About Washington, D.C.
Defined by its role as the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience a thriving multicultural city while being fully immersed in the deep history of one of the greatest nations in the world. Washington D.C. is situated on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River and has a population of approximately 5.4 million people. Characterized by lush green spaces and magnificent architecture formed by blocks of glittering limestone and granite, this metropolitan city allures over 18 million people every year.
Take a stroll along the National Mall and choose from more than 10 free museums offered by the Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institute such as the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, the American Indian Museum and the Air and Space Museum. For those who prefer the outdoors, get a breath of fresh air and reflect on the trials and accomplishments of our nation's forefathers while standing at the foot of the Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Memorial, World War II Memorial or Vietnam Memorial.
In the Fall, brightly colored leaves, flag football games, picnickers, runners, fundraising events and concerts bring the National Mall to life. During the Spring, busloads of people flock to the area to enjoy thousands of blossoming cherry trees gifted to the city by Tokyo Japan, as a gesture of friendship in 1912. Other notable attractions along the National Mall include the White House, the United States Capitol and the Washington Monument.
The National Mall is not the only significant area of Washington, DC to explore: Every neighborhood within this 67 square mile city has its own personality and unique appeal. Take a Sunday afternoon outing to the neighborhood of Capitol Hill to admire the architecture of one of the oldest communities in Washington, D.C. and explore the sites, sounds and rich aromas of the Eastern Market-the last of D.C.'s 19th century markets to remain in operation.
Discover Georgetown-sip on a cocktail, grab a bite to eat or people watch on the delightful waterfront; take a walk along the C & O Canal; or choose to shop in any of a number of diverse boutiques and stores lining the streets. Visit the colorful neighborhood of Adams Morgan for an eclectic mix of international restaurants, sidewalk cafes, ethnic stores and late-night entertainment. Enlighten the palette and challenge the mind in Penn Quarter's modern restaurants, contemporary galleries, innovative theatres, and captivating museums. Head out for a night on the town in Dupont Circle, known for its hip clubs and swanky bars.
From its celebrated past and patriotism to its unique neighborhoods, spectacular monuments, free museums, lively festivals and award winning restaurants, Washington, D.C. offers visitors the opportunity to become a part of the American experience while making their own memories.
Why Washington, D.C.?
Site of some of the most recognizable monuments and buildings in the world, Washington, D.C. offers endless opportunities for meeting and event planners. From the 2.3 million square foot Washington Convention Center to chic restaurants and unique venues like the Library of Congress, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Andrew Mellon Auditorium and the recently opened Newseum, there are a plethora of meeting and event facilities to choose from. D.C. is also home to more than 150 embassies, chancelleries and diplomatic residencies-many of which are available for private events.
Located within close proximity to several smaller suburbs including Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, Washington, D.C. offers several alternatives to the downtown meeting. Host your next meeting in Alexandria and take pleasure in a historic waterfront community with 18th and 19th century architecture, unique shops, galleries, restaurants and major hotels. Select from more than 9,000 hotel rooms and 400 restaurants located in Arlington and enjoy the luxury of a small-town meeting while situated only minutes from Reagan Washington National Airport, Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, the DEA Museum and all major Washington, D.C. attractions.
Access to the city's many attractions and neighborhoods is readably available through D.C.'s efficient transportation system: metro and bus service touch almost every point of interest within the city. The recent addition of the D.C. Circulator bus provides another transportation option, serving as a connection between the National Mall, Union Station, Georgetown and the Washington Convention Center. D.C. also prides itself in being one of the most accessible cities in the world for the physically challenged. Metro and Smithsonian guides are available to help handicapped individuals utilize public transportation and City Scooter Tours provide wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals for any length of time.
Well-planned from its inception, beautiful parks, gardens and public spaces are scattered throughout D.C. West and East Potomac parks comprise more than 720 riverside acres that are divided by the Tidal Basin. West Potomac Park includes many of the major memorials and is home to over 1,600 cherry trees. East Potomac Park showcases more than 11 different types of cherry trees and serves as an outdoor activity center with picnic grounds, tennis courts, three golf courses, bike paths and a large swimming pool. Rock Creek Park offers an outdoor amphitheater, playgrounds, the remains of Civil War battlements, and endless acres of wooded parkland to explore. Approximately 91 acres of wilderness preserve can be found on Theodore Roosevelt Island-an island dedicated to the memory of the nation's 26th President. This public park is now a habitat for numerous animals including rabbits, great owls, fox, turtles, and groundhogs; over two miles of foot trails offer numerous observation points for visitors.
Washington, D.C. has a flourishing cultural scene influenced by people from around the world. Choose from an eclectic blend of restaurants such as Zengo, TenPenh, Zola, Citronelle, Rasika, DC Coast and the Old Ebbitt Grill. Catch a world-class performance at the Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, Ford's Theater or Verizon Center. Watch a D.C. Nationals baseball game at the new National's Park located in Southeast Washington along the Anacostia River or check out a DC United game at RFK Stadium.
Secondary to the federal government, Washington, D.C.'s primary industry is tourism. However, there are several other notable industries thriving within this metropolitan city. The law, higher education, medical research, publishing and government research industries are booming and there are more associations located in D.C. than in any other city in the United States. The city also serves as the world headquarters for many well-known companies including Sprint-Nextel, Marriott, AOL, Mobil Oil, Gannett News, and the International Monetary Fund.
Key Washington, D.C. Metro Area Facts
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Convention Center: Washington Convention Center
Washington Convention Center
Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
| Population | 572,000 | Destination Type Listings |
| Hotels | 430 | • Golf Destinations |
| Hotel Rooms | 55,000 | • Smoke Free Restaurants |
| Unique Venues | 340 | |
| Restaurants | 1,500 |
Washington, D.C. Climate Information
Washington D.C. allows for the experience of all four seasons. Warm weather is prevalent from April until as late as mid-October. Summers are hot and humid with average temperatures reaching the high 80s; thunderstorms are frequent. The average annual precipitation is 42 inches. Winters can be very mild to bitter cold with average temperatures dropping as low as 35 °F. Occasional heavy snowfalls occur; however, light snowfalls are more common. Fall and spring are the best seasons to visit when the air is still cool, but the skies are bright and perfect days are the norm, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High -°F | 75 | 79 | 89 | 93 | 97 | 100 | 104 | 104 | 99 | 90 | 84 | 79 |
| Avg High -°F | 41 | 45 | 55 | 66 | 75 | 83 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 68 | 56 | 46 |
| Avg Low -°F | 22 | 24 | 32 | 40 | 50 | 59 | 64 | 63 | 56 | 42 | 34 | 26 |
| Rec Low -°F | -18 | -14 | -1 | 17 | 28 | 36 | 41 | 38 | 30 | 15 | 9 | -4 |
| Rainfall - in. | 3.0 | 2.7 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 3.3 | 3.0 |
