37 Best Things To Do In Washington, D.C.

From the White House to the Capitol Building to all of the monuments on the National Mall, you could easily spend your entire time in the city hopping from one historic site to another in Washington, D.C. But your trip to the district doesn’t need to feel reminiscent of your high school civics class field trip. Sticking to the Mall just scratches the surface of all the city has to offer; it's so much more than its famous tourist sites.

D.C.'s vibrant neighborhoods and livability are what make it popular with everyone young and old. But visitors will be rewarded by digging beneath the city's buttoned-up reputation. In recent years its food scene has reached exciting new heights, with a whole new wave of eateries and cocktail bars to entice the senses. A swath of new museum openings—both Smithsonian and otherwise—has added to the city’s already robust culture scene. Walkable and bikeable, D.C. is a decidedly green city.

If you haven't been to the nation's capital in a while, prepare to be struck by its charm, culture, and history. Visit in spring or fall, when crowds are smaller and hot temperatures have eased. Our favorite things to do in Washington, D.C., are sure to fill your itinerary.

Dive Into History

See Historic Documents

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights—when was the last time you took a good long look at these essential American documents? If the answer is "in high school," then perhaps it’s time for a revisit. And during a visit to D.C., that means being able to see the real things, in person, up close. Head to the National Archives on the National Mall to study—or just marvel at—the influential historic documents on display in the building’s rotunda.

archives.gov, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20408

Visit Frederick Douglass’ House

Cedar Hill, the D.C. home where Frederick Douglass spent the last 17 years of his life, just reopened to the public following a multi-year restoration project. Begin your visit at the National Historic Site’s visitor center and take in the 20-minute introductory film on Douglass and his time in D.C., before joining a guided tour of the home. A visit to Cedar Hill is a journey to further understanding one of the country’s most influential orators, writers, and intellectuals.

nps.gov/frdo/index.htm, 1411 West Street SE, Washington, DC 20020

Take A Walking Tour Of Georgetown 

The historic and unabashedly upscale neighborhood of Georgetown is charming for window shopping or garden gawking, but it’s also an ideal area of the city to do a little walking tour that dives into some fascinating social history. The neighborhood has been called home by an impressive and varied Rolodex of figures, including Jaqueline and John Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Roald Dahl, Julia Child, and Francis Scott Key, among many others. Explore by foot on your own, or opt for a guided tour for added details and nuance.

freetoursbyfoot.com/homes-rich-famous-georgetown

Pay Your Respects At Arlington National Cemetery

Solemn and serene Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans and their families. The cemetery, just over the river in Virginia, is an expanse of 639 hallowed acres; the ANC Explorer app allows visitors to locate graves, find notable sites, and take self-guided walking tours to places including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy.

arlingtoncemetery.mil, 1 Memorial Avenue, Arlington, VA 22211

Explore Capitol Hill

The symbol of American democracy in one building, a visit to D.C. is not complete without a stop at the Capitol. You can walk around the building’s grounds, which were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, or bask in its shadow at the U.S. Botanic Garden. But to really explore the Capitol fully, opt for a trip inside. Tours of the Capitol building are free and guides lead you through the Crypt, Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. While on Capitol Hill, walk over to the nearby Library of Congress and Supreme Court and marvel at their architectural and symbolic weight.

usbg.gov, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001

visitthecapitol.gov/visit

loc.gov, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20540

supremecourt.gov, 1 First Street NE,  Washington, DC 20543

Explore The National Cathedral

A house of prayer for all, the Washington National Cathedral is the home of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and the greater Episcopal Church. Construction began in 1907 with President Theodore Roosevelt laying the foundation stone and ended in 1990 with President George H. W. Bush laying the final stone. Take a self-guided or guided tour to see highlights of the cathedral’s features and learn their stories. Go behind the scenes through stone stairwells and passageways, view stained glass windows up close, and climb up the towers. See the famous Space Window, President Woodrow Wilson’s tomb, the Children’s Chapel, and the Darth Vader grotesque, which helps deflect rainwater. 

cathedral.org, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

Experience The Culture

Spend The Day Museum Hopping

Thanks to the Smithsonian Institution and its 16 museums and galleries in D.C., you can spend days, weeks, or even months, exploring the city’s museums without spending a dime. There is really no shortage of options and there's something for all ages. No visit is complete without a stop at the National Portrait Gallery to see the iconic Presidents and First Ladies galleries, or the National Museum of American History where you can see the Star-Spangled Banner, the Ruby Slippers, and Julia Child's kitchen among many more key American artifacts.

