Dia duit agus fáilte – that’s Irish for hello and welcome – today I’m writing about how to visit Washington DC in a van. If you’re curious about van life in general or how to live and thrive with an autoimmune or chronic illness, start at the home page.
I often describe Washington D.C. as my favorite US city. I’m not sure exactly what earns it that lofty description; perhaps it is the grandiose buildings filled with optimism and idealist history. It could be the four distinct seasons, each beautifully highlighted throughout the city in the trees and gardens. Or maybe it is the eclectic mix of populations, government types next to urban coolness, international flavors butting up against Americana. Whatever it is, I find the city engaging, enchanting, provocative and inviting.
Having been there many times before, I was curious and a little nervous about whether we could easily and enjoyably visit Washington DC in a van. I worried about nothing. We had no trouble finding parking while visiting the tourist highlights, we slept comfortably and safely within the city limits and other than not being allowed to drive down Pennsylvania Ave for security reasons (because we were in a van) we had no problem navigating the city at all.
If you have a desire to visit the US capital city, keep reading below for top tips.
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Best ways to enjoy any city visit in a van
Visiting a city in a van is a very different experience than visiting the same city while staying in a hotel or other accommodation and perhaps having a car. Some of the basic practical considerations include:
- Are the streets even wide enough to drive my van safely, turn corners etc…? Many Seattle streets are a no-go in our Sprinter van but in Salt Lake, even “small” streets are wide enough to turn a horse carriage!
- Will I be able to find diesel/water if needed? Our experience suggests that suburbs are more likely to have diesel and gas stations associated with grocery stores often have potable water available.
- What is the parking like? Some cities are notoriously bad for parking – NYC, San Francisco, Chicago. Do your research before you visit Washington DC in a van so you’re not stressing while there.
- Where will I sleep? Some cities have RV parks/campgrounds if you prefer to stay in an established overnight spot. We boondock everywhere we go and use iOverlander and Sekr to scout places or we drive around until we find a place we feel safe. Read all signs carefully and be respectful.
Check out this post for general info on how to travel in a van.
Top tips to visit Washington DC in a van
- Choose your must-see attractions ahead of time and plan around those. Just because everyone says you must see the Air & Space Museum or enjoy a picnic on the Mall doesn’t mean you should; do what will make you happiest. Pick no more than two activities every day so you have plenty of time to enjoy both and also space to rest and relax.
- Reserve a ticket as needed. With Covid restrictions still in place, many locations require reservations, even if they are free. Be sure to find current information for the attractions you most want to see.
- Bring comfy shoes and plan to walk… a lot! One of the best ways to enjoy Washington DC is on foot. Much of the street parking near all the major attractions has a 3-hour limit which gives you a choice – a) plan to move your vehicle at the 3-hour mark or b) park in a neighborhood and use public transport to move around the city.
- Choose parking carefully. Much of the parking in Washington DC is time-limited and they do ticket/tow. Be sure to read all signs. We expected to find it difficult to park in DC but had no problems. Perhaps because we are early risers and usually arrive much earlier than most. Or maybe it’s our willingness to park a little further away from the attractions.
- Carry a small day pack for water, snacks and any souvenirs you might find. Note that your bag might be searched when entering certain buildings or you might be required to stow it in a locker during your visit. Check the rules before you head to your must-see museum/attraction.
- Spend time researching iOverlander and Sekr when you visit Washington DC in your van as well as drive around to get a feel for where you feel comfortable and safe parking and sleeping. We stayed beside a park in a neighborhood near the zoo which was safe, walkable in the evenings and very quiet. As with all van life overnight parking – read the street signs carefully, follow all rules, clean up after yourself and be respectful of the neighbors.
My favorite DC activities
Whenever we visit the US capital, there always seems to be so much for me to see and do but never enough time to do it. During our 2021 visit to Washington DC in a van, I kept the list short and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Let’s start with a history lesson
In order to fully enjoy Washington DC (and much of the US, in my humble opinion) it is essential to start with history. My two suggestions are part of the Smithsonian Institution: National Museum of The American Indian (plan to enjoy a meal at the café) and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Both of these museums will give you a broader view of the true history of the country, albeit an uncomfortable and often tragic one. Give yourself enough time to explore each of these fantastic museums; you will not regret it.
