DK Travel : Washington, D.C.

A symbol of democracy the world over and the seat of American government, Washington, D.C. confronts visitors with stirring icons and monuments at every turn. This sparkling self-styled city on the Potomac River is full of marble and light, with beautiful landscaping touches and centuries-old architecture. Built on top of former swampland, Washington was deliberately designed into quadrants, with the US Capitol at its hub. Its many unmissable sights provide unparalleled access to the workings of government, internationally famed museums with priceless exhibits, and the cultural and spiritual foundations of the city and the nation.

Georgia Brown’s

Southern cooking with very generous portions of both food and attention. Chicken, fish, stews, corn bread, and shrimp and grits highlight the menu.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The three-day battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was the bloodiest of the Civil War, killing over 51,000. Lincoln’s famous address dedicating the cemetery here expressed determination to persevere in maintaining the Union and began to put the great conflict in perspective. The Gettysburg National Military Park is among the most visited sites on the East Coast.
Glover Archbold Trail

From Van Ness Street to the Potomac River, this 3-mile (5-km) trail in the northwest of the city passes beneath 200-year-old trees that host an abundance of birds, in keeping with its designation as a bird sanctuary in 1924. The trail hooks up with the C&O Canal towpath, and other routes.
Golf

There are over 100 golf courses in the vicinity. The famed Congressional Country Club private course in Bethesda is one of the most historic in the world. The East Potomac Park course is public, as is the Rock Creek Park Golf Course. Langston Golf Course was among the first African-American courses in the US.
Grace Church

The 1866 church construction was built to house a congregation founded to serve the boatmen and support staff of the C&O Canal. The simple but extremely elegant design brings back the mid-19th century, although admittedly without the raucous bustle that must have accompanied the canal at its peak. The grounds are beautifully peaceful. The church offers poetry readings, theater performances, and concerts. Today’s congregation has a serious devotion to community service and outreach.
Grace Coolidge

The wife of Calvin Coolidge (1923–9) had a charm and tact that made her one of America’s best-loved women.
Grand Hyatt Washington

The location is superb and the concierge offers full information on local sports, theaters, and events, and can arrange to have a rental bicycle delivered. The sports bar is a popular meeting place, and the business center even offers desktop publishing.
Grand Hyatt Washington

From the multistory atrium lobby to the remodeled rooms, this hotel charms. It is steps from the subway's Metro Center so it is easy to get anywhere in the city.
Grant Memorial

This magnificent grouping took Henry Merwin Shrady 20 years to complete (see Ulysses S. Grant Memorial).
Great Falls

About 15 miles (24 km) north of Washington, D.C., the Potomac is rent by magnificent waterfalls over the crags and sluices of the eroded river bed. In the state of Virginia, Great Falls Park is reached from Old Dominion Drive (Route 738). It provides spectacular overlooks above the river, fine hiking trails, and the ruins of a small 19th-century town. On the Maryland side, the Great Falls area is part of the C&O Canal. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center offers canal rides, hiking, and ranger-led tours and remarkable river views from the overlook on Olmstead Island.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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