GUIDE TO
DC
by Social Co-Chairs:
Shreyans Goenka, Joey Reiff, and Evan Weingarten
Transport
Metro
Washington, DC’s Metro is one of the busiest public transportation systems in the country, with six color-coded lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green.
The closest stops to the Conference Hotel are Metro Center Stop (Red, Orange, Silver, Blue) and Gallery Place Stop (Yellow, Green).
Key Information:
- Operating hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.; Friday, 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.; Saturday 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.; Sunday: 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.
- Payment: SmarTrip card or tap with a Credit Card
- Fares range from $2.25 to $6.75, depending on the distance traveled during weekdays
Helpful Resources:
- Trip Planner: https://www.wmata.com/
- Google Maps provides easy Metro instructions
Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Washington, D.C., and are convenient for door-to-door transportation, especially during off-peak Metro hours or to destinations not easily accessible by public transit.
Bikes
Capital Bikeshare is Washington, DC’s official bike-sharing system.
Pricing Options:
- The first 30 minutes of every trip are free during the membership period
- 24-hour membership: $8
- 3-day membership: $17
Download the app to find and rent bikes
How to get to the Grand Hyatt Washington, D.C.
Hotel Address: 1000 H St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 582-1234
The hotel is situated in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks away from the White House, the National Mall, the Museums, and the city’s finest restaurants.
From DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport)
Reagan National is the closest (just 5 miles) airport to the hotel. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes by car.
- Metro (Recommended): The metro is directly connected to the airport terminal. You can take either the Blue line to the Metro Center Stop or the Yellow line to the Gallery Place Stop. Both stops are a short walk from the hotel.
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Most convenient door-to-door option, approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic
From IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is an international airport and is located 15 miles from the hotel. Travel time is approximately 45 minutes by car.
- Metro: Take the Silver Line to Metro Center (total transit time: 45-60 minutes), then walk 2 minutes to the hotel
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
- Airport Shuttles: Companies like SuperShuttle Express provide shared and private van services
From BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Airport)
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is located 35 miles from the hotel. Travel time is approximately 60 minutes by car.
- Train (Most Economical): Take the free shuttle to BWI Rail Station, then take either the MARC commuter train (about $8) or Amtrak (about $16) to Union Station. Inside Union Station, one entrance to the Red Line Metro is located on the same level as the trains near a Pret a Manger. Take the Red Line Metro to Metro Center.
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: About $90 plus tip, 60-90 minutes depending on traffic
- Airport Shuttles: Multiple companies provide shuttle services (GO Airport Shuttle: https://theairportshuttle.com/)
10 Interesting Facts About Washington, DC
- George Washington never lived in the White House. John Adams was the first president to reside in what was originally called the President’s House, now known as the Executive Mansion.
- Washington, DC’s street grid lacks a J Street. This omission is often attributed to the fact that the letters I and J were nearly indistinguishable in early typesetting and handwriting.
- The Washington Monument, rising to 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches, is also the world’s tallest obelisk.
- DC residents drink more wine per capita than any other state in the US.
- The famous cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., were a gift from Japan in 1912. Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki donated 3,000 cherry trees to celebrate the growing friendship between the United States and Japan.
- A very international city, DC is home to more than 170 embassies and international cultural centers. More than 15% of the city’s residents speak a language other than English at home.
- Washington, DC is one of the top cities in the world for espionage and features the International Spy Museum.
- The only president buried in DC is Woodrow Wilson, who is entombed at the Washington National Cathedral.
- The iconic National Cathedral building features many gargoyles, one of which is a sculpted head resembling Darth Vader. Bring binoculars and check him out on the northwest tower.
- DC residents do not have any voting representatives in the House or Senate. This led them to adopt the slogan “End Taxation without Representation” on their license plates.
