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.

Renwick Gallery

This Smithsonian museum is a gem, with its displays of fine craft works. The second-floor Grand Salon served as a ballroom and site for special events when the Corcoran Gallery was located here before 1897. The room has been completely refurbished and a modern lighting system installed. The 1859 structure, named after its architect, James Renwick, Jr, is a marvelous Second Empire-style building.
Renwick Gallery

Many Washingtonians name this gallery as their favorite, not least because it is located in a gorgeous French Renaissance-style building, as well as staging well-organized shows of American crafts. It’s also refreshingly quiet in comparison to many other museums and galleries. The second-floor Grand Salon, which has recently been renovated in the style of a 19th-century picture gallery, displays paintings and sculpture and is decorated with period furniture. Permanent and touring exhibitions of fine craftwork fill other parts of the building.
RFK Stadium

Home to one baseball and two soccer teams as well as rock festivals.
Ristorante Terrazza

The northern Italian food here is creative without being radical: calamari; garlic-crusted red snapper; home-made pasta; tiramisù . On the second floor of the office building over the Friendship Heights Metro stop, it has an outdoor terrace for warm evenings.
Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton provides the finest quality furnishings – Egyptian cotton sheets and down pillows – to make guests comfortable. The marble bathrooms are roomy. Internet access provided in all rooms.
Rock Creek Park

This vast national park meanders with its namesake creek, offering something for everyone: woodland trails, 30 picnic areas, 25 tennis courts, a golf course, playing fields, and nature programs for kids and adults (see Rock Creek Park Nature Center).
Rock Creek Park Nature Center

The short nature trail here is only 1-mile (1.5-km) long (see Rock Creek Park) so it is easily negotiated by children. Many native species can be spotted en route, including foxes, racoons and deer. There is also a small planetarium. A number of activities that appeal to children, including arts and crafts workshops, are scheduled throughout the year. On a sunny day, this is also a great place to bring a picnic, and enjoy one of the city’s truly natural environments. In other parts of the park there are also tennis courts and horse riding trails.
Roof Terrace Restaurant

At the Kennedy Center, this elegant restaurant has unrivaled views. Try sea bass with horseradish or venison with sweet potato.
Running

Runners are everywhere in Washington. The Mall is popular, as are the walkways around the Tidal Basin, Georgetown Water-front, the C&O Canal, and Rock Creek Park.
Sam T. Rayburn

Rayburn (1882–1961) witnessed the administrations of eight presidents.

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