Contents
Editorial: Douglas Stallings, Editorial Director; Salwa Jabado and Margaret Kelly, Senior Editors; Alexis Kelly, Jacinta OHalloran, and Amanda Sadlowski, Editors; Teddy Minford, Associate Editor; Rachael Roth, Content Manager
Design: Tina Malaney, Associate Art Director
Photography: Jennifer Arnow, Senior Photo Editor
Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; David Lindroth and Mark Stroud (Moon Street Cartography), Cartographers
Production: Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager; Carrie Parker, Senior Production Editor; Elyse Rozelle, Production Editor
Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Head of Business Development and Partnerships
Public Relations: Joe Ewaskiw, Manager
Writers: Zach Everson, Mike Lillis, Robert Michael Oliver, Doug Rule, Cathy Sharpe
Editors: Amanda Sadlowski, Jacinta OHalloran
Production Editor: Carrie Parker
Production Design: Liliana Guia
Copyright 2018 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.
Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.
23rd Edition
ISBN9781101880098
Ebook ISBN9780804143868
All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.
Photo Credits: Cover: David Sucsy/iStockphoto; Experience Washington DC: Lunamarina | Dreamstime.com; Neighborhoods: jemaerca/iStockphoto; Intro: F11photo | Dreamstime.com; The National Mall: Revoc9 | Dreamstime.com; The White House Area and Foggy Bottom: Ron Blunt, courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum; Capitol Hill and Northeast DC: Hartemink | Dreamstime.com; Downtown: Appalachianviews | Dreamstime.com; Georgetown: Kruck87 | Dreamstime.com; Dupont Circle and Logan Circle: Avmedved | Dreamstime.com; Adams Morgan: Shootalot | Dreamstime.com; U Street Corridor: NCinDC/Flickr; Upper Northwest: Condor 36 / Shutterstock; Arlington and Northern Virginia: Vacclav | Dreamstime.com; Where To Eat: Greg Powers/Inn At Little Washington; Where To Stay: Kimpton Hotel Group; Nightlife: Ted Eytan/Flickr, [CC BY-SA 4.0]; Performing Arts: Avmedved | Dreamstime.com; Sports and the Outdoors: Avmedved | Dreamstime.com; Shopping: Lucas Bojarowski; Side Trips From Washington DC: Appalachianviews | Dreamstime.com
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Fodors Recommendations
Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.
Trip Costs
We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.
Hotels
Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, visit Fodors.com.
Restaurants
Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted. For expanded restaurant reviews, visit Fodors.com.
Credit Cards
The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.
EUGENE FODOR
Hungarian-born Eugene Fodor (190591) began his travel career as an interpreter on a French cruise ship. The experience inspired him to write On the Continent (1936), the first guidebook to receive annual updates and discuss a countrys way of life as well as its sights. Fodor later joined the U.S. Army and worked for the OSS in World War II. After the war, he kept up his intelligence work while expanding his guidebook series. During the Cold War, many guides were written by fellow agents who understood the value of insider information. Todays guides continue Fodors legacy by providing travelers with timely coverage, insider tips, and cultural context.
WELCOME TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
With its neoclassical government buildings and broad avenues, Washington, D.C., looks its part as Americas capital. Majestic monuments and memorials pay tribute to notable leaders and great achievements, and merit a visit. But D.C. also lives firmly in the present, and not just politically; new restaurants and bars continually emerge, upping the hipness factor in neighborhoods from Capitol Hill to U Street. Fun museums and tree-shaded parks make it a terrific place for families. You may come for the official sites, but youll remember D.C.s local flavor, too.
TOP REASONS TO GO
Cherry Blossoms: For a few weeks in spring, D.C. is awash in glorious pink blooms.
The White House: 1600 Pennsylvania may be the best-known address in the U.S.
Memorials: The lives of soldiers, presidents, and political figures are commemorated.
Museums: For every tastewhether you like spies, airplanes, history, or art.