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Washington, DC City Guide

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Washington, DC Meeting Planning

United States Capitol

Location of some of the most recognizable monuments and buildings in the world, Washington, DC offers endless opportunities for meeting and event planners. From the 2.3-million-square-foot
 Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWalter E. Washington Convention Center
Walter E. Washington Convention Center to chic restaurants and unique venues within the various museums of the Smithsonian Institution, a plethora of meeting and event facilities await in the nation's capital. Washington, DC 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 growing cities such as Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, Washington, DC 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 CemeteryArlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery, the DEA Museum and all major Washington, DC attractions.

Access to the city's many attractions and neighborhoods is readily available through its efficient transportation system: metro and bus service touch almost every point of interest within the city. The recent addition of the DC Circulator bus provides another transportation option, serving as a connection between the National Mall, Union Station, Georgetown and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The District 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, while City Scooter Tours provide wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals for any length of time.

Cherry Blossoms at Tidal Basin

Well planned from its inception, the District is dotted with beautiful parks, gardens and public spaces. West and East Potomac parks comprise more than 720 riverside acres that are divided by the Tidal Basin. In addition to 1,600 cherry trees, West Potomac Park is home to many of the city's major memorials. 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, 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, and has over two miles of foot trails for visitors to wander.

Washington, DC's flourishing cultural scene is influenced by people from around the world. Whether your taste buds are craving Asian, Mediterranean, Portuguese or something else entirely, 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 CenterThe Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center, Wolftrap, Ford's Theater or Verizon Center. Watch the Nationals play ball 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, DC'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; in fact, more associations find a home in DC 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 Statistics

About Washington, DC / Additional Info

Defined by its role as the capital of the United States, Washington, DC offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience a thriving multicultural city while being fully immersed in the deep history of this great nation. The District is situated on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River and has a metro area population of approximately 5.3 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 visitors every year.

Jefferson Memorial

Take a stroll along the National Mall and visit one of more than 10 free museums offered by the Smithsonian InstitutionSmithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution 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 the 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 for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, enjoying the stunning sight of thousands of blossoming cherry trees, which were 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 U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument.

The National Mall is certainly only one of many areas in the city 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 city's oldest communities and to explore the sites, sounds and rich aromas of the Eastern Market - the last of DC's 19th century markets to remain in operation. Discover Georgetown: sip a cocktail, grab a bite to eat or people watch on the streets of this delightful waterfront neighborhood. Georgetown's streets are also lined in a diverse mix of unique boutiques and high-end retailers, sure to provide an afternoon of enjoyable shopping.

Dupont Circle

Slightly to the northwest, the colorful neighborhood of Adams Morgan boasts 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 theaters and captivating museums. Or, 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 bright future as a thriving metropolis, Washington, DC has it all. Unique neighborhoods, spectacular monuments, enlightening museums, lively festivals and award-winning restaurants, the District offers lucky visitors the opportunity to experience America and its past, while making memories that will last long into the future.