Washington Vacation & Tourism Guide

D1ffa5af6f7e251c547d693fdac8999c photo by Groovy Boovy

The capital of the United States, Washington DC is a must for American travelers. Home to several national museums and monuments, visitors can enjoy the rich collection of artwork in the Smithsonian, tour the White House, or stand in awe of the massive Washington and Lincoln Monuments. There are also plenty of national parks and gardens to explore.

Great Recommendations from Real Travelers

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC Star_rating-5

Real Traveler Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 20 reviews from 2 sources

from $295.20
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC
Based on 20 reviews from 2 sources.
Service: Rating of 4.6 out of 5
Location: Rating of 5.0 out of 5
Room: Rating of 4.8 out of 5
  • "Great place to stay." — source Expedia

    " staff members.\nThe location is also quite good." — source Travelocity

2. Hay Adams Hotel

Hay Adams Hotel
Star_rating-5
from $212.53

3. Willard InterContinen...

Willard InterContinental Washington
Star_rating-4
from $160.67

4. Sofitel Lafayette Squ...

Sofitel Lafayette Square Washington Dc
Star_rating-4
from $136.00

5. Embassy Suites Chevy...

Embassy Suites Chevy Chase Pavilion
Star_rating-3
from $133.18

6. The Fairmont Washingt...

The Fairmont Washington D.C.
Star_rating-4
from $123.66

7. The St. Regis Washing...

The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
Star_rating-4
from $277.40

8. Homewood Washington D...

Homewood Washington DC Downtown
Star_rating-3
from $111.98

9. Embassy Suites Washin...

Embassy Suites Washington Convention Center
Star_rating-3
from $119.96

10. Hampton Inn Washingto...

Hampton Inn Washington DC Convention Center
Star_rating-3
from $76.57
see all Washington hotels »
  • 1. Lincoln Memorial

    Lincoln Memorial

    Located at the west end of the National Mall , the Lincoln Memorial is a principal landmark of the city. ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Lincoln Memorial

    bridgetw bridgetw in Bus Tour of D.C. said

    …We saw the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and other various sites. This trip… continue reading »

  • 2. Georgetown

    Georgetown

    ... at the Georgetown Recreation Center include a baseball field with a 60' diamond, one basketball court, a playground, an outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, and a multi-purpose room.The center offers classes such as Te... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Georgetown

    CarleyLL CarleyLL in My internship in D.C said

    … For American Studies; a program which provides classes at Georgetown University and an internship.  These entries are meant… continue reading »

  • 3. White House (The)

    White House (The)

    ... Association is a charitable nonprofit institution whose purpose is to enhance the understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the White House. To fulfill its purpose, the White House Historical Association produces educati... more

     Real Travelers who've been to White House (The)

    Kukulcan Kukulcan in Washington DC said

    …US History place, very Interesting White House, Washigton memorial, and many historic places… continue reading »

  • 4. Dupont Circle

    Dupont Circle

    ... local farmers sell their flowers, produce, eggs, and cheeses here. The market also features kids' activities and guest appearances by chefs and owners of some of Washington's best restaurants: Vidalia, Zaytinya, Bis, and 17... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Dupont Circle

    Mark & Ciara Mark & Ciara in Dubya's house.. said

    … walked up the the trendy neighbourhoods of Adams morgan and Dupont Circle. Both were lovely areas and full of bars and restaurants… continue reading »

  • 5. Washington Monument

    Washington Monument

    ... of a tribute to George Washington first arose 16 years before his death, at the Continental Congress of 1783. But the new nation had more pressing problems and funds were not readily available. It wasn't until the early 183... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Washington Monument

    … History and Natural History.  We also walked by the Washington Monument and the White House. That evening, Jill &… continue reading »

  • 6. Guards (The)

    Guards (The)

    This elegant bar and restaurant in Georgetown is frequented by business people and local residents. ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Guards (The)

    … was looking for a map, since I left mine at camp. And the guard said in a nasty tone "We are closed please exit the building… continue reading »

  • 7. Tombs (The)

    Tombs (The)

    ... 19th-century Federal-style home, the Tombs, which opened in 1962, is a favorite hangout for students and faculty of nearby Georgetown University. (Bill Clinton came here during his college years.) They tend to congregate at... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Tombs (The)

    Kerry Jones Kerry Jones in Site seeing while traveling said

    … was our driver.  We went to Arlington Cemetery and visited the ternal flame and saw the chaning of the guard at the Tombcontinue reading »

  • 8. Washington National Cathedral

    Washington National Cathedral

    This Gothic-style cathedral is the sixth largest in the world and is put ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Washington National Cathedral

    … to the Washington National Cathedral.......a humongous cathedral few minutes drive away from the city center........from the outside it looks… continue reading »

