Jacksonville to DC

Question

My family is looking to do a DC trip for about 5-6 days during spring break in the middle of March. We are trying to figure out if it is worth driving (maybe stopping at Williamsburg on the way) or Flying and renting a car. Also what are the best tour sites (i.e. getyourguide.com etc.) If the plans fall through, we also have an offer to do a 5 day carribean cruise with friends on Carnival leaving from Orlando.

Answer

For a 5–6 day spring break trip to Washington, DC from Jacksonville, you have two main travel options: driving or flying. Each has pros and cons depending on your priorities and whether you want to include stops along the way.

Driving: The drive from Jacksonville to DC is roughly 10–11 hours without stops. If you enjoy road trips, it allows you flexibility to stop in historic towns such as Williamsburg, Richmond, or Fredericksburg. Stopping in Williamsburg can be a great way to break up the drive and explore Colonial Williamsburg, which is very kid- and family-friendly.

Pros of driving:

Flexibility to stop at interesting towns and attractions en route.
No airline restrictions or luggage fees.
Potentially lower cost for a family of 4+ compared to multiple plane tickets.

Cons of driving:

Long hours in the car, which can be tiring with kids.
Traffic congestion near DC, particularly on I-95, can be significant in March.
Parking in DC can be expensive and challenging.

Flying: Flying from Jacksonville to DC is quicker and less exhausting, leaving more time to explore once you arrive. You can either rent a car or rely on DC’s public transit, which is convenient for many major tourist areas.

Pros of flying:

Significant time savings and less fatigue.
Access to DC via Metro and buses, reducing need to deal with downtown parking.
More comfortable for families, especially with younger children.

Cons of flying:

Airfare for a family can be costly in spring break.
Less flexibility to stop at towns along the way.
Limited luggage unless you pay extra.

For tours and sightseeing in DC, there are several good options depending on your interests:

GetYourGuide – offers guided walking tours, Hop-on-Hop-off bus passes, and private family-friendly tours.
CityPASS DC – gives discounted access to several major attractions including the Smithsonian museums, International Spy Museum, and National Zoo.
DC Metro & Walk – self-guided tours using Metro and walking between sites like the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol.
Private or themed tours – many companies offer specialized tours (e.g., food tours, history tours, or monuments by night). Perfect if you have limited days.

Given your 5–6 day timeline, flying is generally more efficient unless the road trip itself is a key part of your vacation. If flexibility and historic stops matter to you, driving and incorporating Williamsburg could make the trip more memorable.

Finally, if plans fall through or the family prefers a more relaxing trip, the 5-day Caribbean cruise from Orlando on Carnival is a solid alternative. Cruises offer convenience, meals, and built-in entertainment, but they obviously differ from a city-focused educational trip.

Summary recommendation:

Flying: best for maximizing DC sightseeing with minimal travel stress.
Driving: best if you want a scenic road trip and stops at historic towns.
Use GetYourGuide, CityPASS, or private tours to streamline DC sightseeing and avoid long lines.

Ultimately, the choice depends on whether your priority is time-efficient exploration of DC or combining the trip with a road-trip experience and historical stops along the East Coast.

Jacksonville to DC

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