Find Washington, DC Hotels through our District of Columbia City Guide , your one-stop source for Washington, DC Accommodations . Use our District of Columbia City Guide to find information on Washington, DC Hotels in different price ranges and locations, including Luxury Georgetown Hotels, Downtown Washington, DC Hotels, Dupont Circle Hotels, Arlington Discount Hotels and more.
If your trip to Washington, DC includes touring the White House, visiting the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument or many other Washington DC attractions, we'll provide the information you need to plan your trip.
We hope that you enjoy our District of Columbia City Guide and that it may be helpful in your search for information about Washington, DC . If you find our District of Columbia City Guide useful in locating Discount Washington DC Hotels, please let us know in our comment section. Also, include other types of information you would like to see in our District of Columbia City Guide .
Click to expand
Click to collapse
George Washington himself chose the location for the city that bears his name, and which serves as the seat of government for the United States of America. Over the course of 200 years, Washington, D.C. has grown with the nation, and it now represents the very best of America. From its majestic monuments to its incomparable museums, from the Mall to the steps of the Capitol, Washington offers visitors one-of-a-kind attractions.
The majestic Capitol building stands at the center of the city, allowing unobstructed views of the city's most famous attractions. The giant open space of the Mall is marked off by the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the largest cluster of museums in the world. The National Air and Space Museum celebrates the nation's achievements in flight and space exploration, from the Wright brothers first biplane to the Apollo moon mission and beyond. Visitors also line up for the Natural History museum to learn about the sciences and to view the famous Hope Diamond. The Smithsonian Institution also includes the world-famous Sackler, Freer and Hirshhorn galleries. Art lovers should also appreciate the nearby National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of American Art.
Looking past the mall, the Washington monument stands 505 feet above the city. It was the tallest man made structure in America from its completion until the early 1900's. Behind this monument is the reflecting pool and the trio of memorials dedicated to remembering President Lincoln and the wounded and killed of the Vietnam and Korean conflicts. New to the area of the tidal basin, and facing the Jefferson Memorial, a memorial to Franklin Roosevelt lies on the Potomac River. Not far from there, the new National Holocaust Museum hosts millions of visitors each year.
The offices of the various government agencies take up most of the space of the city, and most offer free tours to the public. The White House also offers free tours to the public, and the lines can sometimes stretch around the block to visit "the people's house." Just outside of the city, the National Zoo houses thousands of animals on 163 acres of park. Among its residents are two giant pandas given to the United States as gifts from the People's Republic of China. Across the river in Arlington, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands amidst the somber majesty of Arlington National Cemetery, where John and Robert Kennedy are also buried.
Washington has many other distractions from politics. Washington's theatre life is thriving; it is second only to New York in number of theatre seats. The National Symphony and other musical companies play full schedules. As a temporary home to diplomats from around the world, Washington's restaurant offerings are the finest and most diverse around.
The beauty and grandeur of the nation's capital continue to captivate the millions of American and foreign tourists who visit Washington, D.C. each year.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th & C Streets SW
Washington, DC 20228
202-874-2330
At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, during a 35-minute tour, you’ll see currency printed at the rate of 8,000 sheets per hour. The center’s around-the-clock production generates more than $450 million daily and 25 billion postage stamps annually. Exhibits feature bills no longer in use, counterfeit money and a $100,000 bill.
African American Civil War Memorial/Freedom Foundation and Museum
1200 U Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-2667
At the African American Civil War Memorial/Freedom Foundation Museum and Visitors Center, visitors learn about the African American's heroic and mostly unknown struggle for freedom during the Civil War. Photographs, documents and state of the art audio-visual equipment illustrate the struggle and tell the story of Blacks in early America.
Decatur House Museum
1610 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-842-0920
The Decatur House was completed in 1818 and is one of the oldest surviving homes in Washington, DC. Its prominent location across from the White House, as well as its neo-classical architecture, made the Decatur House one of the capital's most desirable addresses. Many of the nation's most prominent figures lived here. Visitors touring the home will hear stories about elite socializing, a slave's campaign for freedom and other events that occurred here.
FDR Memorial
West Potomac Park
100 23rd Place
Washington, DC 20002
202-426-6841
The FDR Memorial is located near the Jefferson Memorial, and is a 7.5-acre site, complete with waterfalls and pools. It retells the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency. Four outdoor gallery rooms feature ten bronze sculptures depicting President Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and events from the Great Depression and World War II.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20535
202-324-3000
The one-hour tour of the J Edgar Hoover FBI Building includes a look at crime laboratories, a view of FBI scientists at work in the forensic labs, a history exhibit and a live firearms demonstration given by a special agent.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
1411 W Street SE
Washington, DC 20020
202-426-5961
This is the former residence of the African-American abolitionist, orator, diplomat, essayist and auditor of the U.S. Treasury. Stop by the Visitor Center to view a film and exhibits on Douglass' life.
