The Open Road Travel

As a relatively small city, many people don’t seem to be as concerned with finding the best areas to stay in Washington D.C. as they would be in most other cities.

While that may not seem like much of an issue at first glance, it can make things a little more complicated on further inspection.

Washington D.C. is a fabulous, historic city and, while it is true that many of its most famous attractions are located quite close together, the location you choose to stay for your trip can play an important role in determining the success of your vacation.

From the attractions or amenities present to the price and convenience of the location, Washington D.C. is a city that has a variety of options, each suited to a different type of traveller.

So, if you’re planning a trip to “The District” and want to ensure it goes smoothly from start to finish, this is the article for you.

Washington D.C. is the national capital of the United States and has been since the city was founded in 1790. Located on the east coast of the U.S., Washington D.C. is filled with a number of the most famous and historic attractions in the entire country.

With many of them within walking distance of one another, Washington D.C. is a perfect destination for people of all tastes and interests to enjoy a trip filled with amazing sights and sounds from start to finish.

Named after the first president of the United States and one of its founding fathers, George Washington, Washington D.C. is located on land donated by Virginia and Maryland, to avoid any issues arising from a single state being selected for the honour.

With a population of nearly 700,000, D.C. ranks as the 20th most populous city in the country, while the 70 square miles it covers gives it the highest population density in the nation.

It is also among America’s most visited cities, with over 20 million tourists arriving each year.

The best time to visit Washington D.C. for most people will be between the end of April and the middle of October.

This is the period when the city experiences its most pleasant temperatures, ensuring you can enjoy all of the attractions, without constantly worrying about the weather.

However, Washington D.C. and the town of Alexandria in the neighbouring state of Virginia are also known to feature some of the best festivities and parades in the country on Presidents Day.

For anyone hoping to experience this occasion, February is the time to visit, although the exact date changes each year.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in Washington D.C., I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling to the capital of the United States.

Downtown Washington D.C. is the heart of the city and is by far the best area to stay in Washington D.C. for sightseeing. The main reason for this is that it connects directly to the National Mall And Memorial Parks.

The National Mall And Memorial Parks is an administrative district controlled by the National Parks Service which contains many of the iconic landmarks that Washington D.C. is famous for, all within walking distance of one another.

Among them, you have the Lincoln Memorial And Reflecting Pool, Washington Monument, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and numerous other memorials dedicated to the remembrance of influential figures and veterans of wars throughout the years.

In the southwest of the area, you also have West Potomac Park. While many of the aforementioned monuments are found in this area, it is also equally well known for its Sakura Japanese Cherry Trees.

The blossoming of these trees creates a beautiful landscape, with many people visiting specifically to see them at the height of their season. This creates a perfect opportunity for people to see a slightly more natural side of the national capital.

To the north of the National Mall, you then have The White House, home to every serving United States President during their term, with the exception of George Washington.

Even if you aren’t interested in history, The White House is a can’t miss photo opportunity for any visitors to the city.

This part of Downtown is also the best area to stay in Washington D.C for museums. Many of the biggest and best museums in not just Washington D.C. but the entire country are located here.

From famous choices like the Smithsonian National Museums Of American History, Natural History, and Air And Space, to the National Museum Of The American Indian, National Children’s Museum, and Art Museum Of the Americas, there is a museum to suit people of all interests here.

In a similar vein, there are also a number of art galleries, installations, and locations like Ford’s Theatre, and the Washington Equestrian Statue dotted about, providing an ideal opportunity for fans of history and art to explore to their hearts content for days.

Aside from all of the famous attractions, Downton Washington D.C. also boasts many of the features you would expect from the centre of a major city.

Countless stylish bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops are located in every direction, ensuring visitors have plenty of luxurious places to stay and dine. Whether you are searching for busy days or an exciting, vibrant nightlife, Downtown Washington D.C. has you covered.

This is even where you will find the Capitol One Arena, a 20,000 seat indoor arena that is home to the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards of the NHL and NBA respectively.

With MMA, wrestling, gymnastics and more also taking place here, it provides a perfect opportunity to take in a sporting event during your stay in the city.

Stay In Downtown If:

• You want everything within walking distance
• You want to explore the National Mall
• You plan to visit The White House
• Exploring museums and art galleries sounds like fun
• You want to see all of the most famous attractions in the city
• You want a great range of bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops
• You want to see either the Washington Capitals or Washington Wizards play
• You are attending an event at the Capital One Arena
  

The Willard InterContinental Washington is a beautiful, 4-star hotel that is among the finest establishments in the city.