Other Smithsonian highlights include the National Air + Space Museum which recently reopened following a long closure to much acclaim (reserve free, timed-entry passes in advance), the National Museum of Asian Art which also just unveiled newly refreshed galleries and celebrated its centenary year, and the National Museum of African American History & Culture which continues to leave visitors in awe.

npg.si.edu/home/national-portrait-gallery, 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, DC 20001

americanhistory.si.edu, 1300 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

airandspace.si.edu, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20560

asia.si.edu, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20013

nmaahc.si.edu, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20560

Explore The City’s Mural Scene

Washington is home to a booming street art scene and its murals are becoming as recognizable a characteristic of the city as the monuments lining the mall. Look out for them as you explore the district, or better yet, seek them out with a self-guided tour. MuralsDC, an organization that cares for over 150 of the city’s public artworks, has great digital resources for mapping out your exploration.

muralsdcproject.com

See The Latest In Contemporary Art 

When visitors think of D.C.’s museums, the heavily 19th- and 20th-century collections of the Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum may come to mind. But the city is also home to some incredible modern and contemporary art museums. The Renwick Gallery, located a stone’s throw from the White House, is a compact museum in a former mansion and exhibits modern craft and decorative arts.

The Hirshhorn Museum, located just off the National Mall, is known as much for its eye-catching rounded building as it is for its collection and draws in crowds for shows of cult-followed contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama and Laurie Anderson. The museum’s sculpture garden, with works by Yoko Ono, Auguste Rodin, and others, is an obligatory part of any visit. The city’s newest museum, the Rubell Museum, which is housed in a former public school, showcases bold new works that speak with contemporary issues. 

americanart.si.edu/visit/renwick, 800 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

hirshhorn.si.edu, Independence Avenue SW and 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20560

rubellmuseum.org/dc, 65 i Street SW, Washington, DC, 20024

Take In A Show At The Kennedy Center

A world-class center for the arts, and a living monument to President Kennedy, the Kennedy Center is the place in D.C. to catch a show, see a concert, or even screen an outdoor movie. With multiple stages and halls, there are events almost every night from musical theater to opera to jazz and dance. Before or after any performance, make a point to ride the elevator up to the roof deck which offers stellar views of the city, grab a bite at the KC Cafe, and tour the new permanent exhibition about JFK and his important and influential support of the arts. 

kennedy-center.org, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20566

kennedy-center.org/visit/dining, 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566

Embrace Being A Tourist

See The Monuments At Night

You will probably want to take in the monuments during the daytime too, but there isn’t anything that can compare to seeing them at night when you’ll have more of the National Mall to yourself. Take advantage of the moonlight to see the monuments in a different light (literally). Make sure to climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and take in a view of the expanse of the National Mall from there.

nps.gov/nama/index.htm, 2 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20024

Step Inside America’s Most Famous House

Call it cliché, but a visit to the White House does not disappoint. You can get a close-up view from Lafayette Square or further away from Constitution Avenue while museum hopping along the National Mall. But, if you want to take it all in, there’s nothing like going on a tour of the inside. Doing so requires a little advanced planning; while tours are free, U.S. citizens will need to contact your representative a minimum of 21 days before your intended visit. Non-citizens should contact their embassies.

whitehouse.gov, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500

Take In A Bird’s-Eye View Of The City

The city looks pretty stunning from up high thanks to the district’s building restrictions which mandate that nothing can be built higher than the Washington Monument. The result is sweeping views in every direction and there are quite a few places that make for ideal vantage points. The most iconic spot is from the top of the Washington Monument. A visit to the top is free, although you will need to reserve ahead of time. An elevator will carry you 500 feet up to the observation deck. 

nps.gov/wamo/index.htm, 2 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20024

Stroll Around The Tidal Basin

D.C. is a city known for its spring cherry blossoms, and nowhere in the city is more closely associated with the delicate pink and white flowers than the Tidal Basin. It’s for good reason, too, as the Tidal Basin was where the first cherry trees were planted over a century ago when the mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki, gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city in 1912.

