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About this guide
The Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, commonly referred to as the DMV, offers a blend of national landmarks, amazing views, and fantastic food. Springtime in the Washington metropolitan area brings beautiful cherry blossoms, relaxing getaways, and gorgeous rolling hills of seasonal foliage. The DMV is perfect for travelers who love history and want to visit unique places.
- Best time to travel: March through May and September through November
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Noteworthy: National Cherry Blossom Festival (March through April), Baltimore Jazz Fest (June), Neptune Festival (Year-round)
- Best for: Historical Visit, Foodie Adventures, Couples Trip, Friends Trip, Family Getaways
Get Away: Getting To and Around the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
By Air
The three major and easily accessible airports that serve Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Dulles International Airport. Plan flights and transportation to avoid rush hour traffic in the city.
By Car
Navigating the DMV area by car can be challenging during heavy rush hour traffic. There are toll roads, like the Dulles Toll Road or Intercounty Connector, that help save time, but finding parking is more difficult in tourist areas. Public garages and ride-sharing services are useful when visiting for the first time.
By Public Transit
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates the Metrorail subway system and Metrobus, which connects throughout the entire DMV area. Several regional bus services, like the MARC Train, Virginia Railway Express, and Amtrak provide intercity connections.
Explore the DMV on Foot
Many of the region’s most popular attractions are clustered with museums and monuments within walking distance. Charming neighborhoods of Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria offer unique shops and local restaurants.
Quick facts
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
USD ($)
English
Good For
Historical Visit
Foodie Adventures
Couples and Friendship Trips
Family Getaways
Keep in mind
- National Cherry Blossom Festival (March through April)
- Baltimore Jazz Fest (June)
- Neptune Festival (Year-round)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In the DMV
Bammy’s DC is Caribbean-fusion cuisine in Arlington, Virginia. Co-run by Michelin-star and James Beard-nominated executive chefs, its mouthwatering menu items and delectable desserts keep people coming back for more.
Women-owned Duck & The Peach serves organic dishes like watercress panzanella with duck fat croutons and lamb chops with beluga lentils. The popular Cherry Blossom Sundae dessert is a nod to D.C.’s iconic floral landscapes.
Bar Spero in Washington D.C. has a delicious seafood-forward and expertly crafted cocktail menu. Inspired by spirited Basque culture, the restaurant has a warm minimalist atmosphere with world-class service.
The Black family-owned Ben’s Next Door restaurant in Washington D.C. serves a bottomless mimosa weekend brunch. The menus also include dishes, like buffalo cauliflower, golden-fried chicken, and blackened salmon.
For southern comfort classics, Creole on 14th in Washington D.C. serves authentic New Orleans recipes with a unique twist. The menu has crab mac n’ cheese eggrolls, stuffed panko-spiced lamb chops, loaded Creole pasta, and impeccable desserts.
Sotto Sopra Restaurant is Baltimore’s top Italian spot to enjoy a flavorful seasonal menu with local ingredients. The menu includes pumpkin risotto with fig balsamic glaze and Maryland-style mussels in Old Bay cream.
The Blackbird Bakery in historic downtown Bristol, Virginia, is the place to satisfy a sweet tooth with made-from-scratch delights. From delectable doughnuts to homemade desserts, this Commonwealth Avenue bakery has custom cakes and ice cream using local ingredients.
With two locations in the Maryland area, the Iron Rooster combines traditional Southern comfort food with a twist. The community favorite serves breakfast all day with dishes like crab omelet, breakfast brisket hash, and fried chicken with French toast.
Stay
Stay: Places to Stay In the DMV
BET co-founder Shelia C. Johnson designed the lavish 168 rooms and suites on 340 acres at Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The property features an equestrian center, indoor/outdoor pools, ziplining, archery, tennis courts, and other family-friendly games.
Converted from a centuries-old carriage house, the one-bedroom loft at Ingraham Alley Inn has a full bathroom and kitchen. There’s a washer-dryer, a private patio, small curated library, and an upstairs king-sized bed.
This U Street Apartment is in the cultural hub of U Street Corridor near the city's most popular restaurants, bars, shopping, and concert venues. This garden-level Victorian rowhouse has a full kitchen, a private patio, and a permit for on-street parking.
Riggs DC Hotel is in a refurbished 1800s bank building with high ceilings and Corinthian columns. The bespoke art deco vibe creates a sophisticated and relaxing space to feel luxurious.
Escape to the enchanting haven with classic European decor in historic cottages at the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant in Virginia. In the heart of horse and wine country, Goodstone offers complimentary breakfast, fire pit access, and a heated saltwater pool.
The elegant family-owned Swanendele Inn on Chesapeake Bay in St. Mary’s, Maryland with eight unique rooms and luxurious suites. With waterfront views and eco-friendly features, the historic charm and modern comforts create a cozy getaway or group retreat.
Play
Play: Things To Do In the DMV
Located in Washington, D.C., this Smithsonian National Museum is the nation's largest and most comprehensive African-American history showcase. The nationally renowned gallery has incredible moving art pieces and cultural exhibitions.
The Escape Quest is an indoor group activity filled with adventure, mystery, and medieval-themed rooms. There are two escape room locations in the DMV area and this is perfect for a fun day with friends.
Enjoy a 3-hour nighttime sightseeing bus tour to witness iconic national monuments in the DMV area. A local guide will take guests to the top attractions, including the MLK Memorial and the US Capitol.
This 2-hour Washington DC Signature Scenic Buffet Cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy beautiful views. The lunch buffet cruise has a cash bar, a live DJ, and the captain’s expert narration about the city's history and culture.
The National Aquarium in Maryland is a nonprofit organization offering behind-the-scenes tours of shark tanks and dolphin training sessions. There are animal care and rescue tours to learn about the aquarium's local, regional, and global conservation initiatives.
This ghost walking tour in Georgetown explores the hidden history and local legends through supernatural tales and true crime stories. From cemeteries to alleyways, the city's oldest and eeriest neighborhood offers a spine-chilling nighttime adventure.
From Korean delicacies to a print house-turned-bakery, the Gastronomic Georgetown Food Tour is a fantastic way to savor the local culinary scene. A local guide also is there to share the history of Washington D.C.’s oldest district with guests throughout the tour.
This experience is glow-in-the-dark fun in a blacklight splatter room with music and wine. This package includes everything you need to have a great time with your family or friends.