Located just a short walk from Presidents Park and the National Mall, it offers stunning views and easy access to some of the most famous attractions in Washington D.C

The historic hotel features exquisite architecture, both inside and out, with communal areas like a 24-hour lounge giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and take it all in.

An on-site café and restaurant prepare fresh pastries and gourmet French cuisine, while a wine bar with an extensive drinks’ menu ensures you have access to plenty of high quality food and drink for the duration of your stay.

Other amenities at the property include a fitness centre and sauna, as well as a wide range of shops and even a florist. Guests who prioritise the finer things in life will be particularly fond of the private limo and concierge services that are available at the property.

The rooms themselves are feature an equally stylish décor and provide incredible views of your historic surroundings.

Meanwhile, amenities like air conditioning, a flat screen TV, coffee maker, mini bar, stereo, work desk, and Wi-Fi ensure the upmost comfort and convenience.

Northwest Washington is the largest of the four quadrants of the city and encompasses parts of the northern section of Downtown Washington and the National Mall.

What makes this the best area to stay in Washington D.C. for families is the fact that you have quick and easy access to many of the city’s most famous attractions, while having a little more room to breathe, as the neighbourhood gets quieter the further north you go.

This is ideal for people travelling with children, who don’t want to have them caught up in crowds the whole time or spend ages travelling in and out of the city centre each day.

Northwest Washington is also home to some of the most popular attractions in the city that aren’t located in the National Mall.

Washington National Cathedral is one of the largest and most popular churches in the United States.

With its grand architecture, beautiful works of art, rich history, and beautiful vistas available from its peak, it provides a perfect chance to take in both the religious history and landscape of the city.

You then have the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, the oldest zoo in the United States.

Take advantage of its free admission to see its incredible collection of more than 2,000 animals, which includes amphibians, birds, insects, reptiles, aquatic animals, apes, elephants, pandas, and big cats.

Other attractions dotted throughout the district include the Hillwood Estate, Museum, & Gardens, Pierce Mill, United States Naval Observatory, Kreeger Museum, Dumbarton Oaks Museum, Phillips Collection, Old Stone House, and Tudor Place Historic House And Garden.

When combined with the attractions in the National Mall, this all makes Northwest Washington the best area to stay in Washington D.C. for tourists, as you have access to almost all of the most famous locations in the city.

Stay In Northwest Washington If:

• You are travelling with family
• You want to be near the city centre but have plenty of room to move about
• Visiting the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is on your itinerary
• The history, architecture, and views of the Washington National Cathedral interest you
  

The Omni Shoreham Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Northwest quadrant, a short distance from both the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Washington National Cathedral.

The elegantly decorated property is filled with attractions to keep you entertained throughout your stay, such as an outdoor pool, sauna, bar, café, restaurant, a fully equipped fitness centre, a bike rental service, and a spa offering massages, facials, and more.

There is even a lavish, landscaped garden for you to take a stroll in and relax.

Meanwhile, the rooms are all pet friendly, air conditioned, and boast stylish décor and comfortable furnishings. Wi-Fi is also available throughout the property and all guests have access to private parking.

Capitol Hill is located at the eastern end of the National Mall and centres around the United States Capitol Building. More than 200 years old, the building boasts stunning architecture that has been imitated in buildings across the country.

Housing the most important members of the U.S. government and filled with incredible sculptures and works of art, the Capitol building is among the most popular attractions in the city and a guided tour will be on most people’s itinerary when they visit Washington D.C.

While many will assume that such a central location is reserved for businesses and corporations, a large portion of the Capitol Hill neighbourhood is actually residential.

Home to everyone from families and retirees to interns, younger professionals, and business elites, the neighbourhood is an incredibly diverse destination.

This provides the opportunity to experience some of the real culture of the city, roaming stores and establishments with a more local feel.

Much of the Capitol Hill neighbourhood is also covered by the Capitol Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National register Of Historic Places.

This includes attractions like the Congressional Cemetery, Hill Center, Library Of Congress, Marine Barracks, Supreme Court, and Washington Navy Yard, as well as a stunning collection of town and manor houses, displaying 19th century architecture.

This provides the ideal opportunity to learn about the evolution of the nation through the centuries and see its changing styles first-hand.

Capitol Hill is also among the best areas to stay in Washington D.C. for nightlife. A fabulous collection of bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants ensure there is excitement to be had every night for people of all different tastes and interests.

Despite being so close to the heart if the city, Capitol Hill’s diverse make-up means prices remain relatively low.

