District of Columbia Vacation and Trip Information

Washington, D.C., or the District of Columbia, is the capital of the United States. It is a planned city, designed specifically to house the federal government and is not part of any state. Its history, beautiful architecture and excellent cultural centers attract millions each year.

Virtually all of Washington’s tourists flock to the Mall—which features monuments, museums, the White House and the Capitol—but the city itself is a vibrant metropolis that often has little to do with monuments, politics or white, neoclassical buildings. The upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, as the 44th president of the United States and the first president of African-American descent, is expected to bring record crowds to the city. In many ways D.C. remains a significant center of African-American culture. It is home to Howard University, one of the most important historically black colleges, and is the hometown of many significant African-American figures of history and culture, including Fredrick Douglass and Duke Ellington.

The District boasts a vibrant nightlife and burgeoning restaurant scene, and is also home to a one of the country's most prominent lesbian/gay communities, centered around the neighborhoods of DuPont Circle and Adams Morgan.

A Treasure Hunt is a great way to see many of the famous landmarks and institutions of DC as well as some of its unknown treasures. Several tour companies offer this service for groups throughout the downtown mall area. Visitors can also enjoy the National Zoo, and the many large parks that offer hiking and biking.