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Travel Tourism - Washington DC Destination Guide
| Title : "Washington DC Destination Guide".Travel Tourism,Business City of Washington DC Situated between the states of Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C. – the capital of the United States, is a city teeming with history, famous buildings and monuments, world-class museums and arts venues, beautiful parks, a vibrant cuisine scene and night life, and exciting and distinctive neighborhoods. The first planned capital in the world is also one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. The city, with a population of nearly 600,000, was founded in 1790 and is unique in that it is not located in any state but stands alone as a federal district. Also know as “Washington”, “D.C.” (for District of Columbia), and “The District”, the city is home to all three branches of the United States Government. Politics definitely dominates many of the actions and activities of the city, but with so many things to do and see. Washington also offers so many opportunities and attractions that it is easy to leave the politics of D.C. behind. Government is the main employer in Washington, but not the only career option for the city’s residents. D.C. is also headquarters for Danaher, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, Pepco Holdings Inc., the World Bank, and other national and international institutions including labor unions and professional association. Washington D.C.'s major universities and hospitals are among the top non-government employers in the city with George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, and Washington Hospital Center heading the list. Washington’s other economic force is tourism. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the city’s famous buildings, landmarks, and places such as Arlington Cemetery, the Capitol Building, the National Mall , and the White House; the 15 Smithsonian museums and Ford’s Theater; parks, gardens, and recreational areas like the Botanical Gardens and Rock Creek Park; and the distinctive neighborhoods of downtown with its monuments, funky Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle’s clubs and shopping; and the brick town homes and high-end restaurants of Georgetown. The city’s diverse population of residents and visitors from around the globe, enjoy thriving dining, nightlife and retail scenes throughout the city. Cultural events and other activities occur at venues such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where visitors will find live theater and music performances, the Folger and Shakespeare Theaters which stage classic plays, Wolf Trap and its outdoor environment, and the Verizon Center which offers major concerts and professional basketball and hockey games. Pro sports enthusiasts also enjoy the major league baseball Washington Nationals and football Washington Redskins . Residents and visitors alike are fortunate to have such a beautiful city with so many attractions, events, and opportunities available to them. If you are planning a visit to the area, most visitors come in the summer time when the weather is warm and families can travel together. The seasons of spring and fall with milder weather and fewer tourists may be the most pleasant times to visit. Regardless of when you come, the people of Washington D.C. will welcome you to enjoy and experience the many attractions and activities the District has to offer. Washington DC Travel Air: Need to book a flight to or from Washington DC? Find the best flights and lowest prices here: Book Flights to and from Washington DC Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located 4 miles south of Washington D.C. in Arlington County, Virginia, and Dulles International Airport (IAD), 26 miles west of Washington, D.C., in Dulles, Virginia are the two principal commercial airports for the Washington D.C. area. Baltimore/Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport, 40 miles east of DC, in Linthicum, Maryland is a nearby alternative airport used by travelers to the D.C. area. Reagan National Airport, primarily a domestic destination airport, is served by 18 airlines including Air Canada and Air Canada Jazz, AirTran, Alaska, American and American Eagle, ATA, Continental, Delta and Delta Connection, Frontier, Midwest, Northwest, Spirit, United, and US Airways, US Shuttle, and US Airways Express. US Airways is the major carrier at the airport. The US Airways Shuttle to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Boston’s Logan Airport and the Delta Shuttle to New York, LaGuardia Airport are among the most popular flights. Airport Services: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers its passengers and guests numerous services including seven ATM’s; foreign currency exchange; fee-based Wi-Fi, Business Service Centers in terminals B and C; the National Hall – a collection of 11 restaurants and cafes and over a dozen retail stores, gift shops, and newsstands; a free cell phone parking area for those waiting for arriving passengers, an interfaith chapel; lost and found; U.S. Mail drop