Hours of Operation

The business week runs from 9 to 5 weekdays, and in some instances, on Saturday in the metropolitan regions of Virginia and Maryland, and in Washington, D.C. Stores, restaurants, and other services maintain longer hours. Hours vary in small towns and resort areas, especially those dependent on seasonal visitors. In rural areas many retail establishments close on Sunday.

Most businesses in the area close for many religious holidays and all holidays that are celebrated on a Monday. However, shopping malls and plazas, as well as restaurants, remain open.

Most art and historical museums in the region are open Monday through Saturday from 10 or 11 to 5 or 6, and Sunday noon to 5. Some museums are closed Monday and/or Tuesday. Many parks and historic homes tend to have later closing hours in summer, and some close during the winter months. In this book's sight reviews, open hours are denoted by a clock icon.

In the metropolitan areas, retail stores and shopping malls are open Monday through Saturday 10–9 and Sunday 11–6. In suburban Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond, grocery stores and superstores often are open 24 hours. Retailers in small towns and in the downtown office districts close earlier and are often not open on Sunday.