Visiting D.C.
The D.C. Open Government Coalition is excited to welcome you to Washington, D.C. for the 2016 FOI Summit! We have arranged some special tours for NFOIC attendees and also wanted to share some recommendations and tips as you plan your trip.
Getting into town
The FOI Summit will be based out of the Dupont Circle Hotel, located right on Dupont Circle in D.C.’s neighborhood of the same name. Dupont is home to great neighborhood shops and restaurants and is just a short 15-minute walk from the White House and National Mall. Dupont Circle is on Metro’s red line which makes it easy to get around town. If you’re flying into DCA, you can take metro or grab a taxi to your hotel (around $20). If you’re coming in from BWI or IAD, a cab is likely your best bet and will run you around $75.
Tours
NFOIC attendees can show their conference badges for free admission to the Newseum (ordinarily $22). The Newseum features a unique collection of historical moments that have made news, many of which intersect with freedom of information and freedom of speech. And with a roof deck overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, you can’t beat the view.
NFOIC attendees and guests who are available the morning of Friday, October 7 can request a tour of the White House at that time. Email info@dcogc.org as soon as possible — space is limited and this will fill fast.
If you are interested in a tour of the Capitol, the new Capitol Visitors Center conducts hourly tours — you can walk right in.
Other sights
The Smithsonian museums located on the National Mall are all free of charge — we love the American History museum for its patriotic American flag exhibit, the Natural History museum for the Hope Diamond, and the Air & Space museum for all the aircraft hanging from above.
The National Archives is also free to visit and displays the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights in a grand rotunda (and has an excellent gift shop).
If you’re visiting the Capitol, be sure to drop into the Library of Congress to see its grand reading rooms and walk past the Supreme Court building where so much of our history is made.
Dupont Circle Restaurants
- Kramerbooks doubles as a bookstore and cafe. It’s great for breakfast or brunch.
- Filter coffeehouse is a local spot to get your caffeine fix whether it's a hand pour, french press, or a regular old black coffee.
- Circa is a mid-priced spot with modern American food that’s nice for dinner or a cocktail.
- Pizzeria Paradiso is a crowd-pleaser with wood-fired pizzas and one of DC’s best beer selections.
- Alero is a fun Mexican spot just a few blocks up Connecticut Ave.
- Shake Shack has made its way to DC and we love it — stop in for burgers and their delicious milkshakes.
- Another local fast-casual favorite is Cava Grill, a mediterranean-style spot that lets you build your own meals (great for vegetarians/vegans).
- One of DC's celebrity chefs, Jose Andres, has a fast-casual spot called Beefsteak that's mostly vegetarian and very tasty.
- If you’re looking to treat yourself, Iron Gate is a beautiful indoor-outdoor space with a wide-ranging menu and a great wine list.
We hope this helps get you started in planning your visit to Washington. See you soon!