‘DC’, ‘District of Columbia’, ‘39.166’, ‘-76.850’
Although New York City and Philadelphia each served briefly as the capital of the United States, in 1790, Congress chose the District of Columbia as the permanent seat of government. George Washington helped select the site for the city. Situated on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C., was originally carved out of land transferred from Maryland and Virginia (Virginia’s portion south of the river was returned to that state in 1846).
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French-born American engineer, architect, and urban designer Pierre-Charles L’Enfant designed the city’s basic plan, which features wide avenues radiating from the Capitol building through a grid of streets with numerous circles and parks. The name District of Columbia honors Christopher Columbus, and the city’s better-known name of Washington, honors the first president. Congress first met in Washington in 1800, although construction of the first phase of the Capitol was not completed until 1826. Today, millions come to Washington, D.C. each year to see the Capitol, the White House, the Library of Congress, and the city’s many museums and monuments. The official flower is the American beauty rose – but some may say there are a lot of “blooming idiots” around, too.
You’ll never be bored in Washington, DC. From the awe-inspiring architecture to the fascinating museums, the nation’s capital has plenty of things to do. But with so many options, you may need some help deciding. If you’re planning a trip to Washington and want ideas for entertainment, consider these options.
There are several places to stay when visiting Washington, DC. Some people prefer hotels for their convenience and amenities; others like to stay at homey bed & breakfasts or cozy hostels. Whatever your preference is, there’s a place for you in this great city!
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a federally-owned area in the Mid-Atlantic region of the country. It’s located on the north bank of the Potomac River, between Virginia and Maryland. Here are some ideas for places to stay during your time in Washington, D.C.
The Dupont Circle Hotel is a preferred choice among locals and visitors alike, since it’s located within walking distance of many popular attractions. The hotel has 3 restaurants, an indoor pool and a health club for guests to enjoy. Each room has its own private bathroom, cable TV with HBO and free Wi-Fi access. It’s also close to some of the best shopping in Washington, D.C., making it an ideal spot for retail therapy.
The St. Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites is another highly-rated hotel in the city center that’s known for its eclectic decor and luxurious rooms. Each room at this hotel comes with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs with Blu-ray players and iPod docking stations, as well as high speed Wi-Fi access throughout all public areas and some private areas too—perfect if you’re travelling with business colleagues or friends who want to connect while they’re away from home!
Washington, DC is a city rich with history and culture. With tons of museums, restaurants, and monuments to visit, it’s a place that can keep you busy for days! However, accommodations in the city can be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of places to stay near Washington that are affordable and even more charming than staying right in the city. Below are some places to consider for your next trip to the US Capital.
Falls Church, VA: This suburb of DC is only about 5 miles from the city and a great place to stay if you plan on spending most of your time visiting the area’s many landmarks. Falls Church has its own historic sites as well, like the Cherry Hill Farmhouse Museum and George Mason’s Gunston Hall Plantation. The area also has many quaint bed-and-breakfast options that give you an opportunity to experience local hospitality while saving money on your accommodations.
Fredericksburg, VA: Located only about an hour south of DC but still within reach of public transportation into the city, Fredericksburg is one of those small towns with plenty of history that makes you want to slow down and spend more time getting to know it.
There’s something about the nation’s capital that inexplicably feels like home. The expanses of green space and the stunning architecture are just a few reasons why you’ll feel that way, too. Whether you’re strolling the grounds at the National Mall, admiring the cherry blossoms in the springtime, or catching a glimpse of the White House (and its famous residents), Washington DC is an ideal destination for families, couples, and friends.
The city is known for being a more civilized and cultivated version of New York City. While it’s true that there are no 24/7 diners or late-night clubs (the city has gone to bed by 10:00PM since before Prohibition), there’s still plenty to eat and do, especially in terms of arts and culture. The Metropolitan Opera and Washington National Opera perform regularly at the Kennedy Center; both companies feature world-class performers whose talents rival those found on Broadway. If you’re looking for something with a little more bite, check out Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. This year’s lineup features everything from revivals of classic plays to new-age musicals.
Washington, DC is a city where history is alive and well. From the many monuments and memorials that represent the nation’s history, to the world-class museums, it’s no surprise that DC was voted the number one “Best City for History Buffs” by U.S. News & World Report for 2015.
Depending on your interests, you may want to visit a few of the Smithsonian museums, which are all free of charge (though some have suggested donations). If you’re looking for more of an educational experience, there’s no better place than the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History or the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. But if you’d rather enjoy an evening at one of the city’s many art galleries or live music venues, we recommend seeing what events are going on during your stay at our cultural calendar.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Washington, D.C. The nation’s capital is home to countless historic monuments, museums and other attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. The city also boasts a variety of restaurants and shops, plus a thriving art scene, vibrant nightlife and exciting annual events. If you’re planning a trip to the District, you’ll have your choice of accommodations in every price range.
Washington has an abundance of hotels and motels, including many chain establishments that offer reliable standards. Visitors who want a more personalized experience might prefer the charm of one of the city’s small boutique hotels or bed-and-breakfasts. For those who prefer to be closer to nature—or off the beaten path—the region also offers campgrounds and RV parks. Finally, there’s nothing like experiencing D.C. life like a local by staying with someone who lives in the area; Airbnb offers many suitable options for rent in Washington and elsewhere throughout the country.
