recently search
Announcing our new USA Guided Tours “Sip & Develop” Photo Adventure Tour!
In collaboration with USA Guided Tours, Sip & Develop has created a new spin on traditional photography. Travelers will get to experience the joys of shooting film while sightseeing in the nation’s capital. Let your travel photos stand out from the rest with black and white film that will really capture those Kodak moments. It’s not a filter…it’s film—get the look at Sip & Develop!
After the tour, you’ll come to Silver Spring for our 90 minute class to learn how to develop your images and even print one in the darkroom. You can bring whatever you’d like to sip or munch on for this exciting social photography experience. Be prepared for adventures in the dark….the darkroom that is!
Check out some of the highlights from the 3 hour tour and hear what others have said about each location. All reviews and ratings are from Tripadvisor.
Union Market is the epicenter of culinary creativity in DC with over 40 local vendors, live music, retail, hotel, residential and more! With its origins starting over 200 years ago as a fresh food venue it’s not surprising that Union Market has become a great unifier for DC – connecting people from a variety of backgrounds.
Right next door is another contemporary marketplace, La Cosecha, designed for community and conversation with a philanthropic mission to foster business education throughout Latin America. Featuring seasonal experiences curated in partnership with Latin American embassies, eclectic tastemakers and artistic contributors.
These markets are pioneering places where vision not only matters but materializes into a thriving, relevant and culturally rich district of sights, sounds and tastes. A true gathering place that serves as an inviting melting pot of old world heritage and new world opportunities. Find your own treasure at this gold mine of an urban village born from the diversity of the dreams and energy of the nation’s capital.
So much to choose from! We were impressed with the variety of food and drink options here. Indoor and outdoor seating options, including on the roof. Hoping to go back. Highly recommended!
Written January 1, 2022 by Emily M
Great way to spend a rainy day!
We really enjoyed this marketplace. Tons of different food options and artisan shops. It is a local hot spot so be prepared for a crowd. You can get everything from middle eastern cuisine to fresh baked pastries and coffee. Lots of shops with handcrafted wares, plants, and art. Loved spending a rainy morning here with my son. I wish we had something this cool in my hometown.
Written September 17, 2019 by Spring F
Steeped in history and rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans as well as Earth’s fragile ecosystems. The campus of the U.S. Botanic Garden includes the Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park.
More than 200 years ago, George Washington had a vision for the capital city of the United States that included a botanic garden that would demonstrate and promote the importance of plants to the young nation. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the oldest, continuously operating botanic garden in the United States. Just as our forefathers recognized the role of plants in the future development of the fledgling nation, there is even greater need today to renew our understanding of the importance of plants to the well-being of our citizens, our nation, and the world. It is hard to imagine a more important mission.
Amazing diversity of biomes and plants, beautiful Blooms of every kind, we ate a fig bar under a fig tree. How cool is that? The bathrooms were super clean and they even had pineapple plants growing there too. A great break after visiting the Smithsonians.
Written July 6, 2022 by Cheesepak
Even if you aren’t into gardening, you will enjoy this place. There are several areas of the world represented throughout garden areas. So many unusual flowers and plants to see. Take a break and smell the flowers while walking down the DC Mall.
Written February 12, 2020 by Rosebud39631
The beautiful and creative displays never cease to amaze. Seasonal evening hours are an especially great time to visit. Lots of photo opportunities including the flower wall.
Written December 26, 2019 by Juanita W
Adams Morgan is situated just outside the original city of Washington as planned by Charles Pierre L’Enfant. The area developed as an urban district in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the city expanded, a process greatly facilitated by the construction of two streetcar lines on Columbia Road and 18th Street.
Since the 1970s, Adams Morgan has experienced an ongoing renaissance. Population and businesses have continued to increase. In 1975, there were only eight restaurants in the neighborhood; today there are more than 100.
The neighborhood is a gateway community for immigrants and it’s one of the few places in Washington DC without a majority ethnic or racial group. A mix of new immigrants, young urban professionals and intellectuals live in this area.
Adams Morgan is a vibrant, diverse and artistic neighborhood abuzz with colorful storefronts, interesting architecture, many public murals, friendly sidewalk cafes, restaurants with diverse cuisine, intimate coffee shops and some of Washington’s liveliest nightspots.
Adams Morgan is covered in street art including vibrant murals, colorful building faces, painted jersey barriers, and more! Murals depict life, culture, and values – and because of this, the neighborhood has its own unique style. Adams Morgan remains Washington, DC’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhood.
