Washington, D.C.: A City for All Seasons

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Economy Alert! Skip rising gas prices in this public transportation-friendly city.

Chosen by George Washington for its tactical location between the South and the North, Washington, D.C., is home to the most important elements of the country’s ruling elite—the President, Congress, the U.S. military and the U.S. Supreme Court. Aside from its political clout, Washington is a thriving city of rolling lawns and open spaces, grand buildings and historic landmarks, and a place where ordinary and extraordinary people live, work and play.

With its sprawling green parks, cheery-blossom lined avenues and elegant architecture, Washington, D.C., boasts an attractive urban layout. For one thing, it's determinedly low rise, with laws in place ensuring that no building can be higher than the Capitol. This gives the city a spacious, airy feel with architects forced to be more innovative with their designs than in other high-rise cities.

It's worth remembering that Washington is not just a seat of government, but a sophisticated international city filled with cultural offerings on par with the finest in the world. The city boasts a concentration of some of the nation’s greatest museums and exhibitions, including The Smithsonian Institute. Originally started as a scientific research center in 1846, it now incorporates 13 separate and fascinating collections. With its prestigious museums and galleries, charming neighborhoods and historical buildings, the nation’s capital is frequently likened to major European cities.

One of Washington’s best-known neighborhoods is historic Georgetown, an elegant enclave of colonial houses and upscale boutiques. The bohemian district of Adams-Morgan offers an eclectic mix of international restaurants and late-night entertainment, while the arty suburb of Dupont Circle is an affluent business and residential area, filled with Victorian row houses, embassies and private art galleries.

Whether you’re seeking the old or the new, the hip or the historic, Washington, D.C., is a city for all seasons and an intriguing destination any time of the year.

City Resources

• All About Washington, D.C.
• Newspapers
• Recreation and Attractions
• Museums and Libraries

Washington, D.C., Convention and Visitors Bureau
Get detailed information about Washington, D.C., its neighborhoods, history, attractions, entertainment, area maps and more.

Events Guide
Find out about the latest events and happenings in the capital, get the scoop on music, nightlife, restaurants, concerts and the city’s most popular attractions.

State Information
This handy guide is filled with everything you need to know about nursing in the District of Columbia, including state nursing associations, CE requirements, salary information and more.

The Washington Post
This daily newspaper features local, national and international news, business, sports, entertainment, real estate listings and classifieds.

Washingtonian
This monthly online magazine covers arts and entertainment, restaurants, travel and recreation and daily life in the D.C. area.

U.S. Capitol
For an up-close look at government in action, you can attend one of the many congressional committee meetings open to the public. Also take time to view the classical architecture, interior embellishments and hundreds of paintings and sculptures that decorate the halls of the Capitol.

Washington Monument
At 555 feet, this classic obelisk is the tallest all-masonry tower in the world.

Lincoln Memorial
One of the most profound symbols of American democracy, this memorial celebrates the tremendous accomplishments that have united the nation for more than 200 years.

The White House
At 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, selected public rooms on the ground floor and first floor are open to visitors who make arrangements in advance through their member of Congress.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial
Unveiled in 1997, this is the Mall’s newest presidential monument. The 7.5-acre memorial features waterfalls and reflection pools, four outdoor gallery rooms and numerous bronze sculptures.

Jefferson Memorial Dedicated in 1943, this marble rotunda houses a statue of Jefferson, and its walls are lined with inscriptions based on the Declaration of Independence and his other writings. One of the best views of the White House can be seen from its top steps.

National Zoo
Established in 1889 and part of the Smithsonian Institute, this highly acclaimed zoo showcases more than 2,000 animals, many of them rare and endangered species.

Six Flags America Approximately 20 miles from the capital, this park features roller coasters, water rides, stunt shows and many other hair-raising adventures for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Hiking Trails
With sprawling parks, preserves and greenbelts scattered throughout the city, there’s no shortage of places to hike, bike or jog in Washington, D.C.

National Air and Space Museum
This museum, one of the most popular in the country, features an extensive collection of airplanes, spacecraft and aviation memorabilia, starting with the Wright brothers and ending with the space shuttle.

National Museum of American History
From the first ladies’ gowns to the flag that inspired ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ to the desk where Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence, this Smithsonian museum houses more than 3 million artifacts that cover every era and cultural nuance of life in the United States.

National Museum of Natural History
This Smithsonian museum comprises exhibits that honor all areas of natural life, from dinosaurs and the ancient seas to the native cultures of people from all continents.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Memorable and harrowing, this museum uses thousands of photographs, recorded oral histories, documentary films and artifacts to document the horrors of the Holocaust.

International Spy Museum
Opened in 2002, this is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to the tradecraft, history and contemporary role of espionage. By combining fascinating artifacts with creative visual programs, computer displays and special effects, the museum reveals the strategies and techniques of secret spy missions from around the world.

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