off boxes; designated smoking areas; and a USO lounge. There is no on-site hotel, but there are numerous accommodation options within the immediate area. Airport Transportation: There are multiple transportation options for traveling between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and the city and surrounding communities. Bus: Metrobus lines 13B, F, and G serve the airport. For most travelers, Metrorail provides quicker service. Shuttle Van/Shared Ride: Super Shuttle and other services provide pick up and drop off at Reagan Airport. Individual one-way fares begin at $12. Taxi: Taxi service is available to Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland from outside of the baggage claim area. Approximate fares to the DC area include: Pentagon $10; U.S. Capitol $13; Convention Center $15; Walter Reed Hospital $21. Train: Metrorail, the region’s rapid-transit system, has a station located at the airport and provides easy access to downtown Washington DC and other areas. A Metro ride to downtown takes 20 minutes and costs less than $2.00. Rental Car: Need to rent a car in Washington DC? The best deals from top vendors are here: Rent a Car in Washington DC Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty all operate at DCA. On-airport rental car counters are located on the first floor in Parking Garage. The parking garage is accessed via the “Parking / Rental Car” shuttle which stops at each terminal outside baggage claim. Enterprise is an off-airport location. Dulles International Airport, the larger of the two Washington area airports, offers flights to and from numerous domestic and international locations. The second biggest airport on the east coast, after New York/Kennedy, Dulles Airport offers service on domestic airlines including: AirTran; American; American Eagle; Continental; Delta and Delta Connection; JetBlue; Northwest; Southwest; Sun Country; United, United Express, and Ted; US Airways and US Express; and Virgin America. International airlines using Dulles including: Aer Lingus; Aeroflot; Air Canada; Air France; British, Ethopian; Grupo Taca; Iberian; KLM Royal Dutch; Korean; Lufthansa; Qatar; Saudi Arabian; SAS; and Virgin Atlantic. The main terminal houses all ticketing and baggage claim. Airport Services: Guest services at Dulles International Airport include Chevy Chase Bank ATM’s; foreign currency exchange; a Business Service Center; Traveler’s Aid, a massage bar, 10 sit down restaurants plus numerous eateries, news stands, gift shops, and duty free stores; a free cell phone parking lot (at the intersection of Rudder Road and Autopilot Drive) for those waiting to pickup arriving passengers; U.S. Mail drop off boxes; an interfaith chapel; and a lost and found. There is no on-site hotel, but there are numerous accommodation options within the immediate area. Virginia Regional Transit provides direct bus service between Dulles Airport and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center, and to other locations in the region. Fare is 50 cents per person each way. The bus stops outside the Main Terminal on the Ground Level at curbside location "2E." Airport Transportation: There are multiple transportation options for traveling between Dulles International Airport and the city and surrounding communities. Bus: Washington Flyer Coach Service will take you non-stop to Metrorail’s West Falls Church Station for $9 one-way or $16 round-trip. From West Falls Church Station you can take Metrorail service to D.C. The Washington Flyer Coach ticket counter located at Arrivals Door #4 in the Main Terminal. Tickets for transportation to the airport are purchased on the bus at West Falls Station. Metrobus operates an express bus service between Dulles Airport and Washington, D.C. (L'Enfant Plaza) from 530am-1130pm. The Metrobus fare is $3 (exact change required). Shuttle Van/Shared Ride: Super Shuttle's shared ride van service is available to the Flyer Coach stops, as well as Union Station. SuperShuttle stops are clearly identified on the Ground Transportation Level roadway outside the Main Terminal at Dulles. Shuttles operate on an on-demand basis. Taxi: Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve Dulles International Airport exclusively with 24-hour service to and from the airport. Taxicabs accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Discover Card, and Visa, and provide transportation at metered rates to any destination in metropolitan Washington. Approximate one way fares to Washington, D.C., range from $51 to $58. Taxi pickup is on the lower level of the Main Terminal. Train: The nearest Metrorail station is West Falls Church Station. The station is accessed from the airport via Washington Flyer Coach Service. Going to the airport board any Orange line train headed towards "Vienna/Fairfax/GMU." Depending on your station, one-way fare to/fm West Falls Church station will be $1.35 to $3.90. The fare on the Washington Flyer is $9 one-way, $16 roundtrip. Rental Car: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty all operate at Dulles Airport. The Dulles Airport Car Rental facility is at the airport; a brief free