As America marks its 250th birthday, the best place to celebrate the nation’s remarkable journey is Washington, DC. During this once-in-a-generation milestone, the capital comes alive with special exhibitions, commemorative events, and a renewed sense of patriotism that extends far beyond the National Mall. Wander through free world-class museums showcasing the country’s history and innovation, marvel at iconic monuments illuminated against the night sky, and savor the flavors of America through the city’s vibrant, globally inspired dining scene. From historic landmarks and cultural treasures, to diverse neighborhoods and unforgettable culinary experiences, Washington, DC offers the ultimate America250 getaway – a destination where the nation’s past, present and future come together in one unforgettable trip.
New Developments
Opened in 2025, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream is a cultural hub of storytelling, innovation, and opportunity – with exhibits for anyone who ever wondered what it might be like to maximize their creative potential. An inspiring array of innovators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists are showcased. While on the bottom floor, don’t miss the 20-minute film on the American Dream, and view artifacts and the old bank vault from this former site of the Riggs National Bank.
It’s easy to engage with the interactive exhibits. Import your face and dream in the lobby’s living tribute, known as the Tree of Generations, and interact with holograms featuring legends like Sal Khan of Khan Academy and SPANX Founder Sara Blakely. In the Hall of Generations, search and explore an ongoing video collection sharing American Dream stories. On the top floor, journey through America with Robert Freimark’s abstract “Fifty States” exhibition. Like most museums in Washington, DC, admission is free. Another one of our favorite museums is Planet Word hosting a new Language and Liberty series.
Make a point to visit The Star-Spangled Banner – the flag that inspired the National Anthem – which can be viewed any time at the National Museum of American History.
National Geographic Museum of Exploration is now open, transforming the Society’s century-old campus into an immersive storytelling destination. The $300-million revitalization marked the dedication of a permanent home that welcomes all who support the Society’s mission to “illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, exploration, education and storytelling.” To celebrate America 250, the photography exhibition, “Red, White & Blue” showcases a collection of images from National Geographic Explorers and photographers showcasing the United States’ history, culture and complexities through the colorful lens of the American flag. From bright red strawberries and serene blue lakes to vivid white snowfalls, explore the United States through a new lens and discover the symbols, scenes and stories that define our nation.
The National Air and Space Museum opened five newly-transformed galleries on July 1, 2026, marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. Galleries feature restored, iconic artifacts such as the Spirit of St. Louis and John Glenn’s Mercury Friendship 7 capsule.
It’s now possible to experience the Lincoln Memorial Undercroft, a cavernous structural chamber underground that has stood hidden since the 1922 memorial opening. The new 15,000-square-foot museum below the monument features a soaring grid of 122 concrete columns, interactive exhibits on the memorial’s construction, authentic 1920s worker graffiti, and original signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment.
In the fall of 2026, the Hirshorn Sculpture Garden will reopen after a $68-million 3-year revitalization. The 1.4-acre art park will be the easiest-to-access American space for the presentation of outdoor sculpture, time-based artwork and performances, large-scale commissions, public education, dining and reflection.
Old Greats
Don’t miss one of the most extraordinary awe-inspiring collections of Impressionist and modern masterpieces at The Philipps Collection – considered America’s first modern art museum. Located in Dupont Circle, the enormous collection is in an intimate mansion-like setting boasting works from Renoir, Picasso, Monet, Rothko, Calder, Jackson Pollack, Miro, and more. Savor live music here too – “Philipps after 5” in the evenings, and Sunday concerts.
Stroll around the National Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the US, known for its towering Gothic spires and intricate stained glass, and bring a picnic to soak up the Bishop’s Garaden. This medieval-style walled garden features stone paths, blooming roses, and shaded benches. Before or after the Cathedral, walk Embassy Row on Mass Avenue NW to admire the stunning diverse architecture and flowers, once a residential enclave of America’s wealthiest industrial titans and political elites.
Admire portraits of all the American Presidents at the National Portrait Gallery along with “American Winners” showcasing athletes and entertainers who shaped the nation. The “Star Power” exhibit celebrates Hollywood’s Golden Age with many never before seen black and white photographs.
At the National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden, step into the West Building for a fresh take on American Art and then peruse “Dear America,” an exhibit examining how artists have approached the American identity over 250 years. View how artists reimagined versions of the U.S. flag in the “American Icon” exhibit.
The U.S Botanic Garden National Arboretum is the place to discover the beauty and diversity of plants. More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for a botanic garden in the nation’s new capital city. The Garden was established in 1820 by Congress. Admire orchids, desert and rainforest plants, and if you’re lucky the opening of the corpse flower native to Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its rotting meat smell. Look for the beautiful display celebrating America’s state flowers and see if you can find their location in the gardens.
At the National Archives, marvel at the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in the National Archives Rotunda. Join the special 250th-anniversary exhibit, Road to Revolution, highlighting National Archives records that document major milestones that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. A new 10,000-square-foot The American Story exhibit features over 40 original artifacts, alongside the special Opening the Vault display highlighting how the U.S. has celebrated centennials.
Home to millions of books, archives, and historical treasures, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and one of DC’s most breathtaking cultural landmarks. On July 3, a new exhibition opened entitled The Declaration’s Promise: A Revolutionary Idea.
Diverse Dining
Dine around Washington, DC – a mecca for America’s global cuisine.
