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.
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.
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 notable monuments.
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 acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments.
Things to do
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
Capitol Hill Tour with US Capitol & Library of Congress Admission
See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket
Top hotels in Southwest
Salamander Washington DC
Staff was wonderful. I'd offer people more water in the room, not sure I understood why minibar doesn't come stocked. But every staff person we encountered was just lovely.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Nice, clean room, with everything you would need. Besides the fact that the place is gorgeous. Food is pretty good
Reviewed on 9 Jan 2026
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
great hotel! would stay again
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Room was exactly how I imagined! Perfectly located.
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
The nicest staff. The hotel was spotless. Our bed was comfortable. We loved our stay and will definitely book here again on our next trip to DC!
Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026
Placemakr Buzzard Point
I genuinely enjoyed the room and view but the service, top notch. I needed an iron, brand new one provided. I needed suggestions for parking, multiple given. The staff were funny and I enjoyed talking to the ladies and young man in the office. I stayed in 623 and would have no problem coming back ...
Reviewed on 6 Jan 2026
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 The Municipal Fish Market at The Wharf.
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.
