Nine reasons to sell more Washington DC

A city of world-class museums…

The free-to-enter National Air and Space Museum is the city’s most visited, and this reopened in October after a temporary closure to complete the renovation of its West Wing. It forms part of what is collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, a complex of 17 museums and galleries in DC, billed among the best in world.

Ferguson says: “You have the Smithsonians, and then you have hidden gems such as the Hillwood Estate, which has one of the largest collections of Faberge eggs and Russian artefacts, and the Frederick Douglas House – the home of a leading figure in the abolition movement.”

... but so much more than that

Visitors are often drawn to the city by its monuments, and end up being surprised by other attributes it has to offer. DC’s live sport, theatre shows, outdoor activities, cuisine and nightlife can all help flesh out a city stay, and the citywide celebrations, free concert and fireworks launched around Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool help make it one of the best places to experience Independence Day on 4 July.  

Ferguson says: “Our website, washington.org, has suggested itineraries – which combine more obvious places with new things to discover. For example, seeing the Korean War Veterans Memorial all lit up at night gives a unique perspective on DC, and a bike tour at night also has a different feel.”

Upgraded infrastructure

Visitors can now use the recently opened Metro’s Silver Line to travel all the way from Washington Dulles International airport to the heart of Downtown DC. This is particularly affordable at the weekend and when you buy multi-day tickets.

Elliott Ferguson says: “Downtown DC is very walkable. Visitors are often surprised to find we have such a green city. No building is taller than 13 storeys so you get great sight lines of all the monuments.”

A vibrant multicultural legacy

There are more than 180 embassies in DC, and during the month of May you can explore the world without leaving the city, when embassies open their doors to visitors for the Passport DC festival, offering free tours, often providing food and drink plus traditional music and dancing. Another legacy of these international communities is the varied cuisine across the city. For example, being home to the largest group of Ethiopians outside of Ethiopia, DC is acclaimed for its Ethiopian restaurants, while the city also has the largest concentration of cherry blossom trees outside of Japan.

Ferguson says: “The two-week Cherry Blossom Festival is the best time to enjoy these – the trees were a gift from Japan back in 1912. Renting a bike and cycling around the city when they are in bloom is a really nice experience.”

WorldPride is coming

After Taiwan withdrew from hosting WorldPride 2025, DC will now host the biannual event, from 23 May-8 June 2025, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington DC.

Ferguson says: “Diversity, equality and inclusion has always been a large part of how we sell DC, and that’s becoming even more purposeful as people look to understand Black Lives Matters. In 2023 we mark 60 years since Dr Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech, which was made at the Lincoln Memorial in DC.”

Opportunities for touring

Geographically flanked by Virginia and Maryland, DC lends itself to exploring the US more widely. Baltimore is just 45 minutes away by train and Virginia is great road-tripping territory with its small towns, wine trails and scenic backdrops.

Trade focus

Like many destinations, DC has emerged from the pandemic with a renewed focus on the trade and a healthy sense of optimism as we head into 2023. Fam trips and roadshows are promised, and the tourist board’s online series, Meet the Storytellers of Washington DC, will continue to drop more episodes.

Ferguson says: “The UK is our top overseas market. That’s why we came to the UK before Christmas. We’re closer now to where we were in 2019 and with more non-stop flights – it’s never been easier to access DC.”