Destination Washington DC

Washington, DC visitors enjoy access to an impressive list of fascinating attractions, from the monuments and memorials on the National Mall to inspiring cultural treasures like the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress and National Gallery of Art. A diverse and beautiful world capital, DC invites visitors to step beyond these federal landmarks to explore charming neighborhoods like historic Georgetown, eclectic Adams-Morgan and trendy U Street. DC’s neighborhoods tempt visitors with chic boutiques, hip new restaurants and bars, world-class theaters, art galleries and peaceful parks and gardens.

While you are here, join in on the “Show your Badge” Program, and enjoy discounts at attractions, performing arts events and world-class dining far. Simply show you conference badge to any of the participating partners and receive exclusive discounts and great treatment – view a list of the participating partners  .

 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Enjoy the festival that welcomes the arrival of spring, a tradition that showcases the beautiful gift cherry trees that the city of Tokyo gave to our nation’s capital.  From arts and exhibits to cuisine and sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

 

Museum & Memorial Highlights

Smithsonian Institute
www.si.edu
This educational and research institute is primarily funded by the U.S. Government as well as contributions and profits from its shops and publications.  With about 19 museums, zoos and research center in DC alone, the Institute also holds facilities in New York City, New York, Chantilly and Leesburg, Virginia and Panama.

Freer Gallery – Jefferson Dr. and 12th St., S.W.
http://www.asia.si.edu/
View Charles Lang’s collection of small glass vessels and sculptures from ancient Egyptian art.

National Air & Space Museum –  6th St. and Independence Ave., S.W.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/
Come see the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world and stop by the gift shop to sample some astronaut ice cream!

National Gallery of Art/East Building – Constitution Ave., N.W. between 3rd & 4th Sts.
http://www.nga.gov/
Walk through the many corridors covered in masterpieces, or take a pleasant stroll in the sculpture garden to grab a coffee and enjoy the sunlight in the center courtyard. 

National Museum of American History – 14th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.
http://americanhistory.si.edu/
Visit this newly renovated museum and see the exhibits that represent America’s history.  Walk a day in the life of a first lady at the First Ladies at the Smithsonian exhibit.  If you are interested in something more hands-on, stop by the Spark Lab and learn what goes behind creating an invention.

National Museum of the American Indian – 4th St. and Independence Ave., S.W.
http://www.nmai.si.edu/
Stop by the National Museum of the American Indian to see the Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes our World exhibit. This exhibit focuses on the different worldviews and philosophies related to the creation and order of the universe. The exhibit highlights eight cultural philosophies from the Americas.

National Museum of Natural History – 10th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.
http://www.mnh.si.edu/
Ever wonder what the Hope Diamond looks like up close in person?  Visit the A Rare Encounter: The Hope and Wiitelsback-Graff Diamonds exhibit and learn more about the history of these precious stones.

National Portrait Gallery – 8th and F St., N.W. 
http://www.npg.si.edu/
Originally housing the US Patent Office in 1836, this National Historic Landmark is one of the finest Greek Revival Architectural Buildings in DC.  If not to see the great fine art exhibits, take a tour of the building alone and see the curving double staircase, porticos, skylights and vaulted galleries.

International Spy Museum – 800 F St., N.W.
http://www.spymuseum.org/
Ever wonder what it feels like to walk on the tips of your toes as an undercover agent ready to solve the case?  Learn all the tricks of the trade at the International Spy Museum, where you can see spy gadgets and learn about the spies that had once lived around you.

Newseum –  555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
http://www.newseum.org/
One of Washington, DC’s newest museums, the Newseum’s 15 theaters and 14 galleries will keep you enthralled with the world’s greatest stories.  Whether you are interested in the Berlin Wall Gallery or the Pulitzer Prize Photograph exhibit, this will be a great hit!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl., S.W. 
http://www.ushmm.org/
Visit the four floors of survivor testimonies and exhibition displays and take a self-guide tour through this museum.  View actual footage from the Holocaust as well as the Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story exhibit.

Monuments – throughout the National Mall
http://www.nationalmall.org/
Including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, etc.

Tour Options

DC Ducks
www.dcducks.com
Climb aboard an authentically fully restored WWII amphibious vessel for a whole new sightseeing adventure.  From Union Station through DC, enjoy a fully narrated 90-minute land and water tour. 

Gray Line Tours
www.graylinedc.com
This tour company provides a variety of tours of Washington, DC and surrounding area ranging in length and price.  Visit their website for more details and enjoy the Taste of DC Tour or the Open Top Sightseeing Tour.  

Open Top Sightseeing
http://www.opentopsightseeing.com/
Enjoy narrated tours of DC entertainment with historical facts and anecdotes.  Passengers can get off and re-board at any of 26 stops from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Old Town Trolley Tours
http://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/
Enjoy narrated tours of DC entertainment with historical facts and anecdotes.  Passengers can get off and re-board at any of 26 stops from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

 

Theatre Highlights

Ford’s Theatre – 511 10th St., N.W., 202.347.4833
www.fordstheatre.org
Recently renovated after being closed for 2 years, it is definitely worth a tour to see the famous theater which has been restored to its 1860s image.  The theater will be open for a visit which includes an interpretive talk about the Theater and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 2700 F St., N.W., 202.467.4600
www.kennedy-center.org
During the National Water Policy Forum, Fly-In & Expo, you can check out daily shows starting at 6pm.

The National Theatre – 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
www.nationaltheatre.org
The National Theatre website to see upcoming shows!

The Warner Theatre – 513 13th St., N.W., 202.783.4000
www.warnertheatre.com
Visit the Warner Theater’s website for a complete list of shows.

Arena Stage – Kreeger Theater – 1101 6th St., S.W.
www.arenastage.org
See Tony-Winning Comedy, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike will be showing at Arena Stage April 3 – May 3. Go to the website for details.

 

Shopping Areas & Special Events

Chinatown – Along H and 7th Sts., N.W.
http://dc.about.com/od/neigborhoodprofiles/p/Chinatown.htm
This up-and-coming neighborhood has shops and restaurants not to mention a beautifully ornate Chinese Entrance Gate, called the Friendship Arch.

Fashion Centre at Pentagon City – 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA
www.simon.com/mall/the-fashion-centre-at-pentagon-city
An upscale shopping mall located minutes from the nation’s capital; there is everything you need in this one place.

Georgetown
http://www.georgetowndc.com/
Found in 1751, the oldest section of Washington, DC is now filled with shops, restaurants, antiques and crafts, Georgetown is also home to the Historic dwellings such as the Taylor Place and Dumbarten Oaks.  You can also sit by the waterfront and enjoy a few cocktails.

National Harbor – 150 National Plz., National Harbor, MD
http://www.nationalharbor.com/
Just across the border into Maryland, the harbor is a great place to taste some fresh seafood, view the shopping promenade.

Union Station – 50 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
http://www.unionstationdc.com/
Union Station has a great shopping promenade and restaurants housed in Washington, DC’s historic still-in-use train station.

U Steet Corridor/Adams Morgan – 13th and U Sts., N.W.
One of the most culturally diverse areas of DC, Adams Morgan and the U Street corridor have excellent restaurants and great eclectic shops.  It's one of the best areas to taste the flavors of DC- literally!