  • 9. International Spy Museum

    International Spy Museum

    The International Spy Museum provides a unique glimpse into the innovative ... more

     Real Travelers who've been to International Spy Museum

    Nickthewelshman Nickthewelshman in D.C. Day 2 said

    … of the rest of the day was spent visiting the international spy museum, which is nothing special but entertaining all the same! Oh yer… continue reading »

  • 10. Union Station

    Union Station

    ... In a city known for grand edifices and soaring public spaces, Washington's Union Station holds its own. The terminal’ s classical faç ade— three monumental arches with alternating columns and a pediment s... more

     Real Travelers who've been to Union Station

    Springerdog Springerdog in Afternoon at the Capitol said

    … in Union Station where there was a murder in the ladies room just before I entered. The ride home was adventurous - flooding… continue reading »

see all Washington things to do »
  • 1. 701 Restaurant

    701 Restaurant

    ... star dining in Washington, try 701. This mildly expensive restaurant is in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, and it's one of the popular places in the area. It's known for its contemporary offerings. It's been awarded the Wine... more

  • 2. Grill from Ipanema

    Grill from Ipanema

    ... Brazilian, try Grill From Ipanema in Washington. Check out this popular and affordable place in the Dupont Circle area. This place features outdoor dining. Upon entering the restaurant, you'll find a casual atmosphere. This... more

  • 3. Cafe Atlantico

    Cafe Atlantico

    Café Atlántico serves contemporary signature cuisine and is inspired by the “Nuevo Latino” style. The kitchen has ... more

  • 4. IndeBleu

    IndeBleu

    This award-winning restaurant is perfect for celebrating special occasions. Start the night off with an innovative ... more

  • 5. Oval Room (The)

    Oval Room (The)

    ... star restaurant in Washington. This is a great place. Located in the Golden Triangle area, this restaurant is mildly expensive. It's known for its contemporary offerings. It's been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excell... more

  • 6. Charlie Palmer Steak

    Charlie Palmer Steak

    ... is a three star restaurant in Washington. Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, this restaurant is mildly expensive. It's known for its steak. It's been awarded the 10 Best DC Steakhouses and Wine Spectator Best of Awar... more

  • 7. Citronelle

    Citronelle

    An exhibition kitchen dishes up a wonderful blend of French-Californian cuisine. Try Chef Michael Richard's sliced and grilled scallops, delicious pastas or tuna Chateaubriand. The place looks attractive, with a wall that chang... more

  • 8. Gerard's Place

    Gerard's Place

    ... is a three star French restaurant. Located in the Downtown neighborhood, this restaurant is mildly expensive. It's been awarded the Gayot Top 10 DC Food Ratings award. Know before you go: this place features outdoor dining.... more

  • 9. Georgetown Bagelry

    Georgetown Bagelry

    This Georgetown establishment has been a favorite watering hole for a diverse mix of Washingtonians ... more

  • 10. Occidental

    Occidental

    This upscale restaurant offers fine American fare. Photographs of many famous patrons, including military, ... more

see all Washington restaurants »

Top Rated Washington Trips

  • Animals and Dinosaurs

    Animals and Dinosaurs | Jan 26 10'

    by Brisbird a female from Brisbane, on vacation in Washington

    "That's one big rib bone!"

    We really are not good at getting up early in Washington. Even with the alarm set we cannot manage to get started till 11am.  Most likely due... Continue reading »

  • Planes, Jets and Rockets

    Planes, Jets and Rockets | Jan 24 10'

    by Brisbird a female from Brisbane, on vacation in Washington

    "Some of those planes are friggin big..."

    The first thing on our agenda today was to find a pharmacy so Joe could try and find something stronger to try and treat his cold symptoms. He is f... Continue reading »

  • A Monumental Day

    A Monumental Day | Jan 23 10'

    by Brisbird a female from Brisbane, on vacation in Washington

    "They like to build big monuments here!"

    Today was the day for the hop-on-hop-off trolley bus. We started late at 11am and got on the green loop just outside our hotel, which took us out t... Continue reading »

  • Spies and American History

    Spies and American History | Jan 25 10'

    by Brisbird a female from Brisbane, on vacation in Washington

    "To Spy or not to Spy..."

    Joe had a bad night of coughing and congestion last night and didn’t get much sleep. After a late wakeup, we headed directly for the pharmacy... Continue reading »

  • Sightseeing Day 1

    Sightseeing Day 1 | Aug 23 09'

    by Kristine a traveling as a family from Savannah, on vacation in Washington

    "I have really had a blessed and adventure filled life."

    Sightseeing day one – When everyone was done showering and primping (not just me – the older boys), Teddy and Erica made and labeled sa... Continue reading »

See more Washington trips »