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'DC is Open' campaign returns to guide travelers during shutdown

Panoramic view of the National Mall and Washington Monument under clear skies, illustrating open attractions during the DC is Open campaign.
by
5 min read

Destination DC has relaunched its DC is Open campaign to counter the notion that the city closes when the federal government shuts down. The effort highlights that airports, public transportation, privately funded museums, theaters, restaurants, and many attractions are operating. Open-air national park sites such as the National Mall remain accessible, though some services are paused. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo plan to remain open using prior-year funds through at least October 6, 2025, with updates pending. Destination DC also points to record 2024 tourism results as it works to sustain travel demand during the busy fall season.

Key Points

  • Why it matters: DC aims to protect fall travel and conventions despite the shutdown.
  • Travel impact: Airports and Metro are operating; some federal sites limit services.
  • What's next: Smithsonian access is funded through at least October 6, with updates to follow.
  • National Mall is open for self-guided visits; staffed services are paused.
  • Destination DC cites 27.2 million visitors and $11.4 billion in 2024 spending.

Snapshot

The DC is Open campaign packages practical guidance for travelers during the shutdown. It confirms that Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are operating normally, and that Metrorail and Metrobus continue regular service. Open-air national park areas, including the National Mall, remain accessible for self-guided visits; however, visitor centers, ranger-led tours, and gated parking lots are paused. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo will stay open through at least October 6, pending funding updates. Beyond federal sites, a wide mix of privately funded museums, attractions, sports, and performing arts venues remains open citywide, offering alternatives if specific federal facilities close or reduce services.

Background

Destination DC reports that a record 27.2 million people visited the capital in 2024, spending $11.4 billion, generating $2.3 billion in tax revenue, and supporting 111,500 jobs. Those gains elevate tourism's role in DC's economy heading into a shutdown that creates uncertainty for federally funded sites. During shutdowns, essential airport and security operations continue, while some federal museums and services reduce hours or close as contingency funds are exhausted. To limit confusion and cancellations, Destination DC aggregates status updates for attractions, transportation, and events. The organization stresses that travelers can still enjoy iconic landmarks, dining, sports, and theater across the city, even as staffing-dependent services at certain federal properties are paused or scaled back.

Latest Developments

What's open now: museums, Metro, airports, and the National Mall

Destination DC's hub lists what is operating during the shutdown, including many privately funded museums and attractions. WMATA's Metrorail and Metrobus are running normal service, and airports at DCA, IAD, and BWI report standard operations for flights, security, and concessions. Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are open using prior-year funds through at least October 6, with further guidance expected if the shutdown continues. Open-air national park sites such as the National Mall remain accessible, though on-site services, ranger programs, and some facilities are paused. Travelers should verify individual venue hours and consider alternatives if a federal museum temporarily closes; many private museums and cultural venues remain fully open and are adding promotions for furloughed workers.

Flight Delays and Airport Impacts: October 3, 2025

Analysis

For travelers, the DC is Open campaign clarifies a common misconception: federal shutdowns do not halt most city experiences. The critical infrastructure for trips-airports, Metro, hotels, restaurants, and privately funded attractions-continues operating. The main variables are federally funded museums and services at national park sites. Smithsonian venues staying open through at least October 6 gives near-term stability for weekend plans; beyond that date, access depends on how long contingency funds last. Open-air places like the National Mall remain attractive, but the pause of ranger-led tours, visitor centers, and some restrooms can affect comfort and context. To reduce friction, travelers should pre-book timed entries where offered, build backup museum choices into itineraries, and follow official channels for daily updates. Convention and sports calendars remain robust, and dining, nightlife, and performing arts provide ample options even if some federal institutions shift hours. Net-net, DC remains a viable fall getaway, with planning and flexibility mitigating shutdown-related quirks.

Final thoughts

Washington, DC is not closed. With airports, Metro, dining, sports, and many museums operating, trips can proceed with minor adjustments. Verify Smithsonian status after October 6 and plan self-guided time on the National Mall in case staffed services pause. Build backups among private attractions, and check our daily flight and airport coverage before you head out. Clear guidance and a little flexibility keep your itinerary intact, just as the DC is Open campaign intends.

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