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Washington DC holidays
Washington DC holidays

Washington DC holidays

Politics may put Washington DC on the map, but there’s far more to the US capital than the White House.

 

And if you book during our September Sale, you can lock in your holiday for just £75pp* deposit, and spread the cost. Beacause if not now, when?

Washington DC from £741pp

Sale now on

Washington DC holidays bring together landmark monuments, free Smithsonian museums and fascinating stories, with plenty to discover beyond the headline sights.

Walk the National Mall, then swap monuments for Georgetown’s waterfront and boutiques, Dupont Circle’s leafy streets, or the restaurants and nightlife of Adams Morgan. Add galleries, green spaces and a busy calendar of events, and there’s always another side of DC to explore.

Essential information for Washington, DC

  1. Time Zone

    UK - 5hrs

  2. Language

    American English

  3. Currency

    US Dollar $

  4. Flight information

    8h 30m direct flight

  1. Flight schedule

    Virgin Atlantic fly to Washington daily from London Heathrow.

  2. Do I need a visa?

    Eligible UK travellers will usually need an approved ESTA before travelling under the Visa Waiver Program.

    Find out more about Travel Visas here »

Things to do in Washington, DC

Washington DC spoils every type of visitor for interesting things to do on their holiday. Here are the city’s best attractions.

Washington Museums

Hit the museum trail

Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, this world-renowned museum and research complex in the District consists of 17 museums, galleries and a National Zoo.

Lincoln Memorial

Visit Abraham Lincoln

Go see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol Hill and impressive war memorials in between. You could even take a segway, duck tour or night bicycle tour.

Rock Creek Park Washington

Get back to nature at Rock Creek Park

Enjoy a picnic, explore nature trails or even visit see the city’s oldest house.

White Water Rafting

Looking for action?

Try kayaking or paddle boarding along The Georgetown waterfront or cycle along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. If you’re feeling brave, go whitewater rafting on the Shenandoah River.

Food Washington

Tuck into the Washington food scene

Enjoy a cosmopolitan food scene with everything from Mexican to Louisiana cuisine - Chinatown and Little Ethiopia are also worth a visit.

Why choose Virgin Atlantic Holidays?

  1. Limited-time lower deposit

    Secure your holiday for just £75pp* in our sale and start looking forward to the good bit.

  2. Spread the cost

    Set up Direct Debit when you book and pay for your holiday in manageable monthly installments.

  3. ATOL protection for all

    Book with confidence knowing your holiday’s financially protected with ATOL and ABTA.

  4. Handpicked hotel offers

    Only top-quality stays make our list, and our sale offers make them even sweeter.

View all 16 places to stay

Take a look at our wonderful Washington, DC hotels and turn that dream city break into reality.

Need more travel tips or holiday help?

If you're a UK citizen planning to visit Washington, D.C., for tourism or business and your trip is 90 days or less, you can travel without a visa under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). But there's a catch, you'll need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before you go. Think of it as your golden ticket to the U.S.

How to apply for an ESTA:

  1. Apply online: Head to the official ESTA website to fill out your application. It's quick and straightforward.

  2. Pay the fee: There’s a small fee involved, nothing too scary.

  3. Wait for approval: Most approvals come through within minutes, but it's best to apply at least 72 hours before your flight.

Spring and autumn are two of the best times to visit Washington DC, with milder temperatures making it easier to explore the city on foot. Spring brings the famous cherry blossom season, usually around late March and early April, although peak bloom varies each year.

Autumn is another great choice, with comfortable sightseeing weather and colourful foliage across the city’s parks. Summer is warmer and more humid, while winter tends to be colder and quieter, making it a good time for museums, galleries and indoor attractions.

Washington DC packs an extraordinary amount into one city. Start at the National Mall, where you can walk between the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and some of the capital’s most recognisable memorials. Nearby, see the White House and US Capitol, then make time for the Smithsonian museums, with everything from American history and culture to aviation and space.

Art lovers can head to the National Gallery of Art, while Georgetown offers a change of pace with its historic streets, waterfront and independent shops and restaurants. And when you fancy a little more green space, Rock Creek Park feels a world away from the monuments and museums.

If the National Air and Space Museum is on your list, plan ahead: admission is free, but you’ll need to reserve a free timed-entry pass

 

Top tip: Many of Washington DC’s biggest sights are close enough to explore on foot, with the Metro making it easy to reach neighbourhoods further across the city.

You won’t need to hire a car to explore Washington DC. Many of the city’s best-known sights are easy to reach on foot, and the Metro is a convenient way to travel between neighbourhoods and attractions further afield. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also widely available.

 

If you’re planning day trips beyond the city, however, hiring a car can give you more freedom to explore the surrounding areas of Virginia and Maryland at your own pace.

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*Exclusions apply. Full balance due within 84 days of departure. Deposit varies by booking. Book by 30 Sep 2026. Full terms: virginatlantic.com/terms