Conflicted about traveling to DC this summer

[Anonymous]

Originally we were thinking of traveling to DC this summer. We plan on driving there with our two kids 10 and 12 from our Midwest city. My oldest loves history and current events. With the election and everything that has happened since I am feeling conflicted about going and not sure if now is the right time to visit.

On one hand if all the museums would get privatized or charge admission I would regret not going. On the other hand I don’t know what things will be like by summer.

Do you think that now is a good time to visit DC?

[Anonymous]

I don't think summer is ever the time to visit DC regardless of everything else going on. DC summers are disgusting.

[Anonymous]

What is your specific concern?

[Anonymous]

From a tourist perspective, this summer is unlikely to be any worse than previous summers. You might even want to join a protest!

[Anonymous]

Summer is a horrible time to visit DC. I’d come in the spring or winter. Maybe the very first week they get out of school in June could be ok.

As long as you’re not here around election time, a major protest, or Jan 6 2029, should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From a tourist perspective, this summer is unlikely to be any worse than previous summers. You might even want to join a protest!

I mean there are always protests in DC. Sometimes for causes you have never heard of.

I can’t imagine how going to museums and monuments would be affected by what’s going on in the WH. Govt shutdowns are the only thing that really affect the tourist sites.

[Anonymous]

We live in DC and assume we will visit local spots as usual over the summer. I get that everything feels on edge lately — I find myself worrying a lot more about decisions that are not remotely impacted by current events. There is no unrest in the streets going on here. It will be hot and crowded— same as every summer. I think you should come.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From a tourist perspective, this summer is unlikely to be any worse than previous summers. You might even want to join a protest!

I mean there are always protests in DC. Sometimes for causes you have never heard of.

I can’t imagine how going to museums and monuments would be affected by what’s going on in the WH. Govt shutdowns are the only thing that really affect the tourist sites.

There’s plenty to do even if the government shuts down, especially if your son loves history. Mount Vernon, tours that take you to/by monuments, National Cathedral, non-Smithsonian museums like the National Building Museum, National Geographic, Phillips, Spy, Planet Word. There’s theater. Museums. Areas like the Wharf to walk around. I would not worry about it.

[Anonymous]

While the school year does not cooperate, fall is the best weather based time to visit DC.

[Anonymous]

No I would not plan a trip here this year.

[Anonymous]

Bring your tourist dollars to VA - battlefields, Monticello, Mt. Vernon, Udvar Hazy, and more.

Why are you convinced the Smithsonians will no longer be free?

[Anonymous]

The Smithsonian has more autonomy because it's not officially part of any branch. So unless the government actually shuts down the Smithsonian stays open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Smithsonian has more autonomy because it's not officially part of any branch. So unless the government actually shuts down the Smithsonian stays open.

Nope
They have some funds to stay open but not indefinitely. In the 2018 shutdown they had enough to stay open in a limited way for 11 days.

What are you basing your comment on? Random hunch?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From a tourist perspective, this summer is unlikely to be any worse than previous summers. You might even want to join a protest!

I mean there are always protests in DC. Sometimes for causes you have never heard of.

I can’t imagine how going to museums and monuments would be affected by what’s going on in the WH. Govt shutdowns are the only thing that really affect the tourist sites.

There’s plenty to do even if the government shuts down, especially if your son loves history. Mount Vernon, tours that take you to/by monuments, National Cathedral, non-Smithsonian museums like the National Building Museum, National Geographic, Phillips, Spy, Planet Word. There’s theater. Museums. Areas like the Wharf to walk around. I would not worry about it.

+1 You should do it! Your kids will love it. 💕

[Anonymous]

Definitely do the trip, OP. DC is much more than any current administration. The history is so important, and seeing the actual institutions that house our three branches of government is moving and invaluable. Maybe schedule a meeting with your congressional representative’s office. There is so much to do in and around DC. You won’t regret it.