Essentials
in Washington DCThe Smithsonian is synonymous with Washington, DC, but there’s more to the city than its stately museums. Each year, DC’s nearly 600,000 residents revel in events that celebrate both the new and historic character of their iconic city. The city’s distinct neighborhoods are as diverse and divided as its political opinions, resulting in a colorful traveling experience for tourists from around the globe. Hyatt says, grab a map of DC and put some of our top picks on your agenda.
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Events in Washington
Essentials
While DC may be short for District of Columbia, it’s certainly long on its list of events. Natives here are quick to spark political debate, but it’s not always a rough and tumble affair. Some 5.3 million residents live in the metro area—and somehow they always find ways to compromise when it comes to their social affairs. Whether they are braving the DC cold for the lighting of the national Christmas tree or sweating through the summer humidity in the name of an outdoor festival, natives know when to put aside the partisan games and simply, well, party.
Going local on DC’s neighborhood map is your best bet for full immersion into the city scene, regardless of your Washington to do list. Transportation to each of the city’s nine neighborhoods is easy via its Metrorail, or Metro, as residents call it. Smartly dressed, young professionals crowd the corners of U Street and Shaw while established, creative communities have roots in Dupont Circle. Academics and aristocracy rule just fine in Georgetown, but there are those who prefer the fringe of northerly Columbia Heights, where low rents, multi-cultural enclaves and raw artistry energizes studio spaces. Adams Morgan nightlife district provides plenty of nocturnal events, and the National Mall—well, while its native residents are sparse (or highly official) its presence as “America’s Front Yard” certainly keeps everyone in line.
Sports also have their place in DC but natives are equally amped for more continental affairs. Their ticket: Embassy Row. Many register on mailing lists of their favorite countries, and throughout the year, receive free invitations to elegant parties, cultural events and meetings with the ambassadors themselves. Tourists can get in on the action too—as long as they join before arrival, of course, and are lucky enough to land on the guest list.
Resources
Daily Candy
Unwrap quintessential restaurant and nightlife picks on DC’s slick scene.
Metromix
Events in Washington DC take top billing here, with a heavy emphasis on night clubs.
Washington City Paper
Get versed on DC music, dining dishes, cocktails and more. There are articles too.
Washington Life Magazine
DC Politics and dinner parties find comfortable space on pages of the pretty, polished and elite.
Washington Post Arts & Living
DC gets a cultured spin on what’s hot in the city.
Washingtonian Magazine
Cheap eats, posh plates, lively theater—DC’s city guide magazine dishes on all the trends that put it on the map.
Weather
This DC media institution is a respected source for democracy and the Doppler radar.
Getting Around Washington
Metrorail, aka “Metro”
Sleek, modern subway system allows effortless travel through DC’s vibrant neighborhoods. Fares start at $1.35.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
For domestic and Canadian flights to Washington DC, consider this tamer DC-area airport experience, located 13 miles south of downtown.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The closest international airport to Washington DC is also the most recognizable, thanks to IAD’s space-age looking terminal with a continental style.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)
Located in Maryland, BWI airport is a 45 minute commute from downtown DC and popular with the local business set.
Yellow Cab DC
For traveling from Georgetown to Capitol Hill, DC taxis have got you covered. Fares generally start at $3.50 and increase by 75 cents per half mile. Rates are steeper than in some other cities, so take note.
