Washington, DC
Plan your trip to Washington, District of Columbia
Regional Population: 552,433
Elevation: 7 meters
Time Zone: America/New_York
Local Currency: USD
Latitude: 38.8951118
Longitude: -77.0363658
Nearby Airports: WAS, DCA, IAD
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 National 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. 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 Frederick Douglass and Duke Ellington. The District is also home to one of the country's most prominent lesbian/gay communities, centered around DuPont Circle.
A Treasure Hunt is a great way to see many of the famous landmarks and institutions of D.C. 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.
Washington, D.C., Insider Travel Planning Tips
Insider info from our local expert on where to go and what to see on your next trip to D.C.
Rural vs. Urban College Campus Visits
A College Visit to a small-town, rural campus should focus on different factors than visiting a bustling city campus. Here’s what to know for both.
Washington, D.C., College Visit Guide
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of D.C. during your college visit.
10 Historical Events Across America
From the Colonial East to the Wild West, step back in time at some famous—and not-so-famous—destinations.
Amusement Parks: Fun for Less
Slashed gate prices and online specials help families save big bucks at amusement parks this summer.
Be Like Bond, James Bond
Do as Agent 007 would and drive an Aston Martin, skydive sans parachute and sip Vesper martinis at London’s Dukes Hotel.
Must-See Smithsonian Museums
If you can’t visit all the Smithsonian Institution’s treasures, follow this guide for the best of its 19 exhilarating museums.
10 Top Spring Break Spots
Best destinations for students or families for a memorable Spring Break getaway.
An Earth Day Party Guide
Celebrate Mother Nature at top Earth Day fetes and spring festivals around the world.
Join the Crowds on Inauguration Day
Insider advice from a former White House staffer for planning your trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration of the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama.
The World’s Top Architecture Museums
These marvelous museums help us understand our built environment—and its past, present and future.
10 Top Natural History Museums
Explore everything from the evolution of the universe to 85 million-year-old dinosaur skeletons at exhibits offered at these natural history museums around the globe.
Salute the Troops of Present and Past
Visit these famous U.S. war memorials this Veterans Day to honor American soldiers and learn about the history of this important holiday.
Accolades for Abe
Lincoln bicentennial exhibitions, events and activities honoring the 16th President of the United States.
D.C.’s New Newseum: The Inside Scoop
Newseum gives kids and adults a newsworthy tour through the history of journalism.
Capital Access: Touring D.C. with Special Needs Kids
Use this guide to plan your Washington, D.C., family trip with your special needs child.
Tampa for $1, Girlfriends’ Getaway, Comp Honeymoon in Mexico
Check out an anniversary deal at InterContinental Tampa, a Girlfriends’ Getaway package in Sarasota that benefits charity and a free honeymoon offer to Mexico.
Deals: D.C., Montana, Los Cabos, Toronto
Family adventure packages abound for destinations from our nation’s capital to Big Sky country.
History Lessons at D.C. Museums and Memorials
Don’t know which Washington museums are best for kids from tykes to teens? Read here for age-appropriate recommendations.
Washington, D.C., Theater for Kids
The theater scene in the D.C. Metro area is vibrant and ready to entertain children of all ages.
5 D.C. Dining Hot Spots with Presidential Flair
Chefs throughout the nation’s capital salute the inauguration with special drinks and dishes that range from the Obama Roll to vodka-and-fruit shakes that will get your taste buds racing.
Historic Presidential Attractions in D.C. Beyond the White House
With the upcoming inauguration, learn about the history and lives of our previous commanders in chief by checking out these top presidential attractions in Washington, D.C.
Family Events in Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital offers a year-round slew of special events, guaranteed to give you and the kids a fun lesson in history and culture.
D.C. Hotels: Find the Perfect Place to Rest
Our nation’s capital offers an array of family-friendly hotels of varying price, luxury and location. Learn from our hotel guru which bed best suits your family vacation best.
Dining With Kids in Washington, D.C.
Each of these restaurants in the Washington, D.C., area has something to satiate and satisfy your kids, as you work toward refining their young palettes.
Tired of the Mudslinging? Discover D.C. for Yourself
Two Washington guidebooks highlight capital attractions in an interactive format for kids.
A Capital Affair
From how to take in the sights to where to find the best children’s theater, our Washington, D.C., issue covers it all.
