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The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.

Pictured: Tulips bloom outside the U.S. Capitol

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Capitol Hill

Recognizable by the iconic U.S. Capitol Building, "the Hill" is where the business of Washington happens. Tour the Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court and the Library of Congress for a glimpse into official Washington and then head to Eastern Market, where Hill staffers spend their down time.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Capitol Hill Row Houses
Insider's Guide to Capitol Hill
Explore the neighborhood beyond the dome of the U.S. Capitol.
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The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.
Learn About Visiting the U.S. Capitol
See history in the making by touring one of America's most iconic buildings. (Tip: You have to plan ahead!)
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Capitol Hill Restaurants
All that political wrangling makes for a hearty appetite! Politicos and locals rub shoulders at these must-eat destinations.
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DC Travel Inspiration

Trip Ideas

Shop in one of DC's oldest and swankiest neighborhoods with a trip to Georgetown. The riverfront neighborhood has local and national boutiques and restaurants along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
Unique Boutiques in DC
From local designers to one-of-a-kind crafts, DC’s unique boutiques are thriving.
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The Capitol Visitor’s Center is located underneath the plaza on building’s Eastern side. U.S. Capitol tour passes should be reserved in advance through the Visitor’s Center website or through your state's member of Congress.
Capitol Hill Attractions
Soak up the nation's history at two crucial libraries, a historic train station and the U.S. Capitol itself.
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Art and Soul Restaurant
Capitol Hill Restaurants
Formal and family options make the Hill a must-eat destination.
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The U.S. Capitol isn't just for politicians. The public is welcome on the grounds for performances and other events.
Capitol Hill
Get to know the vibrant neighborhood that thrives in the shadow of the Capitol dome.
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Located just outside the city in Landover, MD, FedEx Field is home to the burgundy and gold Redskins, as well as many other high-profile events and concerts.
NFL Gameday Bars
Belly up to these football-loving bars to cheer on your favorite team every Sunday.
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Jaleo by José Andrés opened in DC's Penn Quarter in 1993 and quickly became a staple of the neighborhood. Known for its tapas and paellas, the restaurant underwent a stylish redesign in 2012.
DC Dining for Families
Whether a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite from a food truck, DC's got what you're craving.
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Eastern Market hosts permanent fresh food vendors, a flea market and a farmer's market, one of the city's largest, on weekends. Market Lunch, a hot-food counter inside, serves terrific crab cakes and blueberry pancakes.
Washington, DC Farmers' Markets
Sample the flavors of the season at DC's farmers' markets, where you'll find food and entertainment.
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Merchants of the farmer’s market at Eastern Market sell produce, meat and fish daily, and on weekends you can also find crafts and antiques.
Capitol Hill Shopping
Shopping is geared toward the nester: find home goods, a bike store and doggie boutique/daycare.
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Miles of trails, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and fun bike and Segway tours invite travelers to explore as they exercise. DC's Cultural Tourism sponsors free, guided Walkington and Bikington tours in the spring and fall.
African American Heritage Tours
Explore Washington DC's rich African American heritage with these educational tours.
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DC's oldest continually operating fresh food market, Eastern Market attracts vendors and visitors on weekends. Find fresh flowers, used books, baked goods, preserves and other tasteful (and tasty!) souvenirs.
Eastern Market
Washington, DC’s oldest continually operated fresh food public market, located on Capitol Hill.
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Seafood in DC
Located near the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, DC is known for its seafood specialties such as delicious blue crab cakes and tasty rockfish. Cozy up to an oyster bar or take a stroll through the oldest operating fish market in the United States.
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D.C. United is one of the signature franchises in Major League Soccer, having won four MLS Cups while reaching the postseason 10 times.
D.C. United
As Washington, DC's official MLS team, D.C. United brings non-stop action to RFK Stadium.
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For 24 days in December, Penn Quarter's Downtown Holiday Market hosts more than 60 vendors displaying jewelry, pottery, paintings, textiles and more - including freshly made donuts!
Holiday Shopping
You don’t need to check your list twice when you’ve got this many holiday shopping options in Washington, DC.
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The Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman
Military Bowl by Northrop Grumman is an exciting new holiday tradition in the nation's capital.
