MUSEUMS
Art fans, tuck in! This free museum houses an extensive collection in three gorgeous spaces; a neoclassical gallery, a modern gallery, and not-to-be-missed sculpture garden.
6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Yellow/Green)
Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
Bonus---it’s two museums in one! Scope out your favorite presidential portraiture while viewing awesome American art. Plan to rest awhile in the breathtaking interior courtyard.
8th and F Streets NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Yellow/Green/Red)
Love architecture and design? The massive Great Hall here beckons you in and presents a treasure trove of family-friendly exhibits devoted to built spaces.
401 F St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Yellow/Green/Red) or Judiciary Square (Red)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This museum--one of our city’s first on the National Mall--offers a chance to sketch dinosaur skeletons, live butterflies, and the Hope Diamond in one visit.
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW
Nearest Metro: Smithsonian (Orange/Blue/Silver)<
The Newseum presents stories of news and journalism in an interactive forum. Examine Pulitzer Prize-winning photos, pretend to be a TV news anchor, and see front pages from around the world.
555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Yellow/Green)
There are more spies per capita working in DC than anywhere else. Come here to assume your own cover story and learn their history, tradecraft, and secrets. This is a fun one!
800 F St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown (Yellow/Green/Red)
SIGHTS
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Farragut West or McPherson Square (Orange/Blue/Silver)
Someone once told us that true lovers of DC never lose their awe at the sight of the capitol. We still love it and you will too! Try to book tours in advance.
East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver) or Union Station (Red)
This gothic-style beauty will make you feel like you’ve traveled to 14th-century Europe. It houses the remains of notable Americans and is decorated with many sculptures, including a Darth Vader gargoyle!
3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC
See bus options or take a taxi/Uber/Lyft
Supreme Court & Library of Congress
Two amazing places that call each other neighbor. The former (open M-F) is a neoclassical temple to justice; the latter (open M-Sa) has a main reading room will take your breath away.
1 First Street, NE & 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Capitol South (Orange/Blue/Silver) or Union Station (Red)
OUTDOORS
Accessed from the VA-side of the Potomac, this memorial to our 26th president is a woodland oasis in the city. Miles of trails through forest and swamp honor Teddy’s conservationist spirit!
Nearest Metro: Rosslyn (Orange/Blue/Silver)
This verdant respite on the mall is a stone’s throw from the capitol steps and a great way to “get outdoors” on a rainy day. This year the gardens will hold an exhibit to honor the flora of our National Parks.
100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Federal Center SW (Orange/Blue/Silver)
Only 15 miles from downtown DC, Great Falls features an impressive set of waterfalls churning through a gorge as the Potomac come off the piedmont. A great spot for a half-day hike!
9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA
Take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft
Need an adrenaline rush?! Spend a few moments at Gravelly Point with other plane spotters as jets fly incredibly close overhead before landing at National Airport. Perfect for picnics!
On the Northbound Side of the George Washington Memorial Parkway
Walk (40 min) or Bike (10 min) from Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel
ARTS
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
It’s the “KenCen” to its fans! You’ll become a fan too when you visit this living memorial’s Hall of Nations, Hall of States, and Millenium Stage performances. Check out their free tours (in many languages!)
2700 F St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom - GWU (Orange/Blue/Silver)
It’s the only National Park for the performing arts AND it’s the best place to enjoy an al fresco dinner while enjoying dance, theater, opera, and popular musicians. Check the schedule to see what’s on!
1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
Wolf Trap Express Shuttle from the West Falls Church Metro Station (Orange Line)
This old, riverside munitions plant is now an eclectic art gallery and studio. It’s a great place to shop for the wares of over 160 resident artists.
105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA
Nearest Metro: King Street - Old Town (Blue/Yellow)
This state-of-the-art concert space is our favorite venue to catch top-name rock, punk, hip-hop and country acts nightly. Every local has a favorite show they’ve seen at the 9:30!
815 V St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green/Yellow)
SHOPPING
Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom - GWU or Rosslyn (Orange/Blue/Silver)
Go on a treasure hunt for furniture, crafts, jewelry, and art in Capitol Hill’s Eastern Market. Then, treat your tastebuds to their own reward on Barrack’s Row. Ask a local for recommendations!
