Washington DC Car Hire

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Washington, D.C. has a long history of being stereotyped as a stodgy government-driven town, what with all its marbled monuments and famous politicians. However, today, the nation's capital buzzes with a new vitality, evolving into a hip and fast-paced East Coast holiday spot. The District of Columbia is home to several world-class museums and vibrant communities in addition to its well-known government institutions. Recent years have seen a proliferation of cafés, shops, and nightclubs in the nation's capital, transforming it into a bustling cultural centre. Although its political significance and popularity as a cherry blossom viewing location are undeniable, Washington, D.C. is home to some of the country's most underappreciated fine dining establishments as well as lovely districts dotted with historic row homes and world-famous museums (including the twenty or so institutions under the Smithsonian that give free entrance). For a memorable trip, book your car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel!

Guide of Washington DC

Geography

As the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., is often confused for a state. However, it is a federal district. Washington, DC is bordered by Virginia and Maryland and is located between two rivers: the Anacostia and the Potomac. Washington, DC is located on the northern bank of the Potomac and is home to some of the most recognisable symbols of the United States, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Washington Monument.

Climate in Washington DC

The months of April and June, as well as September and October, are ideal for a visit to the nation's capital. You may expect pleasant weather in the late spring and early summer, and you can still enjoy the mild weather in September and October without having to contend with the tremendous heat and masses of visitors who arrive in the summer.

Culture

Fourth of July celebrations are a joyful sight to see in Washington D.C. One of the best parts of celebrating Independence Day in Washington, DC is taking in the spectacular fireworks display over the National Mall. A Capitol Fourth, the star-studded concert that traditionally precedes the show, will be shown on PBS and may also be seen in person if you get there early.

Things To Do in Washington DC

Visit a couple of the Smithsonian Museums

Every year, millions of tourists flock to the Smithsonian Institution's world-class free museums in the United States capital. The National Air and Space Museum on Jefferson Drive is a good place to start your DC tour. It has the world's greatest collection of aviation and space-related items. Highlights include the 1903 Wright Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, and Neil Armstrong's spacesuit. The National Museum of American History on Constitution Avenue is a popular destination for those interested in all things American. Admire the Star-Spangled Banner Flag, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national song, or presidential artefacts such as Jefferson's desk or Lincoln's top hat, which each tell a separate story.

Take a stroll around the National Memorials along the Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin, a 2-mile-long pond that was formerly part of the Potomac River, is often regarded as one of the most romantic DC sights. The best time to come is in the spring, when the cherry blossom trees that surround it are in full bloom, providing a picturesque background to some of the United States' national monuments. Rent a paddle boat and spend some time on the water with your special someone. Take some beautiful images on your social media. Even if you miss the cherry blossom season, the breathtaking Thomas Jefferson Memorial, constructed like the Roman Pantheon with 54 famous columns and a 19-foot standing statue of the third US president, will take your breath away. The other two sights along the Tidal Basin that will pique your attention are the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Watch a performance at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, dedicated to the memory of the former president, first opened its doors to the public in 1971. Edward Durell Stone, the architect, developed this multicultural and multifunctional space in 1971. The Washington National Opera, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet all call it home. Every year, over 2200 performances are staged on its three major stages and countless smaller ones. If you're on a budget, check out their events schedule since over 400 of them are free, plus there's an onstage performance every day at 6 p.m.

Eating Out in Washington DC

There is no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Washington DC that serve food from all over the globe. Here are a handful of our favourites. Half-smoked sausages have recently become the hallmark cuisine in DC. So it's only fair that you go to HalfSmoke and create your own DC-style sausage plate with speciality drinks. The Estuary is noted for its seasonal menu, which combines seafood with plants and animals from the Chesapeake Bay area to showcase the particular flavour of Mid-Atlantic cuisine. Try the shrimp toast, the grilled butcher's cut, or the spice-coated lamb. The Capital Grille is an elite fine dining steakhouse that serves steaks cut by their own experienced butcher and cooked to perfection. Their wine kiosk has over 350 different options.

Transport

Airport

Three international airports serve Washington DC: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). For transportation between DC and the airports, limousines, sedans, vans, and buses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Getting Around Washington DC

The Metrorail, the Metrobus, and the DC Circulator are all operated by the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which is available to commuters around the clock. In addition, taxi, moped and bike rentals are also available- many of them available via apps. Travellers who have children or a lot of baggage often choose to rent a vehicle because of the freedom and convenience it provides. Even if they are just visiting for a few days, business travellers or honeymooners may often choose to rent a car rather than rely on local public transit. Whatever kind of vehicle you need, from a compact mini to a huge luxury SUV, Enjoy Travel has you covered. Making a reservation in advance can guarantee you the vehicle of your choice and make your vacation go off without a hitch.

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FAQs about car hire in Washington DC

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Washington DC

Car hiring prices in Washington DC start at $35.39 per day .
The minimum age to hire a car in Washington DC is 21.
The distance between Washington DCA Airport and the city centre of Washington DC is around 4.5 miles.
The distance between Baltimore and Minneapolis is around 38.5 miles - 1hr 03 minutes drive.
Washington DC, the capital of the U.S., not to be confused with Washington the state, is a very expensive destination to visit. You’ll spend around $155 per day.
You can find a V Jeep Wrangler 2 or 4 Dr. in the off-peak season for $71.03 per day.
While Washington DC is relatively small, it’s worth renting a car to move around leisurely without worries.
You can’t visit Washington DC without seeing the Washington National Cathedral, the Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol and of course the White House, even if it’s far.
The months of April and May are the ideal months to travel to Washington DC.
It is $266.23 for a week, or $38.03 per day.
It’s $1,553.78 for a month, or $50.12 per day.
Price of fuel in Washington DC is between $0.60 and $0.83 per litre.

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