Southwest Travel Guide

Washington

Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC, USA
These slightly-larger-than-life statues depict American troops crossing the rugged Korean terrain.  I found their imposing size, heavy gear, and relentless gazes a sobering reminder of the toil required to wage war.
The Washington Memorial is still as impressive today as when it stood as the world's tallest structure from 1884 - 1889.  It took more than 40 years to complete (partly due to the Civil War), and if you look closely you can see exactly where construction halted and resumed - a new quarry was used and the marble is a different color.

Photo taken in late Dec 2018, with the flags at half-staff to honor the passing of President Bush.
The Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Southwest

Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Southwest

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW Washington DC
The price is 3.760.900 ₫ per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
3.760.900 ₫
4.360.764 ₫ total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,176 reviews)
Perfect! Location was great - short walk to the mall/museums and the wharf. Rooms had everything we needed. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

3.5 out of 5
725 Wharf Street SW Washington DC
The price is 5.864.900 ₫ per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
5.864.900 ₫
6.800.352 ₫ total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,877 reviews)
Water pressure was poor. View and location good. Parking ridiculous.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf
Salamander Washington DC

Salamander Washington DC

5 out of 5
1330 Maryland Ave, SW Washington DC
The price is 11.506.250 ₫ per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
11.506.250 ₫
14.408.751 ₫ total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,112 reviews)
Beautiful property. Exceptionally welcoming and friendly staff. Great, spacious, and well-decorated room. Highly recommended! I look forward to returning.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Salamander Washington DC
Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG

3 out of 5
550 C St SW Washington DC
The price is 5.075.900 ₫ per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
5.075.900 ₫
5.885.414 ₫ total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,879 reviews)
Everything was great.

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026

Holiday Inn Washington Capitol - Natl Mall by IHG
Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf

Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf

4 out of 5
480 L'Enfant Plaza Washington DC
The price is 6.232.574 ₫ per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
6.232.574 ₫
7.226.669 ₫ total
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,232 reviews)
Close to the National Mall. Like how there was a metro station very close. Very close to the wharf area where there was some pretty good restaurants.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf
InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG

5 out of 5
801 Wharf Street SW Washington DC
The price is 8.258.200 ₫ per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
8.258.200 ₫
10.642.637 ₫ total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,069 reviews)
The staff at the hotel was so courteous and helpful. They set me up for a tour for my family to take. They helped me out when my daughter got sick. The valet staff was so warm and kind. Shout out to Aiden who helped us with our luggage and answering all my questions.

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2026

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Southwest

Washington Monument Surrounded Cherry Blossoms DC

The Wharf

You'll enjoy the restaurants and riverfront in The Wharf. You might want to make time for a stop at The Anthem or Gangplank Marina.

The Wharf
The Yard Waterfront Park in Washington DC on the Pedestrian Walkway

Southwest Waterfront

While you're in Southwest Waterfront, take in top sights like Arena Stage and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station to see more of the city.

Southwest Waterfront
Quiet, Peaceful, Beautiful Arlington National Cemetery

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
Another shot from the Potomac river.  Cool night shots
#URBANJUNGLE

Navy Yard

While you're in Navy Yard, take in top sights like Washington Navy Yard and jump on the metro at Navy Yard Station to see more of the city.

Navy Yard
Water Park and modern fountain in Crystal City

Crystal City

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Visitors to Crystal City love its popular shops, and you can check out Bowlero Arlington and Long Bridge Park. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Crystal City Station.

Crystal City
Aerial photo overlooking the Penn Quarter, Constitution Avenue & north-side of the Mall, District of Columbia

Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like Sidney Harman Hall and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter


Southwest Travel Guide

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