DC Top Attractions Near Dupont Circle & Howard University

Washington, DC - Arts US Capitol Union Station Lincoln Memorial Thomas Jefferson Memorial National WW II Memorial More…

A memorial to John F. Kennedy and home of the National Symphony Orchestra, the Kennedy Center is one of our nation’s most beautiful performing arts venues. Overlooking the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center presents over 3,000 performances and events annually. Its diversity of theater, musicals, dance, ballet, opera, and music - orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk - annual festivals and multi-media performances touch millions of people.

Find out how to "Live Like a Local" Washingtonian and find out from the Hotel Helix staff just where to be and be seen this summer! Learn more>>

Washington, DC Top Attractions

Washington, DC - Arts, Theater, Attractions.

Washington, D.C. is a captivating destination for a pilgrimage. With incredible historical sites, awe-inspiring museums, towering monuments, iconic landmarks and historic theaters, Washington, DC embraces people from around the world. Travel underground from historic Union Station or hop on the Metro to explore the Smithsonian Institution Museums, or be inspired by the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the incredible paintings in the Phillips Collection. From the majesty of the White House to the gold dome of the US Capitol Building to the symbolic reflecting pool on the National Mall to the rushing waters of the Potomac River, Washington, DC is the ultimate American cultural experience. Nestled in the trendy Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC, Hotel Helix is sanctuary of a glamour and chic in the heart of all the action.

White House.

Taking a tour of the White House - America’s most symbolic landmark - is the quintessential DC experience. The official office and home of the President of the United States and the cabinet, the White House is the flagship of American government and détente. Built of white Aqua sandstone in late Georgian style, the White House is a magnificent complex of three buildings, with 6 floors with 132 rooms, including the famous Oval Office, Blue Room, East Room, Green Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room. Experience its architectural beauty and significant history as you explore our nation’s home of democracy. For tours, visit www.whitehouse.gov.[Top]

US Capitol.

The soul of Capitol Hill, the US Capitol is a powerful symbol of American freedom, democracy and government. Created in 1793, the US Capitol is one of the most architecturally magnificent buildings in the world. For over two hundred years, the US Capitol Building has housed the Senate and the House of Representatives, and is a monument to the American process of government. The pulse of our nation’s capital is derived from Congressional activities under its majestic dome. Guided tours are available Monday - Saturday. Visit www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol.

DuPont Circle.

Centered around the DuPont Memorial Fountain and an urban park, DuPont Circle is a vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhood with art museums, historic mansions, unique shops, hip restaurants, art galleries and a beautiful park in the heart of Washington, DC. Stroll through DuPont Circle to trendy bars, restaurants, galleries, and bookstores, including Lambda Rising, the nation's most famous gay bookstore Visit the Phillips Collection, one of the city's leading art museums with paintings by Cezanne Renoir, and Degas. The Circle has been the kick off point for annual Gay Pride parades and celebrations.[Top]

Union Station.

For over 100 years, Union Station has been the most visited and vital destination in D.C. The architecturally magnificent building has welcome presidents, dignitaries and 32 million people each year. One of DC’s most dynamic shopping and dining destinations, Union Station features two levels with 130 shops, specialty boutiques and fashion and gift stores, and a myriad of casual restaurants. Union Station offers a food court with hundred of eateries, a state-of-the-art, 9-screen Phoenix Theatres, special events, Amtrak ticketing, rental cars, international currency exchange and sightseeing companies like Gray Line and Old Town Trolley. Visit www.unionstationdc.com.

National Mall & Memorial Parks.

The country’s oldest park lands, the National Mall & Memorial Parks is an open national park in downtown DC. The National Mall honors presidential legacies and war veterans, celebrates America’s freedom and preserves national treasures of art and history. A National Historic Landmark, the National Mall includes the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, National Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art and other famed landmarks. The National Mall is a stunning example of Greek-Revival architecture. Visit www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm.[Top]

Lincoln Memorial.

Honoring President Abraham Lincoln, the Lincoln Memorial is a profound symbol of American freedom and a place to express ideas that unite our nation. In the form of a Greek Doric temple, this National Historic Landmark features a massive sculpture of Lincoln beneath inscriptions of two of his immortal speeches. Inspired by the spirit of President Lincoln's passion, the Lincoln Memorial was the site of Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Visit www.nps.gov/linc.

Washington Monument.

Washington, DC’s most prolific attraction, the Washington Monument celebrates and honors President George Washington, who led our country to independence and became our first president. The towering 555-foot white marble and granite Egyptian obelisk-shaped monument captures the imagination of people from every corner of the globe. The commemorative stones in the monument’s stairwell come from every state in the Union. For free tickets, visit the National Park Service at www.nps.gov/wamo/. [Top]

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Honoring our third president, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is an enduring symbol of liberty that inspires people from every corner of the world. Modeled after the Pantheon of Rome, Jefferson Memorial is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington, DC. Inside the memorial are the passionate words of Thomas Jefferson, written over 200 years ago, that have created American ideals of government. The circular, colonnaded structure of neo-classic style is an emblem of freedom and liberty. The music and festivity of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival take place at the steps of the memorial. Visit www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. To commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by leading a collaborative funding, design, and construction process in the creation of a memorial to honor his national and international contributions to world peace through non-violent social change.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors individuals who served during the Vietnam Conflict. Designed by Maya Lin, who believed that “the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives,” the elegant memorial encourages people to remember and respond to the atrocities of war. For those affected by this discordant war, the memorial is a place of healing, hope and honor. Currently, the wall contains 58,249 names. Visit www.nps.gov/vive. [Top]

National WW II Memorial.

A symbol of the victory, spirit, endurance and sacrifice of American people during WW II, the National World War II Memorial honors 16 million veterans who served in the US armed forces, 400,000 who died, and all the people who supported the dramatic war effort. The design of the memorial balances classical and modern architecture, harmonized with the natural and cultural environs of Washington, DC. Visit www.nps.gov/nwwm.

US Supreme Court.

The US Supreme Court is the cornerstone of American justice and the US Government’s judicial branch. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and an enduring symbol of our country’s ideal of justice and faith in our legal system. Completed in 1935, the monumental building was designed in classical Corinthian architectural style to harmonize with DC’s other congressional buildings. Tour the Supreme Court’s fascinating exhibits and visit the theater to watch a film about the Supreme Court. Visit www.supremecourtus.gov/. [Top]