District of Columbia vacation rentals

A trip to Washington, DC is a capital idea

Time to brush up on everything you forgot from your U.S. history class—you're going to Washington, DC! More than just the site of many of the country's most iconic buildings—though you'll find plenty of those, too—the nation's capital is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, with a wealth of art and culture institutions. You can find world-class dining in the city's buzzy neighborhoods, as well as shopping, entertainment, and a bounty of outdoor space. With a Washington vacation rental, you'll be at the heart of national government—with attractions and nightlife for all.

Washington, DC—home of the free (museums)

Everyone knows Washington is chock-full of worthwhile sights and museums, but just how many you can get into completely gratis is a marvel of modern governance. The National Portrait Gallery, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian—all run by the Smithsonian Institution—offer free admission throughout the year. And at the 163-acre Smithsonian National Zoological Park, visitors of all ages can get face to face with thousands of animals from all over the world, including elephants, lions, and giant pandas, all free of charge.

Monumental sightseeing in Washington, DC

If you like your national history in massive doses, then you're in the right place. With countless government buildings and national monuments to cross off your list, sightseeing is a major pastime in Washington. The National Mall is home to the iconic, Instagrammable Lincoln Memorial, as well as the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol, and you'll find plenty of museums, theaters, and live music venues in the area, too. Outdoorsy types can enjoy the running and walking trails in Rock Creek Park, a 2,000-acre oasis of greenery in the northwestern part of the city.

Getting to the bottom of the Foggy Bottom's weather

Fondly (and sometimes not-so-fondly) known as the "Foggy Bottom," Washington has a temperate maritime climate, with hot, muggy summers and cold, somewhat snowy winters; precipitation is relatively common throughout the year. Summer highs often climb into the 90s in July and August, while winter lows can regularly dip into the low teens between December and February. A popular summer destination thanks to its numerous monuments and government buildings, you'll be most likely to find killer deals on Washington vacation rentals during the slower and colder winter months.

Here's the low-down on the Washington landscape

Washington, DC sits in a low-lying region, bordered on the south and west by the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. While Washington itself is densely urban, you can find a number of parks and open spaces throughout the city—more than 7,000 acres of them, in fact—and there are plenty of hiking trails, running paths, and bike routes for weekend warriors of all types. Your Washington vacation rental will also put you close to the 446-acre United States National Arboretum, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle that's home to trees and plants from all over the country.

Transportation to and around District of Columbia

If you prefer train travel, the main station serving the city is Washington Union Station. You can see more of District of Columbia by catching a ride on the metro at Farragut North Station, Farragut West Station or McPherson Sq. Station.