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The Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown is home to a lovely lounge perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or a luxurious happy hour.
Restaurants with Fireplaces
After a day of touring the District, tuck in to a delicious dinner at one of these five restaurants -- all featuring cozy fireplaces.
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One of the most iconic shots in all of DC, it's not hard to take advantage of this photo op yourself. It was taken from across the Memorial Bridge.
Tours of DC's Monuments & Memorials
No trip to Washington, DC is complete without touring our celebrated monuments and memorials.
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The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.
Visiting the U.S. Capitol
Learn how to tour the U.S. Capitol -- you might get to see Congress in session while you're there.
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The Lincoln Memorial seemingly rises from the snow on a winter day in DC.
DC Itinerary: 5 Days in Winter
Stay warm in Washington, DC, during your winter visit by checking out these hot attractions.
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The African American Civil War Museum in Shaw honors the 209,000 soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union between 1861-1865.
DC Itinerary: 5 Days of Civil Rights
Explore civil rights attractions and experiences over 5 days in Washington, DC.
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Fort Stevens, located at 13th and Quackenbos St. NW, was one of many forts built to fortify DC during the Civil War. In 1864, it was the site of a battle where President Lincoln briefly came under fire.
DC Itinerary: Civil War to Civil Rights in 5 Days
Follow this five-day itinerary to experience Washington, DC's Civil War to Civil Rights attractions.
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The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
Civil War to Civil Rights: A Spy's-Eye View
Check out these Top 10 recommendations from a DC insider.
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Family-Friendly Attractions from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Help your kids discover the city's history in two history-altering eras.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Explore these lesser-known Civil War attractions and historical locations.
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Food & Drink from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Era
Eat and drink your way through locations in DC that played a part in the Civil War or civil rights.
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The seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is 19 feet high and weighs 175 tons.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in Abraham Lincoln's Footsteps
Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln through these Civil War to Civil Rights experiences.
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Post-Inauguration balls and galas celebrate the newly-elected president. Smiles and good times are had by all - especially the president himself.
DC Itinerary: Play in President Obama's Backyard
Spend a few days tracing the footsteps of the First Family around Washington, DC.
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A Christmas Carol at historic Ford’s Theatre is a holiday tradition for many Washingtonians and visitors alike. The timeless Dickens tale follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he journeys through his life with the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future.
Theater & Performing Arts in Washington, DC
Washington, DC sets the stage for a thriving performing arts and theater scene.
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The Great Hall of the National Building Museum is approximately 15 stories high at its tallest point.
Stay Indoors: Winter Activities in Washington, DC
Baby, it's cold outside, but don't worry -- DC has plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy.
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Celebrity clientele at this U Street food staple include Barack Obama and Bill Cosby, but it's the half smokes at Ben's Chili Bowl that have kept it in business for more than 50 years.
Dining by Neighborhood in Washington, DC
Take your taste buds on a tour through DC's distinct -- and flavorful -- neighborhoods.
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Georgetown is home to many swanky shops such as Ralph Lauren.
DC's Shopping Districts
Score high-end fashions to bargain consignment looks throughout the neighborhoods of Washington, DC.
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Leopold’s Kafe, a restaurant tucked amid the home furnishing and design shops of Cady’s Alley between M Street and the C&O Canal, offers not only Viennese-style dishes, coffee, and pastries, but also a refreshing retreat from Georgetown’s busy streets.
DC Itinerary: Explore the District's Diverse Neighborhoods
Follow this insiders' tour and dive into the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC.
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Signature landmarks on the National Mall: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, all bathed in twilight.
DC Itinerary: 3 Days in the Nation's Capital
Make these must-dos part of your to-do list and hit the highlights of the nation's capital.
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Civil War to Civil Rights: Music
Washington, DC has some of its deepest roots in music. Explore these top 10 music makers.
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