Travel TipsSummers are warm and humid, and during spells of sweltering weather, high temperatures can hover between 95 and 100, accompanied by steamy humidity or brief showers. Washingtonians anticipate the occasional brief burst of refreshing weather in July and August—sunny, breezy afternoons around 80 degrees, with low humidity and blue skies.
Washington winters can be raw, with a few nights plunging into the single digits and blustery days when the thermometer fails to rise above freezing. Some winters have practically no snow, while others can deal out several snowfalls and the occasional near blizzard. The District also is susceptible to ice storms. For winter driving, make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires.
Spring and fall are short but exceedingly pleasant, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s and nighttime lows in the 40s and 50s. April, May and October are the nicest months of the year, with sunny days and low humidity.
Casual clothes are fine for sightseeing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sunglasses and a hat come in handy in summer, a hat and gloves in winter. A jacket and tie may be required or advised at some of the finer restaurants.
Washington, DC
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Washington Marriott at Metro Center775 12th St NW. Washington, DC 20005
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The Westin Washington, DC Downtown999 9th St NW. Washington, DC 20001
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Hilton Washington DC/Capitol Hill525 New Jersey Ave NW. Washington, DC 20001
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington, DC/Downtown500 H St NW. Washington, DC 20001
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689,545.
Elevation
23 ft.
Sales Tax
The District of Columbia's sales tax is 6 percent. Additional increments are attached when purchasing alcohol, restaurant meals, rental cars, commercial parking and hotel rooms. The higher tax rates range from 10 to 18 percent. The sales tax in neighboring Maryland is 6 percent and Virginia taxes range from 4.3 to 7 percent.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
311 in Washington, D.C., or (202) 727-9099
Hospitals
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, (202) 444-2000; The George Washington University Hospital, (202) 715-4000; Howard University Hospital, (202) 865-6100; Sibley Memorial Hospital, (202) 537-4000; MedStar Washington Hospital Center, (202) 877-7000.
Visitor Information
1133 21st St. N.W. Suite M200 Washington, DC 20036. Phone:(202)347-7201
Air Travel
Visitors arriving by plane can land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Rental Cars
Rental car agencies in Washington are numerous; most have conveniently located offices in the city and nearby Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Arrangements should be made before you leave on your trip. Your local AAA club can provide this service or additional information. Hertz offers discounts to AAA members; phone (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
Trains pull into the
Buses
The Greyhound Lines Inc. bus terminal is at 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E.; phone (202) 289-5141.
Taxis
Taxicabs in Washington are metered.
Public Transportation
Transportation by bus or subway is available in Washington.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.