Southwest Travel Guide
Washington
Popular places to visit
National Mall
Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.
National Air and Space Museum
Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.
International Spy Museum
The shadowy world of espionage comes under the spotlight in a museum where nothing is quite as it seems.
Museum of the Bible
You can study the exhibits at Museum of the Bible, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and shops.
Tidal Basin
Embellished by the pink hues of cherry blossoms in spring, this scenic reservoir is surrounded by memorials to important figures in the development of the nation.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
You can study the exhibits at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's entertainment choices and notable monuments.
Things to do
Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Lunch Cruise
Full Day: City Tour with 10 Stops, Boat Cruise, Admission Tickets
One day tour Washington & Philadelphia from New York
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission
George Washington's Mount Vernon Gardens & Grounds Admission
Top hotels in Southwest
Salamander Washington DC
Run of the mill breakfast buffet with no custom order options. The room was clean but dated. I needed to request a refrigerator to be brought to my room as I travel with medicine that requires refrigeration.
Reviewed on 16 Dec 2025
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Spotless and courteous.
Reviewed on 18 Dec 2025
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Clean rooms. Great breakfast. Friendly service.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2025
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
I loved this hotel! Shout out to Kitana for her excellent service. The hotel was so clean and beautifully decorated. We will be back!
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
yes. bellman helpful
Reviewed on 17 Dec 2025
Placemakr Buzzard Point
Room was nicely updated and clean but location was not what I was looking for. I didn’t realize this was not a hotel and more of an apartment where there wasn’t any amenities other than a work out room. Room was empty and I couldn’t find anywhere close to even get a bottle of water. Once again could ...
Reviewed on 15 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
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.
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 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.
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.
Crystal City
Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Synetic Theater. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.
Penn Quarter
While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like United States Navy Memorial and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.