Today the area is home to nearly 4,000 of the trees and many line the Tidal Basin which is a scenic walk no matter the time of year. Stroll around the basin to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and keep walking to see the Japanese Pagoda, Japanese Lantern, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

nps.gov/articles/dctidalbasin.htm, 701 East Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC 20242

Paddle The Potomac

A perfect accompaniment to a stroll around the Tidal Basin, or an alternative way to explore the area with kids, is renting a paddle boat along the Tidal Basin. For something a little more strenuous, there are several options to hop in a kayak to go a little further into the Potomac. The organization Boating in DC is a good place to visit to choose your vessel.

boatingindc.com,  3500 Water Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit George Washington’s Home

While not technically in D.C., George Washington’s Mount Vernon is so close it deserves a spot on this list. Just beyond beautiful Old Town Alexandria across the Virginia border, Washington’s beloved estate is more welcoming than imposing. Situated majestically over the Potomac River and furnished with pieces that recreate life when the First President called it home, a visit to Mount Vernon is worth a morning or afternoon diversion from D.C. 

mountvernon.org, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121

Take A Stealthy Spy Tour

People say D.C. is crawling with spies. Whether that’s true or not, it’s a topic that continues to inspire intrigue. The kid-friendly and family-favorite International Spy Museum is a good place to ponder the life and role of a spy, and the museum’s exhibits on covert actions, making sense of secrets, and stealing secrets, will keep everyone in the family, regardless of age, hooked. For a deeper dive, explore the CIA Museum online to see artifacts like spy gadgets and espionage memorabilia.

spymuseum.org, 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW Washington DC 20024

Spend A Day At The Zoo

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute began as a dream for William Temple Hornaday, who was the Smithsonian’s chief taxidermist from 1882-1887, to save endangered species. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, it opened in 1891. Today, visitors to D.C. can see more than 2,200 animals from 400 species. There’s also a reptile discovery center, kids’ farm, and carousel, as well as daily demonstrations where guests can learn about the animals. Giant pandas will be returning to the zoo by 2025 as part of a conservation program to protect the animals. 

nationalzoo.si.edu, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Try Being A Local

Browse The Local Farmer’s Markets

The city’s close proximity to the farms of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia means its farmer's markets are always brimming with produce and handmade items. Eastern Market in Capitol Hill runs year-round and has a historic indoor covered area that’s great to stop in for a bite to eat. A Sunday market in Dupont Circle and a seasonal market in front of the White House draw in local vendors as well as farms.

easternmarket-dc.org, 225 Seventh Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

freshfarm.org/markets/dupont-circle, 1600 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

freshfarm.org/markets/by-the-white-house, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420

Cheer On The Nationals

The Washington Nationals' last World Series win was only a few years ago, and since then Nats Fever has been running high in the district. Show up ahead of any game day and buy a ticket (beginning around $18) and join the locals in rooting on the home team. If they don’t win, it’s a shame, but it, like anything, is about the experience.

mlb.com/nationals, 1500 S Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

See The Country’s Oldest Outdoor Fish Market

The Wharf might be D.C.’s newest neighborhood with its sky-high glass restaurants and hotels, but it’s also home to the city’s historic Municipal Fish Market. Indeed, the market is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States and dates back to 1805. Today it’s a local spot for buying freshly caught fish and crab. The Jessie Taylor Seafood stall also makes a great spot to grab a cooked lunch to go.

wharfdc.com/fish-market, 1100 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

wharfdc.com/restaurants/jessie-taylor-seafood, 1100 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Sip Local Brews And Spirits

Ivy City, D.C.’s Northeast neighborhood was largely industrial up until a few years ago, but now is a microcosm of cool breweries and distilleries to check out. Other Half Brewing has a wide selection of beers and a covered patio where you can come hang out, watch a game, or order a pizza. For unique spirits, check out the Italian herbal liqueurs at Don Ciccio & Figli or the whiskeys at District Made Spirits.

otherhalfbrewing.com/location/washington-dc, 1401 Okie Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

donciccioefigli.com, 1907 Fairview Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

districtmadespirits.com/our-spirits, 1135 Okie Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Grab A Bite At A Historic Market

Another former industrial zone turned hip neighborhood, NoMa lies in the shadow of Union Station and is one of the fastest growing areas in the city. Its central feature, the historic Union Market, is, as a result, one of the hippest places to grab a casual meal thanks to the conversion of an old market into a central food hall of over 40 vendors offering terrific and diverse fast-casual options.

