With its funky shops and trendy restaurants and bars, Dupont Circle is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Washington. Its cosmopolitan air draws visitors, both young and old. Once a neighborhood of old money and the nouveau riche, Dupont Circle today is home to artists, intellectuals, and young professionals. The neighborhood's turn-of-the-century mansions and brownstones, formerly home to prominent families, house art museums, restaurants, embassies, and fun shops today. Dupont Circle is also home to the Phillips Collection, one of the city's foremost art museums with paintings by Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.
Meridian Hill Park in Washington showcases a rich tapestry of European park styles, seamlessly blending elements of French Baroque and Renaissance designs. The park's enchanting landscape is adorned with waterfalls, pools and meandering pathways, with the Cascading Waterfall standing out as a prominent and picturesque feature. Throughout the year, cultural events and gatherings enhance the park's vibrant atmosphere, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists. Adjacent to this verdant oasis lies the historic Adams-Morgan neighborhood, renowned for its diverse culinary scene and eclectic array of shops, offering visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
The Rock Creek Park contains a beautiful wild forest and serves as an oasis for city residents and tourists. Founded in 1890, the Rock Creek Park is a stunning haven for both people and wildlife. It features a multitude of attractions within which include picnic areas, winding trails and bike paths, a nature center, a public golf course, tennis courts, and stables. Rock Creek Parkway runs alongside the meandering creek. During winter, the park transforms into a popular spot for sledding and other outdoor winter activities.
Head to the Tidal Basin if you're seeking something to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Set in picturesque surroundings, it is truly a visual treat. Found between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, it covers a vast area of 107 acres (43 hectares). Also utilized as a means for flushing the Washington Channel, it is maintained and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Thus, explore the Tidal Basin for a leisurely activity and have a unique experience.
This historic neighborhood is lined with trendy boutiques and fine restaurants. Stop by and find yourself some unique apparel and trinkets to take back home. The abundant nightlife in Georgetown draws both locals and visitors. Just wander down busy M Street and Wisconsin Avenue and explore the eclectic shops, or step in for a pint at one of the numerous pubs overflowing with college kids. You can also stroll off the main strip onto the tree-shaded streets filled with Georgian and Victorian townhouses that are home to many politicians and celebrities. This charming neighborhood is a must-visit when you find yourself in Washington DC.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial not only honors the nation's 32nd president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, but also pays tribute to the people of his time. Stretching over 7.5 acres (3 hectares) along the Tidal Basin, the memorial features four outdoor rooms, each depicting a different aspect of FDR's presidency. The second room, for instance, captures the hardship of the Great Depression with statues of people waiting in a bread line. Another room contains a statue of Eleanor Roosevelt, the only memorial to honor a First Lady. With its serene pools and cascading water, the monument offers a beautiful and contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the legacy of FDR and his era.
Built in 1908, Union Station is a testament to architectural elegance, boasting an elegant Main Hall with a vaulted ceiling that soars over 90 feet high and floors adorned with marble. Today, the Main Hall is a captivating feature, attracting visitors with its timeless charm. Hosting a diverse array of restaurants, and specialty shops, the station feels vibrant and welcoming. Its proximity to the Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol makes it a perfect midday stop for lunch. Still a working train station, it connects to many major points in the country.
The gorgeous United States Botanic Garden presents botanical variety, from the desert to the tropics, along a series of calm and gently meandering paths. A particular waterfall and garden display the flora of the dinosaur age. Seasonal displays include Christmas greens and poinsettias in December and January, chrysanthemums in autumn, and blooming flowers at Easter. Additionally, within the beautiful expanse of the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), the National Garden was inaugurated in October 2006 and includes the carefully designed Butterfly Garden.
One of the world's foremost universities, Georgetown University offers much more than just lectures and books. Famous speakers from around the globe make a point of stopping at this renowned institution to give speeches, sit in on panels, or simply meet students and answer questions. The university grounds also offer a spectacular setting for an afternoon stroll. Healy Hall, designated a National Historic Landmark, is one of the finest examples of Collegiate Gothic architecture in the nation. Located on O Street Northwest, Georgetown is a must if you find yourself in the neighborhood.