| When Pierre Charles L’Enfant was commissioned by President George Washington to design a city plan for the new capital of the United States, he described the location on the Potomac River as a “pedestal waiting for monuments.” This vision became reality. Washington DC is a beautiful city with striking white monuments shimmering in the sunlight. A visit to Washington DC (the District of Columbia) is called the essential “American Experience.” It is the home of the President of the United States and the center of government for the nation. Each year over 15 million business and leisure travelers come to the nation’s capital to look back in America’s past and to see or be a part of Democracy in action.
Washington DC offers a host of educational and entertaining opportunities within a compact 67 square miles surrounding the United States Capitol and the White House. There are more free attractions and activities than in any city in the world and an exceptionally efficient Metrorail and Metrobus public transportation system make getting around DC a breeze.
Things to Do in Washington, DC
Most visitors learn the lay of the land in Washington, DC, with an orientation tour. Double-decker open top bus tours cover the city in a couple of hours with hop-off/hop-on privileges at 25 locations. Washington trolley tours offer rolling views of over 100 points of interest, including the only riding tour through nearby Arlington Cemetery. Washington, DC, Duck Tours showcase DC from land and the water aboard a restored amphibious WWII vehicle that rolls along city streets and splashes into the Potomac River for a cruise. And, bike and Segway guided tours offer a leisurely approach with great photo opportunities at Washington DC landmarks like Lincoln’s Memorial, the Viet Nam Wall, Korean Monument and Washington Monument.
Once acclimated with a narrated tour, slip into comfortable walking shoes and hit the Washington sidewalks or hop on the Metro to explore the city at your leisure. Stop by the Smithsonian Castle for a Washington travel guide and information on the museums along The National Mall. Pick your favorites from 18 Smithsonian Museums including: the Air & Space Museum and National Zoo. Learn the process of U.S. currency design and printing at the Bureau of Engraving. Don’t miss the solemn and impressive Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns in nearby Arlington Cemetery. Best bet if you want a personal tour the U.S. Capitol or White House; contact your Congress member at least three to six months in advance.
Attend a performance at John F. Kennedy Performing Arts Center, historic Ford Theater or the Shakespeare Theatre. Enjoy after-hours nightlife and Washington DC dining in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Georgetown, DuPont Circle and Cleveland Park. There’s almost always a festival, parade or celebration in progress. Pick up a copy of the weekly City Paper at sidewalk newsstands to find what’s on tap in the city.
Places to Stay in Washington DC
Unlike sprawling metropolitan areas where choosing the best hotel location is critical and challenging, each of the four quadrants surrounding the U.S. Capitol and White House offer excellent choices for Washington DC accommodations and quick access to all parts of the city via the Metro system.
Washington DC hotels range from leading hotel brands in all price ranges to small boutique hotels, extended-stay lodging and intimate bed and breakfast inns. Condé Nast Gold List consistently ranks The Fairmont, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton Willard InterContinental and historic Hay-Adams as leading luxury hotels in DC. Embassy Suites is often a choice for business travelers seeking a Washington DC extended-stay hotel with amenities and services like all-suites, complimentary breakfasts and an afternoon Manager’s Reception with cocktails and appetizers. And, when looking for the hospitality of a bed and breakfast or a romantic boutique hotel, check out lodging around DuPont Circle and in Georgetown.
|
