Nearby Cities & Towns:

Philadelphia, PA
The original capital of the nation, Philadelphia was laid out by William Penn Jr in 1682, on a grid system that was to provide the pattern for most American cities. It was envisaged as a "greene countrie towne," traces of which are still discernable. Just a few blocks away from the noise and crowds of downtown, shady cobbled alleys stand lined with red-brick colonial houses, while the peace and quiet of huge Fairmount Park make it easy to forget you're in a major metropolis. Settled by Quakers, Philadelphia prospered swiftly on the back of trade and commerce, and by the 1750s had become the second largest city in the British Empire. Economic power fueled strong revolutionary feeling, and the city was the capital for most of the War of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence was written, signed, and first publicly read here in 1776, as was the US Constitution ten years later. Philadelphia was also a hotbed of new ideas in the arts and sciences, as epitomized by the scientist, philosopher, statesman, inventor, and printer Benjamin Franklin.

Philadelphia, which means "City of Brotherly Love" in Greek, is one of the most ethnically mixed US cities, with substantial communities of Italians, Irish, Eastern Europeans, and Asians living side-by-side among the large African-American population. Many of the city's black residents are descendants of the migrants who flocked here after the Civil War when Philadelphia was seen as a bastion of tolerance and liberalism. A century later it voted in the nation's first black mayor, and erected the country's best museum of African-American history and culture. On the downside, Philadelphia is also the place where in 1985, as part of a huge police effort to dislodge the black separatist group MOVE, a bomb dropped from a helicopter set fire to entire city blocks, killing men, women, and children, and leaving many hundreds homeless. Once known as "Filthydelphia," the city underwent a remarkable resurgence preparing for the nation's bicentennial celebrations in 1976 and its strength today is its great energy – fueled by history, strong cultural institutions, and grounded in its many staunchly traditional neighbourhoods.

Gettysburg, PA
The small town of Gettysburg, gained tragic notoriety in July 1863 for the cataclysmic Civil War battle in which fifty thousand men died. There were more casualties during these three days than in any American battle before or since – a full third of those who fought were killed or wounded – and entire regiments were wiped out when the tide finally turned against the South.

Four months later, on November 19, Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the National Cemetery. His two-minute speech, in memory of all the soldiers who died, is acknowledged as one of the most powerful orations in American history. Gettysburg, by far the most baldly commercialized of all the Civil War sites, is overwhelmingly geared toward tourism, relentlessly replaying the most minute details of the battle. Fortunately, it is perfectly feasible to avoid the crowds and commercial overkill and explore for yourself the rolling hills of the battlefield (now a national park) and the tidy town streets with their shuttered historic houses.

Washington, District of Columbia
With its impressive monuments and museums, its stately government buildings and mansions, Washington DC is easily recognizable as the United State's capital city. The city is mainly based on government and everything from museums to mansions bring millions of tourists each year. Washington DC is the second most visited city in the United States (after New York) and is among the top travel destinations in the world.

Adams-Morgan
Popular with the young, hip crowd, Adams-Morgan is considered one of Washington's most colorful neighborhoods. Though it is primarily home to Latinos and West Africans, the neighborhood is brimming with people of many backgrounds. It's a great place to find ethnic restaurants and with its mix of nationalities, Adams-Morgan is one of the most interesting and cosmopolitan neighborhoods in the city. The cultural diversity is evident in its quirky shops and offbeat bars and clubs.

Anacostia
Just across the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, Anacostia is a historic African-American neighborhood. The neighborhood, named after its Native American inhabitants, dates back to John Smith's arrival in the New World in 1607. Of particular interest are the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site , the Woodlawn Cemetery and the Anacostia Museum : a Smithsonian Museum showcasing African-American culture.

Capitol Hill
"The Hill" is known not just for the imposing U.S. Capitol , but for its interesting blend of government buildings, Victorian row houses, restaurants and shops. The Capitol dominates the neighborhood; the Supreme Court of the United States, the Library of Congress and Union Station are other prominent buildings. You'll also find Eastern Market , one of the city's oldest farmers' markets and the Folger Shakespeare Library , which features theater, chamber music, baroque opera and other performances.

Chinatown
Chinatown is a small neighborhood that is easily accessible by Metro or foot from downtown Washington. The neighborhood is marked by the colorful Friendship Archway and many of the city's Asian restaurants and shops are here. Chinatown is the site of the popular Chinese New Year's Day parade.

Dupont Circle
Washington's gay neighborhood is equally popular with heterosexuals looking for lively nightlife, exceptional restaurants and funky shops. With its historic townhouses, art galleries and theaters, Dupont Circle is a great place to explore. At the circle, three of the District's major avenues—New Hampshire, Connecticut and Massachusetts—converge. With its large central fountain and shade trees, the circle is a great place to sit and watch the crowds or enjoy lunch.

Foggy Bottom
Once called Funkstown (after a German immigrant), Foggy Bottom has an institutional and bureaucratic air to it. It's the home of the Department of State , the Kennedy Center , the Watergate Hotel complex and George Washington University . Foggy Bottom derived its name during the late 19th Century when smoke from the neighborhood factories and the swampy air of the low ground combined to produce a permanent fog along the waterfront.

Georgetown
Trendy, fashionable and fun describe the atmosphere in Georgetown , Washington's oldest neighborhood. It's a neighborhood of tree-lined streets and handsome brick houses, but it's also home to Georgetown University and is a popular place to shop, take in dinner and a movie, and, of course, enjoy the nightlife. Busy M Street is lined with trendy boutiques and upscale stores, restaurants and bars.

Southwest/Waterfront
The eastern shore of the Anacostia River is home to Arena Stage , Benjamin Banneker Circle and Fountain, and L'Enfant Plaza . The waterfront runs several blocks along Maine Avenue SW with piers, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, seafood markets and restaurants to explore.

Alexandria & Arlington
These distinct Virginia communities across the Potomac River from Washington stand apart from other local areas. Alexandria's history stretches back to 1699, long before Washington DC was formed to become the nation's capital. Old Town Alexandria boasts hundreds of restored buildings—homes, churches and taverns from the 18th and 19th Centuries. Visitors can walk along cobbled streets and visit the revitalized waterfront. Arlington, on the other hand, is clearly part of contemporary Virginia. Arlington boasts many major attractions including: Arlington National Cemetery , the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial and the Pentagon .