Places to Stay and Things to Do
- Places to Stay and Things to Do
Places to Stay
Hotels in DC
Courtyard by Marriott Washington, D.C./U.S. Capitol
Distance: 1.8 miles away from Children’s National
Address: 1325 2nd Street NE Washington, DC 20002
Phone: 202-898-4000
Food: Restaurant on-site
Brochure (PDF)
Corporate Apartments
Other Long-Term Housing
Fisher House
Fisher House Foundation provides housing for military and veteran families free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. Locations serving Children's National families include:
A social worker must make the initial referral. Please contact Children's National Social Work Department at 202-476-3070.
Ronald McDonald House
Address:
3727 14th St NE
Washington, D.C. 20017
Families with a child being treated at Children’s National may be eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald House. A social worker must make the initial referral. Families are admitted based on available rooms and medical priorities. Each guest family has a private bedroom and bathroom, and access to a full kitchen, laundry room, living room, playroom and outside play areas. A $15 donation per night is requested but families are never turned away for financial reasons.
Please note, a background check is required for all guests over the age of 18 to stay at any Ronald McDonald House. If you have not filled out a background check form within the past two years, please call the Ronald McDonald House to speak with a manager.
For additional information, contact Ronald McDonald House at 202-529-8204 or Children’s National Social Work Department at 202-476-3070.
For Returning Families Only
If you have stayed in a Ronald McDonald House within the past two years, you may call the House directly to request a stay.
Things to Do
The National Mall and Memorial Parks
Covering more than 1,000 acres of parkland with many of the United States' most significant natural and cultural resources, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are a must-see for any visitor to Washington, D.C. You can reach the Mall via several Metro stations, including Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L'Enfant Plaza and Archives/Navy Memorial. Among the most popular sites on the Mall are the:
- Washington Monument
- Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Smithsonian Museums, Galleries, Gardens and Zoo
The 11 Smithsonian museums and galleries on the National Mall, the National Zoo, and six other museums in the greater Washington area offer some of the best places to take in culture in Washington, D.C. Admission is free, they are conveniently located near public transit and many have dining options on-site. Visit the Smithsonian website for locations and hours.
- African American Museum
- African Art Museum
- Air and Space Museum
- Air and Space – Udvar-Hazy Center
- American Art Museum
- American History Museum
- American Indian Museum
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Archives of American Art
- Arts and Industries Building
- Freer Gallery of Art
- Hirshhorn
- National Zoo
- Natural History Museum
- Portrait Gallery
- Postal Museum
- Renwick Gallery
- S. Dillon Ripley Center
- Sackler Gallery
- Smithsonian Castle
- Smithsonian Gardens
Sports Teams
The Washington Nationals | Major league baseball returned to Washington with the Nationals’ arrival in 2005. They play at Nationals Park, located at 1500 South Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.
D.C. United | Major league soccer has a home with the United in Washington, D.C., and plays at Audi Field, located at 32-60 R St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024.
The Washington Wizards | The National Basketball Association team in Washington is the Wizards, and they play at the Capital One Arena, located at 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.
The Washington Capitals | Our National Hockey League Capitals play at the Capital One Arena, located at 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.
The Washington Redskins | The Redskins are Washington’s National Football League team, and play at FedEx Field, located at 1600 Fedex Way, Hyattsville, M.D. 20785.
Shopping Areas
- Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
- Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102
- Georgetown Neighborhood, Washington, D.C.
- Westfield Montgomery, 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
- The Shops at Wisconsin Place, 5310 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Annual Events
National Cherry Blossom Festival | This annual celebration coincides with the blooming of cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
Independence Day | Washington marks America’s Independence Day each July 4 on the National Mall. Complete with the Capitol Fourth concert near the U.S. Capitol building, and fireworks over the Washington Monument, the event draws thousands to downtown Washington to celebrate.