With dozens of free museums and attractions, plan your day around D.C. your way. Start with a hot and fresh breakfast from our complimentary daily breakfast buffet. Enjoy a fresh cup of hot coffee or try our new cold brew on those hot summer days.
Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown
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Discover Endless Things to See & Do in D.C.
Browse the different itineraries below to have us help you plan your time in the city!
Residence Inn Washington DC Downtown Opens a new window
Navigate your way through Washington, D.C.
With countless activities for friends, families of all ages or business associates, there is plenty to interest everyone. Be our guest in a prime location at the Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown and let us show you where the locals go. Whether you’re here for the history, time with family, local taste, or the nightlife, your stay is sure to be a great one. Don’t just visit Washington, explore D.C.
Sightsee in D.C.
The Perfect Start
Cost-Free D.C.
Head south on 15th St and catch a glimpse of the White House on your way to the National Mall- Home to dozens of monuments, memorials and Smithsonian Museums that offer free admission including the National Museum of American History and reopening after an extended renovation, the National Air and Space Museum.
Spend the entire day exploring the mall and be sure not to miss on the East end, the United States Capitol building and Library of Congress and on the West end, catch a spectacular sunset over the Potomac River at the Lincoln Memorial or the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Step away from the bustle of the city at one of the best kept secrets in D.C., the National Arboretum. Home to the Capitol Columns that were in place at the U.S. Capitol from 1828–1958. Here you can explore over 450 acres of landscaped gardens and research facilities.
Fall in Love Each Season
In the Spring, be sure to include a stop at the Tidal Basin to take in the world-famous Cherry Blossoms. During Summer, head to the waterfront and stroll The Wharf or Georgetown. Catch fall foliage at Rock Creek Park while visiting the Smithsonian National Zoo. During winter, the United States Botanic Garden become aglow with holiday lights and train display. In December, stop at President’s Park near the White House to see the Pathway of Peace and the National Christmas Tree, illuminated nightly at sunset and be sure to stop at the Downtown Holiday Market on your way back to the hotel for the warm smells and seasonal taste of the holidays.
Dig into DC's Food Scene
If you are here to celebrate a special occasion, DC based Chef Jose Andres, founder of World Central Kitchen, has 10 DC area restaurants featuring Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Ristorante Tosca is sure to please with their seasonal, Northern Italian farm-to-table specialties. Be sure to reserve the Chef’s Table to put you directly in front of Chef Phil for a customized six-course meal specially created for each gathering. Le Diplomate provides a French café vibe where you’ll be transported to the sidewalks of Paris with delectable pastries, curated wines, & crafty cocktails.
Looking for landmark taste? A D.C. landmark like Ben’s Chili Bowl might hit the spot, or Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken can serve your sweet & savory cravings. Old Ebbitt Grill, established in 1856 is the oldest saloon in Washington & since it is steps from the White House, many Presidents have dined here over the years. Some say it’s where the real deals in Washington get made.
Local Flavors and Sweet Endings
Busboys & Poets is a community where all are invited to express their artistic talents. Each location has a bookstore & boasts an American menu serving burgers, pasta, full bar and local beers on tap. The name refers to famous poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a busboy at the former Marriott Wardman Park when it opened in the 1920’s before gaining recognition for his work, Harlem.
Do sweets win your heart? Uncle Chip’s Cookies delivers quick, on-the-go sandwiches, salads and yes, the best chocolate chip cookie you've ever had. If ice cream is your love language, Ice Cream Jubilee or Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream are less than a mile from the hotel. Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Milk Bar’s founder Christina Tosi is known for her quirky combinations by turning grocery store staples into outrageously good cookies, cakes & soft serve ice cream. DC natives have a soft spot for cupcakes and the Georgetown neighborhood takes the cake for you to try them all. Most locals will tell you Baked & Wired is their favorite, but the lines at Georgetown Cupcake (features on TLC’s DC Cupcakes) will tell you otherwise.
Family Friendly D.C.
With dozens of museums, monuments, historical events and kid friendly attractions, there is no shortage of activities for families of all ages. Start your day cooking up a family-favorite breakfast in your in-room full kitchen. Don’t forget the sunscreen and water as you head out for the day exploring on bike or via hop-on hop-off bus. If you’re looking for someone to guide you around town, DC by Foot offers name-your-own-price walking tours of Washington DC. They offer a wide selection of themed tours including memorials at moonlight, historic Georgetown, Capitol Hill and the National Cathedral.
Family Itinerary continued
If you're exploring on foot, exit the Residence Inn Washington, DC Downtown, and head just a quarter mile from the hotel to Planet World. Opening in October 2020, the museum brings language to life with interactive exhibits for family members of all ages. General admission is free, and donations are accepted.
After a fun morning, head south to either the National Children’s Museum for the younger crowd or the National Law Enforcement Museum for the older kids in the family; passing famous landmarks such as the FBI Headquarters and Ford’s Theatre.
As you continue to head south to the International Spy Museum for the curious ones in your group or the United States Botanic Gardens for a calmer afternoon, pass through the National Mall. Make a stop at any of the number of museums along the way including the National Archives, National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden, Museum of African Art or Museum of Asian Art. As you return to the hotel for the evening, be sure to walk north via 15th Street to pass the Washington Monument, National Museum of African American History and Culture and the White House Visitor Center.
Pet-Friendly Spots for You & Your Furry Friend:
Don't Run, Bike Through D.C.
With the help of the District Department of Transportations Bicycle Map, you are sure to know the best routes in the city. Take a leisurely ride, commute to work, or get your to-do list done for the day with this map featuring bikeshare stations, bike lanes, bike routes, and safety information.
Bike Rental Options:
D.C. Shopping Destinations
The D.C. area offers a variety of shopping destinations blended with great walking districts and dining options. Spend your day like a local sipping and shopping, in and around the district. National Harbor is an easy day trip with family-friendly seasonal fun at Gaylord National, the Capital Wheel, Potomac River Tours, Concerts at MGM and of course, shopping at Tanger Outlets.
Closer to our hotel is CityCenter DC with over 40 world-class retailers including Chanel, Burberry and Gucci.
The Georgetown neighborhood is the original District, established in 1751. With cobblestone streets, a historical canal, and fresh and trendy boutiques, this is your one stop shop for history, culture, dining and shopping.
Located just outside D.C in Tysons Corner, Virginia is the area’s largest shopping destination with two neighboring destinations - Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria.