Things to Do in DC
The 26th Annual Marketing and Enrollment Management Seminar is being held Downtown Washington, DC.
This positions conference attendees at the middle of the District and the varied historical and cultural sites the city has to offer. All of the sites below are located within a short drive or ride on the Metro, and many are free(!), so be sure to build a little extra time into your trip so that you can go after the day's sessions and explore "The American Rome".
To learn how to get around the city, see our guide here.
Cultural and Heritage Institutions
- National Mall / Memorials
- National Mall - Each year, millions of people visit the National Mall and Memorial Parks to recreate, to commemorate presidential legacies, to honor our nation's veterans, to make their voices heard, and to celebrate our nation's commitment to freedom and equality.
- Smithsonian Museums
- United States Botanic Garden
- Arlington Cemetery
- Capitol Building - Through legislative debate and compromise, the U.S. Congress makes laws that influence our daily lives. It holds hearings to inform the legislative process, conducts investigations to oversee the executive branch, and serves as the voice of the people and the states in the federal government.
- Supreme Court
- Library of Congress
- Newseum - The Newseum’s dynamic, engaging and interactive museum allows visitors to experience the stories of yesterday and today through the eyes of the media while celebrating the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the First Amendment.
- The Kennedy Center
- The Phillips Collection
Attractions
Parks
Entertainment/Sports
- Washington Wizards
- Washington Capitals
- D.C. United
- 9:30 Club - Concert venue hosting some of the most popular national acts. Concert schedule can be found here.
- Black Cat - Concert venue hosting up and coming independent artists and bands. Concert schedule can be found here.
- Howard Theatre - Concert venue built in 1910 for Washington's black community. Famous acts such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Brown, and Duke Ellington all were performers at the theatre. Concert schedule can be found here.
Shopping
Bus Tours
There are multiple bus tour companies around DC that provide a quick and informative way to see the city. Here are a few of the most popular providers:
Staff and Committee Picks
- "It won’t surprise you that DC has some secrets. Here are a few “secret spots” to visit for a more unique DC visit. DC lore has it that the term “lobbying” was coined because of President Grant’s habit of drinking whiskey and smoking cigars in the lobby of The Willard hotel, and those seeking favors would wait for him there. The lobby of The Willard is quite beautiful, and you can also enjoy afternoon tea in The Willard’s Peacock Alley if that’s more your style. As long as there isn’t a private event going on, the roof terrace of the Kennedy Center is usually open for visitors. Especially at night, the terrace provides an amazing view of the Potomac River, the lights of Georgetown, and other parts of the city. There are so many things to see if you’re heading down to the National Mall, but one of my favorite spots is at the Lincoln Memorial. If you walk up the very middle of the stairs and look down when you reach the landing before the last set of stairs into the memorial, you’ll be at one of the best spots in DC. Looking out over the mall from the Lincoln is amazing, but looking out knowing that you’re standing on the exact spot where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, and imagining the mall filled with all of the people who marched for jobs and freedom, is pretty incredible." - Molly Nelson, UPCEA
- “If you can, catch a taxi or walk over to U Street to catch a concert at the Howard Theater, Black Cat or the 9:30 Club. These clubs are an integral part of DC's extensive music history and are consistently rated some of the best live music venues in America.” - Jordan DiMaggio, UPCEA
