Urban family travel shifts toward Washington, D.C.

More U.S. families are choosing city trips over coastal resorts and theme parks as travel costs rise, according to new survey data. Washington, D.C. is benefiting from the trend because of its free museums, walkable landmarks and extended-stay hotels built for multi-generational groups.

Why it matters: - U.S. family travel is shifting toward urban destinations that pack in free or low-cost activities. - The trend favors cities like Washington, D.C., where families can stretch budgets without giving up educational and cultural experiences. - Extended families are also traveling together more often, increasing demand for suite-style hotels with kitchens and shared living space.

What happened: - The U.S. Family Travel Survey from the Family Travel Association and the NYU School of Professional Studies Tisch Center of Hospitality found that 92% of parents plan to travel with their children. - The same survey found that 53% of respondents are prioritizing urban tourism centered on educational and cultural landmarks. - Destination DC says Washington, D.C. continues to see steady growth in domestic family visitation. - Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. Downtown is positioned as an example of how hotels are serving this demand.

The details: - Families are choosing city centers over coastal resorts and theme parks as rising travel expenses push them toward destinations with dense, walkable attractions. - Washington, D.C. appeals to families because the National Mall, Smithsonian museums and national monuments offer many free public attractions. - Visitors can move through downtown museum corridors on foot or via Metro stations such as McPherson Square. - Squaremouth data shows 47% of travelers plan multi-generational trips involving children, parents and grandparents, up 17% from recent years. - Multi-generational trips increase the need for lodging that manages both space and daily food costs. - Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington, D.C. Downtown is at 1475 Massachusetts Avenue NW near Thomas Circle. - The hotel is within walking distance of the White House, the National Mall and downtown museum corridors. - The property offers studio and one-bedroom suites with full kitchens, including a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, two-burner stovetop and dishwasher. - Each suite also includes a living area with a sleeper sofa and television. - Hotel amenities include daily complimentary hot breakfast, a fitness center, a business center and 2,304 square feet of meeting space across five meeting rooms. - The meeting space includes the 600-square-foot Logan, Scott and Thomas Rooms and two executive boardrooms. - The hotel is less than a mile from the White House, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and the National Mall. - The property’s hotel listing is available online.

Between the lines: - The shift toward urban family travel is not just about preference. It is also a cost strategy. - Free museums, transit access and walkable landmarks give Washington a competitive edge over higher-cost leisure markets. - Hotels with kitchens and suite layouts are better positioned to capture multi-generational groups that want control over meals and shared space.

What's next: - Washington, D.C. hotels geared toward families may keep benefiting if urban, education-focused travel continues to grow. - Properties that combine central locations with extended-stay features are likely to remain competitive as families look to reduce trip costs.

The bottom line: - Family travel is moving into city centers, and Washington, D.C. is one of the clearest beneficiaries.