Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Dupont Circle offers a little something for everyone. With a famous traffic circle and fountain at its center, the neighborhood has been a vital DC community since the late 19th century, and continues to be a hot spot for residents and visitors of all ages. An array of unique shops and exciting restaurants along Connecticut Avenue, one of the busy streets in the neighborhood, is exciting enough to keep you going all day. You’ll also discover dozens of bistros, bars, boutiques and museums throughout this exciting neighborhood. Explore the Embassies: The Embassy of Australia serves as the beginning point of a 2-mile-stretch along Massachusetts Avenue known as Embassy Row. As you continue northwest, you’ll pass dozens of diplomatic missions and sights, from the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial to the Nelson Mandela statue outside of the Embassy of South Africa. Explore the Phillips Collection: This ticketed museum offers new perspectives on the works of modern artists, from Renoir to Rothko. Come to the The Phillips Collection for its special exhibitions and its unique programming, which includes Sunday concerts at 4 p.m. and the after-hours hit on first Thursdays of the month, Phillips After 5. Have a picknick under the fountain: The Dupont Circle fountain is one of the DC’s most iconic landmarks outside of the National Mall, and was built by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon (of Lincoln Memorial fame). It serves as a gathering place where all are welcome, from artists and musicians to lovebirds, friends and travelers. Tour Woodrow Wilsons House: Tour President Woodrow Wilson's final, Georgian revival home, which looks the same today as it did when Wilson lived here in the 1920s. The historic site also hosts exciting events, from vintage game nights to garden parties in spring. Run the spanish steps!: The Spanish Steps, located on 22nd Street between S Street and Decatur Place, are one of the hidden gems of Dupont Circle. Savvy wooers bring their dates there, writers bring their notebooks and picnickers bring their lunches. Explore National Geographic Museum!: Located along the southern edge of the Dupont Circle neighborhood, well off the beaten path, the the museum features changing exhibitions, which may include exquisite photography from around the world, live demonstrations and interactive displays. The museum store boasts great gift ideas for the traveler in your life. Shop on Connecticut Ave: Add some style as you step down Connecticut Avenue, which is full of reputable retailers like Brooks Brothers, H&M and Gap. Dupont Circle also features local shops that can help build and accessorize your seasonal outfit. For the ladies, Proper Topper sports an unmatched hat selection, Tiny Jewel Box is a hub for vintage jewelry and Lou Lou has a wealth of rings, necklaces, hats and earrings – all three are within walking distance of each other. Men can scoop a new suit at Alton Lane and a new pair of Oxfords to compliment it at Allen Edmonds, just 5 minutes apart on foot.
