Best Things to Do in Washington DC This Fall

Fall has arrived, and while some lament the end of summer, others look forward to a season of cooler weather, stunning tree transformations, and festive outdoor activities. Washington DC is transforming as the warm weather starts to subside and the trees turn bright shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Autumn brings many exciting events and activities to Washington DC. If you’re looking for things to do in Washington DC this fall, we’ve got you covered with a list of some of the best things to do this upcoming autumn.

Once autumn rolls around, you can expect cities to come to life with fun events, typically centered around food and drink. This is certainly the case in Washington DC. America’s capital has several festivals throughout the fall that are sure to delight the tastebuds of the city’s residents.

Two that come to mind are the International City Food Festival and the DC Beer Fest. The International City Food Festival is a three-day event from October 13th-15th, celebrating the city’s global food scene. It includes events like the Embassy Chef Challenge, where attendees can taste foods from different embassy chefs, and the Taste of Oktoberfest. The DC Beer Fest is on November 5th at Nationals Park, where many craft breweries will serve seasonal fall beers and ciders.

Washington DC has a long history; naturally, some spooky events have occurred throughout the city. Since Halloween is in the fall, autumn is the perfect time to learn some of the lurid and creepy details of Washington. Many ghost tours in the fall will provide a fall fright to those that dare to take them.

The Haunted and Historic Georgetown tour takes visitors through one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, including historic homes and a creepy old cemetery. The Horror on the Hill tour will lead visitors on a frightening walking tour of Capitol Hill, sharing scary stories of scandals and hauntings in one of the country’s most important landmarks.

One of the many reasons people visit Washington is to explore the city’s national landmarks. While these are beautiful throughout the year, if you want to witness them surrounded by stunning scenery, you will want to come in the fall. These world-renowned monuments will be even more gorgeous framed by the fall colors the city is famed for.

The National Mall is the area that comes to mind here. Walking around the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool in autumn is incredible, as the trees burn bright colors that only add to the drama. The U.S. National Arboretum is also a beautiful area to explore as well.

While Washington DC is a big city, that doesn’t mean you can’t find beautiful natural settings here. Washington DC’s location on the Potomac River that makes it a haven for nature lovers. The waterfront settings are pretty throughout the year, making them all the more vibrant when the leaves change.

Rock Creek Park stands out as the top option for those looking for a walk through the woods. This large park encompasses 2,000 acres in the city and is a popular spot for a fall stroll. With shallow creeks winding throughout and brightly colored fall trees, it is as beautiful a place as you’ll find in the city.