Everyone knows that Washington DC is the capital of the United States, that it’s where the White House is located, and that the president lives here, but here are 11 things that you may not know about the Nation’s Capital.
Washington DC: What You May Not Know
1. Nobody Actually Calls it Washington, District of Columbia
They don’t even call it Washington, DC. In fact, nobody calls it Washington at all. It’s strictly DC according to the locals.
2. Drivers Pretty Much Do What They Want
I can’t even tell you how many times I saw drivers stopped in the middle of the road, driving the wrong way down the road, doing completely illegal turns, lane switches, etc. And what’s more, they do it right in front of cops, and they don’t seem to care either.
My anxiety was at an all-time high driving around DC, and I wasn’t even the one driving. Next time, I think I’ll leave my car at the hotel and try to figure out the public transportation system instead.
3. The Parking Situation Sucks
Parking is not cheap. Anywhere. I know that event parking is always expensive, but when we went to the Nationals game it was $55! Most places around DC seemed to charge upwards of $20 (for regular parking, not events). Many of the parking garages did have an early bird special where you could save a few dollars if you came before 7 or 8AM, but even then you’re still paying $15.
Something else to keep in mind when planning your trip is that most hotels also have a nightly parking fee. Ours was $25/night but most were more than that.
4. Summers in Washington DC Get HOT
I wasn’t quite prepared for how hot it would be when we visited at the end of July. I was actually glad that it rained quite a bit while we were there because it cooled it down for us, haha!
5. Many Tours Need Booked In Advance
Washington DC is tricky when it comes to accessing certain tourist spots. If you’re wanting to visit the White House or the Pentagon while you’re in town, there’s a bit of a process that you’ll have to go through first. You actually have to request a tour and it must be submitted through your local Congressman. I would suggest submitting your request at least a month before your trip as tours are available on limited days and hours, and are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. All tours are, however, free.
You can click here for more info on what is required for a visit to the White House, and here for info on tours of the Pentagon.
6. Many Museums Are Free
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Smithsonian Museums had free entry. The Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History had been on my bucket list for quite a while, but I assumed a museum as big and as famous as the Smithsonian would have a hefty price tag on the tickets. I’m glad I was wrong!
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History 
Smithsonian Air and Space Museum
Some other museums in DC with free entry include the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Art, National Archives Museum, and all of the Smithsonian Museums.
7. Many Tours Have Airport Like Security
Do yourself a favor and leave the backpacks at home. Most museums and tours in DC will have to check your bags and send them through a scanner before you can enter. It was annoying enough to have them go through my very small purse every time, so I can only imagine the pain that a large backpack would be.
Be sure to check the websites of each place you plan on visiting before you go, so you can know what is and isn’t permitted.
8. The Whole City Seems to be Very LGBTQ Friendly
The Library of Congress Reading Room 
The Library of Congress
Many restaurants, museums, and even churches have pride flags hanging out front with signs that say “All Are Welcome Here”.
9. You’re Bound to See Some Type of Protest
We were only in town for a few days and we still saw multiple protests. Sometimes the protests are covering serious issues, and sometimes they consist of two groups of people standing on opposite sides of the street holding signs and arguing over differing opinions. Because.. well, because they can. Ya know?
10. The Roads Near the White House Can Close at Any Time
WWII Memorial 
WWII Memorial
Almost every time we decided to go check out the White House, it seemed like the roads were closed.. again. I don’t even know how many attempts it took to finally be able to get up close. At least, as up close as you can get to the White House.
11. There is Confusion on Whether or Not Washington DC is a State
Arlington National Cemetery 
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Technically Washington DC is not considered a state, or even a city, though many people do call it the 51st state. It’s actually just a federal district between the states of Maryland and Virginia. It only takes up a space of about 68 square miles but is home to over half a million people.
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