#MiniVaca Guide: Washington, DC
A long weekend is the perfect time for a short vacation, so long as you plan it correctly.
Next up on the #MiniVaca series? Washington, DC! (3 days, two nights) As I’ve mentioned in the first post of this series, a #MiniVaca is a short vacation ranging anywhere from two to four days. The reality for many travel-lovers on a tight schedule (like me) is that a long weekend is the perfect time for a short vacation, so long as you plan it correctly. Below, I will cover the following topics relating to DC: how to get there, where to stay, how to get around, and what to do. I hope you can use these tips to plan your #MiniVaca to the DC area!
How to get there?
My trip to DC started with a flight from Orlando, FL (MCO) to Washington, DC (IAD). The flight landed in DC at 5 o’clock in the afternoon on a Friday; the flight back to Orlando left on Sunday around 8 o’clock at night. Can you guess the airline? Frontier! And, as usual, my flight was fairly affordable at $118 roundtrip. This flight is normally a lot cheaper, but I decided to visit in late March… aka, the start of spring break month. As a general traveling tip, I try to avoid flying during holidays because most airlines do spike their prices around these times. If you do need to travel during holidays, make sure to book your flight in advance to avoid paying a crazy amount.
If you are trying to visit DC and you are not near an airport that Frontier flies to/from, some cheaper airlines flying into IAD include JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America. Still too expensive? An additional option is to fly into Reagan National Airport (DCA). This is another airport located in the DC area. A few of the cheaper airlines flying into DCA include: Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America.
Where to stay?
While in DC, I stayed at the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott. I would not normally stay at a hotel but I was in DC for a family member’s wedding; the wedding was at this hotel so I didn’t have much of a choice. This hotel was fairly priced for a Marriott, starting at $99 a night. A few perks of this hotel include: great location (right next to the airport), a free airport shuttle, a gym, and a pool.
Looking for a high-end spot to crash? Check out the Gaylord National Resort located in the National Harbor. I have stayed at this beautiful resort while on a different visit to DC and I would highly recommend it. The hotel is located in Maryland, but is just a short driving distance (15 minutes) from the DC area. The hotel is massive, housing many different restaurants, bars, and even a rooftop club. In addition to the Gaylord Resort, the National Harbor area is full of shops and restaurants; it even includes a carousel and a massive Ferris wheel overlooking the harbor. Although the Gaylord is a wonderful hotel, rates start at about $289 a night so it may leave a dent in your wallet!
Need a cheap option for your stay in DC? After doing a quick search via HostelWorld.com, I found that there are quite a few options in the area. The two hostels with the highest ratings in DC include Highroad Hostel DC and Duo Nomad. I have not stayed at either of these accommodations, but they may be worth reviewing if you are looking for a cheap lodging spot in DC.
How to get around?
During my #MiniVaca in DC, I was lucky enough to have access to my parent’s car which meant I didn’t have to spend much to get around the area. However, there are many different forms of transportation if you don’t have your own. First, Uber and Lyft are available in DC and its surrounding areas. I have used Uber while on a different trip to DC, so that’s definitely an affordable option I would recommend. As a general tip when traveling around DC, be prepared to deal with the traffic. It can be a very congested area, especially during rush hour. Also, if you are able to drive around the DC area, whether it’s your car or a rental, I’ve found that the right lane—as opposed to the left— moves much faster!
In addition to these car services, there are many forms of public transportation available in the DC area. This public transportation includes metro, rail, and bus systems. I have not personally used these systems, but I have heard great things about how easy and convenient they are. Not to mention, public transportation is usually a cheaper way of getting around; you can find some more information on these routes here.
What to do?
Whether you enjoy brushing up on your U.S. history or catching a view of some waterfalls, DC has something for everyone. Below, I have shared my favorite must-do activities for a #MiniVaca.
Because I love starting the day off with a little exercise, take a morning walk through Georgetown University. This university is located in DC and is home to a beautiful campus. Between the detailed architecture of the buildings and the many statues, Georgetown University does not disappoint. While strolling through the campus, you may even run into the famous “Exorcist” steps—aka, the steps where a scene of The Exorcist was filmed! Not to mention, this is something you can do for free.
After checking out the university, grab a {tasty} bite at Georgetown Cupcakes! This cupcake spot, as seen on TLC, is known around the world. The shop has a variety of cupcakes for purchase to satisfy any sweet tooth, ranging from PB&J to Unicorn. Because their sweets are so tasty, you should expect to wait in line for a bit. When I visited, I stood in line for about 45 minutes before finally getting to order… but it was well worth the wait!
Plan a visit to the Arlington Cemetery. DC is full of history, and if you are looking for a place to start reflecting on some of that history, the Arlington Cemetery is the place to start. The cemetery is a beautiful location full of celebrated heroes. I, unfortunately, only had about an hour and a half to spend here because I had a wedding to attend the same day. Personally, I would suggest planning to stay a few hours at this location. While visiting, I was able to learn about some parts of history via informational walkthroughs and videos on display; but I would suggest signing up for a tour as you may get more information in that way. If you do visit, be prepared to do a lot of walking and make sure you have water to stay hydrated. The Arlington Cemetery is free to visitors, you just need to pay for parking. If you want to sign up for a tour, they do require the purchase of a tour ticket. More information on Arlington Cemetery tours can be found here.
If you are like me and enjoy adventuring through the outdoors, look no further than Great Falls Park. This beautiful national park is located in McLean, VA which is about a 25-minute drive just outside the heart of DC. Great Falls Park is home to various hiking trails as well as overlooks of a few different waterfalls. The waterfall overlooks are easily accessible, as they are a short 10-minute walk from the parking lot. How much does it cost? The entrance into the park is payed per car, at a fee of $10 per vehicle. That fee admits all passengers of the vehicle into the park. To find out more on this national park, click here.
Last but not least… tour the National Mall Area! The National Mall is full of various monuments and memorials. You can also find museums, government buildings (like my favorites… the US Capitol and the White House), and parks in this area. If you are looking for a bite to eat, nearby you can usually find food trucks parked and ready to provide some quick service options. This massive stretch of land is open to the public for free. Just beware that you will be walking a LOT. Although these buildings are grouped together in this area, they are pretty far apart so a trip to this spot will definitely help you get some cardio in. It is simply impossible to fit all of the Mall in in one single day, so make sure to plan out which particular areas you want to visit. My #MiniVaca to DC included a stop at the Washington Monument, a stop at the White House (walking past the front, that is), and a tour of the US Capitol building. I would highly recommend a tour of the Capitol building—the history, architecture, and artwork will leave you in *awe*. For more information on how to book a tour, click here. In addition, you can find a full map of the Mall here.
Washington, D.C. and its surround areas are home to many activities to keep your #MiniVaca full of adventure, without breaking the bank. Hopefully you can use this guide to navigate your way through D.C. and make the most of a short vacation. Just remember: bring lots of water, pack your comfy walking shoes, and always be respectful of the area you are visiting!
If you do end up taking my advice during your trip to Wasington, D.C., or if you have any questions, I’d love to get your feedback. Please click on the “contact” link at the top of the page and write your message there.
Thanks for visiting #TFTL & safe travels!