While hot dogs and apple pie are pure Americana, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a local DC institution, celebrating 60 years. Pop in for a chili dog, turkey dog, or the signature half- smoke, where the sausage dog is smoked before its grilled giving it a nice spice kick.
For a true American experience, take me out to the ballgame! Head to Nationals Park where you can eat more than peanuts and Cracker Jack. Over 40 local restaurants and vendors are available in the park. Download the Ballpark app for iPhone and Android to order concessions without leaving your seat.
Classic establishments around town include Old Ebbit Grill from 1856, Martin’s Tavern where JFK proposed to Jackie, and Café Milano where you are sure to spot a celebrity, politician, or Washington power player. At the vibrant mile-long waterfront wharf in Southwest, choose an upscale dining view on the Potomac and peruse the Maine Avenue Fish Market to ogle the variety of crabs at the nation’s oldest operating open-air fish market. Sample fresh Chesapeake Bay oysters, Maryland Blue Crabs with Old Bay seasoning, and other cooked seafood.
Down below the Rigg Hotels, find Silver Lyan, voted one of North America’s 50 Best Bars. Here, cocktails tell stories. Enter through an old bank vault for a playful pre- or post-dinner cocktail – like Homer’s Heimlich Punch made with Mezcal, pechuga, purple potato amazake, and green café con leche topped with beaded balls that look like caviar but taste like strawberry donuts.
Maison Bar A Vins is the district’s hottest new French-inspired wine bar-restaurant in Adams Morgan, tucked in a charming brownstone. Begin with a refreshing wine-based Sweet Pea Spritz and share classic Moule Frites before savoring exciting unexpected ingredients like Brioche Stuffed Chicken, Baked Escargot, Steelhead Trout Tartar with grilled strawberry, and a dessert chocolate-charred Choux Bun oozing with mascarpone. Make reservations in advance to score a seat at this dimly lit haunt.
In Georgetown, Floreria Atlantico might be challenging to find, nestled below a flower and wine shop. Scale below into this dark moody speakeasy bar-restaurant that mixes up inventive sips with Argentine influences. With its original location nominated as World’s 50 Best Bars in Buenos Aires, the cocktail game is strong. My Tidewater Martini, infused with local seaweed and shells, arrived with crab-stuffed olives. The Potomac cocktail pays homage to 19th century Georgetown, once the site of the largest mid Atlantic trading centers. The drink blends local rum with tobacco and sycamore tree syrup and Potomac River bitters. Surprises unfold all evening, like empanadas stuffed with crab or ossobuco. Spring peas pop up in June, folded and blended like a sauce in the orecchiette pasta. Even a trip to the bathroom is an experience – with soothing sounds of ocean and seagulls.
For Levantine cuisine with a modern twist, head to Dupont Circle restaurant Ala, for a mezze extravaganza. Begin with pepper-infused Mezcal with hibiscus and indulge in a roll out of creative flavors – pita with mixed spreads, grilled tiger shrimp kebab, tuna tartare dolamades, mini beef dumplings with labneh, crispy brussels sprouts with currants and walnuts, fattoush with tamarind infused apricots, and braised short ribs with tarragon mashed potatoes.
The lively Vue Rooftop provides a stellar DC finale above the White House, as the scintillating sunset view of the nation’s important buildings pairs with America’s finest dishes – Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Lobster Tagliatelle made even more satisfying with a Dirty or Espresso Martini.
Change Up Your Stay
To get a real sense and genuine feel of the city’s neighborhoods, consider staying in several areas.
Located in the former historic Rigg National Bank Building, the 5-star Riggs Washington DC is known as the Bank of the Presidents. This Richardsonian Romanesque features 181 vibrant, art-deco inspired rooms, a French-style brasserie, and subterranean cocktail bar tucked inside the original bank vault. Much of the original architectural grandeur has been preserved, including soaring coffered ceilings and marble columns. The National Portrait Gallery is across the street and the White House and National Mall about a 15-minute walk away.
Arlo Washington DC’s newly opened 4-star hotel in Judiciary Square is diagonal to the National Building Museum, a 5-minute drive from Union Station, and a short walk to the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. Spacious rooms in this historic building come with exposed brick walls, modern design, arched windows, and rainfall showers. The rooftop pool is a bonus perk to cool down during hot steamy days with a 360-degree rooftop cocktail bar offering panoramic views of the city. A coffee bar and café serve pastries and breakfast items adjacent to the lobby. Take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary bikes for an evening spin to witness the city transform after sunset with crowd-free illuminated monuments.
In vibrant Dupont Circle in historic Northwest, the 3-star chic Art Deco Lyle Washington DC is located in the cosmopolitan heart of the capital. Take a walk in this area around tree-lined streets with stately Gilded Age mansions, foreign embassies, and a famous traffic circle with a marble fountain, a popular place to socialize. Highly walkable to eateries, bookstores, and specialty shops, this hotel makes the perfect stay to launch a trip. A custom burlwood headboard anchors a plush room, with flowing curtains over large corner Art Deco windows that allow natural light to flood in. Below the hotel rooms, take a seat at the buzzing restaurant-bar for a glass of wine and conversations geared towards the politics of the day.
Washington, DC is a celebration of the people, by the people, for the people. Honor the nation’s capital with a journey through America’s story, and pay homage to American history and the figures who helped give birth to a nation.
