The USA’s capital, Washington, DC, is taking centre stage as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, making this an especially exciting time to visit the vibrant city.
Major openings and cultural highlights include the National Geographic Museum of Exploration, the transformed Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden and reimagined galleries at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Meanwhile, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will mark its 10th anniversary.
Destination DC’s DC250 hub continues to bring together the city’s 250th-anniversary experiences, events and attractions, while the DC250 Digital Passport invites visitors to explore more than 20 museums, landmarks and cultural attractions across the capital.
For those planning a visit to Washington, DC in the coming months, here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer:
REST
Washington, DC’s hotel landscape continues to evolve, with a strong pipeline of new openings, refreshed properties and reimagined brands adding fresh energy across the city.
Coming this Autumn
Watergate Hotel (Autumn): Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the historic Watergate Hotel will renovate all 336 guestrooms, refresh its iconic Top of the Gate rooftop and introduce The Vault, a new 6,000-square-foot event space.
Westin Washington, DC City Center (November): The centrally located hotel will debut a comprehensive renovation of its public spaces, 410 guestrooms and corridors, creating a refreshed guest experience inspired by Westin’s wellbeing positioning.
WaterWalk by Wyndham Capitol Hill/Navy Yard (Late 2026): Wyndham’s upscale extended-stay brand will open a 100-key property near Potomac Avenue Metro, featuring flexible, apartment-style suites with kitchens and in-unit laundry.
Newly Opened
The Hoya Hotel at Georgetown (August 2026): Georgetown University’s newly renovated 145-key boutique hotel combines collegiate heritage with contemporary design and features extensive event space, a fitness centre and the upcoming Oak & Laurel restaurant.
CitizenM Washington Georgetown (June 2026): CitizenM’s third DC property transforms a historic waterfront building into a stylish 230-room hotel featuring art-filled spaces, smart technology and modern amenities.
Tempo by Hilton Washington, DC Downtown (April 2026): A former office building at 1776 K Street NW has been transformed into a 278-key hotel with dining, a rooftop, fitness centre and wellness-focused guestrooms.
Recent Rebrands
The Potomac Hotel, Autograph Collection (August 2026): The former Salamander Washington, DC, has joined Marriott’s Autograph Collection, offering 373 guestrooms, a luxury spa, indoor pool and acclaimed Dōgon restaurant.
Beacon at Embassy Row (July 2026): The former Beacon Hotel has been reimagined with a vibrant new identity, renovated guestrooms and more than 7,000 square feet of flexible event space.
One Washington Circle DC, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (June 2026): The former AKA Washington Circle has joined Hilton’s portfolio as a refreshed 151-room West End hotel, with many suites featuring kitchens and private balconies.
Hotel Rendale (April 2026): The former Generator DC has been rebranded as a boutique Dupont Circle hotel offering a pool, café, fitness centre, restaurant and flexible meeting space.
ARC Hotel, Washington DC, Series by Marriott (March 2026): The Foggy Bottom hotel became one of the first Series by Marriott properties in the US, introducing renovated guestrooms, refreshed spaces and expanded guest amenities.
City Express by Marriott Washington, DC Northeast (January 2026): The former Hotel Arboretum has been converted into a renovated 126-key City Express property offering complimentary breakfast and a fitness centre.
Recent Renovations
Hyatt House Washington, DC/The Wharf (April 2026): The waterfront hotel has unveiled renovated guestrooms and public spaces, alongside complimentary breakfast and made-to-order omelettes.
Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill (March 2026): A comprehensive renovation has refreshed guestrooms, dining venues and more than 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
Coming in 2027 and Beyond
Canopy by Hilton Washington, DC The Wharf (February 2027); AC Hotel Washington, DC National Mall (November 2027); MOB Hotel (mid-2028); The Bazaar House by José Andrés (mid-2028); and Aloft Hotel Washington, DC (mid-2028).
EAT
As autumn arrives, Washington, DC welcomes the season with fresh menus, exciting restaurant openings and new culinary experiences. Destination DC’s latest dining update highlights a number of new concepts across the city.
