Any D.C. experts....

[pixiedustaholic]

I am thinking of taking a family trip to D.C. the 1st week of July. Would it be crazy crowded? The other option is over Thanksgiving weekend. Thanks!

 

[monkeyboy]

July 4th is always crowded but always fun.

 

[TDC Nala]

4th of July will be nuts. And hot.

 

[golfgal]

4th of July will be nuts. And hot.

and even more expensive then normal.

We went this past summer-end of June, came home on July 3rd. That was a good time to go. It wasn't crowded at all and we got reasonable hotel rates.

 

[laurie31]

Will it be crowded? Yes. Oh yes.

However, the heat would bother me even more than the crowds (and I'm from Alabama - I know about heat! but it's WICKED hot in DC mid-summer...)

I'd choose Thanksgiving personally, but if you really want the excitement of being there over the 4th, just take water bottles (or better yet, a camelbak) and be ready for crowds.

 

[MidgeD79]

Golfgal, where did you stay? We are looking to go the 3rd week of June for one week.

 

[golfgal]

Golfgal, where did you stay? We are looking to go the 3rd week of June for one week.

We stayed at the Westin in Alexandria. I wouldn't recommend that hotel but Alexandria was GREAT. Some friends just stayed at the Embassy Suites in Alexandria and LOVED it. I would stay there. It is right across the street from the Metro Station, has a free breakfast and suites for rooms. We loved spending the evening in Alexandria, taking the free trolley into Old Town and exploring.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

The 1st week of July is insane. Tons and I mean tons of people come to DC for the 4th of July and their magnificent fireworks. And what others have said is 100% correct, it is VERY hot and humid in the city during this time.

IMO, I'd pick Thanksgiving over this time. The weather will be a tad chilly but we've been know to have warmish Novembers too. We've enjoyed DC at this time of year...less humidity, less crowds and more relaxing.

ETA: There is a delicious cupcake shop called 'Red Velvet Cupcakery'. You won't be able to buy just one!