About Washington, D.C.
We are pleased to welcome you to Washington, DC - the heart of the American Experience. We are grateful for your unwavering support of our nation's capital. As you will discover, our common threads and combined histories - monuments to the past and aspirations for the future - are all on display here in Washington, DC. Washington, DC is not only the proud home of the nation's capital, it is a sophisticated city in its own right. We invite all visitors to start in the heart of Washington, DC with its well-known monuments and inspiring memorials. Then, step off the mall and journey into DC's soul. Discover our trendy and historic neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Take in a world-class or homegrown theater performance. Feel the beat of Black Broadway and Duke Ellington still pulsing through U Street. Thank you for choosing Washington, DC - where everyone can remember, share and create your own American Experience.
Introduction
When Pierre Charles L'Enfant gazed northward along the banks of the Potomac River in 1791, he envisioned a "pedestal waiting for a monument." Since that day, Washington, DC has evolved into a fascinating, lively city combining grand, neoclassical government buildings, monuments, memorials, museums and the National Mall with colorful neighborhoods, art, theater, music and culture.
Washington, DC is a powerful symbol not only of our nation but also of democracy and freedom. The District of Columbia's neighborhoods, people, history and culture truly embody the American Experience - from Duke Ellington to John Phillip Sousa and from the Civil War to civil rights. Only in Washington, DC, can visitors be inspired by touring the magnificent Capitol Building and Washington Monument by day and be moved by taking in magical performances by the National Symphony and world-class opera by night.
During your stay in the nation's capital city, we encourage you to discover Washington, DC as more than just a tourist. Become a part of the American Experience. Marvel at the Lincoln Memorial. Show your children the Star-Spangled Banner. Stop in at Eastern Market, an amazing European-style gathering of food vendors and artisans. Explore Jacqueline Kennedy's Washington through a Citywide Celebration and discover how her love of the arts and this city transformed the nation's capital.
Population
The population is approximately 572,000 in Washington, DC proper and 5.4 million for the entire metro area.
Climate
Experience the glory of all four seasons here in Washington, DC. Warm weather usually prevails from April until as late as October. Winters are short here, with more rain than snow.
Parking
Parking is restricted during rush hours and some weekend hours (check posted hours on street signs). If your vehicle is towed Friday after 7 p.m. or any time on weekends, you won't be able to retrieve it until Monday after 9 a.m. For details, contact the DC Dept. of Public Works, 65 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001; phone: (202)727-5000.
Sales Tax
- Washington, DC: Sales tax is 5.75%. Hotel tax is 14.5%. Food and beverage tax is 10%.
- Maryland: Sales tax is 5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 5% and 8%.
- Virginia: Sales tax is 4.5%. Hotel tax varies by county with most counties averaging between 9.5% and 10%.
Disabled Travelers
Washington, DC is one of the most accessible cities in the world for physically-challenged visitors. Following are a few resources:
DisabilityGuide.org - The premier source of disability-related information in the DC Metro area. Detailed accessibility information for all attractions, restaurants and bars. We produce the annual Access DC Entertainment guidebook. (301) 528-8664 www.disabilityguide.org
Metro System Guide – A free guide providing information on Metro's bus and rail system for the elderly and the physically disabled. For copies, call (202)637- 7000 or visit www.wmata.com.
Smithsonian Access Brochure – A free guide that provides an overview of accessibility features, parking entrances, interpreters and special tours at the Smithsonian museums. Available in large print, Braille, audio cassette and from America On Line (keyword: Smithsonian). For copies, write Smithsonian Information, SI 153 MRC 010, Washington, DC 20560, or call (202)357-2700 (voice) or (202)357-1729 (TTY); info@si.edu. Also available on-line at www.si.edu/opa/accessibility.
Wheelchair Mobile Transport - 1119 Taft St., Rockville, MD 20850; (301)294-0600, Fax: (301)838-9775. Provides reservation van transportation for the mobility-challenged living in and visiting the Washington, DC area – tariff approved under WMATC – also accessible personal vans available for rental by day, week and month.
For additional information detailing general accessibility, visit www.washington.org.
Make the DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center your first stop when you arrive. Located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, just two blocks from the National Mall and one block from the White House Visitor Center. Take the Metro and get off at the Federal Triangle stop—just walk out of the station and into the Reagan Building on the street level, and you're there!