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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Пікірлер: 124

  • @yourhandleshouldbe
    @yourhandleshouldbe11 ай бұрын

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

  • @tbraghavendran

    @tbraghavendran

    3 ай бұрын

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

  • @trey4048

    @trey4048

    Ай бұрын

    @@tbraghavendran Use your critical thinking skills.

  • @JohnCregoWorldMusic
    @JohnCregoWorldMusicАй бұрын

    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.

  • @jackiepylaw7988
    @jackiepylaw7988 Жыл бұрын

    What a good place to explore! Thank you ChadGallivanter

  • @dr.baotran8448
    @dr.baotran8448 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thank you.

  • @ramochai
    @ramochai Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @raizedbynerdz8718
    @raizedbynerdz8718 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @musashimarc7536
    @musashimarc75363 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the good tips in this video !

  • @Cenlalowell
    @Cenlalowell Жыл бұрын

    Good tips I really appreciate it.

  • @drrsbr89
    @drrsbr89 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    Жыл бұрын

    Wow, thank you!

  • @Top.Mallorca
    @Top.Mallorca Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful city! Greetings from Mallorca Spain! Like 👍

  • @frankiecacafranca2313
    @frankiecacafranca2313 Жыл бұрын

    super helpful videos. thank you so much!

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

  • @JoseDiaz-lj2mp
    @JoseDiaz-lj2mp Жыл бұрын

    Excellent! Thank you for your video!

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    Жыл бұрын

    You are welcome!

  • @walk4718
    @walk4718Ай бұрын

    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.

  • @cheryl62022
    @cheryl6202210 ай бұрын

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

  • @roselineantoine4307
    @roselineantoine4307 Жыл бұрын

    Good video. I am planning to go in July

  • @clauderoxboroughiii4444
    @clauderoxboroughiii4444 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @helgabullabong
    @helgabullabong Жыл бұрын

    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

    @ChadGallivanter

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Helga!

  • @jessicajones5742
    @jessicajones5742 Жыл бұрын

    so cool place to visit there

  • @raimondasmarciulevicius7599
    @raimondasmarciulevicius75998 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @kalendamaya100
    @kalendamaya1003 ай бұрын

    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

    @eddiew2325

    3 ай бұрын

    My friend works at the something something institute

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @peggymicsky8607
    @peggymicsky8607 Жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @marmar71
    @marmar71 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @roddiesimmons8773

    10 ай бұрын

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

  • @Scipio488

    @Scipio488

    7 ай бұрын

    @@roddiesimmons8773 🙄

  • @justiceforall007
    @justiceforall0072 ай бұрын

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

  • @Toxic_Muk
    @Toxic_MukАй бұрын

    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

  • @eddavis9506
    @eddavis95069 ай бұрын

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

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    8 ай бұрын

    Wow, thanks!

  • @shakinafrink7030
    @shakinafrink7030 Жыл бұрын

    Saw some of it 😢❤wish I could go back

  • @bart2923
    @bart292311 ай бұрын

    Excellent

  • @strll3048
    @strll304811 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    11 ай бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @robnewman6101
    @robnewman61014 ай бұрын

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

  • @infolover_68
    @infolover_68Ай бұрын

    I miss being there again!!

  • @billspruce8368
    @billspruce8368 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @user-qw5fz9pq1g

    Жыл бұрын

    ^_^らららら

  • @harmoniedingui8476
    @harmoniedingui84768 ай бұрын

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

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    8 ай бұрын

    The LOC definitely one of our faves!

  • @alantubbs5113
    @alantubbs51138 ай бұрын

    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!

  • @TheLCarine
    @TheLCarine10 ай бұрын

    merci

  • @jeffb.4800
    @jeffb.4800 Жыл бұрын

    What kind of sunglasses are you wearing?

  • @dayindayout77
    @dayindayout775 ай бұрын

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

  • @estherdelgado1167
    @estherdelgado1167Ай бұрын

    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.

  • @jeremysmith7708
    @jeremysmith7708 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @maviswanczy8351

    Жыл бұрын

    Hello

  • @davidmoser3535

    @davidmoser3535

    Жыл бұрын

    its all GOOD

  • @sassycatz4470
    @sassycatz447014 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @twoblink
    @twoblink Жыл бұрын

    Wish this video was chaptered....

  • @leiladesilva
    @leiladesilva Жыл бұрын

    👏👏👏

  • @kckgirl78
    @kckgirl788 ай бұрын

    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

    @mercedesbryant3

    5 ай бұрын

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

  • @sinasofreitas
    @sinasofreitas29 күн бұрын

    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.

