Washington D.C. is one of my favorite towns. Beautiful architecture, clean, close proximity to Georgetown, and a fabulous running spot.  My first few trips to D.C. were spent running the Mall, then to Arlington, out to monuments and circling back around the White House.  I was trying to gauge where everything was and thought this was the best way to do it. I was right!

Grab your camera and walk- walk everywhere, you won't believe how much exercise you get. 

Museums: *Fun Fact, if you are looking to get your money's worth--check out the Smithsonian Museums; they are  mostly FREE!

These are some of my favorites I've been to:

  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: 
  • International Spy Museum
  • National Museum of Natural History
  • National Air & Space Museum
  • National Museum of American History
  • National Museum of African American History & Culture (this was being built my last trip)

Monuments & Musts:

  • The White House: You must see the White House from both the front and the back!
  • United States Capitol: When standing on the opposite end of the boulevard, you will see the Washinton Monument perfectly centered between the Capitol Building. 
  • National Mall: This is a 2 mile, tree-lined boulevard with monuments and memorials. Consisting of The Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  Also included Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, The National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. 
  • Washington Monument
  • Arlington National Cemetery

Hotels: 

  • Intercontinental The Willard: Extravagant entryway with high ceilings, and ornate detailing.  You will think of a different time.  This hotel is a 6 minute walk to the White House, 0.9 miles to the National Mall, and 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial.  Do enjoy a cocktail at the Round Robin & Scotch Bar, which remains a lively meeting place. 
  • Watergate: Newly renovated iconic riverfront hotel with a luxurious rooftop bar.  
  • W Hotel: Modern interior, located next to the Willard just blocks away from the White House. Cosmopolitan lobby bar with a great rooftop bar: POV.
  • Four Seasons: 5 star, 5 diamond luxury hotel nestled in Georgetown.  Unparalleled service as you can expect with the Four Seasons.  Offering Bourbon Steak, Seasons, and the ENO Wine Bar restaurants on site. 

 

Washington D.C. can be a pretty pricey place to stay, so I suggest looking at where you can use or earn points.  I've stayed at even the Hilton Garden Inn downtown once, because there was a huge convention in town, and it was fine.  Other notable hotels to mention: The Hay-Adams & The Jefferson.

 

Bars: 

  • POV rooftop bar at the W Hotel has a fantastic view of the White House, just make sure to be dressed up a bit-not super fancy, but smart casual. 

Restaurants:

Old Ebbitt Grill: This is an iconic tavern with an American menu. Yes, this is a bit of a tourist trap, but it's also kind of a must--plan on grabbing a bite before or after your visit to the White House.  *If you go next door, you can get your picture taken in the "Oval Office" it's pretty fun if you like to goof-off.. I don't. I'm super serious. 

Extras: You must go to Georgetown.  It's such a fun, vibrant town with shops, restaurants, and pubs. Favorite outdoor brunch area is Sequoia, but there are several restaurants in that area, and from there you can hit up some shopping.