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.
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 acclaimed theatre scene and shops.
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.
L'Enfant Plaza
During your trip to Washington, you can do some window-shopping at L'Enfant Plaza. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.
Things to do
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise
Odyssey Washington D.C. Premier 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Live Band
Washington by Night: Small Group Sightseeing Tour via Electric Vehicle
Washington DC Night-Time City Tour
Smithsonian Highlights Walking Tour w/ Reserved Air & Space Entry
Top hotels in Southwest
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025
Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025
Salamander Washington DC
Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025
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 Gangplank Marina.
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 FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.
Hotels Near Southwest, Washington
- Northwest Hotels
- Old Town Alexandria Hotels
- Capitol Hill Hotels
- The Wharf Hotels
- Southwest Federal Center Hotels
- Navy Yard Hotels
- Southeast Hotels
- Buzzard Point Hotels
- Oxon Hill-Glassmanor Hotels
- Capitol Riverfront Hotels
- Congress Heights Hotels
- Bellevue Hotels
- Blue Plains Hotels
- Washington Highlands Hotels