6 Tips To Escape The Tourist Crowds In Washington D.C.

Annually, an estimated 22 million people visit the nation’s capital. The Cherry Blossom Festival alone sees an average of 1.5 million visitors over the four-week period. To put that in perspective, just over half a million people actually reside within D.C. on a ‘normal day.’ Nothing ruins a vacation like weaving among tourists, school trips, and strollers while trying to get the perfect picture of the Tidal Basin. Enjoy your trip to the District by using these six tips to escape the crowds.

See Cherry Blossoms at the LBJ Memorial Grove

Memorial

Instead of fighting the crowds around the Tidal Basin, enjoy scenic waterfront views of the blossoms from this quiet alcove. The grove was erected in honor of the 36th president and was one of his and Lady Bird Johnson’s favorite spots to stroll and get away from the pressures of D.C. This quiet oasis is the perfect place to get away from it all and still see the famous cherry blossoms.

Avoid the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Shop

When you come to D.C., hit the National Mall instead of this behemoth shopping center. With four floors of shops and department stores, it’s a trap for visiting high-schoolers and youths. You can shop at home or online and eat at one of D.C.’s famous restaurants instead of the food court.

Tour the monuments at night

Most of the monuments and memorials are open 24 hours a day. Skip the crowds and head to the mall after dark. You’ll miss the tour groups and throngs of families – and there’s something magical about the Jefferson at night.

Book your stay in North D.C.

Get out of the hustle and bustle – look for hotels or AirBnBs in Columbia Heights, Petsworth, and Woodley Park. These smaller neighborhoods have great rentals and are far less crowded than staying in the Arlington area.

Check out the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Memorial

While Washington, D.C. is known for the big three: Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson, it offers many more presidential landmarks. Find peace and serenity away from the crowded mall at the FDR memorial. The man-made waterfalls offer a soothing change of pace from the honking of cabs around the District.

Skip the Line at the National Museum Of African American History And Culture

Building, Museum, School

The Mall’s newest museum saw 2.5 million visitors the first year. Plan ahead and book your (free) tickets in advance on the website. You can book two months in advance, or wake up at 6:30 a.m. and go for same-day tickets.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.