shuttle ride, boarded by the baggage claim area, from the main terminal. Alternative Airports: Baltimore/Washington International-Thurgood Marshall Airport, 40 miles east of DC, in Linthicum, Maryland is a nearby alternative airport used by travelers to the Washington area. Travelers to the D.C. area can catch the Amtrak Northeast Corridor and MARC Penn Line trains from the BWI Rail Station. A free shuttle bus brings passengers to and from the train station and airport terminal. MARC trains run on weekdays only. Trains run to both Baltimore and Washington DC. Fares begin at $5 on MARC and $20 on Amtrak. Train: Amtrak serves the Washington D.C. area from 100-year old Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE. Amtrak routes currently serving Washington’s Union Station include the Acela Express (Boston-Washington DC), Capital Limited (Washington DC-Chicago), Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York City-Chicago), Carolinian / Piedmont (New York City-Charlotte), Crescent (New York City-New Orleans), Northeast Corridor (Boston-Washington DC), Palmetto (New York City-Savannah), Regional (Boston-Richmond), Silver Service –Meteor and Star (New York City-Tampa/Miami) and the Vermonter (St. Albans-Washington DC) . There are also Amtrak stations in New Carrollton, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides rail service from the southwestern Virginia suburbs of Manassas and Fredericksburg. Maryland Area Rail Commuter (MARC) trains travel between Baltimore's Penn Station and Washington D.C. Bus: Greyhound connects Washington DC to most destinations in the country from the terminal at 1005 1st Street NE; approximately four blocks from Union Station. Peter Pan buses also use the 1st Street station. A number of independent bus lines, including Today’s Bus, run low-fare service between New York City and Washington DC. Car: Washington, D.C. is circled by the Capital Beltway, formed by Interstates I-495 and I-95. I-95 routes from the northeast to the south -beginning in Houlton, Maine via Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, and terminating in Miami. I-66 begins in Washington, DC and heads west to its terminus in Middletown, Virginia. US Route 50 begins just east of Annapolis, MD, the Chesapeake Bay and the beaches, to Washington, and then west (although it is not a major highway west of DC). I-270 routes north from Washington to Frederick, Maryland where it connects to I-70. I-70 then travels west via St. Louis and Denver, terminating in Utah. Some sample driving distances to/fm Washington DC are: Baltimore 40 miles, 107 miles, Philadelphia 141 miles, New York City 228 miles, Pittsburgh 247 miles, Raleigh 276 miles, Atlanta 638 miles, Chicago 703 miles, St. Louis 835 miles, Dallas 1,323 miles, Denver 1,691 miles, 2,669 miles. Getting Around Washington DC: Driving in the DC area can be more trouble than it is worth. Streets are heavily trafficked; parking is challenging. Fortunately, the city has a great public transportation system that links the city’s many neighborhoods and outlying areas. Metrorail, the above and below ground rapid transit system is a fast, convenient, and inexpensive way to get around the city. Metrorail does not travel to Adams-Morgan, Georgetown, and Mount Pleasant. For those neighborhoods you will need to either take the bus, a taxi, or if you are close enough and the weather is good – walk. The red, white, and blue buses operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority crisscross the city and the nearby suburbs. Washington DC Lodging Need a Hotel in Washington DC? Find all the top names for the best value here: Book a Hotel in Washington DC Washington D.C. and the surrounding area welcome visitors from around the world with a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury properties such the Mandarin Oriental near the National Mall and the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel just a few blocks from the White House; to full service hotels like the Marriott Washington and the Phoenix Park Hotel; to historic Bed and Breakfasts and Inns like Dupont Circle’s 1890’s-era Akwaaba Bed Breakfast. Downtown has many accommodation options and most of Washington’s main attractions are within an easy walk or quick Metrorail ride. In the downtown area, along with the Mandarin Oriental and the Renaissance Mayflower, the Willard InterContinental Washington is a grand historic landmark hotel overlooking the White House; the Hay Adams is located on Lafayette Square, across from the White House; and the Marriott Washington is close by on 22nd Street. Other properties include the Phoenix Park Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center, Days Inn Connecticut Avenue, the Henley Park Hotel, Holiday Inn Washington on the Hill, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, The Melrose, and the Red Roof Inn Washington. The Dupont Circle area, also within a short ride of downtown, has the 1906 Beaux Arts-style Churchill Hotel, Doubletree Hotel Washington, DC, the luxury boutique Hotel Palomar Washington D.C., Jurys Washington Hotel, Hilton Washington Embassy Row, and the Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, D.C. - Dupont Circle. Dupont Circle is also home to a number of historic Bed and Breakfasts and Inns such as the Akwaaka Bed Breakfast and the Meridian Manor. Georgetown, only a short distance from downtown, offers a very different environment of centuries old buildings and quaint streets. Properties in the area include the Embassy Suites Hotel Washington D.C., the Four Seasons Hotel, Georgetown Suites, Georgetown Suites Harbour, Marriott Georgetown University Conference Center, Latham Hotel, Renaissance M Street Hotel, the St. Gregory Hotel and Suites, and the St. Regis Hotel - Washington, D.C. While Georgetown is not on the Metrorail line it is a short bus or taxi ride to downtown. If you are looking for a quick getaway and prefer to stay by the airport, there are several hotels within two miles of Dulles including the Holiday Inn Dulles Homestead Dulles North, Homewood Suites Airport, Hyatt Dulles, and the Staybridge Suites Dulles. National Airport, only 4 miles from downtown Washington, also has several properties nearby in Arlington and Crystal City including the Crowne Plaza Airport and the Holiday Inn National Airport in Arlington and the Courtyard Crystal City, Days Inn Crystal City, Hilton Crystal City National Airport, and Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Crystal City. The properties mentioned above are just a sample of the many choices available to you in the Washington D.C. area. Be sure to check our hotel booking page for properties available for the dates you will be visiting the Washington area. Washington DC Restaurants Washington DC, facing the challenge of providing satisfying cuisine to visitors from so many international destinations and being a city with a population from so many diverse U.S. and international places has a vibrant restaurant scene. The majority of Washington’s restaurants are in the downtown area and in the neighborhoods of Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown. Each January, and again in the summer, area restaurants hold Restaurant Week when dozens of the city’s top restaurants offer three-course, prix-fixe lunch and dinner specials. The Downtown area, covering the area from Georgetown to Capitol Hill and over to Union Station has numerous restaurants. The area around Connecticut Avenue and K Streets is home to many high-end establishments that cater to the businesses and many law firms in the area. Around the Verizon Center, in the area of the 600 block of F Street, there are many casual and moderately priced places to eat. One of the most popular, although expensive, places in the downtown area is CityZen on Maryland Avenue inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. CityZen’s menu is described as “Modern American” and its chef is from the Napa Valley's famous The French Laundry restaurant. Gerard’s Place, on 15th Street NW, is another recommendation and specializes in Modern French cuisine. A little lower in price but still fine food can be found at Zaytina on 9th NW, serving Mediterranean fare; Belga Cafe, on 8th Street near the Capitol Building, is a Belgian style cafe; and Ceiba, 701 14th Street, offers Central and South American cuisine. Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, is far more than just a train station. It’s also a great place to do some shopping and has seven restaurants including America (American), B. Smith’s (Creole and Cajun), East Street Cafe (Asian), Station Grill (American), and the Thunder Grill (American Southwestern) Dupont Circle, south of U Street and north of K Street, has a large number of restaurants and cafes; many with outdoor seating. Exceptional in the Dupont Circle area is Mark and Orlando’s, 2020 P Street NW, serving classic American menu with both casual and more upscale options. Adams Morgan, on Eighteenth Street NW and on Columbia Road, has ethnic restaurant after restaurant. The area use to be predominately Latin cuisine. Nowadays you are just as likely to come across places serving Asian, Ethiopian, or other ethic foods as well as Latin. Georgetown’s main streets for dining are Wisconsin Avenue and M Street. Establishments in Georgetown run the gamut from high-end white table cloth dining to budget eateries. One of the best restaurants in D.C. can be found in Georgetown - Michel Richard Citronelle at 3000 M Street NW in the Latham Hotel declared by Condé Nast Traveler magazine as one of the world’s most exciting restaurants. Washington DC Shopping Art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, specialty shops, outdoor markets and shopping malls are all part of the Washington D.C. shopping scene. Shopping also abounds on the other side of the Potomac River, in Virginia’s Alexandria, Arlington, and elsewhere. Washington’s neighborhoods, especially Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Downtown, and Georgetown, offer a wide variety of shopping experiences for you to experience and enjoy. Also keep in mind that the city’s museums each have their own gift shops which provide some unique purchasing opportunities. In downtown, at 7th Street and North Carolina Avenue, the Eastern