Millions of tourists and business travelers come to our nation’s capital each year. Besides being the most influential place in the world for government policy, Washington DC contains some of the most historically significant places in the U.S. and consequently has a wealth of monuments, museums, and other attractions and events (many of which are free!). American Guest House, in Kalorama near Dupont Circle, is centrally located right in the heart of the city. With the Adams Morgan Neighborhood to the east, the Kalorama Neighborhood to the West, DuPont Circle to the south, and Woodley Park just to our north, no matter where you are planning to go, we are right down the street to every destination in DC.
We have compiled a small list of DC attractions for your convenience. Interested in other area attractions? Check out our Washington DC travel blog or talk with our helpful Innkeepers to form your itinerary for those that best suit you!
Capitol Hill
The construction of the majestic Capitol Building started in 1793. The building is the geographical center of Washington DC. The neighborhood of Capitol Hill is situated around the Capitol Building, House of Representatives office buildings, Senate office buildings, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, and all the other government buildings adjacent. The neighborhood is composed of antique row-houses of different architectural styles, where many of the members of Congress choose to live. There are many different markets there throughout the week that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
DuPont Circle
DuPont Circle is one of the most well-known sections of the city. It is adorned with a beautiful fountain in the middle of the main roundabout. The neighborhood is filled with any kind of food and cuisine you can think of. It also has a large variety of coffee shops and places in which to meet up, either for business or for fun. There is a Metro Station with the Red Line heading in the directions of Shady Grove and Glenmont. American Guest House is just 10-minute walk north.
Georgetown
A great area to shop and dine. M St and Wisconsin Ave are the primary shopping streets and they run along the Potomac River. After shopping, you can stroll alongside the river and look at the beautiful views. Georgetown is about a 30-minute walk from the bed & breakfast.
Kalorama
The Kalorama neighborhood is surrounded by trees and is lovely to walk around in. Kalorama is home to the Obamas, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, First Daughter Ivanka Trump, and Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, just to name a few. Many choose to run and walk the neighborhood and enjoy its small-town feel, which is because it is one of the most secluded neighborhoods in DC, edging up to Rock Creek Park. Many embassies call this neighborhood home as well, including the European Union, which is next door to the Obamas.
Woodley Park
Woodley Park is a unique neighborhood with its 20th-century row houses. Woodley Park encompasses Rock Creek Park and the National Zoo and is situated one stop up from DuPont Circle on the Red Line Metro. In this neighborhood, there are many restaurants to choose from as well.
Washington DC is rich in culture and history with monuments and museums dedicated to preserving and educating people on the the most significant events in history. You can see what each has to offer by visiting the links below. To visit the museums and sites, you can easily walk to the DuPont Metro Station to get to any of your favorite DC spots or go for a mile stroll to the White House and the National Mall.
Tour of the White House
Self-guided tours of the White House are available from 7:30 am to 11:30 am Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 am to 1:30 pm on Friday and Saturday. To book a tour you must submit a request through your Member of Congress between 21 days and 3 months prior to the tour. The White House is conveniently located only a mile away from our Inn.
Sixth & I
Built in 1908 to serve as a conservative Jewish synagogue, Sixth & I has evolved over the years and expanded to be a performing arts venue while continuing to have Jewish services and programs. The venue constantly has a variety of shows featuring performers, authors, and politicians that are available for anyone to purchase tickets to attend. It is about a 20-minute metro ride away from us.
Lincoln’s Cottage
Home to President Lincoln during the Civil War as he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation and made decisive decisions for our country. It is now a National Monument open for tours Monday – Saturday 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and is located at the intersection of Rock Creek Church Road and Upshur Street NW. It is advised that tickets are purchased in advance as they are limited. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for children.
The Heurich House Museum
Located in DuPont Circle, The Brewmaster’s Castle is a beautiful, historic home that is one of the few homes remaining from the time when DuPont Circle was the epicenter of wealth and fashion in DC. Guided hour-long tours of the home are available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:30 am, 1 pm, and 2:30 pm. A $20 donation is suggested.
Old Stone House
The Old Stone House located at 3051 M St NW is the last pre-colonial house on its original foundation in DC making it the oldest home in the area. Park Rangers currently provide visitors with a detailed history of the home. Visitors are welcome to tour the home any day of the week from 11 am to 6 pm.
Tudor Place
Built by one of Martha Washington’s granddaughters and Robert Peter’s son in 1816, it became one of the first National Historic Landmarks. The beautiful home and garden is located at 1644 31st Street NW, just a little over a mile away from us. The house is open for visitors and hourly guided tours Tuesday – Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Tours are $10 for adults.
Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is one of DC’s must-see Smithsonian museums with its amazing displays of aviation artifacts. The museum consists of two locations, one located in downtown DC at Independence Ave and 6th St, SW. The second location is at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Museum of Natural History
View the evolution of the Earth and its natural wonders at the National Museum of Natural History. Open daily, the museum provides various displays on the history of various life forms on Earth. From the Hope diamond to the African Elephant and the life of Ancient Egypt, the Natural History Museum has it all! The museum is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm and admission is free. It is located in the National Mall at 10th St and Constitution Ave. They constantly have new exhibits, collections, and events coming through, so be sure to check their calendar for upcoming events!
Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM)
Containing artwork spanning over three centuries, the SAAM is home to some of the world’s finest pieces of art. The museum contains art from the Gilded Age, New Deal art, African American art, Latino art, contemporary art and more. It consists of two buildings: the Lunder Foundation Center and the Renwick Gallery. The Lunder Foundation Center is a national landmark and stores beautiful work that reveals the culture in early America to modern day through paintings, photographs, and sculpture. The Renwick Gallery currently has the new Wonder exhibit on display which features large-scale installations made out of unexpected materials.
Library Of Congress
The largest library in the world and a DC must-see attraction. Many visitors that come to the city rate this as the most beautiful building, inside and out, in Washington DC. The library contains millions of books, manuscripts, photographs, recordings, newspapers, and maps. The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress in 1800 and constructed in the late 1800s. As a citizen, you have the unique opportunity to use this library with proper guidance and by filling out the required permission forms.
Discover the Best of Washington, DC
Staying with us at American Guest House gives you the perfect base to explore the vibrant city of Washington, DC. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. We’ve partnered with Viator to offer you an array of unforgettable experiences, right at your fingertips.
From iconic monuments and guided museum tours to culinary adventures and scenic cruises along the Potomac River, you can easily book and enjoy the top attractions and hidden gems of the city. Explore all that Washington, DC has to offer during your stay!
