Welcome to the District!
Washington, DC visitors enjoy access to an impressive list of fascinating attractions, from the monuments and memorials on the National Mall to inspiring cultural treasures like the Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress and National Gallery of Art. A diverse and beautiful world capital, DC invites visitors to step beyond these federal landmarks to explore charming neighborhoods like historic Georgetown, eclectic Adams-Morgan and trendy U Street. DC’s neighborhoods tempt visitors with chic boutiques, hip new restaurants and bars, world-class theaters, art galleries and peaceful parks and gardens.
While you are here, join in on some of the amazing deals DC has to offer! Enjoy discounts at attractions, performing arts events and world-class dining. Simply show your conference badge to any of the participating partners and receive exclusive discounts and great treatment – view a list of the participating partners.
Museum & Memorial
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Smithsonian Institute
This educational and research institute is primarily funded by the US Government as well as contributions and profits from its shops and publications. With about 19 museums, zoos and research center in DC alone, the Institute also holds facilities in New York City, New York, Chantilly and Leesburg, Virginia and Panama.
Freer Gallery – Jefferson Dr. and 12th St., S.W.
See exhibits featuring art from all over the world- including Chinese, South Asian, American, and Japanese art.
National Museum of African American History & Culture – 1400 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Come see the newest addition to the Smithsonian Museum collection. Explore the Civil Rights Movement to the Musical Crossroads in African American History.
National Air & Space Museum – 655 Jefferson Dr., SW
Come see the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world and stop by the gift shop to sample some astronaut ice cream!
National Gallery of Art – 6th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W., between 3rd & 9th streets
Walk through the many corridors covered in masterpieces or take a pleasant stroll in the sculpture garden to grab a coffee and enjoy the sunlight in the center courtyard.
National Museum of American History – Constitution Ave., between 12th and 14th St., N.W.
Visit this newly renovated museum and see the exhibits that represent America’s history. Experience exhibits like All Work, No Pay, 75th Anniversary of D-Day, and America on the Move.
National Museum of the American Indian – 4th St. and Independence Ave., S.W.
Stop by the National Museum of the American Indian to see the Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes our World exhibit. This exhibit focuses on the different worldviews and philosophies related to the creation and order of the universe. The exhibit highlights eight cultural philosophies from the Americas.
National Museum of Natural History – 10th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.
According to the National Museum of Natural History website, the Butterfly Pavilion is a visitor favorite! The exhibit consists of about 300 butterflies that are from all over the world including Mexico, India, and Southeast Asia.
National Museum of Women in the Arts – 1250 New York Ave., N.W.
NMWA is the only major museum in the world solely dedicated to recognizing women’s creative contributions. By bringing to light remarkable women artists of the past while also promoting the best women artists working today, the museum directly addresses the gender imbalance in the presentation of art in the U.S. and abroad, thus assuring great women artists a place of honor now and into the future.
National Portrait Gallery – 8th and F St., N.W.
Originally housing the US Patent Office in 1836, this National Historic Landmark is one of the finest Greek Revival Architectural Buildings in DC. Aside from the great fine art exhibits, enjoy a tour of the building alone and see the curving double staircase, porticos, skylights and vaulted galleries.
International Spy Museum – 700 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
The new International Spy Museum is now open! Explore your curiosity and see what it feels like to walk on the tips of your toes as an undercover agent ready to solve the case? Learn all the tricks of the trade at the International Spy Museum, where you can see spy gadgets and learn about the spies that had once lived around you.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl., S.W.
Visit the four floors of survivor testimonies and exhibition displays and take a self-guide tour through this museum. View actual footage from the Holocaust as well as the American Witnesses exhibit.
Monuments – throughout the National Mall
Including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, etc.
Tour Options
Big Bus Tours
Enjoy a tour of remarkable landmarks throughout DC including Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, the White House, and more.
Gray Line Tours
This tour company provides a variety of tours of Washington, DC and surrounding area ranging in length and price. Visit their website for more details and enjoy the DC After Dark Tour or the Mount Vernon Estate Tour.
Old Town Trolley Tours
Enjoy narrated tours of DC entertainment with historical facts and anecdotes. Passengers can get off and re-board at any of 25 stops from 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM.
Theatre Highlights
Ford’s Theatre – 511 10th St., N.W.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – 2700 F St., N.W.
The National Theatre – 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
The Warner Theatre – 513 13th St., N.W.
Arena Stage – Kreeger Theater– 1101 6th St., S.W.
Shopping Areas
Chinatown – Along H and 7th Sts., N.W.
This up-and-coming neighborhood has shops and restaurants not to mention a beautifully ornate Chinese Entrance Gate, called the Friendship Arch.
Fashion Centre at Pentagon City – 1100 S. Hayes St., Arlington, VA
An upscale shopping mall located minutes from the nation’s capital; there is everything you need in this one place.
Georgetown
Found in 1751, the oldest section of Washington, DC is now filled with shops, restaurants, antiques and crafts, Georgetown is also home to the Historic dwellings such as the Taylor Place and Dumbarton Oaks. You can also sit by the waterfront and enjoy a few cocktails.
National Harbor – 165 Waterfront St., National Harbor, MD
Just across the border into Maryland, the harbor is a great place to taste some of the best food in town. Shop at some of the finest fashion retailers at Tanger Outlets, play at the MGM National Harbor, or ride the Capital Wheel. The National Harbor has a lot in store.
The Wharf – 760 Maine Ave., S.W.
Along the Potomac River lies is a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Enjoy the magnificent views and overall great atmosphere while browsing around this remarkable DC destination.
Union Station – 50 Massachusetts Ave., N.E.
Union Station has a great shopping promenade and restaurants housed in Washington, DC’s historic still-in-use train station.
U Street Corridor/Adams Morgan– 13th and U St., N.W.
One of the most culturally diverse areas of DC, Adams Morgan and the U Street corridor have excellent restaurants and great eclectic shops. It’s one of the best areas to taste the flavors of DC- literally!
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