Fodors - Fodors Washington, D.C. 2013: with Mount Vernon, Alexandria & Annapolis

Classically majestic and stunningly beautiful, the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court stand at the heart of Washington, D.C. They are powerful, steadfast symbols of the stability and strength of the nation. But the city that revolves around this axis is in a constant state of change, lived on a more human scale.

is obsessed with politics. The historic 2008 election of President Barack Obama captivated the overwhelmingly Democratic D.C. Yet the pendulum swung back in 2010 when Republicans trounced the Democrats at the polls, splitting control of Congress between the parties, magnifying the citys historic power struggles and creating a legislative standoff thats practically defined Capitol Hill for two years running. With the partisan soap opera at their doorstepand with D.C.s economy revolving around the federal governmentmany Washingtonians are happily enchanted by their unique political milieu. Yet, ironically, locals are also somewhat distanced from the nations affairs due to their lack of a vote in Congress. Recent efforts to grant such a vote were thwarted by Republicans, making the citys unofficial motto, Taxation without Representation, seem destined to remain apt for some time.

Perhaps for that reason, many D.C. residents focus more intently on local politics. And Washingtons mayorsfrom Marion Barry and his illicit drug habits to Adrian Fenty and his controversial schoolteacher firingshave provided plenty of spice over the years. Not to be outdone, current Mayor Vincent Gray ignited scandal immediately when reports of cronyism and campaign finance abuse surfaced just weeks after he took office. As of this writing, the federal investigation into Graygate continuesas does D.C.s string of colorful mayors.

is in demographic flux. Two recent population trends highlight the changing face of Washington: First, the 2010 Census found that the number of residents increased, relative to 10 years earlier, for the first time in five decades. And second, in 2011 the Districts black population fell below 50 percent for the first time since 1960, when Washington became the first majority-black city in the country. Hardly unrelated, the trends reveal that, after years fleeing D.C. due to high crime rates and underperforming schools, more and more suburban families are opting to live in the city where they work. These younger professionalsmostly white, mostly drawn by the government and related industrieshave helped bolster Washingtons economy, but not without a price. Indeed, the gentrificationheightened by enormous stadium projects like Nationals Parkhas reached deep into the traditionally black areas of Northeast and Southeast, stirring resentments, driving up costs, and pricing many longtime residents out of their childhood homes. The changes have flown largely under the radar, but are starting to get more attention as local officials seek ways to strengthen local commercial interests without sacrificing decades of community and culture.

is fitness crazy. Long agitated by D.C.s unflattering designation as Hollywood for ugly people, Washingtonians have fought back in recent years with a surging interest in fitness and health. Quite aside from the numerous gyms popping up all over the cityand ignoring, for a moment, the countless joggers constantly circling the Malllocal residents have adopted a slew of activities to get outside and stay in shape. Like to play kickball? There are teams scattered all over the city. Enjoy Ultimate Frisbee? Theres a league for that, too. Rugby? Got it. Even boccethe age-old Italian sport of lawn bowlinghas inspired a passionate following and launched formal competitions around town. The Districts many parks and green spaces cater perfectly to that game of pickup football (or futbol ), and the citys wild embrace of bike sharing has been complemented by the creation of bike-only lanes on some of its most traveled thoroughfares. Add a long list of burgeoning indoor crazes to the mixeverything from yoga to Pilates to Zumbaand youve got a city intent on shedding its wonks-only reputation.

is stuck in traffic. Its official: The roads around D.C. are among the most poorly planned in the country, snarling traffic at all hours and creating the nations longest commute outside of Los Angeles. Spend an hour in gridlock on the Beltwayor 30 minutes in a cab just to get across townand youll understand why more locals are flocking to the Metro and even bike sharing to get around the city. Visitors to D.C., it is often suggested, can preserve both time and sanity by doing the same.

D.C. is a relatively safe city, but crimes do occur, even in typically safe neighborhoods. The best way to protect yourself is to stick to well-lighted and populated areas and avoid walking alone after dark.

Many of the citys business and government districts become deserted at night, but the public transportation system is exceptionally safe, with only a few incidents of crime reported each year.