Top Things to Do in DC in the Fall/Autumn
Washington, D.C. is a beautiful place to be in the fall. The district looks like something straight out of a painting in the autumn. Bright, orange leaves color the ground. Festivals dot the streets. The weather is warm and cozy. Best of all, there’s plenty of food to try.
There are so many great ways to explore DC and plenty of fun activities to do in the fall. Here are some of our favorites.
Visit the US National Arboretum
Located in Northeast DC, the National Arboretum is a haven for those hoping to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. The Arboretum spans 446 acres with a diverse array of fauna in fall hues.
Apart from nature, the Arboretum also hosts special events during the fall. In October, there is the Bulb Sale & Garlic Planting Party. Guests can buy edible and decorative garlic bulbs. There are also garlic planting and vegetable harvesting activities, making them perfect for kids.
In November, the Arboretum hosts a Fall 5K run on a course that winds through the park. What’s best, you can bring children and dogs on the trail.
Explore DC’s World-Class Museums
Fall is an ideal time to visit the museums around DC. There are fewer crowds in the fall, which means you’ll have plenty of room to explore the museums. Additionally, many museums feature special exhibits and events in the fall, which are typically listed on their website or social media pages.
Some of the best museums to visit include:
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of American History
- National Gallery of Art
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
Try out Fall Treats
Fall, especially on the East Coast, is especially great for foodies. While there are restaurants serving good food, nothing beats the flavors of food in farmer’s markets. Our personal favorites include:
- Eastern Market
- DuPont Circle
- Falls Church
- Old Town Alexandria
There are a lot of fall dishes you can try, but the best fall recipes include apples, apple cider, apple cider donuts, maple syrup, and pumpkins.
Visit Hollin Farms
Hollin Farms offers a fantastic experience for visitors of all ages, especially families with kids. Visitors can pick a variety of apples, including Cameo, Fuji, Ida Red, Golden Rush, Granny Smith, and Stamen. In addition, you can also pick your own fall produce, including pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, potatoes, and turnip greens, among others.
If you’re visiting on the weekends, Hollin Farms opens its bakery that serves apple cider donuts, baked goodies, and lunch items.
Board a Party Boat
Lastly, we recommend boarding a party boat. This is an excellent way to explore the city. The fall foliage, with its autumn reds and oranges, provides a stunning backdrop for great photo opportunities. Party boats also bring you around the DC through the Potomac River, giving you a chance to view the nation’s most iconic monuments from the waters.
Tour Washington DC With Us
Explore Washington DC on a world-class party boat by booking a tour with us here at Boomerang Boat Tours. We offer an array of different boats, each with a unique activity or theme. Our Family Fun Treasure Hunt Cruises, for example, are for kids looking for the perfect pirate adventure. We also have pirate ship cruises strictly for adults, with fully stocked bars, pre-packaged snacks, fun music, and sweeping views of the DC cityscape.
Schedule your cruise on the Potomac River today! Send us a message for more information.