Jefferson Memorial
900 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20024
202-426-6841
The Jefferson Memorial is a 19-foot statue of Thomas Jefferson that stands proudly beneath the marble rotunda. The statue is surrounded by passages from the Declaration of Independence and other famous words penned by this third U.S. president.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Daniel C. French Drive SW and Lincoln Memorial Circle SW
Washington, DC 20001
202-426-6841
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located near the Lincoln Memorial. The 2.2-acre site honors the nearly two million Americans who served in the Korean War. The site features a Reflecting Pool, 19 statues of soldiers and a 164-foot mural wall etched with 2,500 photographic images of nurses, chaplains, crew chiefs, mechanics and other support personnel.
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540
202-707-5000
The Library of Congress was established in 1800 and is the world's largest library, housing almost 119 million items (in 470 languages, with an additional 7,000 items added daily) in three buildings. Exhibits include one of the world's three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the American Treasures of the Library of Congress and much more.
Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial Circle SW and 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20242
202-426-6841
The Lincoln Memorial overlooks the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. For the complete experience, enjoy the scenic walk by the pool and climb the marble staircase leading to the 19-foot marble statue of the 16th president. On the walls are inscriptions of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address and the famous Gettysburg Address.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Highway
Triangle, VA 22172
800-397-7585
Visitors learn about the Marine Corps from the Revolutionary period to the present through exhibits featuring weapons, uniforms, decorations, flags, medals, and artifacts.
St. Matthew’s Cathedral
1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-347-3215
St. Matthew’s Cathedral was the site of President John F. Kennedy's funeral mass on November 25, 1963. Established in 1840, St. Matthew's is considered to have one of the most beautiful church interiors of modern times. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here on October 6, 1979 during his first visit to the U.S.
Washington National Cathedral
3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
202-537-6200
Located on 57 acres, this Gothic cathedral is the sixth largest in the world. Founded in 1907, it measures one-tenth of a mile long and contains more than 200 stained glass windows. Its central tower is 301 feet high. Enjoy incredible views from the observation gallery, and visit the Bishop's Gardens, greenhouse, herb cottage and gift shop.
Theodore Roosevelt Island and Memorial
Washington Memorial Parkway
McLean, VA 22101
703-289-2500
This peaceful island serves as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt, in honor of his conservation efforts. Accessible by footbridge, the area features a memorial plaza with a 17-foot statue of Roosevelt and nearly two miles of trails through forest and wetlands.
US Capitol
Capitol Hill
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-6827
Visit the site where senators and representatives shape U.S. legislative policy. Guided tours of the US Capitol depart daily, every 15 minutes from the Rotunda. Tours include the Statuary Hall, the original Supreme Court chamber and the Crypt, which was the intended burial place of George and Martha Washington.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Constitution Avenue and 23rd Street NW
Washington, DC 20242
202-634-1568
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is known for its black granite walls, inscribed with the names of the 58,209 Americans missing or killed in the Vietnam conflict. The memorial includes a life-size bronze sculpture depicting three young servicemen.
Washington Monument
Constitution Avenue and 15th St NW
Washington, DC 20242
202-426-6841
The Washington Monument is one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. It was dedicated in 1885 to the memory of the first U.S. president. Take the free elevator ride to the top for a breathtaking view.
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-2200
Except for George Washington, every US president has resided in this impressive American landmark. Tour guests are allowed to view only seven of its 132 rooms. No other property in the world receives as much protection and security as the White House.
Woodrow Wilson House Museum
2340 S Street NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-387-4062
The Woodrow Wilson House Museum offers visitors another slice of American history. This was the home of President Woodrow Wilson and Edith Wilson following his presidency. Tours include a look at the home’s original furnishings, presidential memorabilia and rotating special exhibits.
Ford's Theatre
511 10th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-347-4833
Ford’s Theater is the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865. Artifacts on display include the gun John Wilkes Booth used to kill Lincoln, as well as relics from Lincoln's life. Petersen House, where Lincoln died, is located across the street.
National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20017
202-526-8300
Dedicated in 1859, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is the largest Roman Catholic Church in the Western Hemisphere. The church has two levels: the Great Upper Church and the lower level Crypt Church.
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle Citizens Association
1616 Riggs Place
Washington, DC 20009
202-265-3222
Dupont Circle features turn-of-the-century mansions and brownstones, which were once home to prominent families. Today the area has a new face, with art museums, restaurants, embassies and eclectic shops.
National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-633-4800
The National Zoological Park was created in 1889. Visitors to the zoo can view a variety of animals, including giant pandas from China.
Marian Koshland Science Museum
The National Academies
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-334-1201
The Marion Koshland Science Museum is operated by the National Academy of Sciences and features a variety of science-related topics. Learn about scientific research, discover how DNA analysis can catch criminals, witness the potential effects of global warming and more.
Union Station
40 Massachusetts Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-289-1908
When it opened in 1907, Union Station was the world's largest train station. Today it is a major tourist attraction, having been renovated into a massive, one-stop shopping and dining center. Roman architecture and statues are the backdrop for the center’s 133 specialty shops, five restaurants, 46-vendor food court, and nine-screen movie theatre.
National Air and Space Museum
6th and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20001
202-633-1000
At the National Air and Space Museum, you’ll find the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer, Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 lunar command module, a collection of aviation and space technology items and much more. Catch a program at the Albert Einstein Planetarium or a film at the IMAX Theater.
National Mall
7th Street NW and Madison Drive NW
Washington, DC 20242
202-485-9880
The National Mall is a park area that extends approximately two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument and features 200-year old trees. On either side of the park you’ll find several of the Smithsonian Institution museums, National Archives, National Gallery of Art and U.S. Botanic Gardens.
Smithsonian
202-633-1000
The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex and research organization. It consists of 14 museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. (in addition to two museums in New York City). The Smithsonian's exhibitions cover the past, present and future, and the museum’s vast collection includes more than 142 million objects.
Mount Vernon
3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Mount Vernon, VA 22121
703-780-2000
Visitors are welcome to tour Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Costumed guides narrate the history of the mansion and of the surrounding buildings. The 500-acre estate also features hands-on exhibits that focus on farming techniques and colonial games.
Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, VA 22102
703-285-2965
Great Falls Park is an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, 14 miles upriver from Washington D.C. Nature trails, ranger-led programs, picnicking, scenic whitewater river views, fishing and more can be enjoyed here.
National Aquarium
Commerce Building
14th & Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-2825
The National Aquarium is located in the basement of the Department of Commerce and is the oldest aquarium in the country. Many species of sea life, including piranhas, alligators and sea turtles, are represented in the aquarium’s 70 tanks.
DC Ducks
Union Station
50 Massachusetts Ave NE
Washington, DC 20018
800-213-2474
DC Ducks offers land and water tours aboard restored 1942 amphibious military personnel carriers, called Ducks. The tour begins with a driving tour around the National Mall and DC monuments and ends with a 90-minute river cruise on the Potomac River.
Discovery Creek Children's Museum of Washington
7300 MacArthur Boulevard
Glen Echo, MD 20812
202-337-5111
Targets children ages four through early teens. The museum features lots of hands-on exhibits, a maze of pipes, computer activities, a tortilla-making stand and much more.
The Newseum
555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
888-639-7386
The Newseum features displays that tell the history of news gathering. A video wall of live news broadcasts from around the world is a highlight of the center. Kids will have fun here too, with interactive exhibits for both them and adults.
DAR Museum
1776 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-628-1776
The Daughters of the American Revolution Museum looks at the culture of the US, circa 1830. Each room depicts a specific time period and region, and the attic is filled with antique toys and dolls. Costumed guides lead occasional tours. The genealogical library is also a hit with many visitors.
January
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
212-619-7222
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday in January with choral, theater and dance performances; readings and speeches by prominent civil-rights leaders; concerts; prayer vigils and more. A wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Lincoln Memorial, which was the backdrop of King's inspirational "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.
January/February
Chinese New Year Parade
202-638-1041
Depending on the moon this colorful event takes place in either January or February. Chinatown comes to life with traditional firecrackers, drums and vibrant dragon dancers.
February
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration
202-619-7222
The Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration is held annually at the Lincoln Memorial in honor of the nation's 16th president. Every February 12, a wreath-laying ceremony and a reading of his famous Gettysburg Address takes place.
March
Smithsonian Kite Festival
202-357-2700
The Smithsonian Kite Festival features kites of all types filling the sky and competing for ribbons and prizes. Enter a kite or just come out to enjoy the site of numerous colorful kites in the sky.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
202-637-2474
Green gallore is featured on the downtown streets for this annual parade featuring floats, bagpipers and more.
March/April
National Cherry Blossom Festival
202-619-7222
The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the spring blossoms on the more than 6,000 Japanese cherry trees circling the Tidal Basin. Festival events begin in late March and a parade is held the first Saturday in April.
April
White House Easter Egg Roll
202-456-2200
The White House Easter Egg Roll is an annual spring events that attracts children ages three through six and their families. The event include an egg hunt and an egg-rolling contest, as well as storytellers, clowns, dancers, puppet shows and the Easter Bunny.
Shakespeares Birthday Celebration
202-544-4600
Celebrate the master mind behind such works as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet with theater, music, children's events, food and exhibits.
Smithsonian Washington Craft Show
202-357-2700
More than 100 juried exhibitors will sell and their show crafts of ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, leather and other mediums.
April/May
Filmfest DC
202-724-5613
Filmfest DC includes the screening of more than 75 premieres, restored classics and short films from around the world. The festival also features children's events and panel discussions with directors, critics and scholars.
May
National Memorial Day Parade
202-408-0944
Features over 40 bands and 150 other units representing veterans from all the conflicts! Patrons will remember these times and enjoy the floats, celebrities and the equestrian units.
Arlington Cemetary Memorial Day Celebration
703-697-2131
During this heart felt ceremony wreaths are placed on the graves of John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The service is rounded off at the Memorial Amphitheatre with the keynote address often given by the President.
June
Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza
347-671-1673
This annual event is kicked off on a Saturday with a lively parade. The international marketplace at De Savannah in Banneker Recreation Park will feature food, crafts, and entertainment from stars of the Caribbean music scene.
Barbecue Battle
202-828-3099
Help Washington D.C. celebrate scrumptious food, great music and family fun as contestants vie for the National Pork Barbecue Championship title. NBA players will supervise and lead kids' basketball games throughout the weekend and more than 30 national and regional bands will perform on three stages.
June/July
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
202-357-2700
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates America’s culture as well as cultures from around the world. The event features storytelling, dance, music, craft demonstrations, food, games, exhibits and more.
July
National Independence Day Celebration
202-619-7222
The Fourth of July is celebrated in grand fashion in Washington DC. The National Independence Day Celebration features fireworks, arts and crafts exhibits, live music and a parade. You can listen to a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the National Archives and the National Symphony Orchestra performs on the west steps of the U.S. Capitol at the end of the day.
Bastille Day
202-296-7200
Locals hate to miss this exciting event celebrating the French Independance where local waiters and waitresses dash along 12 blocks with trays of champagne to find out who's the fastest. After the race the festivities continue with live entertainment, concessions and more.
Latin-American Festival
301-588-8719
Explore the traditions and celebrations of the Latin-American community with dance, art, food and so much more at this 2-day festival.
August
Arlington County Fair
703-288-6400
This is everything a fair should be featuring live entertainment, midway rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, rock climbing wall, exhibits, food and tons of fun!
December
National Christmas Tree Lighting
202-619-7222
The annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree, performed by the president, is the beginning of several holiday events in Washington.
Population:
572,000+
Time Zone:
Eastern
Climate:
The Washington, DC area enjoys four distinct seasons. Springtime high temperatures are in the 60s, with lows in the 40s, and summertime highs reach the mid-80s, with lows in the 60s. Mild conditions continue into the fall, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s. Winter brings cooler temperatures, but precipitation is more likely in the form of rain than snow. Highs during the day are in the 40s, with lows dropping into the 30s at night.
Airports:
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
I-95 East, BWI Airport Exit
BWI Airport, MD 21240
301-261-1000
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
1 Aviation Circle
Washington, DC 20001
703-417-1818
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
45020 Aviation Drive
Sterling, VA 20166
703-572-2700
Rail:
Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL
Bus:
Greyhound
800-231-2222
Getting Around Washington, DC:
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Metro Bus & Metro Rail
202-637-7000
District’s Department of Transportation (DDOT)
Tour Bus Information
202-671-2730
Taxis:
Dulles Taxi Sedan Co.
202-333-8181
Diamond Cab Co.
202-387-4410
Yellow Cab Taxi Service
202-544-1212
Empire Cab Co.
202-488-4844
Visitor Information:
Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation
901 7th Street NW, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
202-789-7000
Dining:
Oval Room
800 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-463-8700
Continental and New American fare is the specialty here, where linen tablecloths and contemporary artwork set the stage for an elegant dinner. The palate-pleasing menu features a wide variety of seafood, beef, and vegetable entrees, such as lobster bisque, New York strip, pan-roasted halibut and more.
Galileo Ristorante
1110 21st Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-293-7191
Northern Italian cuisine such as fried zucchini blossoms, roasted pheasant, lobster with chestnuts and a variety of risottos top the menu here. For dessert, try any of their decadent chocolate confections, or perhaps you’d prefer a lighter treat in the form of poached fruit or an icy granita.
Old Ebbitt Grill
675 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-4800
Established in 1856, the décor in this bar and restaurant includes Teddy Roosevelt's hunting trophies. The saloon features a raw bar with seven types of oysters. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches and chicken wings, as well as heartier fare such as homemade pastas, fresh steaks, seafood and more.