Main Tourist Attractions
Lincoln Memorial
- Approximately 1.8 miles from the hotel
- Construction of the Lincoln Memorial began in 1914 and was completed in 1922
- The Lincoln Memorial was the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963
- Free admission, no tickets required
- How to get there
- Walk – 30 minutes
- Metro: Take the Blue/Orange/Silver Line from Metro Center to Foggy Bottom, then a 10-minute walk
- Taxi/Uber: 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic
Washington Monument
- Approximately 1 mile from the hotel
- The world’s tallest stone structure and obelisk
- Timed entry passes are recommended
- Tickets: Reserve at https://www.recreation.gov/
- How to Get There:
- Walking: 15-minute scenic walk through the National Mall
- Taxi/Uber: 5 minutes
Jefferson Memorial
- Approximately 2 miles from the hotel
- Located around the Tidal Basin, beautiful during cherry blossom season
- Free admission, no tickets required
- How to Get There:
- Walk: 30-minute walk around the Tidal Basin
- Taxi/Uber: 12-18 minutes
White House
- Approximately 0.5 miles from the hotel
- Walking: 10 minutes through downtown DC
- Tours can be requested via your Member of Congress (U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator). You may reach your Member of Congress through the United States Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121
- Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/
The Capitol
- Approximately 1.5 miles from the hotel
- How to Get There:
- Walking: 30-40 minutes
- Metro: Take the Orange/Silver/Blue line to Capitol South Station
- Uber: 10 min ride
- Tour Reservations are required. Visit the schedule a tour page to select a day/time for a reservation: https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov
Pandas at the National Zoo
Giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao are here! The zoo is approximately 3 miles from the hotel.
- How to Get There:
- Red Line Metro: Metro Center to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan station – about 20 minutes total. Note: There’s a moderate uphill walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro stop to the Zoo entrance.
- Taxi/Uber: 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic
- How to Visit:
- Admission to the Zoo is free, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants
- Book Passes: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit
- Zoo Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry 5 p.m.)
Museums
Smithsonian Institution Museums:
- The Smithsonian is a collection of museums including: National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of American History, and National Gallery of Art
- These are located around the National Mall, approximately 10-15 min walk from the hotel.
- All Smithsonian museums offer free admission – some museums and exhibits require timed entry passes.
- Website: https://www.si.edu/
International Spy Museum:
- 1.5 miles from the hotel
- Take Blue/Orange/Silver Metro line from Metro Center to the L’enfant Plaza stop.
- One of the world’s only museums of its kind, the International Spy Museum continues to intrigue guests in Washington, DC
- Admission fee required
- Website: https://www.spymuseum.org/
Monuments by Moonlight Tour
See the monuments at night! What It Includes: Stops at Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
Tour Details:
- 2 1/2 hour Washington DC Monument Tours depart nightly (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
- Reservations are required
- Phone: 202-832-9800
- Website: https://www.trolleytours.com/washington-dc/monuments-by-moonlight-tickets
- Alternative booking: https://www.viator.com/ (search “Monuments by Moonlight”)
Departure Point: Washington Welcome Center: 1001 E Street NW (5 min walk from hotel).
Recreational Activities
Here are some great options to keep you active and entertained in DC:
- Biking – rent a bike or scooter and try one of DC’s many biking routes, such as the National Mall, Anacostia River Trail, and Rock Creek Park.
- Hiking – check out the fall colors in Rock Creek Park or the National Arboretum.
- Kayaking – rent a kayak and paddle along the Potomac River for great views of the monuments from the water. See this link: https://boatingindc.com/rentals/
- Food Crawl – go on a food tour through one of DC’s neighborhoods. See this link for more information: https://www.dcmetrofoodtours.com/
- Theatre – catch a performance at the Kennedy Center, the historic Ford’s Theatre, or the National Theatre. There’s even a Cirque du Soleil show in Tyson’s Corner (40-minute drive) this Fall.
- Shopping – go shopping in Georgetown’s M Street, buzzing with cute shops and cafes
- Sports – Catch a baseball game at Nationals Park or watch the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.
Restaurant Suggestions
The area around the hotel has excellent restaurants at all price ranges. Here are some of the best restaurants in the area:
Good for a Casual Meal:
Tatte Bakery (2 min walk, $) – a lovely cafe serving croissants, sandwiches, salads, and other treats. Great for breakfast or a quick lunch.
Astro Donuts and Chicken (2 min walk, $) – famous for donuts and fried chicken sandwiches.
Pearls Bagels (10 min walk, $) – a good place to pick up bagel sandwiches.
Piccolina (2 min walk, $$) – small cafe serving wood-fired pizzas and salads. The eggplant parmigiana was voted the best in the city.
Founding Farmers & Distillers (10 min walk, $$) – classic American restaurant with an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Perfect for large groups.
Umaya Izakaya (2 min walk, $$) – Japanese diner serving an extensive menu of sushi, noodles, and curry. The highlight is the Yakitori made on their charcoal grill.
The Smith (5 min walk, $$) – casual American restaurant and bar. Great for large groups.
Carmines (5 min walk, $) – family-style Italian restaurant. Great for large groups. Book in advance!
El Sol (10 min walk, $) – a tiny hole in the wall serving authentic tacos and other regional Mexican dishes. They make their own tortillas with fresh masa!
