Southwest Travel Guide
Washington
Visit Southwest
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.
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.
The Anthem
You can get tickets for a performance at The Anthem on your trip to Washington. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
International Spy Museum
The shadowy world of espionage comes under the spotlight in a museum where nothing is quite as it seems.
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
Washington DC Monuments & Highlights: Small-Group Electric Cart Tour
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour
Museum of the Bible Admission Ticket
U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour with Rotunda & Crypts
Top hotels in Southwest
Salamander Washington DC
"Only stayed one night. The location is not the best but it is brand new and very nice. It was formerly the Mandarin Oriental. It is a very nice hotel."
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
"A quiet area but close to the capitol and all museums. CitizenM concept fits perfectly for business trips with nice lounge area to work in. Very nice breakfast and bar food too."
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2026
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
"Good"
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
"Didn’t really like the breakfast or the options for food inside the hotel."
Reviewed on 4 Jun 2026
Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
"Everything was lovely. We had a great stay."
Reviewed on 3 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
"We loved having a real Starbucks in the hotel. The rooms are nice, and the location is excellent. The only problem is the pool needs to open earlier. It was 93 when we stayed there in mid-April, but the pool hadn’t opened yet."
Reviewed on 6 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Southwest
Downtown Washington D.C.
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of Women in the Arts, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.
Northwest
Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.
Georgetown
Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.
Old Town Alexandria
Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Athenaeum and Alexandria City Hall. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.
Dupont Circle
Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.
