Welcome to Washington, D.C.
The vibrant, exciting heart of the nation
This is it. You have arrived. Washington, D.C. is our nation’s capital and the heart of America. It sits along the beautiful and picturesque Potomac River and was named for our first president, George Washington. Having its origins in 1791, it is steeped in American history. It is also the hub of the United States federal government and receives millions of visitors per year. It is one of the most important nation capitals of the world.
Today, Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, upscale, eclectic district home to many politicians and diplomats as well as branches of the federal government. Its center is the Capitol Building, which is surrounded by four quadrants that form the many neighborhoods. Washington, D.C. is the home of the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. It is peppered with gorgeous historic architecture, including Victorian, Queen Anne, Beaux-Arts, Tudor, Colonial, and Federal styles. There are also modern contemporary homes, townhouses, and condominiums.
What to Love
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Many museums, art galleries, and theaters
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Sightseeing and tours of historic homes and buildings
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Amazing choice of exciting entertainment and nightlife
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Upscale, posh salons, spas, boutiques, restaurants, and bistros
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Waterfront activities, including tours and cruises along the Potomac River
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Many parks, tennis courts, and golf courses
Local Lifestyle
When you’re living near the President, everything you need will be within walking distance or easily available through excellent public transportation, so daily use of a car is optional. The choices of restaurants, cafes, bistros, spas, salons, theaters, museums, etc., seem almost endless. There’s a down-home nature to Washington, D.C. as well, and locals enjoy their many farmers' markets for the freshest produce possible. Public parks for relaxation and picnics abound, and residents love their National Cherry Blossom Festival every spring for beautiful blooms, parades, food, and music.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
For the classic American diner experience, head on over to the Gatsby for their Seafood Linguine and Happy Hour. If an open-air meal on a rooftop sounds romantic for date night, go to Top of the Gate in The Watergate Hotel and enjoy the panoramic view while eating their braised short rib wrapped in bacon. If traditional Japanese food makes your spirit soar, do not miss the yuzu kosho chicken at Nara-Ya while enjoying the view of the wharf. But for simple and delicious American food, stop by the Old Ebbitt Grill, founded in 1856, for their fried oyster platter.
For singularly exclusive boutiques and upscale shopping, head to the cobblestone streets of the Georgetown neighborhood. You’ll find all the top-tier designers there such as Tory Burch and Billy Reid, approved by all fashionistas.
Theater and performing arts lovers will naturally flock to the Folger Shakespeare Library for Shakespearian performances and exhibits, as well as the Lincoln Theatre for the latest plays, storytelling, music, etc.
Things to Do
The exclusive Army Navy Country Club, in nearby Arlington, is where Washington D.C. residents head for championship golf, several swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness rooms, and of course, socializing and dining in the clubhouse.
Schools