Can’t-Miss Museums on the National Mall

The best way to do DC? For free, thanks to these no-admission museums on the National Mall

To go with its monuments and memorials, the National Mall boasts an impressive lineup of free museums. Visitors should take advantage of the wide range of experiences on hand, from immersing themselves in classic art to marveling at the wonders of aviation and our natural world. Let your wallet breathe and explore these free museums during your next trip to the nation’s capital.

Visit these only-in-DC museums on the National Mall!

Washington DC Pokémon Go Tips

Become the Very Best in Washington, DC

From where to capture Pokémon to finding your local gym, here’s what you need to know

Since launching this July, the mobile game Pokémon Go has become a viral sensation, and that couldn’t be more true anywhere than in the nation’s capital. As one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., Washington, DC is primed for the free-to-download, augmented reality game in which users stroll the streets in search of capturing adorable Pokémon or battling to control the various gyms scattered throughout the city.

The National Mall is crawling with the adorable digital critters (plus lots of trainers looking to add to their collections), and you’ll also find more Pokémon inside restaurants, museums and other attractions around the city. Get a leg up on the competition and follow these tips when playing Pokémon Go in Washington, DC.

1. Go to the National Mall to capture Pokémon

There’s no better place in the city to find your favorite type of Pokémon than on the National Mall. With 150 different characters to add to your Pokédex, you “gotta catch ‘em all.” Collect as many as you can so you can transfer them to Professor Willow, and level up in no time.

2. Gather all your Pokémon supplies at various Pokéstops throughout the city

In order to be the best, you need to collect Pokéballs, potions and eggs. You’ll discover various Pokéstops to do just that on almost every block throughout DC, including well-known attractions, like the International Spy Museum, to lesser-known spots.

3. Become a Washington, DC expert

As you visit Pokéstops and gyms throughout the city, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Washington, DC. Make sure you read the descriptions at each Pokéstop to find out about local history and culture in our nation’s capital. Some of the coolest Pokéstops where you can grow your DC knowledge are Neighborhood Heritage Trails. And, per usual, make sure to continue catching Pokémon along the way.

4. Get out, walk around and hatch your eggs

As any trainer knows, the more you walk, the quicker your eggs will hatch. Considering Washington, DC was recently named the second most walkable city in the nation, reducing that incubation time should come easy. Get walking and your eggs will hatch in no time. Here are 10 popular spots to walk and run in DC.

5. Level your Pokémon up and get ready to battle at gyms, found at many major attractions

At level 5, it’s time to pick your team: Team Valor (Red), Team Mystic (Blue) or Team Instinct (Yellow). Once you’ve decided on your faction, then head to the nearest gym to take control of DC. Some popular gyms to include the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Verizon Center and the White House. Happy battling.

Alright, now you’re ready to dominate DC in Pokémon Go. Remember to be safe. Look up from your phone when crossing streets and walking on sidewalks, respect local businesses and be on the lookout for other trainers.

Start making your Labor Day weekend plans!

Celebrate summer’s last big weekend with music, food, outdoor activities and baseball.

Come to Washington, DC and your summer is guaranteed to end with a bang!

>>18 Ways to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Washington, DC

Our Famous Neighbor

Washington, DC vacations are on everyone's to-do list at some point. We invite you to stay with us while exploring all the nearby things to do in Washington DC. You'll find plenty of free museums to visit, and dozens of monuments and memorials dedicated to legendary American leaders.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Celebrate the refreshingly warmer weather and the arrival of spring with the many fairs, festivals and special events happening around our region. Many of these festivals and fairs are free, or low-cost, and are packed with activities for all types of festival-goers, such as arts & crafts, unique gifts for sale, wine or beer tastings, live music and entertainment, lots of tasty food and loads of games.

Check out this downloadable guide of some of the best annual festivals and special events in our area. Take a look and keep it handy when planning your vacations.

ITINERARIES

Wondering what to see and do on your visit to Fairfax County and the Washington, DC region? How about a vacation that's more than just a vacation? Immerse yourself in the history, the stories, and the culture that you will find in Fairfax County. Spend a day in George Washington's shoes, sift through discoveries on an archaeological expedition at George Mason's Gunston Hall, travel back in time to 1771 to help a farm family with their chores, or climb inside of a flight simulator to feel the thrill of piloting your own plane.

Whether you're here for a day, a weekend, or a full week, we have some exciting ideas to help you plan. Take a look through some of our favorite itineraries for an adventure of a lifetime.

BEST WESTERN Fairfax

Fairfax City is conveniently located close to Washington DC, so guests can take advantage of the nation’s capital without the inconvenience of being directly downtown.

