Activities in Washington D.C.

Historic townhouses and tree-lined streets set the scene for a shopping experience that ranges from global luxury to curated local finds. Whether you're browsing M Street's flagship stores or discovering a hidden boutique off Wisconsin Avenue, Georgetown's retail landscape is as layered and rewarding as its history. 

Explore the National Mall for a leisure walk or bike ride to view the famous monuments representing the Nation's history.

Beyond the monuments, Washington D.C. holds some of the world's finest museums, a thriving gallery scene, and neighborhoods alive with creative energy. Explore contemporary art at the Hirshhorn, discover the jazz soul of U Street and Shaw, or wander the galleries of Dupont Circle. Great art. Rich history. Free to explore.

Giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Hidden green spaces in Rock Creek Park. Canal walks through Georgetown. Local life at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Botanic Garden quietly blooming at the foot of the Mall. Discover the iconic attractions in Washington D.C.

The streets of Georgetown are made for unhurried browsing — think independent bookshops, curated fashion, and waterfront restaurants. Come evening, Adams Morgan and U Street come alive with live jazz, craft cocktail bars, and a neighborhood energy that's entirely D.C.'s own. This city knows how to hold your attention long after sunset.

Washington D.C. is one of the great museum cities in the world — and almost all of it is free. The Smithsonian Institution alone spans 19 museums along the National Mall, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. Add the National Gallery of Art and the unmissable National Museum of African American History & Culture, and D.C. becomes a destination that rewards every curious traveler.

Few capital cities offer outdoor experiences as accessible and varied as Washington D.C. Run or cycle through the vast woodland trails of Rock Creek Park. Walk the National Mall at dawn before the crowds arrive. Kayak on the Potomac River from the Georgetown Waterfront. Catch the cherry blossoms in bloom around the Tidal Basin in spring. From urban green spaces to riverside trails, Washington D.C.'s parks and recreation scene is one of the city's best.

Home to Georgetown University, George Washington University, American University, and some of the nation's most prestigious institutions, Washington D.C. is a city built for those who want to learn, grow, and explore. Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown puts families right at the heart of it — a trusted address to return to, visit after visit, year after year.