I loved seeing this place for the first time! Walking around at night not only felt safe, but exciting and fun. The atmosphere is lively, and there are a plethora of good restaurants to enjoy. I particularly recommend Smoke and Barrel’s BBQ.
The metro station at Adams Morgan makes this neighborhood quite accessible. If you’re looking for a place to spend a fun evening on the town, I wholly recommend coming here.
Written November 6, 2021 by Elliott P
Great Neighborhood for low key visit
Among several wonderful hotels are shops and restaurants that are well worth visiting. Get away from the city center to a nice neighborhood with diverse cuisines (Brazilian/ Seafood /Afgan/ Mexican / Continental/ Greek/etc) fun shops, a few bars and a nice family vibe.
Written December 1, 2019 by allerton21
The sixth-largest cathedral in the world, Washington National Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece, a national house of prayer for all people, and a gathering place for the nation in times of sorrow and in times of celebration. It has been the site of presidential funerals, inaugural prayer services, and many historic moments, including the final Sunday sermon delivered by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Cathedral, which is of Neo-Gothic design, was chartered by the United States Congress in 1983 and was established on the highest point in D.C. in 1907. The Cathedral is an incredible sight, and is filled with such fascinating history and surprising details. From its 112 gargoyles to the 215 stained glass windows, the Cathedral features a dizzying array of whimsy and wonder.
The Cathedral’s design shows a mix of influences from the various Goth architectural styles of the Middle Ages. It is identifiable in its pointed arches, variety of vaulted-ceilings, flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, and carved decorations in stone.
The Cathedral labyrinth is a medieval design based on the one in the floor of the nave at Chartres Cathedral in France. The central tower is the only place in North America to house both peal and carillon bells. There are 288 angels atop the two west towers. The Cathedra’s Great Organ has 10,650 pipes in it. With no shortage of art there are 1,500+: number of needlepoint pieces in the Cathedral. Each stone weighs about 300 pounds and in total the Cathedral weighs 150,000 tons.
Ten small stones from the Chapel of Moses on Mount Sinai, representing the 10 Commandments, are set into the floor in front of the altar. Beneath the cathedral’s oldest altar, in Bethlehem Chapel, is found the Cathedral’s foundation stone, which is brought from fields near Bethlehem. The High Altar is made from stone from Solomon’s quarry outside of Jerusalem.
Many people don’t know that the National Cathedral features a sculpture of Darth Vader and is also home to one of the few old growth forests still standing in the nation’s capital, Olmsted Woods, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.
The Cathedral has a very unique stained glass, Space Window where a piece of lunar rock from the Sea of Tranquility is embedded into the glass. The moon rock was donated to the Cathedral by the crew of Apollo 11, which included Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin in 1974. The window was dedicated on the fifth anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing on July 21, 1974.
This cathedral is absolutely stunning. I was shocked to see the inside and learn the history of this building. Truly an underrated DC experience and is certainly a must do for first time visitors.
Written August 16, 2021 by Tori
so beautiful. i truly believe that everyone should go at least once in their lifetime. there was this fountain that we got some great pictures at. must see
Written August 2, 2021 by jacob w
The Cathedral is so breathtaking as you approach it! Inside is so grandeur, spacious and so Beautiful. It’s definitely worth coming and take the free walking tour. Pictures from the 7 floor are awesome.
Written January 24, 2020 by Bladimir B
The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is a symbol of the American people and their government. It is the home of the U.S. Congress—the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Capitol also houses an important collection of American art, and it is an architectural achievement in its own right. It is a working office building as well as a tourist attraction visited by millions every year.
The U.S. Capitol is a landmark of neoclassical architecture. Its designs derived from ancient Greece and Rome evoke the ideals that guided the nation’s founders as they framed their new republic. In 1814, British troops set fire to the Capitol as well as the White House and other District buildings during the War of 1812. Fortunately, a rainstorm prevented the Capitol’s complete destruction, and in the following year Latrobe began its reconstruction and redesign.
A law passed in 1899 required no building be taller than the Capitol but was amended in 1910 and now it’s only the fifth-tallest building in the District of Columbia. It’s shorter than the Washington Monument, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Old Post Office and the Washington National Cathedral.
Since that time, the U.S. Capitol and its stately dome have become international symbols of American representative democracy. Within the building you will find majestic paintings, sculptures, and other works of fine art that depict various periods in American history. The bronze Statue of Freedom by Thomas Crawford is the crowning feature of the dome of the United States Capitol. The statue is a classical female figure of Freedom wearing flowing draperies with a crested helmet and sword, suggesting she is prepared to protect the nation.
