MAP IT
When you’re ready to explore outside of your sessions, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences within easy reach.
Kick off your adventure at the International Spy Museum, a treasure trove of espionage intrigue. Test your sleuthing skills through immersive, interactive exhibits featuring real gadgets and covert techniques used by spies throughout history. Trace the footsteps of double agents, decode hidden messages and learn how secret intelligence has shaped the world as we know it. It’s an experience that goes beyond traditional museums, giving you a taste of the hidden world of espionage right in the heart of DC.
A quick 8-minute walk or free shuttle ride from the Spy Museum, The Wharf is a lively waterfront area packed with dining, shopping and riverside views. Sample fresh local seafood at popular spots like Hank’s Oyster Bar, pick up DC-made souvenirs at Shop Made in DC or sip a handcrafted espresso at Colada Shop. In warmer months, venture onto the water with a paddleboard or kayak to explore the Potomac’s Washington Channel or catch a scenic water taxi to Georgetown for an effortless cruise along the river.
DC’s verdant National Mall is home to a selection of must-see museums, all free and within a short distance from your hotel:
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: Discover the world of contemporary art with constantly changing exhibits featuring sculptures, multimedia and cutting-edge installations.
- National Museum of the American Indian: Journey through rich cultural and historical narratives of Native peoples across the Americas, housed in a striking building with a curving stone façade.
- National Air and Space Museum: Recently renovated, this favorite attraction features historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts, from the first flights to Mars rovers.
- United States Botanic Garden: Escape in a tropical paradise as you wander through themed garden rooms showcasing everything from desert flora to blooming botanicals.
Located by the Southwest Waterfront, Arena Stage is a premiere destination for American theater. Known for productions that spotlight diverse voices, the theater provides an intimate setting to enjoy everything from modern plays to comedies and American classics.
Nothing captures DC’s historic grandeur quite like a moonlit tour of the monuments on the National Mall. Choose a guided tour by bike, bus, or scooter to witness iconic landmarks like the Washington
Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial illuminated under the night sky. It’s a magical way to see DC’s most celebrated site.
If you are looking to explore outside of the National Mall Campus, getting around the city is seamless. Use DC’s accessible public transportation options, such as metro or bus, or choose to walk to your destination. Pack more into your journey by traveling along these streets and making stops along the way.
4th Street Corridor
The 4th Street Corridor is sprinkled with hidden gems to experience as you make your way south from the National Mall to the Wharf. On the southside of the National Mall, tour the newly renovated Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum or the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Continue down 4th street and check out the Museum of the Bible or the Eisenhower Memorial. As you continue toward the Wharf, see the Gallery of Southwest, celebrating DC SW artist, or saunter over to the Southwest Duck Pond for some bird watching.
10th Street Corridor
Veer away from the National Mall at the Smithsonian Castle and explore its gardens that lead to 10th street. Walk toward the Spy Museum and stop in to see the iconic vehicles of 007 and become a spy yourself. Continue down the brick path, past Benjamin Banneker Park and onto the Wharf where you will find a lively waterfront restaurant and bar scene.
Transportation Options:
- Metro: L’Enfant Plaza (Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, Green lines), Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver, Blue lines), Smithsonian (Orange, Silver, Blue lines)
- Bus: 52, 74, 16E, P6 Routes
- Bike: Capital Bikeshare stations
- Rideshare: Circuit Rideshare (on-demand neighborhood shuttle funded by SWBID's Mobility Innovation District)
Partner Content