Market is a public market first opened in 1873 offering cheeses, meat, produce, seafood, and sweets. Union Station, along with its trains and restaurants offers a good variety of shops. Gallery Place, 7th and H Streets, has shopping, dining, entertainment and condominiums all under one roof. Retail stores include Ann Taylor Loft; Bed, Bath Beyond; United Colors of Benetton, and Urban Outfitters. In Georgetown, along with the many shops along M Street such as Hu’s Shoes, Fornash Designs, and Piccolo Piggies, The Shops at Georgetown Park offerings include Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Clyde's of Georgetown, Dean DeLuca, and Pottery Barn. Adams Morgan has a wide variety of fun to funky and unique specialty stores and Dupont Circle offers the progressive bookstore Kramerbooks and Afterwords, a Washington D.C legend, with books, entertainment and full service sit-down meals all under one roof, along with many one-of-a-kind plus some more familiar brand names stores. Chevy Chase Pavilion , on Wisconsin Boulevard, is a limited-size upscale mall in the Chevy Chase neighborhood. Stores include Ann Taylor Loft, Hold Everything, J Crew, Pottery Barn, Talbots, World Market, and more. The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, 1100 South Hayes Street in Arlington, has more than 70 stores including Ann Taylor, Bailey Banks Biddle, Banana Republic, Coach, Guess, Macy's, Nordstrom, Talbots, Swarovski Crystal Gallery and Williams-Sonoma. Crystal City Shops, Crystal Drive between 15th and 23rd Streets, is one of the D.C. areas premier shopping centers. Crystal City Shops has its own Metrorail station and over 140 shops and restaurants. Arundel Mills, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover, Maryland and just 30 miles northeast of D.C. may be the area's ultimate shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Arundel Mills features over 225 specialty retailers, a variety of theme and casual dining restaurants, and cutting-edge entertainment venues including The Beauty Outlet, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s/Dockers Outlet, Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet, and OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet. Outlet shoppers will also want to head to Prime Outlets-Queenstown, 50 miles east of Washington, and its 50 outlet stores including brand such as Calvin Klein, The Cosmetic Store, Gap Kids/Baby Gap, Nine West, Old Navy Outlet, and Polo Ralph Lauren. Washington DC Events Throughout the year Washington D.C. and the surrounding communities hold numerous civic and privately sponsored cultural, music, and sporting events. Most large musical events are held at the Verizon Center, 601 F Street NW. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , 2700 F Street NW, is the nation's performing arts center and presents music, dance, theatre, international, and children's programs in six theatres and is the home of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Ballet, and the Washington National Opera. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, is one of America's oldest continually operating theaters and features national tours of Broadway shows, pre-Broadway shows, and American premieres. Wolf Trap, 20 miles west of DC in Vienna, Virginia presents a broad spectrum of performing arts programs including blues, classical, country, dance, jazz and pop, year-round at both its beautiful national park setting and it's smaller, indoor venue. Performances are also presented at the Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street; the Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol Street; Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th Street; the Gala Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th Street NW; Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U Street; the Shakespeare Theatre, 50 7th Street NW; and the Warner Theatre, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave among other venues. The Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon, is located in the heart of the nation’s capital, steps from historic museums, great restaurants and wonderful attractions. Washington has a number of annual festivals and events including the National Cherry Blossom Festival held each March and April when the trees are in full-bloom. Prior to the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Washington Auto Show is held in January and February sees the annual Washington Boat Show and also a wreath-laying ceremony and reading of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address at the Lincoln Memorial. A fun and colorful St. Patrick’s Day parade is held each March and the Washington International Film Festival (also known as FilmFest DC) is held in April. Also in April (occasionally in March) is the Easter Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday at the Memorial Amphitheatre at Arlington National Cemetery. In May, the Arlington Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony includes the laying of wreaths at the grave of John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier followed by the