Baan Siam (10 min walk, $$) – Authentic northern Thai cuisine. The Khoa Soi is excellent here!
Good for a Leisurely Meal:
Sfoglina (2 min walk, $$) – great place for handmade pastas and a glass of wine.
Boqueria (2 min walk, $$) – a fun tapas bar for shareable bites.
Centrolina (2 min walk, $$$) – one of DC’s best Italian restaurants. Grilled seafood and meats are their specialty.
Zaytinya (2 min walk, $$) – José Andrés’ popular Mediterranean place. Always packed, so reservations are a must!
Oyamel (5 min walk, $$) – a lively Mexican restaurant.
Joe’s Seafood and Steakhouse (10 min walk, $$$) – an upscale steakhouse and seafood joint. Also known for their excellent homemade pies. Reservations are a must.
Rasika (10 min walk, $$$) – famous Indian restaurant, known for celebrity spotting. The Obamas are regulars here!
Worth the Trip:
Da Hong Pao (20 min walk, $) – a great no-frills dim sum spot. It’s loud, chaotic, and very authentic.
Hanks Oyster Bar (10 min Uber/Metro, $$) – a DC classic serving Chesapeake Bay seafood like fresh Oysters and Crabs.
Le Diplomat (25 min walk or 10 min Uber, $$$) – popular French bistro serving all the classic French dishes. Reservations are a must.
Filomena (30 min walk or 10 min Uber, $$$) – old school Italian restaurant where Grandmas make the ravioli. Known for their eclectic, over-the-top decor. Reservations are a must.
Bars/NightLife Suggestions
DC has nightlife options to suit all tastes. Here are some options based on the vibe you are looking for:
Wine Bars: For a laid-back glass of wine, try Maxwell Park Wine Bar, Dabney Wine Cellar, or Barcelona Wine Bar.
Breweries: Try Atlas Brew Works (10 min drive), Lost Generation (10 min train), Red Bear (15 minute train), or Right Proper (15 minute train) for local brews.
Beer Gardens: For lively beer gardens, try Calico, Dacha Beer Garden, or Prost. These spots are great for large groups.
Live Music: For bars with live music, try The Atlantis, Blues Alley Club, Madams’ Organ, Hamilton, or 9:30 Club.
Upscale Bars: For luxurious settings, go to the Lobby Bar at the Waldorf Astoria, Off the Record at Hay Adams, or Round Robin at the Willard Hotel.
Rooftop Bars: For the best rooftop bars, go to the Wharf – a riverfront corridor with many rooftop locations overlooking the water. See this list: https://tinyurl.com/skfujhpv
Bar Hopping: If you want to hop around bars, go to U Street – a major nightlife spot with dozens of bars. Be warned, it gets rowdy. See this list to plan your bar crawl: https://tinyurl.com/26y2ammc.
LGBTQ+ Bars: DC has a vibrant gay bar scene. Try the Little Gay Pub (low-key laidback), Nellies (sports bar), or Kiki (for DJ and dancing).
With Kids
Some of the best options for fun activities with children include:
- Museums – The best museums for children are the Museum of National History, the Air and Space Museum, the Spy Museum, and the Children’s Museum.
- Zoo – Kids love the Pandas! Of course, there are other animals too, but really, it’s all about the Pandas in DC.
- Boating – Rent a pedal boat in the Tidal Basin and feed the ducks. https://tinyurl.com/5ynb8pnv
- Dessert Tours – Yes, there are dessert-only tours in DC like the DC Donut Tour (https://tinyurl.com/mrxrzrm9) or the Georgetown Cupcakes and Desserts tour (https://tinyurl.com/2tzxzsst).
by
Shreyans Goenka, Joey Reiff, and Evan Weingarten
Shreyans Goenka is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Virginia Tech. He splits his time between DC and Blacksburg. He loves the restaurants, museums, and political engagement in DC. His favorite DC activities include food crawls across the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, hiking in Rock Creek Park, volunteering at the dog shelter, and exploring one of the many museums in the area.
Evan Weingarten is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at University of Southern California. In the western US he is known for planning happy hours and other social activities. He grew up in Bethesda and DC, and enjoys the museums (including Spy Museum and Botanic Garden) and gin/coffee scene.
Joey Reiff is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Maryland. He lives in Capitol Hill, where is often seen walking his dog, Jesse, while listening to an audiobook. He enjoys lounging at coffee shops (current favorite is Yellow) and breweries (current favorite is Other Half).
