Tips

• Be patient and flexible.  
• If you’re searching for hotel reservations, note that many hotels in and around Washington, DC require 4- or 5-night minimum stays during this period. Try modifying your search dates if you find limited availability, and be sure to expand your search to include the entire metro area for best results. Contact our team at Destination DC (1-800-422-8644) for recommendations on hotels that may have availability.
• Allow plenty of time to get to the ceremony and parade route. You can expect large crowds and tight security on Inauguration Day.
• Dress warmly. All public events take place outdoors, and January weather can be quite chilly. Because you may be walking or standing, you’ll also want to wear comfortable shoes. For a look at Inauguration Day weather in years past, check out this graphic from the Washington Post.
• Plan ahead. Check back to this site for information on access points to public viewing areas so that you’ll know exactly where to go. You can view tips and advisories regarding the swearing-in ceremony here.
• Take public transportation, or walk if you can. Many streets around the Capitol and the National Mall will be closed for vehicle traffic and parking. Allow extra time for lines and crowds. Metro, DC's public transportation system, has announced its preliminary plans for Inauguration Day, which includes expanded operating hours and station closures. Arrive early or carpool, as parking at stations is limited and is expected to fill up quickly. You can also avoid waiting in line at Metro fare card machines by purchasing daily passes in advance. UPDATE: To help with the flow of traffic, Metro is encouraging travelers not to transfer at the Gallery Place, Metro Center or L'Enfant Plaza stations to help move more people.
• Many DC attractions, restaurants and services will operate on a modified schedule on Inauguration Day. Click here to learn about schedule changes and special offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a ticket to the Inauguration? If I don’t have a ticket, can I watch?
Tickets to the swearing-in ceremony have been distributed by U.S. senators and representatives. Please note that tickets are limited and in great demand. Attendees who don't have tickets to view the swearing in can watch from at least 20 jumbotrons posted along the National Mall.

How can I get a ticket to the parade? If I don’t have a ticket, will I be able to see anything? Where should I stand?
The parade takes place on Pennsylvania Ave., starting at the Capitol and ending at the White House. The number of bleacher seats has been reduced to open up more space on the sidewalk for visitors to stand. You can view information on access points and restrictions here. Note that access to the parade route will be limited to approximately 300,000 spectators.

How can I get a ticket to an inaugural ball?
Tickets to the official balls, organized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, are difficult to attain; most tickets sold quickly upon their release to the public. Tickets for many state society balls and special events are still available to the public. Click here for more information on these unofficial events.

How can I find a hotel room?
As of Jan. 12, there were at least 750 hotel rooms still available in DC and thousands more in the surrounding area, but you can expect four- or five-night minimum stay requirements at most properties located within the city. Call Destination DC’s visitor services team at 1-800-422-8644 to inquire about availability.

I'm bringing a group of 10 or more. How can I find hotel rooms?
Groups in need of assistance in locating rooms, restaurants, transportation or other needs may contact Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC, for support. Groups requiring ten or more rooms may call 1-800-422-8644 or fill out an online RFP for travel professionals or meeting planners.

If I’m staying outside the city, how should I get downtown? What can I expect? Where can I park?
We recommend that you take public transportation to the official events. For updates and route informtion, check www.metroopensdoors.com. You can pre-purchase all-day Metro passes in advance to avoid waiting in line. Metro will be open from 4 AM to 2 AM on Inauguration Day. Parking will cost $4, cash only, at all Metro stations, but the lots are expected to fill up early. Take public transportation or walk to your station, if possible. The Archives/ Navy Memorial/ Penn Quarter; Smithsonian and Mt. Vernon Square stations will be closed on Inauguration Day; the Judiciary Square station will be closed beginning at 4:30 PM. If you choose to drive, please note that streets surrounding the National Mall and all of the bridges entering the city from Virginia will be closed to private vehicles. Visit the city government's transportation page for more details and for helpful hints to help you get here. You should also consider alternatives such as Metrobuses, biking and walking.

Will any attractions be closed on Inauguration Day?
You can expect some DC attractions, particularly those that line the parade route and the National Mall, to operate on modified schedules on Inauguration Day. Click here to view modified schedules of operation or call the attraction in advance of your visit to confirm its hours.

How can I bring a motorcoach to DC on Inauguration Day? Where can I park?
Groups planning to travel by motorcoach to Washington, DC for the inauguration should be aware that permits are required and street closures will be in effect. Groups planning to travel to DC on a motorcoach can obtain information about parking, restrictions and permit requirements here. Permit applications must be submitted by Jan. 15.

The DC Department of Transportation's Motorcoach Guide to Washington, DC can be accessed by clicking here. Drivers should expect street closures around the National Mall and in parts of downtown on Inauguration Day. Additional transportation information will be posted as it becomes available.

What kind of weather should I expect?
In January, the average high temperature is 44F and the average low is 30F. Follow the link to see the weather report from past inaugurations, as printed in the Washington Post. The current forecast (as of Jan. 12) calls for temperatures in the mid- to high-30s with a chance of snow.

Can you suggest a three- or four-day itinerary for me/ my family/ my group?
You can view some sample itineraries here, or visit the "Experience DC" section of our site to look for ideas for families, foodies, African-American history buffs and more.