Washington DC Travel Guide

Top PicksFrom AOL Travel Editors

Holocaust Memorial Museum

The International Spy Museum

International Spy Museum

The National Zoo

Jessie Cohen, Smithsonian's National Zoological Park

Inside ScoopFrom Washington DC Locals

Cherry Blossom Weddings: Five Great Locations in D.C.

kathryn_rotondo, Flickr Washingtonians know that one of the best times of...Read More

Washington DC OVERVIEW

Our Founding Fathers created D.C. with a single goal in mind—to showcase the greatness of our nation. They succeeded. With Washington D.C. travel there is never a dull moment. Jam-packed into this 61-square-mile city you'll find staggering achievements in everything from architecture and art, literature, history, political prowess—even flora and fauna, not to mention multiple cultural climates from the glitzy restaurants of Penn Quarter to the low-key hipster vibe of the U Street Corridor. For such a small city, the cultural offerings are overwhelming so you’ll need to pace yourself and plan your days carefully (let this guide help you filter out the worthwhile experiences from the worthless). Have fun and enlighten your family with a Washington D.C. vacation. Want to explore the evolution of American history? The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is a great starting point, while the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (opening in 2012) and the Smithsonian's African-American ...See More History Museum (opening in 2015), will soon add to the city’s African-American cultural touchstones. Looking for art? You’ve come to the right place. Visit the National Gallery of Art’s East Building, trek to Dupont Circle’s Phillips Collection then pop into a few of the city’s 50 plus independent galleries. Washington D.C. travel can focus on history and education but between museums and monuments there’s also brand-name shopping and dining in Georgetown, not to mention the U Street boutiques, which are jammed with local designers and offbeat finds. If you've heard that Adams Morgan has great nightlife, plan a second night out in H Street's up-and-coming Atlas District, where you can catch a local band, a burlesque show or play a quirky version of indoor mini-golf. Keep reading for more highlights. See Less

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BEST IN Washington DC TRAVEL

from our Editors

Hostelling International

Hostelling InternationalAs with many hostels, this option is especially viable for the young and adventurous. Travelers stay in dorm-style rooms...
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Holocaust Memorial Museum
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United States Holocaust Memorial MuseumThe Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of the most shocking, touching and thorough recollections of the Nazis. The...
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Washington DC Itineraries

Don't know where to go? Check out our 2 and 7 Day Itineraries to get an idea of what you could do in this great city! Watch our video: 48 hours in Washington DC to get a taste of Washington DC

2 DAY ITINERARY

1 Spend at least two hours shopping at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown.
2 Lunch at Mixtec.
3 Dedicate your afternoon to exploring art at the Phillips Collection.