Page 234 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

232  W ASHINGT ON , DC & THE C APIT AL REGION

Practical Information Both Amtrak trains and
Greyhound buses are cheaper
Washington, DC and the Capital Region is very rich in alternatives, but your choice
museums, cultural events, and entertainment, as well as of destination may be more
in scenic sites and outdoor activities around its seashores, limited. To explore many of
rivers, and mountains. This region offers excellent amenities the scenic parts of the Capital
Region, it is best to travel by car.
for the large numbers of tourists that it attracts. Spring and Visitors should avoid shortcuts
fall are the best times to visit, as the summers are hot and and stay on well-traveled roads.
humid in much of the region, and the winters cold and damp.
However, spring, summer, and fall see the largest number Etiquette
of visitors, so it is best to make reservations.
Smoking is prohibited in all
public buildings, restaurants,
bars, and stores in the region.
Tourist Information
If you plan to hike alone, always Cigarettes can only be purchased
The Capital Region is well- carry a cell phone, and inform by those over 18 years old;
equipped to cater to visitors’ someone in advance about proof of age may be required.
needs. Visitor information desks your itinerary. The legal age for drinking
at airports and within cities alcohol in Washington is 21,
will provide guides and maps, and you may need a photo
information on guided tours, Getting Around identification (ID) as proof of
events, and festivals. Major Travel within DC and the Capital your age in order to purchase
hotels also have guest services Region is easy. Washington alcohol and be allowed into
desks. The Smithsonian has a comprehensive public bars. It is illegal to drink alcohol
Information line and website transportation system, and all in public parks or to carry an
are useful resources for finding major attractions in the capital open container of alcohol
out about special events in the are accessible on foot, or by in your car while driving.
museums. State tourism bureaus Metrorail, Metrobus Circulator Penalties for driving under the
are other reliable sources of bus, or taxi. If you decide to influence of alcohol are quite
comprehensive information. drive in DC, be prepared for severe, and may even include
traffic jams and unexpected a jail sentence.
route changes. Avoid driving
Personal Security
at night if you are unfamiliar
In recent years, Washington with the area. Outdoor Activities
has made great efforts to clean Several DC-based tour Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and
up its streets and bring down companies offer tours that Eastern Shore offer wonderful
crime. If you stick to the tourist include Mount Vernon, opportunities for boating,
areas and avoid outlying Williamsburg, and Monticello sailing, and fishing. For outdoor
neighborhoods, you should in Virginia. Baltimore and enthusiasts, other highlights
not run into any trouble. When Annapolis, Maryland’s major of the Capital Region include
visiting sights off the beaten cities, are connected to DC by hiking the Appalachian Trail
track, stay alert and study your rail and bus. Car rental is widely in Virginia and West Virginia,
map properly before you set off. available, but often expensive. white-water rafting in West
Virginia, and cycling along the
The Climate of DC & the Capital Region picturesque Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal Towpath, which runs
The Capital Region’s climate varies greatly. In winter, temperatures all the way from Washington
can plummet below freezing. to Maryland. There is also a
During this time, Virginia’s WASHINGTON, DC 16-mile (26-km) biking trail
Appalachian Mountains are from Washington to Mount
covered with snow, attracting 87/31 Vernon. Delaware’s Rehoboth
skiers and snowboarders. °F/C 68/20 67/19 Beach and Seashore State Park
Summers can be very hot and 64/18 are a magnet for those in search
humid, with almost continuous 48/9 of sea and sand.
sunshine. Summer is also the 32°F 44/7 42/6
season for the heaviest rainfall, 0°C 27/-3 Among spectator sports,
especially between May and the Washington Redskins
August, when the rain comes as a 14 17 19 18 (football), Washington
welcome break from the humidity. days days days days Nationals (baseball) and the
The rains taper off in September 3.1 3.5 3.2 2.7 Baltimore Orioles (baseball)
and October, when the weather in in in in are hot tickets. If tickets have
is pleasantly mild. The region is at month Apr Jul Oct Jan sold out, it is fun to watch
its best in spring and fall. the game along with other
enthusiasts at a sports bar.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm