The United States capital draws visitors from around the country and the world to its halls of power, iconic landmarks and memorials, cultural events, and museums. They can take in the grand sweep of history or stroll its more intimate neighborhoods for a truly eclectic experience of this grand city.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport both serve the capital city from nearby Virginia; access the city via direct metro lines, taxis and rideshares. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall offers a third option, connecting with D.C. via MARC and Amtrak trains, dedicated shuttle service, taxis, and rideshares. Amtrak provides service to the city’s Union Station from across the Eastern Seaboard. Travel in town on Metrorail or Metrobus by tapping in with a credit or debit card or purchasing a day pass. Many areas ideally may be explored on foot; and bikes, scooters and rideshares provide further options.

LODGING
Hotel AKA Washington Circle
Located within walking distance of Georgetown University and the Dupont Circle neighborhood, this contemporary boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations, some including terraces and full kitchens, for both short- and long-term stays. Enjoy in-house dining and a Technogym fitness center, and screen a film at the private cinema.

Riggs Washington D.C.
Housed in the former “Bank of the Presidents,” Riggs offers 5-star accommodations in the heart of the city and amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary bikes, valet parking, and dry-cleaning and laundry services. Enjoy cocktails in the underground former bank vault at Silver Lyan or dine at Café Riggs, a modern American brasserie.

Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C.
This grand property lies close to the White House and the National Mall and offers newly restored guestrooms and suites. Explore its 200 years of hospitality in the History Gallery, enjoy a cocktail at the historic Round Robin Bar, take afternoon tea in the exquisite Peacock Alley and indulge in a treatment at Willard Spa.

DINING
Bourbon Steak
Experience an elegant evening out at this American steakhouse in the Four Seasons Hotel. The menu features wood-fired steaks and seafood, an award-winning wine program, and a unique whiskey and cocktail experience.

Rasika

Executive chef and James Beard award-winning Vikrim Sunderam encourages diners to share appetizers, small plates and entrées from the menu showcasing modern Indian cuisine. Try the signature dish, palak chaat, and sample from the extensive wine cellar.

Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling
Enjoy truly American cuisine at Rocklands, where all meats are prepared over wood and charcoal. Add in traditional sides such as cornbread, baked beans and coleslaw, and top your selections off with an array of hot sauces from the restaurant’s “Wall of Fire.”

ATTRACTIONS
National Air and Space Museum
The museum celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Reserve free timed-entry passes and dive deep into exhibits, with 18 new and reimagined galleries now open including At Home in Space, World War II in the Air and Living in the Space Age.

National Portrait Gallery
Part of the Smithsonian, the NPG fulfills its mission, to “tell the American story through the individuals who have shaped it,” through portraits and photographs of presidents, athletes, artists, soldiers, activists, scientists, colonists and Indigenous peoples. Free programs entertain families with hands-on activities and art, music and story times.

Rock Creek Park
When you’ve had your fill of museums, visit this 1,700-plus-acre national park, encompassing several of the capital’s most popular parks … and access is free. Explore a nature center, restored gristmill, planetarium, ranger-led programs, playgrounds and historical sites. Activities include hiking, golfing, boating and horseback riding.

AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
Several national institutions present special exhibits to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. Historical Paintings by Women Artists at the National Museum of Women in the Arts highlights the works of 10 women spanning the 18th to 20th centuries. The U.S. Botanic Garden showcases the official flowers of each of the U.S. states and territories, and Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience at the National Gallery of Art presents a 250-year history of America as told through portraits, landscapes and other visual representations of American life.