History, politics and national landmarks sprinkle the streets of Washington, District of Columbia. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA, Washington is the place to go for the American Experience. The national capital lies halfway along the eastern seaboard of the US, south of Maryland and New York City, north of Virginia.

It’s the home of the US Capitol - the seat of the legislative branch of the US government; and home of the US Supreme Court - the judicial branch of government. The city is also home to more than 150 diplomatic residences, chancelleries and embassies.

Interesting Places

The Smithsonian Institution is the place to go if you like museums. It contains around a dozen ranging from the National Portrait Gallery, to the National Museum of the American Indian, to the National Zoo. The National Aquarium is said to be one of the best in the USA.

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum traces the story of Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime from its beginnings in 1933 to liberation in 1945. And, for any one who’s ever dreamt of being a secret agent, the International Spy Museum will have you enthralled with the craft, practice, history and contemporary role of espionage.

Bookworms might appreciate that it’s also the home of the world's largest library - the Library of Congress - with 26 million books, films, documents and photographs. Though books, Government, embassies, and corporations aside, Washington D.C. is also a lively city, with abundant culture and nightlife.

Where to Go

In the heart of the city, you’ll find the National Mall (pictured right). This large, open area features numerous monuments to American leaders and connects the White House and the United States Capitol.

World-class performers take the stage at the highly acclaimed Kennedy Center. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, the Washington Ballet, and a variety of other musical and stage performances

National Gallery of Art- The West Wing features a collection of international masterpieces from the 13th to the 19th century, while the East Wing houses a modern collection of 20th century art.

Notable local music clubs include Madam's Organ Blues Bar in Adams Morgan; the Eighteenth Street Lounge in the Dupont Circle district; and the Black Cat, the 9:30 Club, and the Bohemian Caverns jazz club, all in the U Street NW area. The U Street area actually contains more than two dozen bars, clubs, and restaurants that feature jazz either nightly or several times a week.

Dupont Circle (pictured left) - This neighborhood is a wonderful mix of grand mansions, art galleries, sidewalk cafés and unique museums, including the Textile Museum, Woodrow Wilson House and the Phillips Collection.

Into shopping? And what about eating? Georgetown is a historic area that’s also a shopper's and diner's delight with renowned restaurants, cafés and unique shops.


Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports, two of them located in suburban Virginia and one located in Maryland. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA) is the closest — located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Hains Point.

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