Destination guide

Hoist the star-spangled banner in Washington DC

It's a fair bet that the capital of the world's dominant superpower is going to be something a bit special, and Washington, DC doesn't disappoint. The sheer scale of the place is on a whole different level, with vast parks, scores of world-class museums and institutions, and the biggest concentration of iconic buildings and monuments anywhere in the United States. Like everything else, the cultural and sporting life is unrivalled, and pretty much the only downside of the place is that with Washington, DC vacation rentals, there's so much to do that you'll never get round it all in 1 trip.

Things to do

Give yourself the presidential treatment in DC

The main trouble with Washington, DC vacation rentals is just knowing where to start. Fortunately, you have your answer in the form of the National Mall. This vast park in Downtown DC is a hub for many of the main attractions, including such iconic sights as the Jefferson Memorial, the White House, the United States Capitol and the soaring obelisk of the Washington Monument. The National Mall's also home to 11 branches of the Smithsonian Institution – the big daddy of the US museum scene – with museums covering everything from national and natural history to Native American culture and space exploration.

Activities

Oh say can you see... the sights of Washington DC?

The concentration of spectacular buildings and monuments in this national powerhouse means Washington, DC vacation rentals are all about the sightseeing, and your main decision is how you're going to go about it. Biking and walking tours are popular, but you can also do hop-on hop-off bus tours, or even trundle around on a Segway. And that's before we get onto the endless entertainments on offer. Whether you're into theatre, live music or sporting events, if you want it, DC's got it. There's also a wide programme of events and festivals, of which the most famous is the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Weather

Whatever the season, Washington's got the wardrobe

It's only fitting that a place as beautiful and distinguished as Washington, DC has an outfit for every season. Springtime round here is all about the cherry blossom, and there's even an annual festival to commemorate this unique element of the city. Come summer, days are long and lazy, with hot temperatures and fairly high humidity that sees locals and visitors alike flocking to the city parks. Those same parks look at their best in full autumn colour, before winter finally arrives. Winters here are cold, with a decent amount of snow, but Washington DC looks great in her ermine coat.

Natural highlights

If it was good enough for Teddy Roosevelt...

Set on the border between Maryland and Virginia, Washington, DC's a planned city, which might account for her good looks and the unusual amount of greenery. In fact, nearly 20% of the city is parkland. Apart from the National Mall, one of the best-known natural areas is Rock Creek Park, a 1,700-acre forest that's home to all kinds of wildlife. Of course, the most famous natural feature of DC is the Potomac River. If you happen to be in DC in winter, consider that America's famously macho president, Theodore Roosevelt, used to swim naked in its waters, regardless of the season.

How to get there

Transport to and around Washington

Fly into Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), the closest airport, located 3.8 mi (6.2 km) from the city centre. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to College Park, MD (CGS), which is 7.5 mi (12.1 km) away.

If you're travelling by train, you can make your way to Washington Union Station. It's easy to get around Washington by catching a ride on the metro at 7th St. Convention Center Station, Gallery Place Chinatown Station or Center Station.

Where to stay near Washington, DC?

Our 2019 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 2,027 holiday rentals near Washington, DC. From 647 Houses to 1,024 Condos/Apartments, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends. The best place to stay near Washington, DC is on HomeAway.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Washington, DC?

There are many lovely places to stay for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Washington, DC. From HomeAway travellers, the popular destinations to visit are:

  • Dupont Circle: 582 holiday rentals
  • Petworth: 315 holiday rentals
  • Shaw: 1,128 holiday rentals
  • Le Droit Park: 256 holiday rentals
  • Columbia Heights: 171 holiday rentals

HomeAway offers you the possibility to discover many other popular destinations in Washington, DC! Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Washington, DC?

Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, here are the cities in Washington, DC with the largest selection of holiday rentals for a perfect city break:

  • Embassy Row: 1,733 holiday homes
  • Glenelg: 32 holiday homes
  • Arlington: 1,917 holiday homes
  • Silver Spring: 1,835 holiday homes
  • Fort Washington: 1,918 holiday homes

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday homes available.

Can I find easy access holiday homes when travelling by plane to Washington, DC?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of holiday homes near to airports. Airports with a large selection of rentals in Washington, DC are:

  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 2,039 holiday houses
  • Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 722 holiday houses
  • Tipton Airport (FME): 1,887 holiday houses

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Washington, DC?

HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday homes near great places to visit in Washington, DC. From HomeAway travellers, the more popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Eastern Market: 378 holiday rentals
  • United States Capitol: 2,039 holiday rentals
  • Franciscan Monastery: 2,030 holiday rentals
  • Mary McLeod Bethune Council House: 2,062 holiday rentals
  • Flashpoint Gallery: 2,054 holiday rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Washington, DC listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection of holiday homes.

Explore destinations around Washington, DC

Embassy Row
1,733 holiday rentals
Glenelg
32 holiday rentals
Arlington
1,917 holiday rentals
Silver Spring
1,835 holiday rentals
Fort Washington
1,918 holiday rentals
Baltimore
282 holiday rentals
Alexandria
1,839 holiday rentals
Woodbridge
2,192 holiday rentals
Bethesda
1,838 holiday rentals
Columbia
2,942 holiday rentals
Fairfax
1,984 holiday rentals
Laurel
2,769 holiday rentals
Falls Church
1,660 holiday rentals
Greenbelt
1,226 holiday rentals
Landover
1,390 holiday rentals
Potomac
2,150 holiday rentals
Lorton
331 holiday rentals
Clinton
853 holiday rentals
Sterling
129 holiday rentals
Brookeville
78 holiday rentals