Area Info Washington DC

Washington, D.C. may be the nation's capital and political epicenter, but it's also an excellent place to soak up some culture or just have some fun.

Of course, most visitors of the capital city have at least a cursory interest in politics. If Washington, D.C., political tours are on your agenda, you can walk through the White House, the Capitol building, the Pentagon, and more. When you tour the Pentagon, you'll marvel at the Berlin Wall Exhibit, the Air Force Aircraft Display, and the memorial near the Sept. 11th crash site. The Washington Monument and the Washington, D.C., Convention Center are other popular attractions for those spending time near the National Mall.

But it's not all politics in D.C. The city also boasts the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum and research complex. It's tough to resist the museums' free admission and wide range of family events. The National Zoo, which is part of the Smithsonian, represents the most advanced research in preserving wildlife, natural resources, and the environment. Other Washington, D.C., museums of interest include the International Spy Museum, the Newseum, and the National Museum of Crime and Punishment.

If you've got some downtime while you're in town, take advantage of Washington, D.C., festivals such as Earth Day on the National Mall in spring, Capital Fringe Fest in summer, and the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in fall. Sports fans will appreciate FedEx Field, the largest stadium in the NFL and home of the Washington Redskins. And if you're looking for Washington, D.C.'s, best free attractions, take a walk through the National Arboretum, peruse the National Archives, soak in a performance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, explore the National Geographic Museum, or get ready for hands-on fun at the National Air and Space Museum.

If you're taking the train to Washington, D.C., you'll arrive at Union Station, a major tourist attraction that sees more than 20 million visitors each year. If you're flying, you'll either arrive at Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport, Dulles International Airport, or Reagan National Airport, all of which offer several airport hotels to choose from.

When you're looking for hotels in the city, don't neglect some of the best Washington, D.C., neighborhoods. The most tourist-friendly neighborhoods include Capitol Hill, one of the district's main draws; Chinatown, a popular stop for sports fans; Adams Morgan, the town of partying and bar-hopping that's also home to the National Zoo; Dupont Circle, the city's primary nightlife and dining hub; and Georgetown, D.C.'s most upscale neighborhood and home to Georgetown University. A stone's throw from the university, Georgetown hotels offer rich history and a distinctly European feel.

Dupont Circle hotels are located in the heart of the nation's capital that's known for its vast beauty and vibrant cosmopolitan offerings. The Churchill Hotel, which has been recognized by the Historic Hotels of America, stands three blocks from Dupont Circle.

If you want to be in the center of the action, opt for White House area hotels, which offer desirable proximity to the historical mystique of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Washington Plaza Hotel is located in the financial district, just five blocks from the White House.

Less than two miles from Union Station and downtown D.C. sits the Comfort Inn & Suites, a popular choice for visitors to the nation's capital. And the Capitol Skyline Hotel is just five blocks from the Capitol and the National Mall.

The biggest decisions are made in Washington, D.C., the pulse of America. Why not take a trip to the nation's capital and get in on the action?