If you don’t already know it, the D.C. in Washington, D.C. is the District of Columbia, a little enclave chopped from the state of Maryland. It is bounded on one side by the Potomac River (across which you'll find Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia) and on the other by the state of Maryland.

To some, Washington means white marble, embassies, and American politics. Yet Washington is no mere political ornament. It is a city where ordinary and extraordinary people live, work and play; a city of vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods, world-class museums and galleries, lush parks and gardens, extraordinary architecture and monuments; a city that celebrates the journey of immigrants to their new home, and their quest for a new life in this country.

After you’ve explored the wonders of the Smithsonian Institution's 14 museums (always free!), strolled through the halls of power, and played spot-the-senator in famous eateries, delightful districts like Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and Georgetown offer opportunities to meet the city’s residents, visit historic and culturally significant sites, tour lovely historic buildings, and dive into fabulous world cuisine.

It’s incredibly easy to get around Washington – whether it be by foot, bicycle or the Metro (subway).

The conference hotel is centrally located and within easy walking distance of the Dupont Circle Metro.

The Must-See Neighborhoods
Georgetown
Once an 18th century port town, today, Georgetown is known mostly for its shopping, dining, and lively night scene. Yet, this remarkably intact example of a complete historic town boasts historic house museums and gardens and a rich variety of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Adams Morgan
Looking for some good ethnic food? The crossroads of 18th Street and Columbia Road, NW, marks the vibrant center of the city's most diverse neighborhood – Adams Morgan. Besides one-of-a-kind shopping and dining opportunities, you’ll find wonderful examples of late 19th and early 20th century row houses and apartment buildings.

Capitol Hill
Nestled next to the U.S. Capitol grounds is the charming, 19th century neighborhood of Capitol Hill. The neighborhood has unique museums, a historic Eastern Market, and the restored Union Station. Capitol Hill is not lacking in its own unique shopping and dining opportunities.

Dupont Circle
In this vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhood, you will find some of the city's finest museums and historic homes as well as an array of ethnic restaurants, unique bookstores, and the city's largest concentration of private art galleries.

Places to visit in Washington, DC:
US Capitol
Seat of the legislative branch of the United States government; the Capitol Guide Service offers a free 45-minute guided tour. Tours are from 9 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Saturday. Free tickets can be obtained on a first-come, first-served basis at the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk located at First Street and Independence Avenue. Ticket distribution begins at 9 am.
http://www.aoc.gov/visit/visit_overview.htm

US Supreme Court
Home of the judicial branch of government.
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/

Library of Congress
The world's largest library with 26 million books, films, documents and photographs.
http://www.loc.gov/

Union Station
This historic train station houses shops, restaurants, a nine-screen movie complex and both Amtrak train and Metrorail stations.
http://www.unionstationdc.com/

National Gallery of Art
The West Wing features a collection of international masterpieces from the 13th to the 19th century, while the East Wing houses a modern collection of 20th century art.
http://www.nga.gov/

Smithsonian Institution Museums
Since it is impossible to visit all of the 14 fascinating museums in a single visit, pick a few and save the rest for your next trip. Some of the museums include: National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African Art and the National Postal Museum.
http://www.si.edu/museums/

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Trace the story of Jewish persecution under the Nazi regime from its beginnings in 1933 to liberation in 1945. Timed passes are required to view the permanent exhibition. Free passes are given out daily on a first- come, first-served basis. Advance passes may be purchased by calling (800) 400-9373 or by visiting www.tickets.com. A service fee applies.
http://www.ushmm.org/

Jefferson Memorial
A 19-foot bronze statue of the third President of the United States.
http://www.nps.gov/thje/

FDR Memorial
Four outdoor "gallery" rooms featuring 10 bronze sculptures depicting the life and times of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt—and his beloved dog, Fala!
http://www.nps.gov/fdrm/memorial/memorial.htm

National Mall
Visit the Korean Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial and the Washington Monument. While you're in the neighborhood, be sure to stop and take a photo of the White House.
http://www.nps.gov/nama/

Arlington National Cemetery
A 500-acre site containing the graves of President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and his brother Robert, as well as the Arlington House and the Women in the Military Memorial.
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/

Washington National Cathedral
The sixth largest cathedral in the world offering magnificent views of Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia from its 57-acre site.
http://www.cathedral.org/

International Spy Museum
Explore the craft, practice, history and contemporary role of espionage in one of Washington's newest museums. Located at 800 F Street, NW, one block from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station. Tickets are $13 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for children and children 4 and under are admitted FREE.
http://www.spymuseum.org

Day Trips Outside of Washington, D.C.
Alexandria, Virginia
Stroll the quaint cobblestone streets and visit shops, art galleries and historic sites including Washington's "town house" and Robert E. Lee's boyhood home.
http://www.funside.com/

Mount Vernon
Plantation home of the first President, George Washington.
http://www.mountvernon.org/

Baltimore, Maryland
Head north on the scenic Route 295 to the lovely Inner Harbor Area in Baltimore, MD (35 miles). Visit the shops, take a harbor cruise and sample seafood at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor. Or, take in an Orioles baseball game at Camden Yards.
http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/visitor/

Annapolis, Maryland
Drive northeast on Route 50 to the charming sailing town of Annapolis, MD (30 miles). Visit the U.S. Naval Academy, the epitome of nautical tradition established in 1845.
http://www.annapolis.gov/visitors/welcome/