Southwest Travel Guide

Washington

Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC, USA
These slightly-larger-than-life statues depict American troops crossing the rugged Korean terrain.  I found their imposing size, heavy gear, and relentless gazes a sobering reminder of the toil required to wage war.
The Washington Memorial is still as impressive today as when it stood as the world's tallest structure from 1884 - 1889.  It took more than 40 years to complete (partly due to the Civil War), and if you look closely you can see exactly where construction halted and resumed - a new quarry was used and the marble is a different color.

Photo taken in late Dec 2018, with the flags at half-staff to honor the passing of President Bush.
The Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Southwest

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Southwest

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW Washington DC
The price is Rp2.730.238 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
Rp2.730.238
Rp3.165.711 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,176 reviews)
This hotel is great. Lobby area has two huge relaxing areas with tvs, computers, couches, tables, comfy chairs with a nice museum feel. Rooms are cozy, a bit small, but super modern. All lights(to include color settings, mood settings, bathroom lighting), tv, blinds are controlled via user friendly ...

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

5 out of 5
1330 Maryland Ave, SW Washington DC
The price is Rp8.139.840 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
Rp8.139.840
Rp10.126.300 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,106 reviews)
By far the best hotel experience I've had. The hospitality was impeccable!

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

Salamander Washington DC
Placemakr Buzzard Point

Placemakr Buzzard Point

4 out of 5
101 V St SW Washington DC
The price is Rp3.612.054 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
Rp3.612.054
Rp4.188.177 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions National Mall and Smithsonian ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (158 reviews)
I loved my stay there. The staff was so nice and helpful. I would definitely stay again.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Placemakr Buzzard Point
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

3.5 out of 5
725 Wharf Street SW Washington DC
The price is Rp3.645.970 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
Rp3.645.970
Rp4.227.502 total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,877 reviews)
Everything was great. Beyond clean, amazing and kind staff, delicious food. Beautiful view - river view definitely worth the extra money

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW Washington DC
The price is Rp3.798.592 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
Rp3.798.592
Rp4.404.501 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,891 reviews)
Had problem with no hot water the first night. Staff changed our room and everything wonderful after that. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Perfect location to see the National mall and all its sights.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

5 out of 5
801 Wharf Street SW Washington DC
The price is Rp5.782.678 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
Rp5.782.678
Rp7.393.171 total
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,066 reviews)
The proximity of the hotel to the Anthem is amazing! A one minute walk and lots of restaurants nearby. Lovely hotel and helpful staff.

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Southwest

Washington Monument Surrounded Cherry Blossoms DC

The Wharf

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.

The Wharf
The Yard Waterfront Park in Washington DC on the Pedestrian Walkway

Southwest Waterfront

While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.

Southwest Waterfront
Quiet, Peaceful, Beautiful Arlington National Cemetery

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
Another shot from the Potomac river.  Cool night shots
#URBANJUNGLE

Navy Yard

While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.

Navy Yard
Water Park and modern fountain in Crystal City

Crystal City

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Long Bridge Park. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
Aerial photo overlooking the Penn Quarter, Constitution Avenue & north-side of the Mall, District of Columbia

Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like Sidney Harman Hall and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter


Southwest Travel Guide