Our Fairfax City hotel boasts a great location that’s just minutes from the Smithsonian Museums and Washington DC tour outings. Whether you’re here to visit George Mason University or to simply explore the beauty of the capital, you deserve a conveniently located hotel that puts guests first.

We’re not just close to George Mason University to make travel easy for faculty, students and visiting families. Inova Hospital is also nearby, so guests visiting loved ones in the hospital can easily travel to and from our Fairfax City hotel. Whether you’re visiting Washington DC or taking in a Patriot Center sporting event, a competitive price and comfortable amenities are crucial.

At our Fairfax City hotel, complimentary breakfast and wireless Internet is standard. There are no extra fees for Wi-Fi, and guests are greeted with a generous breakfast buffet every morning. Featuring stacks of sizzling waffles, fresh fruits, yogurts, and a variety of hot and cold cereals along with sweet pastries, it’s the best way to start your morning. Endless 100% Arabica coffee and chilled juices complete the meal.

From the Civil War battlefield to Fairfax City and county government agencies, we understand that location is key to a great vacation or business trip. We’re a home away from home for numerous business travelers, including employees of Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Northrop Grumman and numerous government agencies.

Count on a Fairfax City hotel that puts guests first every time. From spacious rooms to a friendly staff, we know how to make your trip special. You deserve the best in service and amenities, and that’s exactly what we deliver

Features & Amenities

• Complimentary Breakfast
• Pool
• Meeting Room
• High Speed Internet
• Breakfast Made Easy

Free Breakfast

• Complimentary full breakfast
• choice of breads
• cereal
• fruit
• hot eggs
• hot breakfast meat
• other hot items
• juice
• and coffee

A new way to explore DC...

The newest way to explore DC is on an electric bike from Hybrid Pedals.

Rent one for all of your sightseeing and local transportation needs!

Hybrid Pedals’ rentals division, EzBikeRides, is the DC area’s only provider of electric bike rentals for all of your sight-seeing and local transportation needs. Conquer hills effortlessly and explore more of the hidden gems of Washington, DC on electric bicycles that last up to 40+ miles per charge!

Washington DC Bus Tours

Seeing Washington DC by bus tour can be one of the most exciting ways to experience the sights without all the hassles of driving and parking. The "Tour Mobile" tour offers the ultimate combination of a guided tour experience with hop-on-hop-off bus service that allows you see exactly what you want at your own pace. The Washington DC bus tour package from BEST WESTERN Fairfax, Virginia is the ultimate way to do it all. Check out everything that's included with the Washington DC bus tour package.

Package includes

• Deluxe Accommodations
• Business Center
• Fitness Center & Seasonal Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Welcome Gift Bag
• Complimentary Breakfast Buffet Daily
• Complimentary Internet access
• 2 day "Tour Mobile" tour tickets (Additional tickets at discounted rates available at front desk)

Valuable DC Hotel Deals

Our selection of exclusive hotel packages offer a convenient and affordable way to plan your dream trip to Washington DC. Whether you're looking to take the family on a weekend vacation, do some sightseeing around DC or get away from it all with some golf, we've got the perfect hotel package at BEST WESTERN Fairfax. Browse our current selection of deals.

Get Swept Away this Spring in Washington, DC

The Washington, DC anime ad for springtime features the cherry blossoms and a blooming love story. For more about the cherry blossoms and visiting Washington, DC in spring visit http://washington.org/spring

Cherry Blossom-Inspired Dishes & Drinks

Enjoy Cherry Picks, dishes and drinks from local restaurants

After you explore the Tidal Basin’s cherry blossoms, enjoy themed dishes and drinks all over the city.

Cherry blossom season is arguably the best season in the District, and local eateries all over DC get in on the fun every year. Official festival organizers have once again teamed up with the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington to run the 13th annual Cherry Picks program.

What does this mean? Throughout the National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 20-April 17), you can taste cherry blossom-themed creations from many of the city’s top mixologists and chefs. While the festival itself focuses much attention on Japanese culture, Cherry Picks are the result of not only cultural inspiration, but also the freshest finds of the season.

From umami flavors to fresh cherries to candied blossoms, local restaurants show off their creativity with beverages and bites that take on the flavor of DC’s signature springtime celebration.

Farmers Fishers Bakers in Georgetown gets in the spring spirit with blossom-inspired creations and a beautiful outdoor patio. (Photo: facebook.com/FarmersFishersBakers)

The participant list is already filling up with all-stars, including 1789 Restaurant, Boqueria, Carmine’s, Founding Farmers and its sister restaurant, Farmers Fishers Bakers, as well as The Hamilton, The Grill Room, iCi Urban Bistro, Indigo Landing, McCormick & Schmick’s, Occidental Grill, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Company, Sequoia and Texas de Brazil, with more on the way.

