Planning a trip to Washington DC can be a fun experience for your whole family. There’s history, culture, and numerous attractions to keep you busy. However, choosing the best neighborhood to stay in is vital to a comfortable and fun stay in DC. In this guide, we will explore the best areas to stay in Washington DC with family.
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CAPITOL HILL
In a city full of history this is one of the oldest, most historic neighborhoods in Washington DC. Capitol Hill offers an amazing experience for families. It’s in this area that the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court will be just steps away.
You can also spend time exploring the tree-lined streets filled with historic row houses as well as the charming parks.
With a nice collection of family-friendly restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the area, Capitol Hill is a place that is welcoming to families.
Not only is it an area full of culture and history, but its location puts you close to the action and provides great access to Washington DC’s public transit system. This is the preferred way to make your way around the city.
Whether you’re spending time exploring the museums of the National Mall, strolling along the Capitol Riverfront, or enjoying the green space in one of its many parks, Capitol Hill is a terrific choice for your family.
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA
If you’re looking to vacation on a budget and are seeking affordable accommodations while visiting Washington DC, the ideal option might surprise you—it’s not within the city itself. Instead, consider staying in the Arlington, Virginia area just across the river.
Areas like Crystal City and Rosslyn offer fantastic budget-friendly hotel options, especially for families. While these neighborhoods may lack the charm of those within the city center, they compensate with their affordability and still provide easy access to major attractions.
Whether you choose to drive or utilize the Metrorail system, getting into DC is both easy and convenient from here. Despite its more suburban feel, the Arlington area boasts plenty of shopping and dining opportunities to enhance your stay.
DUPONT CIRCLE
Situated in the middle of Washington DC, Dupont Circle is an energetic and sophisticated neighborhood known for its electric atmosphere and diverse culture. If you stay in Dupont Circle, you’ll have easy access to its art galleries, trendy boutiques, and world-class restaurants.
Of course, you can also enjoy Dupont Circle Park.
A family favorite, the National Zoo is nearby and with a quick connection via public transportation, you can easily reach the Smithsonian museums.
This great location means that you can plan a day at the zoo just as easily as you can spend some time checking out the museums.This provides a fun, educational experience for kids of all ages and makes it easy to plan your itinerary.
This area also boasts a nice variety of family-friendly accommodations including boutique hotels as well as vacation rentals. There is enough of a selection that you will likely find something that fits your budget.
GEORGETOWN
Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River, Georgetown is one of Washington DC’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and waterfront views, Georgetown provides a nice peaceful break from the action of the city.
Visiting Georgetown means that you’ll be able to visit shops, art galleries, waterfront parks or take walks down the C&O Canal.
The area is the home to the Georgetown Waterfront Park and the Kennedy Center (which provides free performances) there is so much to do for families.
This is a very popular area, so there is plenty to choose from when it comes to accommodations including luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts as well as home sharing options. Families will have a lot to choose from provided they are ready to pay the price. However for the location and what’s provided it is probably worth it.
FOGGY BOTTOM
On the western edge of downtown DC sits the neighborhood of Foggy Bottom, a vibrant, diverse area that offers lots of family-friendly activities and attractions. You’ll be close to George Washington University as well as the legendary Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Foggy Bottom is known for its lively culture and energetic atmosphere.
There is plenty of history to be explored when you stay in Foggy Bottom with such landmarks as the Watergate Complex, Lincoln Memorial, and promenades that allow for walks along the Potomac River.
With its location near the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums, it’s hard to pick a better location for your family to stay.
In addition to the sites to see, Foggy Bottom offers a nice variety of family-friendly accommodations including modern hotels as well as guesthouses and home sharing. You can select from a variety of options that suit your budget.
DOWNTOWN
In the heart of Washington DC sits the downtown area, a bustling, vibrant neighborhood that has plenty for families to do.
One of the most popular landmarks in the country is here, the White House. If you apply ahead of time, you may be able to book a tour. The National Mall and Smithsonian museums are a short transit ride or walk away.
This is a great area to stay if you want to be close to many of the major attractions.
You can enjoy those historic sites as well as the Tidal Basin just south of the National Mall. Centrally located you’ll be close to a personal favorite Museum, the National Air and Space Museum.
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in this neighborhood as well. There are modern hotels, apartments, bed and breakfasts, and more.
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN WASHINGTON DC
Washington DC offers so much to families looking to visit the nation’s capital. Its neighborhoods are diverse and unique and can provide a different perspective of the city depending on where you stay. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, tremendous food scene of peace you can find it during your visit to Washington DC. Once you have the area picked out where you want to stay, be sure to start planning your trip with the help of our essential 4-day itinerary. And don’t forget to check out our guide for what to pack so that you’re fully prepared for your family trip to Washington DC.
