While there is no shortage of things to do in Washington, D.C., you may find that you only have so much time in your schedule to visit. But that is okay. There are many ways to make the most of a day trip to the nation’s capital.
If you are planning your trip, here are five tips you can use to your advantage:
1. Plan To Arrive Early
If you are only spending one day in Washington, D.C., it is best that you arrive as early as possible. With so much to see, this helps you make the most of your trip. Just the same as New York City, you will find that there is plenty to do in Washington, D.C. at almost every time of the day. Also, the early morning hours are much less crowded than later in the day. You can see quite a bit in the nation’s capital before most other travelers get out of bed.
2. Plan To Stay Late
Just as you should plan to arrive early, you should also look into staying as late as possible. Doing so takes advanced planning, as you should leave activities that are open later until the evening hours.
Tip: Safety should always come first when visiting Washington, D.C. (or any other city). If you are going to be out and about late at night, be sure that you never take risks with your safety and well-being. Just like any city, crime is all over the place.
3. Plan To Walk (When Possible)
It is easy to believe that you would get around the fastest via a car or public transportation. However, you will find that this is not necessary for a city such as Washington, D.C. The city is laid out in an easy-to-understand manner, which allows you to walk almost everywhere you want to go.
There may be times when you want to take a break, so jumping on a public bus or taking an Uber is never a bad idea. Just make sure that you are on board with the idea that walking is probably the most efficient way to move about the city.
Tip: There are scooters for rent throughout the Washington, D.C. area. All you have to do is download the applicable app, jump on, and hit the street.
4. Know Where To Take Food Breaks
It is easy to get so caught up in the attractions and activities that you forget to stop for a bite to eat every now and again. This is a mistake. You need to fuel your body if you are going to enjoy every hour of your day. This is another benefit of walking on your day trip to Washington, D.C. You will come across everything from sit-down restaurants and bars to food carts and food trucks.
If there is a particular type of food you are looking for, there is a good chance that you will find it in Washington, D.C. You can even plan out your food breaks in advance so that you do not have to waste time searching.
5. Prioritize Your Must-See List
This will make or break your day trip to Washington, D.C. When you have a must-see list guiding you, it is easier to carefully plan your day to ensure that you do not miss anything. As you prioritize your must-see list, take into consideration the best route to see everything. You do not want to criss-cross the city when it is not necessary. Seeing attractions that are close together, one after the next, will save you both time and energy.
If you need any help prioritizing your must-see list in Washington, D.C., all you have to do is search online for more information.
Tip: Do not fret if you get off schedule at any point. Instead, adjust your approach with your list in mind. Your goal is to hit as many places as possible, all while doing whatever it takes to enjoy yourself along the way.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. If you find yourself living in Washington DC, this is not something you need to worry about. You will have plenty of time to see everything.
Conversely, if you are visiting for a day trip, proper planning is a must. With these tips, you are in a position to schedule a trip you will never forget.
