Le Meridien Washington, D.C., the Madison

The best times to visit are April and May, when temperatures are mild (20-23°C) and the city's cherry blossoms and spring blooms are at their peak. September and October are also pleasant, with warm days and fewer rain days. July is the hottest and rainiest month, with highs around 31°C and 15 rain days, so it can feel humid. Winter months are cold but dry, with fewer crowds.

Stay in Penn Quarter for easy access to the National Mall and museums, with the Grand Hyatt and JW Marriott nearby. Georgetown suits those who like riverside walks and upscale shops, where the Four Seasons is located. Downtown around Lafayette Square is central for sightseeing, with the St. Regis and Sofitel. The Wharf offers a lively waterfront, with the InterContinental there.

Start with the National Mall, the open park that links the monuments and museums. Inside the Smithsonian, the Natural History museum shows the Hope Diamond and dinosaur fossils, and the American History museum covers the nation's story. The Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument are the iconic landmarks on the Mall. The United States Botanic Garden offers a quiet indoor garden near the Capitol.

Full-day tours from Washington head to Olympic National Park, where you can see rainforests, beaches, and mountain scenery. Snoqualmie Falls is another tour destination, known for its dramatic waterfall. These trips take a full day, so plan accordingly.

Plan 3 to 4 days for Washington. In 3 days, you can see the National Mall, the Smithsonian museums, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. Add a fourth day for the United States Botanic Garden and the Jefferson or MLK Memorials. If you take a day trip, add an extra day.