  • @sinasofreitas
    @sinasofreitas29 күн бұрын

    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
    @randallporter4835 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @paulcho1692

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @animalsarebeautifulpeople3094

    @animalsarebeautifulpeople3094

    Жыл бұрын

    Why is it so bad then?

  • @robertdavies3593

    @robertdavies3593

    10 ай бұрын

    @@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.

  • @ThunderMan690
    @ThunderMan690 Жыл бұрын

    Washington dc beach park

  • @ronscorner99
    @ronscorner99 Жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @jamesstaal673
    @jamesstaal6739 ай бұрын

    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

    @ChadGallivanter

    9 ай бұрын

    Agree!

  • @Marisol20101
    @Marisol20101 Жыл бұрын

    How about places to eat?

  • @papagramps1257

    @papagramps1257

    Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @minasotah
    @minasotahАй бұрын

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

  • @ChadGallivanter

    @ChadGallivanter

    Ай бұрын

    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.

  • @RealJMCproductions
    @RealJMCproductions4 ай бұрын

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

  • @eddiew2325

    @eddiew2325

    3 ай бұрын

    No you need to go to the hood

  • @mitchellvancoppenolle5535
    @mitchellvancoppenolle5535 Жыл бұрын

    Was that Darth Vader at 10:32

  • @johnmaster3748

    @johnmaster3748

    Жыл бұрын

    I saw the same thing!

  • @jenniewatson6596

    @jenniewatson6596

    11 ай бұрын

    Yes

  • @WaluyaDar
    @WaluyaDar Жыл бұрын

    Washington DC is the most famous city in the world.

  • @nematoad

    @nematoad

    Жыл бұрын

    No it isn’t lol

  • @trisfaltr9038
    @trisfaltr9038 Жыл бұрын

    pang presidential lamang ang viscinity vip

  • @johnhughes1196
    @johnhughes119620 күн бұрын

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

  • @layeqleyaqat99
    @layeqleyaqat99Ай бұрын

    2024 I will come this year inshallah

  • @chrisnapolion9568
    @chrisnapolion9568 Жыл бұрын

    My ex wife lives there

  • @wdai03

    @wdai03

    Жыл бұрын

    Should I visit?

  • @chrisnapolion9568

    @chrisnapolion9568

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @Missybella92227

    @Missybella92227

    Жыл бұрын

    @@wdai03 😂😂😂

  • @domesticcat5069
    @domesticcat5069 Жыл бұрын

    💬 😽

  • @theresajardin6947
    @theresajardin694725 күн бұрын

    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

  • @carleeroseterangi6923
    @carleeroseterangi6923 Жыл бұрын

    400 towns traveling worldwide chaos. Financially

  • @dt8762
    @dt876211 ай бұрын

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

  • @stokeslyon2963
    @stokeslyon29635 ай бұрын

    Screw Washington DC!

  • @user-gx2te1xc2w
    @user-gx2te1xc2w11 ай бұрын

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

  • @andreakoch7620
    @andreakoch7620 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @Dbb27

    5 ай бұрын

    Good.

  • @martijnkeisers5900
    @martijnkeisers590010 ай бұрын

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

  • @jaykay1899

    @jaykay1899

    5 ай бұрын

    What capitals are better do you think?

  • @drock5404
    @drock5404 Жыл бұрын

    Don't visit

  • @davidmoser3535

    @davidmoser3535

    Жыл бұрын

    DROCK!

  • @andrewhamilton2121

    @andrewhamilton2121

    Жыл бұрын

    Any reason why?

  • @papagramps1257

    @papagramps1257

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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

    @Whimper_forme

    Жыл бұрын

    @@andrewhamilton2121 he’s probably a local lol

  • @pokejuice1495

    @pokejuice1495

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @JudenRick
    @JudenRick Жыл бұрын

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

  • @BenThere_DoneThat

    @BenThere_DoneThat

    Жыл бұрын

    Fox News Lies. Just ask Murdoch.

  • @papagramps1257

    @papagramps1257

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    @jaykay1899

    5 ай бұрын

    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

  • @CarolineKitchen-jd3cg
    @CarolineKitchen-jd3cg11 ай бұрын

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

  • @nualprapasn7861
    @nualprapasn7861 Жыл бұрын

    3Visit

  • @irisseraphim
    @irisseraphim23 күн бұрын

    White house is so small like an easy target