National Memorial Day Parade. In June the Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates contemporary living traditions with cooking, crafts, dance, music, and song. The biggest and most highly attended event in July is the annual Independence Day Celebration held on the National Mall. All day events and a free evening concert highlight the celebration. August brings the Arlington County’s Fair, four days of crafts, exhibitors and food at the Thomas Jefferson Center and the Legg Masson Tennis Classic. The second Sunday of September is always Adams Morgan Day, when the neighborhood celebrates with live music and foods from around the world. Taste of Bethesda , the first Saturday of October, has 50 local restaurants presenting samples of their finest and most popular dishes. Each November 11th, Veterans Day commemorations take place at Arlington National Cemetery and other locations throughout the area. Each December the Washington Convention Center hosts the Washington Crafts Show; one of the premiere events of contemporary American craft. December also sees the National Christmas Tree Lighting Pageant of Peace. The city’s sports teams are lead by the Major League Baseball Washington Nationals; the National Football League Washington Redskins; National Basketball Association Washington Wizards; National Hockey Leagues Washington Capitals; Major League Soccer D.C. United; and Women’s National Basketball League Washington Mystics. The Nationals and D.C. United host home games at RFK Stadium in D.C., the Redskins play at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland; and the Capitals, Mystics, and Wizards all play at the Verizon Center. Collegiate sports in the area are lead by the Georgetown University Hoyas. The Hoyas field 27 NCAA Division I sports teams. The Georgetown basketball team, often one of the top teams in the nation, plays at the Verizon Center. George Washington University’s Colonials also play at the NCAA Division I level. Washington DC Attractions Visitor centers are a great resource for information on accommodations, brochures, city maps, restaurant guides and more. Their knowledgeable staff is available to help make the most of your experience. The Washington D.C. Visitor Center is located in the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Be sure to stop in! Washington D.C. offers numerous attractions and activity options. A sampling of the best and most popular are listed below. Arlington National Cemetery: Arlington, Virginia across the Potomac from the National Mall - Arlington National Cemetery, the most treasured burial ground in the U.S., is the last resting place for more than 285,000. Among the white headstones are the graves of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert Kennedy, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, world champion boxer Joe Louis and the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Marine Corps Memorial Iwo Jima Statue is near the entrance to the cemetery. Decatur House: 1610 H Street NW - Completed in 1818, Decatur House is one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC. Its prominent location directly across from the White House made it one the capital's most desirable addresses and home to many of the country’s most prominent figures. The home is open for tours daily. Dupont Circle: Centered at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Connecticut Avenue, New Hampshire Avenue, P Street and 19th Street - The Dupont Circle neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood is home to numerous embassies, the Brookings Institution, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, The Eurasia Center, and the Peterson Institute. The Dupont Circle neighborhood is also a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and beautiful historic homes. FDR Memorial: On Ohio Drive near the Tidal Basin the Potomac River, just off the National Mall – Dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the memorial depicts the 12 most important years of his presidency through a series of four outdoor gallery rooms. The area includes a wall of reddish Dakota granite inscribed with the words of FDR set among waterfalls and pools. Ford’s Theatre: 511 10th Street NW – The site of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln is both a working theatre and a historical monument open to the public. There is a museum in the basement displaying various artifacts from Lincoln’s life and death. Georgetown: This popular and affluent neighborhood in the northwest of Washington and along the Potomac River is home to Georgetown University and high-end shops, bars, and restaurants. M Street is the location of most restaurants and shops. International Spy Museum: 800 F Street NW – The Spy Museum, dedicated to the study of international espionage, has a permanent collection of artifacts and spy gadgets gathered from around the world. Along with the artifacts, other rooms are devoted to the spying of World War II, the spy world of the Cold War, and the dangers faced in the current world. The museum is north of the National Mall, near FBI headquarters. Library of