The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is incomparable. All but one of the 23 museums/zoo are free to the public and most could easily take a full day (or more) to explore. At the time of writing (Feb 2022) several of the museums require free timed-entry passes.
How can you possibly choose between so many wonderful options? You know what types of things float your boat – art, history, gardens, the zoo. There is no bad choice on the list and you could always go wild and extend your visit to Washington in a van.
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. You could spend a month in DC and not exhaust the wealth the Smithsonian has to offer.
Take a walk
Walking a city is possibly my favorite thing to do no matter where in the world I find myself and downtown DC is one of the most walkable cities I have visited. The streets are wide and tree-lined, there are green spaces where you can rest and vendors sell ice-creams and drinks on most corners.
Exploring the National Mall in DC can take a full day so be sure to wear comfy shoes, plan for plenty of breaks and, if possible, choose a day that is not sweltering. There are a dozen or more NPS sites to visit and explore on the Mall – map your walk according to your schedule and interests.
If early mornings are your thing, watching the sunrise over the many monuments of the Mall is quite an experience. Runners will also enjoy the stillness of the city in the quiet hours as the sun rises.
The Ford Theater
I was charmed by The Ford Theater, the small theater/museum where President Abraham Lincoln was shot in 1865 and learned much more history than I expected.
They also have live performances and produces some wonderful American theater.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
I don’t often recommend specific eateries unless they offer more than just food. Ben’s Chili Bowl is a DC institution – it’s walls are filled with photos of celebrity patrons, from Barack Obama to Mary J Blige, Serena Williams to Jesse Jackson. The food is down home delicious – their chili fries are the best in the country as far as we’re concerned!
Get outdoors in the city
We love to wander museums and galleries (okay it’s mostly me!) but we are always on the look out for places to be outside, whether it is a gorgeous city park, a stellar dog park for Maggie or urban trails for our morning walks. DC offers several great outside spaces. Here are three suggestions while you visit Washington DC in a van:
National Arboretum. I am especially fond of arboretums and botanical gardens; not only can I be outside, I can also experience the glory of nature through trees and plants in such a delightful way. And there is often an educational element to the visit. The trails at the arboretum are well maintained and are walks rather than hikes.
Rock Creek Park and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP (fee) are part of the NPS system and both offer peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can hike, bike, picnic and even horse ride at both parks. Your annual NP pass covers entrance fees.
Leave the city
One of the first places I visited when I moved to the US as an adult was Alexandria, VA – an old town just south of DC with a vibrant historic downtown area. There are brick and cobblestone streets with amazing red-brick buildings and historical markers in abundance. There is a large variety of eateries, bars and cafes as well as a grocery store if you need to restock your van kitchen.
We found boondocking sites near a park right in town and enjoyed walks along the water and nap time at the park. We spent two days there on our way south and loved it. The crowds are heaviest in summer afternoons and evenings but there is a happy vibe and people are friendly.
Another historical town just thirty miles from DC is Annapolis, MD. Famous for the Naval Academy, Annapolis is a beautiful town with brightly colored homes in the downtown area. It is situated on Chesapeake Bay and has plenty to do for city and outdoors lovers alike.
If you want to drive a little further, Shenandoah NP is less than 100 miles away. Probably the best off-the-beaten-path sleeping spot we have found is on the banks of the Shenandoah – I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!! It was quiet, secluded and a short drive into the park. Find the spot on our favorite boondocking app – iOverlander.
Final thoughts
If you have never had the chance to visit Washington DC in a van (or not) then you are in for a treat. It is a vibrant city with something for everyone. One of the things I really appreciate about DC is the fact that so much of it can be enjoyed without cost which is so unusual and a true gift.
I can’t wait to hear of your adventures and your visit to Washington DC in a van; be sure to drop a note in the comments.
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