After you've done your research on Washington, D.C., you can begin the decision making process of planning your vacation. Gathering information about your vacation destination will leave you you well-equipped to make important choices about your trip.
One of the most important things that you'll have to decide is what places in the city you want to visit. Washington, D.C. features a number of different neighborhoods, so it may be tough deciding where to start. Things to consider when making decisions about your vacation include how you'll get to D.C., the kinds of activities and entertainment you want to enjoy on your vacation, and how you'll get around the city.
Where to Go
The District of Columbia is made up of 16 historic neighborhoods: Adams Morgan, Brookland, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Connecticut Avenue Corridor, Downtown, Dupont Circle/Kalorama, East of the River, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Georgia Avenue, Lafayette Square, Mount Pleasant, 16th Street Corridor, Southwest, and the U and Shaw neighborhood.
Each of these neighborhoods adds to the culture and heritage of the nation's capital. Here is some information about the different areas of D.C. vacationers can visit:
The Adams Morgan neighborhood is located two miles from the White House, and is often called the "funky neighborhood" because of its diversity and eccentricity. This neighborhood has the largest exhibit of expressive art in D.C., showcasing evocatively colorful murals. The air here is filled with international sights, sounds, and smells. Vacationers will find great shopping, dining, and architecture in this neighborhood, including late 19th and early 20th century style apartment buildings. Night-owls will find that once the sun goes down, Adams Morgan is a hotspot for music, dancing, and bars, making it a favorite haunt for the city's young professionals.
The Brookland neighborhood has an aura of religious sentiment, serving as home to the Franciscan Monastery, the Shrine of Immaculate Conception, the Catholic University, and about 60 Catholic institutions. Because of its many Catholic establishments, the neighborhood has been nicknamed "Little Rome." The area is also the location of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Many members of Brookland's community are of the same Catholic faith.
The 19th century neighborhood of Capitol Hill is located next to the U.S. Capitol building. It boasts several prized cultural establishments, including a number of unique museums, the historic Eastern Market, and the restored Union Station. Visitors can explore the neighborhood's diverse styles of architecture simply by strolling along its brick sidewalks. There are also opportunities for dining and shopping. The Flea Market at the Eastern Market, open on Sundays, is a popular shopping spot.
Columbia Heights is where charming tradition meets urban planning. This evolving neighborhood steeped in rich history and culture features museums and venues for the performing arts. Until the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the neighborhood was one of D.C.'s most important spots for shopping and dining. But after King's murder, looting and fires caused many businesses and buildings to be boarded up from 14th Street to Irving Street. Recently, the area has undergone major restoration, particularly with the arrival of the Columbia Heights Metro Station in 1999.
The Connecticut Avenue Corridor features stately architecture, including two- and three-story buildings in Old English styles. Other amazing architecture in the area includes the Taft Bridge and Duke Ellington Bridge in the Woodley Park Historic District. Here, a mural of Marylin Monroe greets visitors from a unique vantage point overlooking the park. The Connecticut Avenue neighborhood is also home to two distinct luxury hotels: the Shoreham hotel, built in 1930, and the Wardman Park hotel. Other places to visit here include the National Zoo and Washington National Cathedral.
In Downtown D.C., new meets old in an exciting, blended rhythm of sights and sounds. Located between the White House and the Capitol, historic and commercial buildings adorn Downtown. Thousands of Jewish, German, Italian, Chinese, and Greek immigrants, as well as others from all over the world, found their beginnings here by setting up shops and restaurants, often living above the stores. Today, its historic streets house the newest arts, dining, sports, and entertainment spots.
The Dupont Circle/ Kalorama area is a cosmopolitan neighborhood full of museums, restaurants, bookstores, and historic homes. Located at the center of the community, Dupont Circle is an urban park where people enjoy picnics, sunbathing, and even a challenging game of chess. The centerpiece of this area is the large white marble Dupont Memorial Fountain. This neighborhood prides itself in its diversity, and is one of D.C.'s leading centers for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans-gendered people.
East of the River, some of D.C.'s best-kept secrets are hidden. Acres of open riverfront property boast some of the of the best vistas in the city. The river provides habitat for various wildlife, including the American bald eagle.
Along the Potomac River sits the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. River boat rides and exploration are available for adventurous travelers in Foggy Bottom, which has pathways to the Rock Creek Park. This historic riverfront community is the oldest 19th century neighborhood in D.C. The area features exceptional sculptures, including the massive figure of a smiling Albert Einstein outside of the National Academy of Sciences.
Originally an 18th century port town, Georgetown is now known for its shopping, dining, and lively nightlife. Its picturesque streets and neighborhood attractions, like canal rides on a mule-drawn barge, give visitors a feel for D.C.'s rich history.
The Georgia Avenue neighborhood has several Civil War history sites, including war monuments like Fort Stevens and the Battleground National Cemetery. Georgia Avenue is also home to Howard University, the first university in the south to open its doors to African American students.
Near the White House, the Lafayette Square neighborhood features distinguished buildings and architecture. Among them are the Treasury Building, historic homes like the Octagon House, and six major museums, including the Corcoran Gallery.
Known for its vida, the Mount Pleasant neighborhood has been highly influenced by Salvadoran culture. Mariachi bands, genuine bodegas, and authentic Salvadoran pupusas thrive here. The area's many Salvadoran restaurants bring the taste of Central America to the Capital City. Bakeries, antique stores, and gift shops are other great places to visit in Mount Pleasant. Shopping at the farmers market, held on Saturdays from May until November, can get chaotic as bargain hunters bombard this popular shopping venue.
The 16th Street Corridor is a historic neighborhood featuring stately mansions, elegant rowhouses, and charming urban vistas. One of the neighborhood's most notable locales is the White House building. Also located in this neighborhood, the Meridian Hill Park includes a waterfall and statues of historical figures like Joan of Arc and Dante.
A waterfront community, the Southwest neighborhood receives praise for its fine dining and river views. Here travelers can visit the Fish Wharf, enjoy boating activities, or take in a performance at the award-winning Arena Stage theater.
Finally, the U Street and Shaw neighborhood is the old stomping grounds of music legend Duke Ellington. The heart of D.C.'s African American community, renovations in recent years have spurred a resurgence of nightclubs and restoration of historic buildings.
Once you have decided which neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. you want to visit, you can then decide on the sites and events you want to enjoy during your stay.
Once You're There
There are plenty of choices when it comes to lodgings and activities in Washington, D.C. When deciding on hotel accommodations, keep in mind what's most important to you on your vacation. If you want to be close to it all, you may want to book your trip at a downtown hotel, or if you want a little peace and quiet, you may prefer lodgings in a more tranquil area of the city.
If you're traveling with others, keep their likes and dislikes in mind when deciding where to stay and what to do. Some of your companions may enjoy exciting nightlife, while others may prefer a quiet, relaxing trip. Try to find a happy medium so that everyone can enjoy their stay in Washington, D.C. Also, if you're traveling with the family, you may want to look into kid-friendly accommodations and activities.
