter]

Specific museums are not what this particular video was about, and you should know that through context. However, the Air and Space Museum IS mentioned in a follow up video I did about the best places to visit in DC.

[@mitchellvancoppenolle5535]

Was that Darth Vader at 10:32

[@johnmaster3748]

I saw the same thing!

[@jenniewatson6596]

Yes

[@RealJMCproductions]

I’ll be safe in the tourist areas right? Just wanna be sure since I’ve heard a couple things

[@eddiew2325]

No you need to go to the hood

[@johnhughes1196]

Don’t go unless you have a Federal agent to protect you.

[@trisfaltr9038]

pang presidential lamang ang viscinity vip

[@layeqleyaqat99]

2024 I will come this year inshallah

[@chrisnapolion9568]

My ex wife lives there

[@wdai03]

Should I visit?

[@chrisnapolion9568]

Yes

[@Missybella92227]

@@wdai03 😂😂😂

[@theresajardin6947]

Id love to get married to a good one but too bad Canada haf their own doctors poiiosned me I only remember usa army I got a man there 10/19/87. Hahaha bikers

[@domesticcat5069]

💬 😽

[@dt8762]

The first thing you do is don't ever go.

[@user-gx2te1xc2w]

What law needs to be passed in order for the right laws to be passed? Yes?

[@carleeroseterangi6923]

400 towns traveling worldwide chaos. Financially

[@andreakoch7620]

Another city that doesn't allow dogs on public transport... So funny they're trying to get people to use public transport, and then don't allow dogs haha! I'm not going anywhere without my pup. Looks like I'll have to drive after all

[@Dbb27]

Good.

[@stokeslyon2963]

Screw Washington DC!

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Best tip? Don't go, probably the most boring capital in the world..

[@jaykay1899]

What capitals are better do you think?

[@JudenRick]

best tip, DON'T GO! the risk of violent crime is outrageous

[@BenThere_DoneThat]

Fox News Lies. Just ask Murdoch.

[@papagramps1257]

lmao that’s such an overblown deal. Yes DC has a lot of crime as so does every other city in the world, but as a tourist, if you’re staying in “touristy areas” or pretty much anywhere in NW or near the capital, 99% chance you’ll be fine

[@jaykay1899]

Oh come on don’t spread fear like that. I’ve never had a single issue in DC. Of course it exists but literally every city has sketchy neighborhoods somewhere. But don’t paint it out to be like it’s some war zone everywhere in DC lol

[@drock5404]

Don't visit

[@davidmoser3535]

DROCK!

[@andrewhamilton2121]

Any reason why?

[@papagramps1257]

@@andrewhamilton2121 ignore them, DC is a beautiful and great city to visit. They’re more likely a DC native like me that can be annoyed by the tourists clogging up the city, but regardless of that DC is an amazing place to visit with a lot of things to do/see

[@Whimper_forme]

@@andrewhamilton2121 he’s probably a local lol

[@pokejuice1495]

I have to. My son wants to go😢... Family is everything right.

[@CarolineKitchen-jd3cg]

Should be locked away from the rest of the country with the key given only to the citizens ON THE OUTSIDE!!!!!

[@nualprapasn7861]

3Visit

[@irisseraphim]

White house is so small like an easy target