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.

Capitol Hill Suites

This suites-only hotel was recreated from an apartment building, and the result is large spaces with kitchens or kitchenettes. Near the Library of Congress, the US Capitol, and Eastern Market.
Carnegie Library

Andrew Carnegie’s campaign to build libraries across America (he funded 1,679 in all) changed the country forever. This magnificent Beaux Arts building has been fully restored and is operated by the Historical Society of Washington, DC.
Caroline Harrison

The wife of Benjamin Harrison (1889–93) founded the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Carter Barron Amphitheater

Best known for the Shakespeare Free For All.
Cascade Café

Behind a glass wall in the National Gallery of Art concourse is a man-made waterfall spilling over a stepped cascade. Facing this view is an attractive café with a wide range of hot and cold food.
Cedar Hill

Frederick Douglass and his wife Anna became the first African-American family in Anacostia when they moved into this estate in 1877. Born a slave, Douglass became America’s most effective anti-slavery speaker. Accessible by Tourmobile (see Tour Bus Lines).
Cedar Hill

Frederick Douglass, a former slave, made many speeches for the rights of African-Americans, and was an adviser to Abraham Lincoln. He and his wife, Anna, moved into this Gothic-Italian-style house in 1877. In the garden is a humble stone hut nicknamed “The Growlery,” which Douglass used as a study.
Ceramic Teapots

Ceramic teapots in various colors, styles, and sizes. The most popular are the decorative mini teapots. In the National Museum of Natural History.
Channel Inn

This hotel is directly on the Southwest Waterfront, with a great view of Washington Channel and Haines Point and a five-minute walk to the Fish Wharf. The bedrooms have an English-country look, and each has a small balcony – a joy in good weather.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Like so many features of the area, the C&O Canal grew from a dream of George Washington’s as a gateway to commerce with the US lands to the west (“west” meaning Ohio at the time). Coal, flour, fur, timber, whiskey, iron ore, and other goods traveled on barges, towed by mules walking along canalside paths. The canal’s commercial days are over, but its entire length from Georgetown to Maryland has been turned into one of the most beloved national parks. Visitors can experience the beauty and serenity of the canal by walking about a block south from M Street, NW and turning west onto the towpath. The National Park Service Visitor Center for the C&O has terrific guidance for enjoying the canal. Guided tours and seasonal mule-powered barge rides on the canal are offered.

Jump to top

Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$350
- $350–$500
- over $500
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$50
- $50–$75
- $75–$100
- over $100