La Merna brings Chicago-inspired tavern-style pizza to Dupont Circle, alongside an in-house cheese programme, house-made pasta, Italian wines and local beers.
Croix brings the flavours and spirit of the Virgin Islands to Navy Yard with a botanical bar, open-air terrace and neighbouring Croix Veranda, which offers themed DJ nights and a lively Caribbean-inspired atmosphere.
The Continental Club at Union Station puts a modern spin on classic American cocktail culture with retro-inspired interiors, a blue velvet lounge and drinks inspired by American history and heritage, through the end of September.
Bernadette channels the glamour of Europe’s iconic supper clubs with candlelit interiors, red velvet, live music, an extensive Champagne programme, classic cocktails and elevated favourites.
Little Engine, from DC native Chef Rob Sonderman, offers rotisserie chicken and wings paired with creative sauces and bold seasonings, including Sticky and Chipotle Ranch Dust.
The Grace, from Chef Sanjay Mandhaiya of Pappe and Karravaan, brings a Midwestern take on the classic American tavern to Shaw with elevated comfort food, including local oysters, slow-roasted chicken and a classic Reuben.
Ayat has opened in Foggy Bottom, bringing its popular halal Palestinian cuisine to Pennsylvania Avenue with chicken shawarma, mezze platters and wood-fired pizzas.
Motts Market has reopened in Capitol Hill after a four-year closure, returning as a neighbourhood hub offering groceries, coffee, sandwiches, essentials, community space and weekly programming.
Jon’s Joint has expanded from Virginia to DC, serving halal beef burgers, hand-smashed patties, fries and hand-spun milkshakes.
The Oak Room has opened in Georgetown as a high-end American grill inspired by the private clubs of Gilded Age New York and London, with oak panelling, leather seating and candlelit interiors.
Museum Café at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, in partnership with local coffee shop Slipstream, serves specialty coffees and teas, light bites, pastries and creative seasonal drinks from its mezzanine location.
Coming Soon
Brisa, from Chef Carlos Delgado of Maru San, Causa and Amazonia, will bring a Tulum-inspired waterfront dining experience to Buzzard Point, focused on seafood, Latin cuisine and an extensive cocktail programme.
Botiwalla, from Chai Pani Chef Meherwan Irani, is coming to Tenleytown with an Irani café-inspired menu centred on charcoal-grilled kebabs, naan, salads, rice bowls, lamb burgers and vada pav.
Major Yum, from Bun’d Up Chef Scott Chung, will open in Columbia Heights this autumn, blending Chinese and Korean flavours and culinary traditions.
Indochine is coming to H Street in September with Vietnamese cuisine inspired by historic Indochina, including pho, bánh mì, shaking beef and Hanoi-style steamed rice rolls.
Kneads Bakeshop & Café, the Baltimore-born artisan bakery from the Paterakis family, is expanding to The Thompson Hotel with signature breads, pastries and an all-day café offering, alongside full-service and grab-and-go dining.
Puree Juice Bar will open in Georgetown at 1511 Wisconsin Ave. NW, serving organic cold-pressed juices and plant-based foods.
Alfie’s, from Lucky Buns Chef Alex McCoy, will return to Georgetown as a 25-seat Isaan-style restaurant featuring dishes such as beef-rib khao soi, natural wines and cold beer.
Taki Taki is expected to open on Capitol Hill later this autumn, offering a fresh take on Indian fine dining with regional flavours and a focus on India’s rich culinary traditions.
PLAY
Washington, DC comes alive this autumn with an extraordinary calendar of cultural openings, historic milestones, major sporting events and experiences found nowhere else.
LGBTQ+ Historic Congressional Cemetery Tour | 3 October 2026
A guided tour of Historic Congressional Cemetery explores its dedicated LGBTQ+ section and Washington, DC’s important role in the gay rights movement.
National Gallery Nights: Monster Mash | 8 October 2026
The National Gallery of Art’s after-hours Halloween celebration combines art-making, live music and a costume-friendly spooky theme. The event runs from 6–9pm, with registration through a lottery.
