Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., with its marbled monuments and high-profile politicians, has long been stigmatized as a stodgy, government-driven town. Outsiders frequently perceive Washington as a "city of southern efficiency and northern grace," as John F. Kennedy famously called it. But these days, the nation's capital is awash with a new energy, transforming itself into an exciting, faster-paced East Coast vacation destination. Although the government is still the sun that this city revolves around, the district also has a number of renowned institutions and attractive districts. And, thanks to a recent influx of restaurants, cafés, shops, and clubs, D.C. is becoming a flourishing cultural center. The D.C. Tourism Board's DC Cool campaign emphasizes that this isn't the Washington you remember from your middle school field trip; it's far hipper.

You can choose a traditional D.C. adventure, filled with tours of classic attractions like the White House and the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. And there's no better way to experience iconic D.C. than with a stroll around the Tidal Basin. (Plan to visit in late March or early April – just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival – and you'll be rewarded with a canopy of beautiful pink blooms.) But if you've already seen the national landmarks, get a feel for the city's more youthful ambiance, highlighted by its urban neighborhoods, marquee art galleries, and vibrant farmers markets. While you'll only need a few days to see the city as you know it from your history book, it could take months to experience the Washington that today's locals know and love.

The Best Hotels in Washington, D.C.:

• The Jefferson, Washington, DC
• Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
• The Hay-Adams

The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
• The Tidal Basin

Rankings:

• 1 in Best Historical Cities to Visit in the USA
  2 in Best Family Summer Vacations
  5 in Best Cheap Family Vacations
  

Rating:

• 8 in Best Weekend Getaways in the South