The capital of the United States of America is a small city by US standards, but packs a heck of a punch. Home to American icons like the White House, US Capitol, and Pentagon, it is certainly one for the sightseer. There are also parks and museums galore, along with lots of sights to see nearby with rental car from Washington DC.
Getting there
Washington Dulles International is the main airport in the US capital, though Ronald Reagan is more convenient for domestic travelers and national travel deals. It is just a few miles south of the white House. Rail services come in from New York and Chicago with Amtrak. By car rental to Washington DC, major highways approach from all directions and the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95) orbital links them all.
Key attractions
The White House, US Capitol on Capitol Hill, the Lincoln Memorial (Obelisk) and associated Reflecting Pool are all must-dos. It is best to park your Washington DC rental car and do this area on foot as driving the square mile can be a headache. There is a day’s worth of attractions on Capitol Hill alone, including the Library of Congress and Supreme Court building, while nearby is the excellent Smithsonian Institution in the Mall.
Out and about
The Pentagon and Arlington national Cemetery are a short drive across the Potomac River. Farther afield by Washington DC car rental is Leesburg, with its wineries and farms, while the George Washington Parkway (into Virginia) features the beautiful Mount Vernon estate. You can also easily drive the beaches of the stunning Chesapeake Bay.
Leisure options
There are lots of bicycle paths in town and you can even cycle down to Mount Vernon. Boating or white-water rafting the Potomac is also possible, while Rock Creek Park has a large number of attractions including a golf course and planetarium. Guided tours of the Pentagon are popular, too, though you’ll need to pre-book. Online are national deals on travel to Washington DC.
Safety
While not as unsafe as the 1980’s and 1990’s, Washington DC still has quite a reputation. Muggings are a problem in the central and northern areas, while all parks should be avoided after dark along with Gallery Place-Chinatown station.