Unmatched attractions, unbeatable scenery, unparalleled dining inspire autumn travel to Washington, DC

WASHINGTON, DC – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, is prepared to welcome travelers this fall with a variety of new experiences, places to stay, arts and cultural events of international interest, dining options backed by acclaimed chefs and free things to do. Plan a trip at washington.org/fall.

 

As the leaves begin to turn their signature shades of auburn, there’s something special about capturing brilliant foliage on the National Mall and around the Tidal Basin. The trails of Rock Creek Park, cobblestone streets of Georgetown, rowhouses of Capitol Hill and revamped waterfronts of the Wharf and Capitol Riverfront are also ideal backdrops for the most Instagrammable shot.

 

Pair a day of picture-taking with transcendent arts festivals and cultural events, including Theatre Week (Sept. 21-Oct. 8) and the overlapping World Culture Festival (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). This Olympic-scale experience on the National Mall features global music, dance, art, food and more – bringing hundreds of thousands of people together.

 

On Oct. 21, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the world’s first major museum dedicated to championing women artists, will unveil its highly anticipated, two-year, top-to-bottom renovation of its majestic 1908 building. The museum will reopen as a more inventive, accessible, flexible and interactive institution. The $67.5 million project features an enlarged gallery space for the collection of more than 6,000 works, including large-scale sculptures that previously could not be accommodated.

 

The upscale Royal Sonesta Washington, DC – Capitol Hill opened this month as the Hill’s first new hotel since 1984. The 274-room property features a sweeping glass façade, 10-story atrium, and rooftop conference space with views of iconic landmarks. DC has 19 new hotels and over 3,500 additional rooms in the pipeline.

 

Celebrity chefs are breathing new life into DC’s locally sourced culinary scene. Stephen Starr (of Le Diplomate and St. Anselm fame) just opened the doors to El Presidente, a colorful ode to Mexico City, in Union Market. Richie Brandenburg and Rubén García bring years of experience with José Andrés to the Square, an industry-redefining, collaborative food hall. Internationally renowned chef Makoto Okuwa just fully opened another must-see destination: Love, Makoto. Local staples Clyde’s celebrates 65 years this fall; Martin’s Tavern celebrates 90 years; while the ever-enchanting Eastern Market celebrates 150 years.

 

“Part of the way in which we market our destination is getting people to think beyond what they already know about DC,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, DDC. “Fall is the perfect time to explore the city, from fully reimagined attractions and incredible meals to moving cultural experiences that are found only in DC.”

 

The excitement will continue Nov. 1, when DDC officially launches its new advertising campaign: “There’s Only One DC.” The branding positions DC as wholly unique, spotlighting its diversity of experiences and free things to do.

 

Upcoming Events and Attractions

Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Galleries for Modern and Contemporary Art reopen
Closed since 2021, the galleries reopen with a more inclusive narrative of American art, including the often-overlooked contributions of Asian American, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and women artists. Sept. 22, 2023

Theatre Week
Theatre Week kicks off the launch of theater season in the DC region. With dozens of participating theaters and productions, the celebration provides an opportunity to sample diverse and vibrant work on a variety of stages. Tickets are available for $20/$40/$60, including fees. Sept. 21 – Oct. 8, 2023

World Culture Festival
A massive three-day experience on the National Mall features more than 10,000 performers from around the world. The historic event will bring together people from Argentina to Zimbabwe and all 50 states for music, dance, art and food. Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2023

Art All Night
Join artists on two nights, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., to celebrate DC’s performing and visual arts creatives across all eight wards. Sept. 29 and 30, 2023

National Museum of Women in the Arts Reopening 
The historic building’s first full renovation since 1987, the project honors the structure’s history while improving its interior spaces and exterior envelope. Oct. 21, 2023

Downtown Holiday Market
The beloved tradition stretches across two city blocks brimming with pop-up tents. Locally roasted coffee, mini-doughnuts and live seasonal music create the perfect holiday atmosphere. Nov. 17 – Dec. 23, 2023

 

Arts and Culture

Smithsonian American Art Museum
Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas
Blossoming in the mid-1960s, a deeply politicized moment in American life, Thomas continued to innovate until the end of her life, at times changing her methods to adapt to her declining physical ability due to arthritis. Sept. 15, 2023 – June 2, 2024

National Gallery of Art
The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans
Curated by artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation), the gallery presents work from 50 living Native American artists. Sept. 22, 2023 – Jan. 15, 2024

National Museum of African Art
John Akomfrah: Five Murmurations
Internationally renowned artist and filmmaker John Akomfrah addresses the pandemic, murder of George Floyd and worldwide protests in support of Black Lives Matter in a visual essay. Oct. 14, 2023 

National Portrait Gallery
Forces of Nature: Voices that Shaped Environmentalism
The exhibit presents key people whose work has influenced attitudes toward the environment in the United States from the late 19th century until today. Oct. 20, 2023 – Sept. 2, 2024

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Simone Leigh
Over the past two decades, Leigh has created art that situates questions of Black femme subjectivity at the center of contemporary art discourse and explores ideas of race, beauty and community in culture. Nov. 3, 2023 – March 3, 2024

National Portrait Gallery
Recent Acquisitions
21 pieces focus exclusively on portraits representing women or made by women. Subjects include Beyoncé, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Octavia Butler and Greta Garbo. Nov. 3, 2023 – Oct. 27, 2024

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Ballet West: The Nutcracker
Be swept away in a flurry of holiday magic as Ballet West presents America's longest-running Nutcracker. Nov. 22-26, 2023

 

Fall Deals

New this fall, potential travelers can book rooms directly through washington.org.

Picnic in the Park – The Park Hyatt Washington, DC invites guests to savor an elegant picnic in one of the city’s scenic parks, paired with an overnight stay. Valid through Oct. 20, 2023.

The Royal Debut – The new Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill offers 50 percent off the third night when booking a two-night stay. Valid through Feb. 29, 2024.

Park and Play – The conveniently located Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill offers complimentary parking for one vehicle. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

Long Weekender – The Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC Embassy Row offers 20 percent off a stay of three nights or more. Valid through Dec. 30, 2023.

Breakfast Included – The Hilton Washington, DC – National Mall The Wharf offers daily breakfast for two guests. Kids five and under eat free. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

Sip and Stay – Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square offers two daily cocktails plus 20 percent off food and beverage at Opaline Bar & Brasserie. Valid through Nov. 30, 2023. 

Bath Butler – Book a stay in the Viceroy Washington, DC’s spa studio two queens or king suite and enjoy customized bath amenities. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

Step Back in Time – The Westin Washington, DC City Center offers a 40th anniversary package that includes complimentary parking, breakfast and “throwback” items from 1983. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

A Night on the Georgetown – The St. Gregory offers luxurious accommodations in its penthouse suite and a five-course tasting dinner with beverage pairings in Ellington Park Bistro. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

VIPets – The Hotel Zena offers pet-friendly accommodations with no pet charges or deposit required. The package includes a puppuccino from Figleaf Bar & Lounge, plush dog bed, treats and a chew toy. Valid through Dec. 31, 2023.

 

Outdoor Activities

DC is the Capital of Sports – This fall, catch a late-season Washington Nationals baseball game, Washington Spirit or DC United soccer match, and cheer on the Commanders, under an exciting new ownership group.

Photograph foliage – According to the latest predictions, peak foliage in the area will roughly occur Oct. 16-30.

Georgetown Heritage – See the changing leaves against Georgetown’s brick rowhouses aboard an 80-foot vessel carrying visitors through the historic C&O canal for the first time in more than a decade.

 

About Destination DC: 

Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.