By Mark Orwell
The nation's capital has a lot for visitors to take in, and is one of the most traveled tourist destinations in the country. There is plenty to do in Washington, D.C., and much to be seen. If you are considering the city as a vacation destination, do your research. Have a plan, and make sure you know what is going on, because it's easy to be overwhelmed. The following is a quick guide detailing places to stay, things to do, and everything else you might need to know when planning your Washington, D.C., vacation.
Hotels
Washington, D.C., has no shortage of hotels, and choosing the best one is important for anyone vacationing there. Make sure it's in a good downtown location. One recommendation is the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, which will put you right in the middle of all the action. It is only steps from the Capitol Building and all the other historical landmarks you will want to visit. Check out the Hotel Monaco as well, a luxury boutique hotel near the National Mall.
Attractions
There are many different attractions in Washington, D.C., that draw in travelers. For the history buffs, you can't beat the area around the Capitol Building. Here, you can learn about the nation's past and present by visiting all the famous monuments in the area. The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Memorial are must-sees. There are also a number of museums in the area that are great to visit. The Smithsonian museums are some of the most famous in the nation and feature locations based around art, science and a number of other themes. For a cool museum you may not have heard of, check out the International Spy Museum, which is sure to excite anyone interested in espionage and intrigue.
U Street
No vacation would be complete without visiting a city's happening nightlife locations. Many of these are in the U Street Corridor, which is famous for its bars, music venues, and clubs. If you like jazz, check out the Twins Jazz Lounge on U Street. If dancing is more your thing, consider the 9:30 Club for international music hits. It has the largest dance floor in the whole city!
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will also have much to enjoy when visiting Washington, D.C. Biking is popular in the city, with one of the more traveled routes being a trail from George Washington Parkway to Mount Vernon. You can rent bikes Washington Sailing Museum. The city also has its fair share of parks. Rock Creek Park is a national park in the area that has lots to see. Here, you can travel the many miles of trails, play tennis or golf, and rent kayaks or canoes.
Resources
About the Author:
In the summer of 2003, Mark Orwell began his career as a freelance writer focusing on popular culture, music, and film. He continues to write on a broad array of topics from Miami, Florida. His work has been available in the United States, the Caribbean, and South Africa.