Come for a coffee, hand-made chocolates, or a full meal. The streets surrounding the market are a mix of still-used wholesale businesses and new businesses including a micro-bakery with mouthwatering loaves and La Cosecha, a contemporary Latin American marketplace and food hall.

unionmarketdc.com, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

instagram.com/breadalleydc, 1250 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

instagram.com/lacosechadc/, 1280 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Find The City's Greener Side

Explore The City’s Parks And Gardens

D.C. has no shortage of green space which provide a welcome respite from days hitting the pavement. Make time for a picnic at spots like Lincoln Park and Meridian Hill Park, or a walk through the wooded and expansive Rock Creek Park. Take in some quiet reprieve at semi-secret gardens like the flower-filled Lady Bird Johnson Park, the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, and Bishop’s Garden tucked away by the National Cathedral.

nps.gov/cahi/learn/historyculture/cahi_lincoln.htm

nps.gov/places/meridian-hill-park.htm, 16th Street NW & W Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

nps.gov/rocr/index.htm, 5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC 20015

nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/ladybirdjohnsonpark.htm, 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101

gardens.si.edu/gardens/haupt-garden

cathedral.org/visit-tour/gardens-grounds, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016

Wander Around A Grand Estate

Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress of Post Cereals and the original owner of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, was the proud inhabitant of an opulent estate in the north of D.C. That estate, Hillwood, is now open to the public and operates as a house museum (with impressive collections of art, furniture, and antiques) and magnificent manicured gardens. Hillwood is one of the more hidden gems in D.C., and you could spend half a day wandering outside on the grounds or basking in the sun at Hillwood’s café.

hillwoodmuseum.org, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Bike The Mount Vernon Trail

As a super bike-friendly city, D.C. makes it possible to start in the capital and pedal your way to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. It’s a great way to take in the surrounding landscape and make a journey out of an obligatory visit to the historic site. Start in the city and hop on a Capital Bikeshare or even try renting a bike for the day. The 10-mile scenic route winds through woods and skirts the Potomac.

nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm, 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101 

capitalbikeshare.com

unlimitedbiking.com/rentals/washington-dc-bike-rentals, 998 Maine Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024

Go For A Hike

Despite being a big city, D.C. has easy access to nature, and not just city parks. The historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is one of the most accessible spots to get out into nature from the district. A multi-year restoration project revitalized the first mile of the canal which makes for a leisurely and lovely stroll through Georgetown. Stick to a short walk or make a day of it and keep going: The canal stretches for almost 185 miles. 

nps.gov/choh/index.htm, 142 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, MD 21795

Admire The Gardens At Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is an oasis in the city. The 53-acre property and Harvard University research institute is located at the highest point in Georgetown and boasts grounds worthy of a day’s wander. Meticulously cultivated to feature flowering trees and plants throughout the year, there are several spots not to be missed, perhaps most notably, Cherry Hill, located on a remote slope of the gardens and awash in cherry trees. Don’t miss the Prunus Walk (for flowering plum trees) and Forsythia Dell as well. Don’t leave before stepping inside Dumbarton Oaks' museum to explore the rich collections of pre-Colombian art and artifacts as well as its famous music room.

doaks.org, 1703 32nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20007

Pedal Around The U.S. National Arboretum

Located in the northeast corner of the city, the U.S. National Arboretum is a gorgeous expanse of 446 acres and 9.5 miles of roadways. While you can drive through the grounds, opt for exploring by bike, and hop on one of the Capital Bikeshares which are docked at the R Street entrance. The Arboretum is home to cultivated gardens, wild meadows, a bonsai collection, forests, and the original Corinthian columns that once graced the Capitol Building. The Arboretum’s free app makes it easy to navigate the grounds and helps with identifying trees and flowers. 

usna.usda.gov, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

apps.apple.com/us/app/u-s-national-arboretum/id1200874950

Sip And Dine

Treat Yourself To An Award-Winning Meal

In recent years, D.C.’s food scene has grown to include restaurants and bistros that far surpass the city’s meat and potatoes reputation. Treat yourself to a meal you won’t forget at gems like Michelin-starred Oyster Oyster, whose chef won a 2023 James Beard Award, the Michelin-starred Gravitas which is housed in an industrial-chic building, an opulent tasting menu at the modern American Blue Duck Tavern, or a culinary creative journey to the Middle East at ilili. 

oysteroysterdc.com, 1440 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

gravitasdc.com, 1401 Okie Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

blueducktavern.com, 1201 24th Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

ililirestaurants.com, 100 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024

Have A Romantic Meal

Date nights always feel a little more special when you’re on vacation. Book yourself a table (preferably well in advance!) at the intimate France-comes-to-Georgetown Lutèce. The petite neo-bistro, with a robust natural wine list, is a welcome antidote to the large-scale restaurants that are ubiquitous in the district, and one of the city’s most romantic spots. For a more traditional atmosphere, head to the hidden gem The Greenhouse, a restaurant in the historic Jefferson Hotel with white tablecloth-clad private dining nooks. 