Congress: 101 First Street SE - The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world. The Congress is located near the Capitol Building and the Supreme Court. Mount Vernon Trail: Along the Virginia side of the Potomac River between Theodore Roosevelt Island and George Washington's home at Mount Vernon - The 18.5-mile,mostly flat, trail provides scenic view of Old Town Alexandria and the Dyke Marsh on the way to Mount Vernon. National Geographic Society - Museum at Explorers Hall: 1145 17th Street NW – Explorers Hall offers free educational, interactive, and changing exhibits on a variety of topics. National Mall: Many, if not most, of the monuments, memorials, and museums that most visitors are familiar with are located on the National Mall which stretches from The Capitol Building to the Potomac River. The Capitol Building: Situated at the east end of the Mall, the white-domed Capitol Building serves as the location for both branches of the United States Congress; the Congress and the Senate. Washington Monument: The large, white-colored obelisk erected in honor of the United State’s first president stands 555 feet tall and is open to visitors. Jefferson Memorial: The marble rotunda with a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jeff situated on the Tidal Basin is a familiar site for most visitors. National Aquarium: The Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the United States. National Gallery of Art: The Gallery offers a permanent collection of European and American paintings, sculpture, decorative arts and works on paper. Vietnam Veterans Memorial: One of the most moving and visited memorials at the Mall, the black granite walls of the V-shaped memorial are inscribed with the names of more than 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. World War II Memorial: Honoring the 16 million who served during WWII and those who supported the war effort from home, the WWII Memorial is between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Smithsonian Institute: The U.S. government funded Smithsonian has many of it museums on the mall including the National Air Space Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the Arts and Industries Building, the National Museum of African Art, and the Smithsonian Institution Building. Admission to all is free. Old Stone House: 3051 M Street NW – This Georgetown home, built in 1765 and open for tours, is the oldest house in Washington Rock Creek Park: 3545 Williamsburg Lane NW – This 1,754-acre park in the north of Washington DC has an art gallery, the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, a golf course, a nature center, a network of trails, 30 picnic areas, riding stables, and tennis courts. Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Highlights of the Zoo include the giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and their cub, Tai Shan, at the Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat; an Asian elephant calf, Kandula; 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW - three Sumatran tiger cubs; and many exhibits, including Amazonia, Small Mammals, and Invertebrates. Supreme Court: First St. Maryland Avenue NE – Situated across from the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building is home to the most powerful court in the country. Tours are available when court is not in session. Tudor Place Historic House Garden: 1644 31st Street NW - The Georgetown mansion and National Historic Landmark was once the home of Martha Custis Peter, granddaughter of Martha Washington. Tours of the home and its 5-acre garden are available to the public. Union Square Station: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE – Each year 29 million visitors enjoy entertainment, shopping, and an international variety of food in this beautiful Beaux Arts transportation hub. Union Square Station has been open for over 100 years. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW – Just off the Mall, this internationally acclaimed museum tells the story of the Holocaust through artifacts, films, photos, and oral histories. Washington National Cathedral: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW – The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (the National Cathedral) is the designated "National House of Prayer". Construction on the church began in 1907 and finished in 1990. It is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world. The Watergate: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW – The apartment-business complex, famous as the site of the burglaries that lead to the Watergate scandal of the Nixon presidency, is best viewed along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. White House: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - The home of every US president except George Washington can be viewed from all four sides. Tours are available but must be requested through one's member of Congress (Senator or Representative). The White Visitor’s Center, 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, provides video and exhibits featuring many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, and