This ensures you can enjoy carefree nights eating, drinking, and dancing into the early hours, without constantly worrying about how much it is all going to cost you.

Those that prefer a more exciting form of entertainment will also find Nationals Park on the outskirts of the district.

A 46,000 seat outdoor stadium, it is home to Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals. This is perfect for any sports fans wanting to catch a game while they are in town.

With large ice hockey matches, concerts, and even papal masses held here through the years, it is worth checking what’s on during your visit, whether you are a fan of baseball or not.

Combine all of this and it makes Capitol Hill the best area to stay in Washington D.C. for a weekend.

With everything from historic attractions and major events to local establishments within walking distance, you can experience everything the city has to offer, no matter how short your stay is.

Stay In Capitol Hill If:

• You are staying for a weekend or shorter visit
• Visiting the United States Capitol building is at the top of your itinerary
• You want to see a Washington Nationals game or attend another event at Nationals      Park
• Nightlife is a priority during your stay
• Exploring the Capitol Hill Historic District sounds exciting
• You prefer staying in a diverse location that gives you an authentic, local feel
  

The Capitol Hill Hotel is a beautiful, 4-star property, located in the Capitol Hill Historic District, just a short walk from the United States Capitol building.

Each of the fabulous rooms is pet friendly and decorated with stylish décor, while providing amazing views of the historic surroundings. Amenities and conveniences like air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchenette also come as standard.

In the communal areas, well equipped business and fitness centres will take care of all your work and workout needs. Tea and coffee are served all day in the beautiful library, while a wine reception is held every weekday evening in the lounge.

While Arlington is technically located in the state of Virginia, on the other side of the Potomac River, it is still a tourist hotspot among visitors to the city. The reason for this is that it is home to some of the most famous attractions associated with Washington D.C.

The most famous of these are The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.

The former is the headquarters of the United States Department Of Defense, while the latter is where many United States veterans who have given their lives for their country have been buried through the years.

Surrounding these two iconic locations, you then have landmarks like the Air Force Memorial, US Marine Corps War Memorial, and National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, as well as countless other memorials, monuments, and statues.

Anyone interested in the history of the United States armed forces simply has to visit Arlington on a visit to Washington D.C.

However, what makes Arlington even more attractive is the considerably lower prices on everything from goods to accommodation that are available outside of the city centre. This is why Arlington is the best area to stay in Washington D.C. on a budget.

Bridges connect Arlington to the other three neighbourhoods we have looked at, as does the extensive Washington Metro, one of the best public transport systems in the United States.

This means you can take advantage of the lower prices on offer in Arlington, yet still get to all the major attractions of Washington D.C. in minutes.

As an added bonus, the greater space available away from the densely populated city centre means that parking isn’t at quite such a premium.

Anyone planning on bringing or renting a car should definitely give Arlington some consideration, as it is the best area to stay in Washington D.C. with free parking.

Stay In Arlington If:

• You plan to bring or rent a car and don’t want to pay extortionate amounts for      parking
• Arlington National Cemetery or The Pentagon are atop your Washington D.C. itinerary
• You are travelling on a budget
• You don’t mind being outside the centre of the city
• You are interested in the history of the United States military
  

The Crystal Gateway Marriott is conveniently located in the midst of most of Arlington’s top attractions, including The Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as well as the bridges and metro stations that connect you back to D.C.

Each of its spacious rooms is decorated with warm colours and oak furniture, while boasting Wi-Fi, air conditioning, seating areas, tea and coffee making facilities, and flat screen satellite TVs. Some even offer beautiful views across the Potomac River to Washington D.C.

The wonderful, on-site restaurant serves breakfast each morning and Mediterranean cuisine of an evening, while the bar offers a fabulous selection of drinks.

Then, when you are done, there is a fully equipped fitness centre to help you burn off everything you have just eaten and drank.

All guests will also have access to private parking, while a free shuttle is available to take you to and from the airport at the beginning and end of your stay.

Washington D.C. is an absolutely incredible destination that has perhaps more historic locations and attractions to visit than anywhere else in the United States.

This article will hopefully have provided everything you need to find the best areas to stay in Washington D.C. based on your own wants and needs.

Whether you are visiting in search of culture, history, sports, or just a good time in a great city, you should now know where best to achieve your goals.

All that’s left is to start getting attractions and hotels booked, so you don’t end up missing out on some of the things on your itinerary. After all, Washington is an incredibly popular destination.

For anyone who is looking for a little more information on the best things to do in Washington D.C. when you arrive, check out our article on the topic here for all the highlights you simply won’t want to miss.