U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Spain | 10 October 2026
The USWNT takes on Spain at Audi Field, home of Washington’s professional soccer teams, in a major international sporting event ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The match is scheduled for 2:30pm ET.
Army Ten-Miler | 11 October 2026
Celebrating its 40th year, the Army Ten-Miler brings more than 35,000 runners to the Washington, DC area, including military and wounded warrior athletes.
Queer Black Broadway Walking Tour | October 2026
This U Street walking tour explores the intersection of Black, LGBTQ+ and theatrical history in one of Washington’s most historically significant neighbourhoods.
At Home in Space | Opens 30 October 2026
The National Air and Space Museum unveils an immersive exhibition exploring what it takes to live and work in low Earth orbit as part of its 50th-anniversary programming.
Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden Reopens | 31 October 2026
The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden reopens following its major revitalisation, with twice as many displayed works, a widened entryway and a new rotating exhibition space. Destination DC describes the project as the largest renovation in the Hirshhorn’s 50-year history.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon | 31 October 2026
Families can celebrate Halloween at George Washington’s Mount Vernon with a costume parade, candy stations and 18th-century-inspired entertainment.
Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival | 5–8 November 2026
Washington, DC’s Double Exposure festival brings investigative journalists and filmmakers together for screenings, conversations and a professional symposium focused on investigative storytelling.
Veterans Day in DC | 11 November 2026
Washington’s monuments and memorials host special programming commemorating Veterans Day, with the capital’s military history providing a unique backdrop.
Modern Military Aviation | Opens 11 November 2026
The National Air and Space Museum opens a new gallery exploring modern military aviation through historic aircraft and artefacts, including an F-86 Sabre and Huey helicopter.
National Gallery Nights: Gratitude | 12 November 2026
The National Gallery of Art’s final autumn after-hours event features a communal mosaic, poetry writing and a DJ set inside one of America’s premier art museums. The programme runs from 6 to 9pm.
Handwork: Contemporary Craft | Opens 13 November 2026
The Renwick Gallery showcases contemporary craft from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection, highlighting the practice and meaning of handmade work.
National Women’s Soccer League Championship | 21 November 2026
Audi Field hosts the NWSL Championship, bringing the country’s top women’s professional soccer league to Washington, DC for its season finale. Audi Field was confirmed as the 2026 championship venue.
Adorned in Gold | Opens 21 November 2026
The National Museum of Asian Art explores the Japanese maki-e lacquer technique through the Edo period as part of its America 250 programming.
Mount Vernon by Candlelight | November 2026
A candlelit evening at George Washington’s Mount Vernon brings 18th-century holiday traditions to life, with seasonal touches including spiced cider and greenhouse dancing.
The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker | Late November–December 2026
The Washington Ballet returns with its 20th-anniversary production of The Nutcracker, giving the holiday classic a distinctive DC twist with a Nutcracker Prince inspired by George Washington.
DC-Specific Exhibitions
American Icon: The US Flag in Art | Through 6 December 2026
The National Gallery of Art explores the evolving symbolism of the American flag through more than 30 works spanning from the late 1800s to today.
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen | Through 3 January 2027
The Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden presents the first solo museum showcase of Adam Pendleton’s work, featuring new paintings and video works.
Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe | Through 18 January 2027
The National Museum of the American Indian presents the first major retrospective of Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe, whose work draws inspiration from rivers and waterfalls.
To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare | 16 October 2026–2 May 2027
The Folger Shakespeare Library explores the contributions of Black women to Shakespearean performance, writing and art through nearly 100 objects.
Materials, Methods and Meanings: Craft in the Archives of American Art | Opens 6 November 2026
The Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art examines innovative works in clay, fibre, glass, metal and wood that challenge traditional definitions of craft.
The Spirit of Invention: Patent Office and Patentees | Through 6 June 2027
The National Portrait Gallery explores the history of Washington’s Patent Office building and its role in the nation’s culture of invention as part of DC’s semiquincentennial programming.
