Full Description
Honest and Outspoken Advice from the Unofficial Experts Written by Washington, D.C.'s Renee Sklarew, this is the insider's guide to Washington at its best. With advice that is direct, prescriptive, and detailed, it takes the guesswork out of travel by unambiguously rating and ranking everything, including attractions. The Unofficial Guide to Washington, D.C., digs deeper and offers more than any other guide. With an Unofficial Guide, you know what's available in every category, from the best to the worst. Step-by-step detailed plans allow you to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C.
This Book Includes
Detailed descriptions of more than 50 hotels in Washington's most popular neighborhoods—plus proven strategies for getting the best rate
A complete guide to Washington's cultural and historic sights—with helpful hints for making the most of your time—plus comprehensive reviews of Washington's most popular attractions
Proven strategies for enjoying Washington with your kids
Everything you need to know to get around quickly and easily—including complete details on the Metro
Detailed reviews of more than 50 restaurants—a complete dining guide within the guide—plus recommendations for fast-casual dining by neighborhood
Expert advice on the best neighborhoods for shopping and nightlife
OVER 6 MILLION UNOFFICIAL GUIDES SOLD!
"A Tourist's Best Friend!"
—Chicago Sun-Times
"Indispensable"
—The New York Times
Contents
List of Maps
About the Authors
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Welcome to Washington
About This Guide
Why "Unofficial"?
How Unofficial Guides Are Different
Comments and Questions from Readers
How Information Is Organized: By Subject and by Location
Washington, D.C.: Portrait of a City
PART ONE Planning Your Visit
When to Go
Crowds
Weather
Gathering Information Before You Leave
Making Advance Reservations for Monuments, Museums, and Tours
How to Get to Washington, D.C.
Where to Go
What to Pack
Special Tips for Special People
A Calendar of Festivals and Events
PART TWO Accommodations
Deciding Where to Stay
Washington, D.C.'s Iconic Hotels
B&Bs
Vacation Rentals
The Best Hotels by Neighborhood
Getting a Good Deal on a Room
The Internet Advantage
Travel Agents and/or Vacation Packages
When Only the Best Will Do
PART THREE Arriving and Getting Around
Coming into the City
Arriving by Car
Arriving by Plane
Arriving by Train
Arriving by Bus
Getting Around Washington
Taking the Metro: Just Do It
Metrobus and Other Bus Systems
Taxis and Car Services
Things the Natives Already Know
PART FOUR Sightseeing Tips, Tours, and Attractions
So Much to See, So Little Time
Happy Hours (The Sightseeing Kind)
Taking an Orientation Tour
The Best Tours in Town
Washington's Attractions
Washington Attractions by Type
Washington Locations by Attraction
Maryland Suburbs
Virginia Suburbs
Day-Tripping
What's New in Washington, D.C.?
Hidden Gems and Free Things to See and Do
PART FIVE Dining
The Washington Cuisine Scene
Prime Dining Neighborhoods
The Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront
Restaurants by Cuisine
Capitol Riverfront and Navy Yard
Capitol Hill and Barracks Row
H Street Corridor and NoMa
National Mall and the White House
Penn Quarter, Chinatown, and Convention Center
Foggy Bottom
Georgetown and West End
Dupont Circle and Logan Circle
U Street Corridor
Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights
Upper Northwest: Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, and Van Ness
Maryland Suburbs
Virginia Suburbs
Two Dining Destinations Worth a Drive
The Best . . .
PART SIX Entertainment and Nightlife
Washington Nightlife: More Than Lit-up Monuments
The Big-Ticket Venues
Cutting Curtain Costs
A Washington Tradition: Live Local Music
Nightlife Neighborhoods: Clubs, Bars, Live Music, and Dancing
PART SEVEN Shopping
Mall Shopping
Museum Shops
Great Neighborhoods for Window-Shopping
Specialty Shopping
PART EIGHT Exercise and Recreation
Working a Workout into Your Visit
The Basic Drills
Bicycling
Fitness Centers and Core-Strengthening
Yoga Studios
Recreational Sports
Tennis and Golf
Swimming
Ropes and Rocks
Boating, Paddleboarding, Floating, and Water Parks
Segway Tours
Ice and Snow
Spectator Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Football and Soccer
Hockey and Roller Derby
Horse Shows and Horse Racing
Tennis
Index
Unofficial Guide Reader Survey
