In case you haven’t got the memo, the secret’s out that Washington, D.C. is one of the best Summer destinations in the country.
D.C.’s record-breaking number of visitors
Just this week Washington, D.C. officials announced that 2023 saw a 17% increase in total visitors year over year from 2022.
The total number of visitors that D.C. had during 2023, around 26 million, beat out a local tourism record that was set in 2019 before the pandemic.
With the clear progression over time and D.C.’s recent rise as one of the best places in the world to visit during 2024, it’s clear that this year might see more travelers coming to America’s capital than ever before!
Should D.C. locals be happy or upset about this?
Well, there are a few benefits and a few drawbacks that come with bigger crowds of tourists coming to see the capital, but ultimately it may depend most on your perspective.
Benefits
More visitors, particularly foreign visitors, which Washington officials claimed tend to stay longer and spend more, provide a valuable service by boosting the local economy and shopping at local businesses.
There is also a large tourism industry localized in D.C. that depends on visitors to generate their business, so it helps to have crowds interested in seeing various museums and tours.
Drawbacks
A bit more obvious, more visitors means longer lines or bigger crowds at many places that might otherwise locals love to visit.
There’s also the natural frustration that occurs in every major city that deals with an influx of tourists who aren’t familiar with navigating the city, they tend to get in the way when you’re in a rush…
Overall, we believe that this is a great sign of Washington, D.C.’s growth, the capital city is no longer just a place of political power, it’s becoming a cultural epicenter that people WANT to visit.
We are proud to be Washingtonians and with the city’s rise in popularity, we have to fight the urge to gatekeep it.
How to avoid the crowds of visitors in D.C. this Summer?
So, to recap, do we like that D.C. is having more visitors than ever?
Yes.
Do we like dealing with the influx of tourists and larger crowds?
No, and we think that’s pretty reasonable.
So, if you’re like us, here are a few options for how to avoid the crowds around the capital this Summer:
1. Go on day trips during the weekend
It’s no surprise that tourism peaks on the weekends, which is why taking a day trip to one of these incredible small towns just a short drive away is so worth it.
2. Plan on spending time with nature this Summer
The Summer crowds might be the worst D.C. has ever dealt with, so what better way to deal with that than by avoiding them entirely? The D.C. area is home to some of the best hiking paths and outdoor natural swimming spots in the country that are just begging you to check them out this Summer!
3. Head to one of the D.C. area’s waterparks
Summer 2024 might be one of the hottest ever in the D.C. area, so being able to cool off is going to be essential.
- Six Flags America’s Hurricane Harbor
- Ocean Dunes Waterpark
- Pirate’s Cove Waterpark
- Great Waves Waterpark