How Government Shutdowns Impact Washington DC Tourism

Washington, DC’s tourism industry is intertwined with the federal government. When government shutdowns happen they can be a major disruption to your trip.

In this episode, Rob recaps the 2025 government shutdown and lays out a clear timeline of how it unfolded. He breaks down what actually happens in Washington, DC during a shutdown, which agencies and tourist sites are affected, and why some parts of the visitor experience still feel normal while others grind to a halt.

To wrap it up, Rob shares his take on the real-world impact shutdowns have on DC tourism. This episode is a little wonky but it will make you a smarter traveler. Government shutdowns used to be rare but unfortunately the current political climate makes them feel more likely than ever.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.