social events. Woodrow Wilson House Museum: 2340 S Street NW - The former home of President Woodrow Wilson and Edith Wilson following their White House years, and the only presidential home in Washington DC, features original furnishings, presidential memorabilia and changing special exhibits. Day Trips: Annapolis: Only 35 miles east of Washington, Annapolis is most famous as being the home of St. John College and the US Naval Academy. The city also has numerous scenic and nautical attractions; most based around the water of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore: Less than 40 miles northeast of D.C., Baltimore is famous for its crab cakes and Chesapeake Bay cuisine; is the birth place of the national anthem and Babe Ruth; is home to great museums, Edgar Allan Poe’s house, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; offers fantastic water activities on the Chesapeake Bay; and provides a vibrant and thriving night life. Frederick: A little less than 50 miles north of Washington, Frederick –founded in 1745 and with its historic downtown preserved, is Maryland’s largest antique marketplace and offers several hundred antique shops and dealer spaces along with the charm of the city. George Washington’s Mount Vernon: Twenty miles to the south of Washington D.C., at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, George Washington's estate is open to the public. The 45–acre estate overlooking the Potomac River offers visitors a chance to visit the home of the country’s first presidents as well as enjoy hands-on activities, special tours, river cruises, shopping and dining. Great Falls National Park: Situated in Great Falls, 20 miles west of Washington DC, this 800-acre forested park is best known for the Great Falls waterfalls which occur as the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. There is also a good hiking trail. Six Flags America: Just 21 miles east of D.C. at 13710 Central Avenue in Mitchellville, Six Flags America features more than 100 thrilling rides, slides, shows and attractions including state of the art thrill rides. Washington DC Media Newsprint: The main daily newspapers for the Washington D.C. area are the Washington Post and Washington Times. The Washington Post also publishes the Express - a free daily paper summarizing events, sports, and entertainment. The Washington Examiner is a daily tabloid style paper published in nearby Alexandria, Virginia but also distributed in Washington. Weekly publications include the alternative Washington City Paper, the Washington Business News serves the local business community; the Washington Informer serves the African-American community; the Washington Hispanic is the largest Spanish language paper in the area; the Washington Jewish Week is geared towards the Jewish community; and the Washington Blade and the Metro Weekly are local gay oriented papers. Many neighborhoods in the District have their own community newspaper including The Current Newspapers, with editions for Chevy Chase, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, and Upper Northwest and the Capitol Hill area The Capitol Hill Current/Voice of the Hill. Local Television Stations: The local network TV stations for the Washington DC area include: WRC-TV 4 (NBC), WTTG 5 (FOX), WJLA 7 (ABC), WUSA 9 (CBS), WDCA 20 (MyNetwork), WETA 26 (PBS), WHUT 32 (PBS), and WDCW 50 (CW). Washington D.C. residents can also access most Baltimore area stations including WMAR 2 (ABC), WBAL 11 (NBC), WJZ-TV 13 (CBS), WUTB 24 (MyNetwork), WBFF 45 (FOX), and WNUV 54 (CW). Washington Weather Washington D.C. has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall seasons are mild and pleasant; summers are warm to hot and humid; winters are cool to cold with occasional heavy snowstorms. Spring highs will range from the mid-50s in late March to the 80’s in early June; early spring evenings will be cool, in the low-40, and rise to the mid-60s as summer approaches. Summer highs usually reach the mid-to-upper-80s and fall to the upper-60s to low-70s at night. Summer can be quite warm and humid. July and August are the hottest months with high temperatures averaging in the upper-80s and sometimes hitting 90 degrees or above. Autumn, like spring, is mild but with slightly cooler daytime highs and nighttime lows. Winter highs usually reach the mid-40 degree mark and evenings will dip to or below freezing, but not to an extreme. Washington DC’s annual precipitation of just less than 40 inches is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year with most months receiving between three to four inches; February and April average slightly less. Thunderstorms are common in summer and early autumn. Winter snowfall is usually light to moderate, averaging 15 inches per year, but large storms are not uncommon. For Solutions to All of Your Travel Needs Visit www.DCFlights.com www.DCFlights.com offers the best deals and lowest prices on hotels, flights, rental cars, travel packages and cruises. Local travel experts are also available to assist you with all your travel needs. |
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