Seeing the US Capitol was like a dream coming true to me. I’ve always dreamed of seeing it live and I can say it is worth the visit. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it in books, magazines, TV and movies… one of the most iconic buildings in the world!
Written September 29, 2021 by Vicky Silve
History, history, history…and beauty
Beautiful building, the tours are very informative, fun, and educational. I don’t think there’s an off season for this building. Beautiful architecture, paintings, statues, etc. You don’t want to miss it.
Written February 11, 2020 by kathymY1120SY
Explore the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, which offers a relaxing setting to enjoy works of modern sculpture for soaking in the sun or snapping selfies. The six-acre beautifully landscaped oasis, located on the National Mall in Washington, DC, opened in 1999. Currently there are 17 major sculptures on display by internationally renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Mark di Suvero, Roy Lichtenstein, and Claes Oldenburg. Because the artworks are three-dimensional, we are able to intimately engage with them and observe how the landscape and other visitors participate in the overall interaction.
The masterworks highlighted here represent only a small part of the more than 150,000 sculptures, decorative arts, prints, drawings, photographs, and paintings in the National Gallery’s permanent collection. Taken together, they offer a vibrant picture of the power and range of human creativity. Like the collection itself, this selection of highlights will change over time. Explore it to learn more about the National Gallery, its collection, and the artists who created the works now held in trust for the nation.
During the summer on Friday evenings, jazz musicians entertain visitors by the reflecting pool at Jazz in the Garden. The central fountain serves as an ice rink in winter. The Pavilion Café offers year-round café service, along with indoor seating. Admire for the first time or rediscover your favorite sculptures and relax as you catch some shade.
Worth your time–for an hour or an entire day
Worth the visit. Variety of types of art: painting, sculpture; the fountain in the middle of the gallery; the atrium with beautiful greenery.
Written November 22, 2021 by Julie M
Love it! It’s free, it’s fun, it’s thought-provoking, and great for children and adults alike. Thoroughly recommended!
Written February 24, 2020 by JackPudding
This sculpture garden is centrally located to the Metro, National Mall, museums, restaurants, and MORE. Free to the public, take a stroll through this area when it is open. There are many photo ops for you. The art is iconic and well maintained. If you are an art buff, many of the names of the artists and artworks may be familiar.
Written June 3, 2019 by PaleoGypsy
Rock Creek Park is a large urban park that bisects the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. The park was created by an Act of Congress in 1890 and today is administered by the National Park Service. In addition to the park proper, the Rock Creek administrative unit of the National Park Service administers various other federally owned properties in the District of Columbia located to the north and west of the National Mall, including Meridian Hill Park on 16th Street, N.W., the Old Stone House in Georgetown, and certain of the Fort Circle Parks, a series of batteries and forts encircling the District of Columbia for its defense during the U.S. Civil War.
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation’s capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.
The Rock Creek Valley has a long and varied history. For millennia, American Indians quarried rock outcroppings to make tools, fished the creek, and hunted wild game in the woodlands. In the 1600s and early 1700s, European Americans claimed title to the land. As tobacco farming and African American slavery became more widespread, Georgetown was chartered at the mouth of Rock Creek. In the late 1700s and into the 1800s, tobacco farming exhausted the soil, resulting in many farmers switching to wheat and corn production. Gristmills, the most successful being Peirce Mill, were constructed along Rock Creek to convert grain into flour.
The Rock Creek area was deforested during the U.S. Civil War. Logs and branches were felled and then laid out systematically throughout the soon-to-be park by Union soldiers to make a Confederate march through the valley impossible. Civil War fortifications in and around the valley bombarded General Jubal Early’s Confederate troops during the July, 1864 Battle of Fort Stevens.
Pretty park… We went specifically to find the Old Capitol Stones. Short hike in… One of my favorite things we did in the week we were in Washington.
Written January 28, 2020 by Patrick & Danielle
This is a beautiful natural area that runs though DC. There are winding roads, picnic areas, playing fields, walking trails, horse trails (and a horse center where you can rent a mount). I’ve always loved the arches of the old stone bridges above you as you drive along Rock Creek Parkway. There are also many smaller bridges across Rock Creek, some for cars and some for pedestrians. The old mill and nearby waterfall are also favorites.
Written May 10, 2019 by Ruth G
USA Guided Tours Content Team in Collaboration With Sip & Develop