lutecedc.com, 1522 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

jeffersondc.com/dining/the-greenhouse, 1200 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Say Cheers At A Rooftop Bar

D.C. is known for its rooftop bars which offer sweeping views of the city, some much-needed breezes from the city’s notorious humidity, and a relaxed atmosphere. Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel offers expansive views of the Potomac, the Kennedy Center, and Georgetown and is one of the city’s most iconic rooftop bars. Moonraker, the hip, big-city energy rooftop restaurant at the Pendry Hotel, offers a Japanese-inspired menu and stunning views of the Wharf, the marina, the Potomac, and monuments. Downtown, you’ll find Lucha Rosa, which shakes up Mexican-inspired cocktails in a colorful setting, and Hedy’s, an intimate rooftop with views of Thomas Circle.

thewatergatehotel.com/top-of-the-gate, 2650 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

pendry.com/washington-dc/dining/moonraker, 655 Water Street SW, Washington, DC 20024

moxydcdining.com/lucha-rosa, 1011 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zena/dining-nightlife/hedys-rooftop, 1155 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

Enjoy A Nightcap

The city's craft cocktail scene has exploded at the same rate as its culinary world. Grab a drink at one of D.C.'s most renowned after-dinner spots, Allegory, a speak-easy style bar tucked away in the Eaton Hotel. Allegory was recently named one of the 50 best bars in North America, so snagging a seat can be a challenge. Equally as intriguing are spots like the hip Jane Jane and the gin-focused The Wells.

allegory-dc.com, 1201 K Street NW #1, Washington, DC 20005

janejanedc.com, 1705 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009

thewellsdc.com, 727 C Street SE, Washington, DC 20003

Sleep In An Iconic Building

Get Some Shut Eye In A Former Bank

The towering building that was once the Riggs National Bank, known as the Bank of Presidents, is now one of the capital’s most stylish boutique hotels, known simply as the Riggs. With teller windows still intact, original marble details, and spacious interiors, the Riggs has one of the most beautiful and elegant restaurants in the district and boasts a popular local favorite bar housed in the former bank’s subterranean vault. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, reserve the Ida McKinley suite, which is forever decorated in D.C. cherry blossom pink.

riggsdc.com, 900 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

silverlyan.com, 900 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

Stay In America's More Infamous Hotels

Few hotels conjure so much history—and scandal—as The Watergate. Best known as the site of the 1972 White House break-in that led to the toppling of President Nixon, the Watergate is a monument of midcentury modern architecture and remains one of the city’s most well-known and luxurious hotels. Even if you’re not staying the night, it’s worth popping in for a peek at the famous place. If it’s not occupied by an overnight guest, the concierge offers tours of the Scandal Suite, the legendary room where it all went down, which is preserved with original paraphernalia.

thewatergatehotel.com, 2650 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037

thewatergatehotel.com/stay/scandal-room

Check Into A Former Post Office

The 1892 Old Post Office of D.C. is one of the city’s most opulent buildings and the tallest, after the Washington Monument. From its clocktower, which is open every day to visitors, to its glass-roofed interior courtyard, it is a site to behold. Surprisingly, the building only served as a post office for a relatively short time before falling into disrepair. Over the decades the Old Post Office served as a mixed-use building of offices and a food court.

In recent years the building was restored to its former glory and today is the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Spacious, historically interesting, and flawless in its décor and design, a stay here is a trip back in history with all the comforts of a five-star hotel. Its Pennsylvania Avenue location cannot be beat for exploring the city and the National Mall. Complete with its standout restaurant, The Bazaar, by celebrity chef and humanitarian José Andrés, as well as a private rare whiskey tasting room, there’s no denying this is the city’s top-shelf accommodation.

hilton.com/en/hotels/dcawawa-waldorf-astoria-washington-dc, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

nps.gov/thingstodo/old-post-office-tower.htm, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

thebazaar.com/location/washington-dc, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Sleep Where The Term “Lobbying” Was Coined

One of Washington’s most historic hotels, The Willard InterContinental has been in operation for over 200 years. It was here, in 1869, that then-President Ulysses S. Grant popularized the term “lobbying.” Legend has it that Grant developed the term for the people who would approach him with specific interest needs while he was trying to enjoy a cigar and brandy in the hotel’s lobby. In addition to Grant and lobbyists, over its long history the Willard has played host to numerous politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities. A recent reimagining of its interiors has breathed new life into the building, especially its renowned Peacock Alley which has been serving afternoon tea since the 1920s.

washington.intercontinental.com, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004