CAP in D.C.
FAQs
Weather and What to Expect
What is the weather like in Washington, D.C. in January?
- January in D.C. is cold! Average temperatures range from 28°F to 43°F. You’ll likely experience cold, crisp days with occasional snow or rain. Wind chill can make it feel even colder, especially during the outdoor March for Life.
Will we be outside much?
- Although we will have transportation planned, please be prepared with layers for times we will be walking outdoors. The March for Life is entirely outdoors, and we’ll be walking between monuments, buildings, and restaurants throughout the trip.
What to Pack
What should I wear?
Layer, layer, layer! Here’s what we recommend:
- Base layers: Thermal underwear or moisture-wicking layers
- Mid layers: Sweaters, fleeces, or insulated vests
- Outer layer: Heavy winter coat (waterproof is ideal)
- Accessories: Warm hat, gloves, scarf, umbrella, and hand/toe warmers
- Footwear: Insulated waterproof shoes/boots with good traction
Dress Code Tips:
- Business to business casual for congressional briefings and nice restaurants
- Casual/comfortable for touring and the March for Life
- Many buildings are well-heated indoors, so layers you can remove are key
- Shoes should be comfortable and broken in
- Capitol Hill Club Dress Code: Business or Business casual, no jeans, sneakers, or casual attire permitted
Activities and Access
You will receive the full itinerary before we depart—sent straight to your inbox—and again in your welcome bag when you arrive. A Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) representative will be with you throughout the tour (except during your free time explorations), so you’ll never wonder where to go or what’s next.
Because Washington, D.C., has a way of keeping things interesting, the timing at each stop may shift a bit. To keep everyone on the same page, we’ll hand out a daily itinerary at breakfast each morning. That way, you’ll always know the plan—even if the plan decides to change now and then, as the political world often does.
What’s included in the itinerary?
- Capitol Hill tour
- U.S. Supreme Court visit
- Museum of the Bible private tour
- Congressional briefings
- Visit and hear from our national allies
- Group meals at notable locations
- Free time to explore
Is there free time built in?
- Yes! We’ve scheduled some free time for you to explore D.C. at your own pace, rest, or visit additional sites.
Are tours wheelchair accessible?
- Most federal buildings and monuments are ADA accessible. Please notify us in advance if you have mobility concerns so we can ensure accommodations.
Can I bring my phone/camera?
Yes, but security varies by location. Some government buildings restrict photography. We’ll brief you before each visit about specific rules.
Travel and Logistics
What’s NOT included in the package price?
- Roundtrip airfare to/from Washington, D.C.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Transportation to/from the airport
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Transportation for free time activities is not included.
When should I book my flight?
- We recommend arriving no later than Monday, January 19, 2026, by 4 p.m. and departing on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Check-out from the hotel will be the morning of January 24. Hotel check-in 4:00 p.m./check-out 12 p.m.
What airport should I fly into?
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest to the hotel – just 15 minutes away!
- Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington (BWI) are also options but over an hour away.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
- Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Metro (DCA has direct metro access)
- The hotel does not provide shuttle service to and from the airport
Can I extend my stay?
- Yes! We have special rates available at the JW Marriott for two (2) nights before or after the program. Contact us for details.
- CAP will arrange transportation throughout the week to venues on our itinerary.
- For most locations, our group will travel together by bus.
- Some locations are within walking distance of the hotel and we will walk as a group.
- If weather or mobility concerns arise, CAP will cover taxi/Uber to itinerary locations.
- Pick up and drop off will be at the 14th Street entrance of the hotel.
Hotel Information
Where are we staying?
JW Marriott Washington, D.C.
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
1-800-393-2503
What’s near the hotel?
- Everything! You’re walking distance to:
- The White House (2 blocks)
- The March for Life route
- National Mall and monuments
- Smithsonian museums
- Great restaurants and shops
What amenities does the hotel have?
- Fitness center
- Business center
- In-room essentials: mini-fridge, coffee/tea, bottled water, iron, hair dryer, alarm clock, bathrobe
- Gift/newsstand on lobby level
- Daily housekeeping service
- On-site restaurants: Starbucks, Avenue Grill – American-style restaurant, room service
- Concierge services
- WiFi (included)
Meals and Dining
Are meals included?
Yes. Included meals are:
- Dinner, Monday – Friday, 19-23, at various locations in D.C.
- Breakfast, Tuesday – Friday, 20-23 @ the JW Marriott
- Lunch, Tuesday – Friday, 20-23, at various locations in D.C.
- Full details will be in your final itinerary.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
- Please notify us as soon as possible about any allergies or dietary needs. We’ll work to accommodate you.
Will I need extra money for meals?
- Budget for 2-3 meals on your own, plus snacks, coffee, and incidental purchases throughout the trip.
Day of Essentials
What should I bring daily?
- Small backpack or crossbody bag
- Water bottle (refillable)
- Phone charger/portable battery
- Hand warmers
- Snacks
- Chapstick and moisturizer (dry winter air!)
- Sunglasses (yes, even in the winter!)
- Tissues
- Comfortable walking shoes
What about security screenings?
- You’ll go through security at most federal buildings and museums similar to airport screening. Leave large bags, sharp objects, and prohibited items at the hotel.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Contact us and we’ll get you the answers you need.
602-424-2525
lgarcia@azpolicy.org