Take in spring weather and seasonal menu items at Occidental Grill & Seafood. (Photo: @occidentalgrilldc via Instagram)

Keep your eye on the full list of Cherry Picks restaurants as the month progresses, and come festival time, book a reservation to enjoy the season’s best creations!

Best Spots to Photograph the Cherry Blossoms

Put your lens into action by snapping shots of the trees from these vantage points, and you’re sure to snap some keepers.

1. The Jefferson Memorial Steps



The monument’s marble steps are ideal for hunkering down with a picnic or just to catch your breath. Use a long-focus lens to look out over the cherry blossom-lined Tidal Basin and snap away. Otherwise, find plenty of nearby blossoms to frame a shot of the monument’s iconic portico and dome.

2. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial




The sculpture’s nickname, the Stone of Hope, comes from a line in King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

DC’s newest memorial is on the banks of the Tidal Basin. Let pink and white blossoms dot the foreground of a photo featuring the prominent statue—the 30-foot structure is surrounded by 182 new cherry blossom trees planted for the opening in 2011.

3. The Japanese Lantern



This four-centuries-old stone lantern is one of a pair—its twin resides at a Tokyo temple. The Japanese lanterns were carved to honor the Third Shogun of the Tokugawa period. To mark the National Cherry Blossom Festival each year, the lantern is lit by the Cherry Blossom Princess representing the Embassy of Japan.

4. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats




Take either a two- or four-person paddle boat ride and see the blossoms from out on the water. Paddle out to the middle of the Tidal Basin for a panoramic shot of the trees. Or, float on to the Jefferson Memorial.

5. The U.S. National Arboretum




Outfitted with flowering cherry trees, the U.S. National Arboretum is another place to behold the celebrated pink and white flowers. The Arboretum’s cherry trees usually peak at a different time than the Tidal Basin ones, offering an alternative opportunity to catch the blossoms.


As we celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016, do your part in helping to protect the National Mall by never picking the cherry blossoms (it's against the law).

National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Celebration

Nothing signifies the arrival of spring in the District quite like the blooming of the cherry blossoms, an event that has spawned a three-week festival celebrating the occasion. More than 1.5 million visitors descend upon Washington, DC each year to admire the 3,000-plus trees. The festival, full of events that honor both the American and Japanese cultures, represents a close bond forged between the United States and Japan that began with Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of the trees back in 1912.

The 2016 National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from March 20 through April 17.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Guide: The Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival isn't just a celebration of the blossoms—it's a three-week-long cultural festival held all over the city. Get things started on March 18 at the Pink Tie Party—a fundraiser featuring cocktails (with accompanying attire), cuisine, live music and dancing. The Opening Ceremony, a free event held on March 26 at the Warner Theatre, includes traditional and contemporary performances from American and Japanese artists. Other popular events include the Blossom Kite Festival (TBD), Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival (TBD) and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC (April 16), which is followed by the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. For a full list of featured events, click here.

20+ Things to Do This January in Washington, DC

January kicks off 2016 in a big way, with Bei Bei's public debut and so much more!

Welcome 2016!

May the new year bring you health and happiness!

Merry Christmas!

'Tis the season for friends and family, so from ours to yours, we wish you the happiest holiday.

15+ Holiday Displays You Won’t Want to Miss

Find plenty of cheer with these decorations, markets, light displays and events
Sure, the nation’s capital might be part of the Mid-Atlantic region, but it feels more like the North Pole during the holidays thanks to the National Christmas Tree, countless holiday markets, one-of-a-kind light displays and lots more. Here are a handful of ways to experience the holidays in DC: http://www.dccool.com/15-holiday-lights-displays-you-wont-want-miss

Washington DC Hotel for Business & Family Travel

We've got everything you need to be comfortable, relaxed and connected on the road. Perfect for business and leisure travelers alike, we offer a full range of amenities from a business center, dry cleaning service and self-serve laundry facilities to complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Stay in top shape with a state-of-the-art fitness center and full-size seasonal outdoor swimming pool. Plan a small meeting in our event spaces that feature audio-visual equipment, banquet facilities, conference room and catering. Our helpful staff is ready to assist you at any time to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

HOTEL AMENITIES

• Business center
• Dry cleaning service
• Free newspapers(lobby)
• Front desk (24-hour)
• Hot breakfast buffet daily
• Wireless Internet access in public areas
• Laundry facilities
• Safe-deposit box (front desk)
• Swimming pool - outdoor
• Fitness center
• Wake-up calls
• Self parking
• Handicap Access
• Truck and RV parking

MEETING/EVENTS AMENITIES

• Audio-visual equipment
• Event catering
• Banquet facilities
• Meeting room for small groups
• Conference room(s)