Washington, DC Attractions in the Off Season: Something for Everyone

Busch Gardens Theme Park Admission & Transportation

Loch Ness Monster

This double-looping coaster that rises 13-stories with a 114-foot drop.  

The off season for the Washington, DC area is in the late fall and winter months. While some of the attractions are closed at this time of year, there is still plenty to do and you can visit the monuments and landmarks of our nation's capitol year round. This time of year offers discounted lodging costs and you will avoid some of the crowds.

For Everyone...

Busch Gardens. When visiting the area, you absolutely have to stop by Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. The theme park has been the recipient of many awards and when you visit, you'll see why. The theme park is divided into six different old-world European "countries" and you can experience the thrills of the numerous rides and enjoy the shows and restaurants. It's an adventure to remember.

White House Visitor's Center. Stop by the White House Visitor's Center, located in the north end of the Department of Commerce Building. There are six exhibits regarding the White House. These exhibits are First Families, Symbols and Images, White House Interiors, Ceremonies and Celebrations, White House Architecture, and Working White House. There are other exhibits that change frequently throughout the year.

National Mall. Don't be confused, this is not a shopping mall. The national mall is home to the tidal basin, 2,000 American elms, 3,000 Japanese cherry trees, 35 ornamental pools and fountains, 170 flower beds, and a number of our nation's museums.

Library of Congress. The Library of Congress is the research facility of congress and the oldest federal cultural institution, not to mention the largest library in the world. You will be awestruck by the 530 miles of bookshelves that house approximately 128 million items.

For the History Lover...

Petersen House. Visit the Peterson House, where Abraham Lincoln died. Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theatre and when doctors realized he was dying, they moved him to the boarding house across the street. The boarding house was owned by William and Anna Petersen. Walk through the rooms and see furnishings original to the period of the 1800s.

For the Dinner Entertainment Lover...

Chesapeake Music Hall. Your vacation to the area won't be complete without visiting the Chesapeake Music Hall in Annapolis. The hall offers year-round performances and each season features six Broadway musicals. A night of excellent entertainment is not all that you will be treated to. Guests enjoy salad, buffet dinner, delectable dessert and coffee and tea.

Lorenzo's Timonium Dinner Theatre. Want to enjoy an unforgettable dinner and show? Take a seat at Lorenzo's Timonium Dinner Theatre and be treated to a Broadway-style show that reviews songs from the fifties to the seventies. While being entertained, feast on a satisfying buffet fit for a king (or queen). It's sure to be a night to remember.

Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise. The Spirit of Washington cruise is the perfect way to see the Potomac River. There are two boats available, both offering outdoor decks for a dinnertime stroll, interior decks with climate control to ensure your comfort and dance floors to dance your cares away. Not only will you be treated to an exquisite dinner in a luxurious atmosphere, you'll be able to enjoy the live entertainment to truly make this a perfect evening.

For the Tour Enthusiast...

All Day Washington DC Interior Buildings Tour. On this all-day tour, you'll get to see the monuments and museums that this area is known for. When you step off the coach, you'll be able to visit the White House (or the White House Visitor's Center when the White House is not available), Ford's Theatre, Peterson House, the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, American History Museum, Capital Hill, Supreme Court, Library of Congress and the National Air and Space Museum. From the comfort of the coach, you'll also see the FBI Building, Federal Triangle, Ellipse, National Christmas Tree, Tidal Basin, and a host of other DC landmarks.

Colonial Williamsburg Tour. This all-day tour will take you back to a time of colonial architecture, 18^th century furnishings, and breathtaking gardens. You'll be able to visit over 500 restored historical shops, taverns and homes. The tour departs from Union Station and you will enjoy the movie "The Story of a Patriot" during your luxury motorcoach ride to the attraction.

DC/Embassy Row/Arlington Cemetery Tour. This four-hour tour will first take you by coach to see the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and Marine Corps Memorials. From the coach, you'll see the US Capitol, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, House and Senate Office Buildings, FBI Building, White House, Federal Triangle, Embassy Row, Georgetown, US Navy Memorial and Corcoran Gallery of Art. Then you'll board the tram to Arlington Cemetery to see the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Kennedy grave sites and the Changing of the Guard.

Lil Red Trolley Tour Pass. This tour can be as short as 2 and a half hours to as long as all day. When flexibility is a must, this tour offers it! You can view the sights of the Capitol on this motorized trolley car. The tour covers the major sights in a loop that takes approximately two and a half hours to complete. You choose your own stops and decide when and where to get off. When you're done viewing a particular site, wait for the trolley to stop by again and hop back on. The trolley can take you to places like the US Capitol, Museum of Women in the Arts, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington Monument, Holocaust Museum, National Mall, National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery of Art and more.