Nearest Metro: Eastern Market (Orange/Blue/Silver)
Local chains (like Lou Lou) and recognizable names line the area surrounding the city’s most well-known traffic circle. Check out some funky gift shops and bookstores (like Kramerbooks) too!
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red)
FOOD
Farm to table + Diner. What’s not to love? Tuck into a free range, sustainably raised burger or farm fresh Amish egg omelet. Your stomach and conscience will thank you.
3200 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Nearest Metro: Clarendon (Orange/Silver)
Northside Social Coffee & Wine Bar
This cozy old house is always bursting with the smell of fresh coffee and neighborhood conversation. A tasty baked treat (we love their pop tarts!) can accompany your beverage of choice while lounging in the wine bar or outside on the patio perfect for people watching.
3211 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Nearest Metro: Clarendon (Orange/Silver)
Even the Obamas want a bite. Stop by this DC institution for a half-smoke and a taste of history at the original U Street location. Can’t make it to the city? The Arlington location is just as delicious.
1725 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA or 1213 U St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Rosslyn (Orange/Blue/Silver) OR U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green/Yellow)
Two neighbors started a food truck and seven years later they have taken over the district with tasty, Yucatan style tacos. The Al Pastor is not to miss.
First, Sandra Bullock used to work here when she was in high school. More importantly, these gourmet Italian sandwiches and pizza are TO DIE FOR.
3123 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA
Nearest Metro: Clarendon (Orange/Silver)
This historic restaurant is the oldest saloon in Washington. Founded in 1856, every who’s who of DC has dined here from McKinley to Teddy Roosevelt.
675 15th St NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Metro Center (Orange/Blue/Silver/Red)
This Spanish tapas gem serves up favorites of Chef José Andrés like paella and sangria. A perfect spot to unwind over a few small plates.
2250-A Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA
Walk from Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (7 min)
Good Stuff Eatery
Burgers. Fries. Milkshakes. All within a short walk of the hotel. Yum!
2110 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA
Walk from Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (8 min)
Tazza works with local farmers to bring you really diverse, ingenious, and tasty food. You'll love this place. Really, you will.
2931 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
Taxi/Uber/Lyft (5 min from Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel)
This place always ends up on the top of our rec list to friends! It's got a great atmosphere, extensive cocktail list, and fantastic farm-to-table food.
1924 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Foggy Bottom - GWU or Farragut West (Orange/Blue/Silver)
Wood-fired pizza and cocktails? Yes please! This local chain is a favorite wherever it pops up.
Rose’s delicious food has it on must-eat lists nationwide and has quickly become the buzziest restaurant in town! They don't take reservations which results in long waits. If you're a dedicated foodie, talk to locals about line mitigation strategies.
717 8th St SE, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Eastern Market (Orange/Blue/Silver)
DESSERT
We can’t tell you how much we love Dairy Godmother’s custard and desserts in this small of a space. If you want to go, we might just drive you over. :-)
2310 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA
Take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft
It’s small-batch ice cream with a presidential endorsement! Do it. Then, tell us all about it.
3214 P St NW, Washington, DC
Take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft
You guys, this might be the cutest place for dessert in all of DC. Hidden from the hubbub of Georgetown in Cady’s Alley, Leopold’s pastries will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Austria.
3315 M St. NW, Washington, DC
Take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft
DRINKS
It’s a bar filled with board games--what could be better! They don’t serve any food (you can have it delivered to you) but they do serve fun.
1737 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red)
Voted best wine bar in DC! Located at the east end of the H Street Corridor, Pursuit features an extensive by-the-glass wine list paired with contemporary American comfort foods.
1421 H St NE, Washington, DC
Take a Taxi/Uber/Lyft or see Bus times
Spinning restaurant? Yep, we’ve got one of those! Skydome offers a great view of the capital skyline and is a short hop from the conference hotel.
300 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA
Nearest Metro: Crystal City or Pentagon City (Blue/Yellow)
With a huge space, stellar cocktails, and 40 drafts, Highline is a great place to escape the hotel and relax with a drink. We love their bacon nuts!
2010 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA
Walk from Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel (7 min)