Leisure

About Washington, D.C.
America’s capital is home to a wealth of historical, arts, and cultural attractions. Visit the many monuments and museums and don’t miss out on a tour of the White House and the Capitol building. One of the oldest neighborhoods in D.C., Georgetown is a lively hub of activity with trendy shops, bars, and restaurants lining its historic streets.

Suggested Activities
Some popular destinations in Washington, D.C. are the National Mall, which sees more than 24 million visitors each year, and the Washington Monument, an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall, which was built in commemoration of George Washington. For a little less city, get a glimpse of wildlife by taking a walk through the National Zoo, which is free of admission and just four blocks away from the conference site.

Memorials & More: Visit the Tidal Basin, a beautiful reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, and be sure to stop by The Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the George Mason Memorial, all located nearby.

For a sight of Abraham Lincoln’s famous statue, visit the Lincoln Memorial. Pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the famous Arlington National Cemetery, which is visited by more than four million people each year.

Don’t miss out on the National Cathedral, the sixth largest cathedral in the world, and venture to Dupont Circle for shopping, dining, and art gallery hopping. If time allows, be sure to take a trip to Mount Vernon, the estate of George and Martha Washington, which is located approximately 30 miles away.

Museums: To learn about the history of espionage don’t miss the International Spy Museum or enjoy the IMAX Theatre experience at the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. Other great options in the area include the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Smithsonian Institution, American History Museum, and the National Gallery of Art.

Performing Arts: For a night out on the town, see a show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Ford's Theater, or the National Theatre. Shakespeare Theatre Company has been named the nation’s premier classical theatre company and puts on nine shows each year. Be sure to book tickets in advance!

Shopping: Enjoy some retail therapy in Adams Morgan, a culturally diverse community with numerous specialty shops, offering goods from around the globe. Visit Chevy Chase Pavilion to browse shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and much more. For Macy’s, Nordstrom, and a wealth of other retailers, check out the Fashion Center.

Outdoor Recreation: For an opportunity to explore over 25 miles of trails, check out Rock Creek Park or tour the capital via waterways by Boating on the Potomac River. To enjoy the city by foot, partake in Washington Walks, which offers walking tours of DC for just $15. Most walks are two hours long and embark from outside a Metrorail station. No reservations necessary!

For more activities please contact the Washington, D.C. Office of Tourism by phone at 202.789.7000 or visit the website at washington.org.