I want to take a trip to DC in around Jan or Feb, I need tips on planning for this trip?

Question

I want to take a trip to DC in around Jan or Feb, I need tips on planning for this trip?

Answer 1

Spring is really the optimal time because it is cherry blossom season.

Answer 2

It will be cold, so try to get a hotel near a metro.  If you don't want to stay directly in the city, Crystal City (VA) and Friendship Heights (DC/MD) have hotels that are attached the metro via tunnels.  

As another poster said, the Smithsonian buildings, National Archives, and other federal buildings will close early. The plus side is less visitors!  It is also easier to get tours set up by your Senator or Representative (go to their web page and request tours; White House is hard to get and you need at least 6 months. These tours are free).  

If you come early enough in January the National Christmas Tree and Yule Log are still decorated.

There is a company, Tour Mobile, that operates within the district/Arlington. Their sales point is they are the only company that operates in Arlington National Cemetery.  I've been there numerous times and in the winter it can be brutal, so the tour buses within the cemetery help.  

The buses within the DC are enclosed.  I would recommend taking a tour bus around the city because of the cold. The Mall can be a cold walk on a Winter's eve.  There are some companies that do tours at night of the monuments.

The skating rink is open during this time. It's near the Achieves. It's very cute, especially at night.

Since the museums do close early in the winter, you might want to check out what's going on at the National Theater, the Verizon Center, the Kennedy Center, and many of the University's venues. Additionally, you could use the evenings to have a long dinner in one of our wonderful resturants.  Georgetown is a good place for a variety of different foods and very long dinners with friends and family.  

Marrakesh, on NY Ave (not in Georgetown) is a great place to have a long and enjoyable dining experience.  They only take cash, however. They have a web page - just google Marrakesh NY AVE and you will find it.

Finally, check out the US Botanical Gardens' Conservatory.  It's near the Capital. It's a good place to feel a little tropical during the winter months.

Answer 3

Museum hours are shortened in the winter plan on leaving by 4:30.Average temps are in the 30s.It is not a dry cold Ie. you feel it,in spades. I would suggest a tour bus with reboard features.