Get to Know the Capital City!
Washington DC is one of the most visited cities in the country, and for a good reason. Not only will you find some of the most iconic sights in America, but you'll have the opportunity to learn more about American History while enjoying great food, art, cultural attractions, and so much more.
Though it is the seat of government, and, accordingly, filled with a variety of government buildings and businesses, there is so much more to Washington DC than stuffy politics. There are plenty of great things to do in Washington DC, including visiting world-renowned museums and monuments, charming and eclectic neighborhoods with their own flavors and flair, and so much more.
Springtime is beautiful in Washington DC as cherry trees blossom and pave the way for an exciting summer and fall filled with romantic escapes and fun adventures. There's never a dull moment in the nation's Capital City, especially when you choose to stay at our Select Registry bed and breakfast, the best place to stay in Washington DC.
Best Things to Do in Washington DC
Though it's important to find the best place to stay in Washington DC, it's also important to plan your trip in advance so you can enjoy this vibrant city to the fullest. There's certainly no shortage of things to do in Washington DC. It's a busy year-round vacation destination.
The spring highlight in Washington DC is The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which typically begins in mid March and goes through mid April. There are a number of events that take place during this time period, and it's a wonderful time to visit local gardens, but it's also a great time to just walk around and explore the Tidal basin, which is one of the most visited places in Washington DC. You can even rent a paddleboat and head out on the water to enjoy the trees from afar.
As amazing and beautiful as this event is, though, there are so many other things to do in Washington DC. Here are just a few of our favorites.
- Visit the top monuments in Washington DC, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and so many more.
- After admiring the famed monuments, it's time to pick a museum to explore. There are so many, that narrowing it down to one or two per trip is a good rule of thumb. Top museums include The National Gallery of Art, the National Archives Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of Natural History, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Need a break from the busy city? Enjoy one of the many outdoor parks and gardens around Washington DC. One of the largest is Rock Creek Park, which is approximately double the size of New York's Central Park. The U.S. National Arboretum is another spectacular place to enjoy a bit of nature, especially when the cherry trees are in bloom.
- Get out on the Potomac River for some kayaking or boating, especially when the weather warms up in summer!
- Explore Washington DC's multicultural roots by visiting the city's vibrant neighborhoods. Try the historic streets of Capitol Hill and Georgetown, or the busy nightlife on U Street to start.
- Leave the city for a day and 25 miles west to Loudon, where you'll enjoy some of the best wine tastings near Washington DC.
- With all of the big business that happens in Washington DC, it's probably no surprise that the city is home to some truly incredible restaurants. In fact, it has a number of excellent Michelin-starred restaurants, including Kinship and Métier, Masseria, Jônt, and Gravitas. Here's a great guide to the best restaurants in town.
- Day a day trip to historic Arlington, and pay your respects at the Arlington National Cemetery. It's just across the river from Washington DC and offers a great mix of art, culture, and national historic monuments.
- Take in some live music at one of the hundreds of venues around Washington DC. One of the most famous is the 930 Club, which Rolling Stone named one of the top 10 venues in the entire country.
- You are in the nation's capital, so a visit to the U.S. Capitol Building and/or The White House is certainly one of the top things to do in Washington DC.
Of course, in a city as big, diverse, and storied as Washington DC, we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of all of the great things to do in Washington DC. You'll have to see it for yourself. You know the best place to stay in Washington DC already, so it's time to book your trip!