Welcome to Washington D.C.

“DC is not a city, and it’s not a state; it’s a state of mind.”

— Bob Schieffer, American Journalist

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome

The capital of the United States is a city of monuments, museums, and one of the most dynamic public school systems in the country. Home to 690,000 City Residents, 49,000 D.C.P.S. Students & 19 Free Smithsonian Museums.

“A city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm."
— John F. Kennedy

A City Without a State

D.C. is a federal district, not a state — meaning its ~690,000 residents pay full federal taxes but have no voting representation in the U.S. Senate. The city's license plates famously read "Taxation Without Representation." Founded in 1790, it was designed by French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant, whose spoke-and-grid layout radiates from the Capitol.

No Building Taller Than the Capitol

A common myth says buildings can't exceed the height of the Washington Monument — the truth is slightly different. The Height of Buildings Act limits most structures to 130 feet, keeping D.C.'s skyline uniquely low and open compared to other major American cities.

One of America's Most Diverse Cities

D.C. is home to one of the largest Ethiopian communities in the world outside Africa, a thriving Latino corridor in Columbia Heights, and vibrant Asian and Caribbean communities across the District. The city is beautifully diverse.

19 Free World-Class Museums

The Smithsonian Institution operates 19 museums and galleries in D.C., all completely free to the public — covering everything from natural history and American art to aerospace and African American culture. There is genuinely no reason to pay for culture in this city.

The Birthplace of Go-Go

D.C. has its own genre of music: Go-Go, a percussion-heavy, funk-rooted sound pioneered by Chuck Brown in the 1970s. In 2020, it was officially designated the music of the District. Live Go-Go still echoes through neighborhoods across the city most weekends.

3,000 Cherry Trees

Japan gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to Washington in 1912 as a gesture of friendship. Each spring, the National Cherry Blossom Festival draws more than 1.5 million visitors to the Tidal Basin — one of the city's most spectacular annual events.

DC Public Schools

Washington D.C. operates one of the most closely watched — and genuinely transformed — urban school systems in the country, with a bold model that embraces both traditional public schools and public charter schools side by side.

By the numbers:

49,000+ students in DCPS traditional public schools
48,000+ students in DC public charter schools
~45% of all DC public school students attend charter schools
#1 largest share of charter school students of any major U.S. city

What makes DCPS distinctive:

DCPS serves students across all 8 wards of the District through over 110 schools from pre-K through 12th grade. The system has achieved some of the fastest gains in student achievement of any major urban district over the past two decades, particularly in elementary math and reading.

DC offers universal pre-K to all 3- and 4-year-olds in the District — one of the most expansive early childhood programs in the country. The District's Community Schools initiative has grown significantly, embedding health clinics, social services, and extended learning time inside schools in high-need neighborhoods. DC also ranks among the highest in the nation for per-pupil spending, with significant investments in teacher compensation and school facilities.

A Charter-Friendly City

Washington D.C. is the most charter-saturated public school system in the United States. Nearly half of all public school students attend one of the District's 60+ public charter schools, which are governed by the independent DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB).

Unlike most cities, D.C. operates a unified enrollment system — MySchoolDC — where families apply to both traditional DCPS schools and charter schools through a single, equitable lottery. This dual-sector model is widely studied as a national example of what a high-functioning, charter-inclusive public school ecosystem can look like.

Sites to See

Most of what makes this city extraordinary won't cost you a thing.

FREE ADMISSION

National Museum of African American History & Culture: The most powerful museum in America. Start underground with the history of slavery and journey upward through resilience, culture, and joy. Plan 3 hours minimum. Reserve free timed-entry passes in advance at si.edu — they go fast.
National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum: Two world-class Smithsonian museums sharing one stunning Greek Revival building — just 3 minutes from the National Union Building. Presidential portraits, cultural icons, and a gorgeous glass-covered courtyard. No tickets needed, ever.
The National Mall & Monuments Walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial past the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Reflecting Pool. One of the world's truly great public spaces. Open 24/7, always free.
National Museum of Natural History The iconic elephant in the rotunda, the Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils, an ocean hall, and much more. One of the most-visited museums in the world and endlessly entertaining for all ages.
Meridian Hill Park: A stunning 13-acre terraced park with cascading fountains and statues of Joan of Arc and Dante — just 15 minutes north of Hotel Zena on foot. One of DC's most beautiful and underrated public spaces.
U Street Corridor DC's historic "Black Broadway" — once home to Duke Ellington and a thriving jazz scene. Today a vibrant stretch of Ethiopian restaurants, murals, record shops, and cultural landmarks. Walking distance from the hotel.
Chinatown Friendship Archway DC's Chinatown is one of America's smallest — a fascinating story of urban change and gentrification. The ornate Friendship Archway on H St is a landmark worth seeing and a great conversation starter.
Tidal Basin & Jefferson Memorial: A scenic walking path encircling the Tidal Basin, lined with cherry trees and anchored by the neoclassical Jefferson Memorial. Beautiful at any time of year — spectacular in spring bloom.

PAID ADMISSION

International Spy Museum (~$25–35/person) Hands-on, immersive exhibits on real espionage history — spy gadgets, real missions, and interactive challenges. One of DC's best paid attractions. Budget 2–3 hours.
US Holocaust Memorial Museum (Free, timed entry recommended) One of the most thoughtfully designed and deeply moving museums in existence. Traces the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories. Allow 3 hours. Essential.
National Building Museum (~$10–15/person) Housed in one of Washington's most spectacular buildings — a massive 1880s Great Hall with 75-foot Corinthian columns. Rotating exhibits on architecture and urban design. A hidden gem.
Union Market District (Free to explore) DC's best food hall and most vibrant emerging neighborhood — artisan vendors, local restaurants, galleries, and weekend markets in a converted warehouse near NoMa. A great afternoon destination.

Getting Around D.C.

Metro: DC's Metro is clean, safe, and reliable. The most useful lines downtown are Red, Green, and Yellow. Tap in and out with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a SmarTrip card. Avoid rush hour (7–9am, 5–7pm) when possible.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available and typically 5–10 minutes from both Hotel Zena and the National Union Building. Expect mild surge pricing on weekday evenings.

Walking: Both our venues are extremely walkable to most destinations in this guide. Hotel Zena to National Union Building is 18 minutes on foot. Bring comfortable shoes — DC's streets are hard on dress shoes.

Weather & Dress: DC weather changes quickly. Business casual is appropriate for our venues and most restaurants on the itinerary list.

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