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I’m considering canceling DC vacation
Posted on 9/25/25 at 4:33 pm
Posted on 9/25/25 at 4:33 pm
Our family is visiting DC next month (October 12-18th) and we were a bit worried about the potential government shutdown derailing plans that we’ve made. To begin with, because of the new ballroom being built our White House tour was canceled. We’ve scheduled a Capitol tour with our district Representative, as well as FBI and BEP tour scheduled, not to mention the Smithsonian museums and all of those tours are at risk if a shutdown occurs. For those that have visited during a shutdown or are familiar with the situation, what is open? Is it still a worthwhile visit if the situation were to last weeks into October or should we just change plans and go to our second choice, San Diego on short notice??
7
Posted on 9/25/25 at 5:00 pm to cassopher
I think it will be much different than the shutdowns that occurred under the previous administration. To rope off monuments that were already unattended (Lincoln memorial, WWII memorial, etc.) was just petty as hell. I doubt that will happen this time. Most of my family lives in the area, but there's no point in asking because of the difference in how the administrations enforce a shutdown.
I won't get into the nitty gritty of how differently employees get paid in arrears after a shutdown ends, but it has a lot of influence on how many workers will essentially volunteer to work knowing that they'll get paid quickly later.
I won't get into the nitty gritty of how differently employees get paid in arrears after a shutdown ends, but it has a lot of influence on how many workers will essentially volunteer to work knowing that they'll get paid quickly later.
Posted on 9/25/25 at 7:12 pm to cassopher
I live here. Like you mentioned, all the government and federally funded buildings would be closed (Smithsonians, Capitol, White House, Library of Congress) and tours at the Washington monument would be canceled, and the bathrooms on the national mall would be closed.
But you should still be able to enjoy seeing and walking around the National Mall and seeing all the monuments. The National Park Service has already insinuated that they won’t barricade anything. Mount Vernon is privately owned and will be open (and absolutely beautiful in mid Oct), the International Spy Museum is private and fun. Arlington National Cemetery will likely remain open.
We’re a foodie town now anyway. Amazing restaurants everywhere you turn. So you can still have an incredible time
But you should still be able to enjoy seeing and walking around the National Mall and seeing all the monuments. The National Park Service has already insinuated that they won’t barricade anything. Mount Vernon is privately owned and will be open (and absolutely beautiful in mid Oct), the International Spy Museum is private and fun. Arlington National Cemetery will likely remain open.
We’re a foodie town now anyway. Amazing restaurants everywhere you turn. So you can still have an incredible time
This post was edited on 9/25/25 at 7:14 pm
Posted on 9/25/25 at 7:18 pm to cassopher
I'd cancel it.
Posted on 9/26/25 at 8:07 am to cassopher
Even though the Smithsonian has both a private side funded by a trust and a public side funded by the government, the buildings people are fed employs. All those museums would be closed by a shutdown. I'd cancel.
Posted on 9/26/25 at 9:22 am to Tree_Fall
quote:
All those museums would be closed by a shutdown. I'd cancel.
If it were just me and my wife, I think we could make the most of it but our 6 year old is coming and the museums and the zoo we’re going to be her entertainment in between us enjoying the monuments and government buildings. Hopefully our congressional leaders can work things out but it’s looking very unlikely.
Posted on 9/26/25 at 10:02 am to cassopher
I never knew why anyone thought visiting there was a good idea or must do in last 20 years
This post was edited on 9/26/25 at 10:03 am
Posted on 9/26/25 at 12:09 pm to cassopher
Hopefully you'll get there. For 6yo the Aerospace and History museums may be the most enjoyed attractions. If the weathers nice walk around the Capitol Bldg early evening. Looking down the Mall you get a spectacular view of the museums and major monuments. Across the Potomac you should be able the eternal flame at Arlington just to the left of a large mansion...R.E. Lee's. Lots of things in that view.
Another unusual stop is fisherman's wharf in SW DC. It's a big on the water fish market and a place to catch tour boats.
Hop on and Hop off tour buses that circle the Mall are the best way to get around. For the Zoo you can the Metro.
Another unusual stop is fisherman's wharf in SW DC. It's a big on the water fish market and a place to catch tour boats.
Hop on and Hop off tour buses that circle the Mall are the best way to get around. For the Zoo you can the Metro.
Posted on 9/26/25 at 12:18 pm to cassopher
A government shutdown would definitely screw up your plans. However, ignoring political propaganda, DC is one of the best American cities to visit.
Yes, like many cities DC has bad areas, but you won't go there. The national mall is still a day by itself and DC has numerous private-quasi private museums that will still be open such as the Spy Museum. Plus there is a lot to do in the larger area, and much of it accessible by transit or easy cab/uber.
Unless this is a bucket-list once in a lifetime trip you would still be ok in shutdown.
Yes, like many cities DC has bad areas, but you won't go there. The national mall is still a day by itself and DC has numerous private-quasi private museums that will still be open such as the Spy Museum. Plus there is a lot to do in the larger area, and much of it accessible by transit or easy cab/uber.
Unless this is a bucket-list once in a lifetime trip you would still be ok in shutdown.
Posted on 9/26/25 at 1:41 pm to cassopher
I would go.
These things usually end up working out at the last minute and you have a 12 day padding there.
These things usually end up working out at the last minute and you have a 12 day padding there.
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