Washington, DC Attractions: Tours, Art, Entertainment, Sports, and Nightlife

DC After Dark

Capitol at Night

When the lights go down in DC, the beauty of the monuments and buildings are brought out when they are lit with their own special spotlights.

As the sun sets in Washington, DC, it's time for the ties to be loosened and the suits to hit the closet. If you've always thought of Washington as a place filled with nothing but history and politics, you're in for a surprise when you step out on the town for some Capital City nightlife.

TOURS OF WASHINGTON, DC

• If you're wondering where to start, take the Washington After Dark Tour and let someone else do the driving. The three hour tour gives you a unique look at the Capital and it's beautiful landmarks and memorials as they are lit up by spotlights. Sights on the tour include the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, FDR Memorial, the U.S. Capitol and the Kennedy Center. Other popular tours include the All Day Washington, DC Interior Buildings Tours and the DC, Embassy Row, and Arlington Cemetery Tour.

ENTERTAINMENT IN WASHINGTON, DC

• The nation's Capital is world famous for the live entertainment that takes the stage here. From Broadway shows and Opera to rock bands and comedy, you can experience refined culture or just find some straight-up fun. The DAR Constitution Hall seats 3,746 and has been the site of a large variety of musicians including Sting, John Hiatt, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Ray Charles and Trisha Yearwood. The Warner Theatre underwent major renovations in 1992 and was restored to its original elegance as it stood in 1924 as the Earle Theatre. With seating for up to 2,000, the theatre features year-round performances from the Washington Ballet, Broadway/off-Broadway shows, as well as shows by big-name headliners like Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant.

WASHINGTON, DC COLLEGE & PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

• The MCI Center can be found in the heart of downtown and is home to the NBA Wizards, the WNBA Mystics, the NHL Capitals and Georgetown University NCAA basketball. When not hosting a major sporting event, the MCI Center gets a facelift and seats more than 20,000 for stars with top billing, such as Madonna, U2, The Rolling Stones and many more.

WASHINGTON, DC PERFORMING ARTS

• At America's only national park devoted to the performing arts, Wolf Trap Farm Park for the Performing Arts, you'll find a wonderful mix of entertainment styles. Performances by the National Symphony Orchestra can be seen here throughout the summer, along with stars such as Shawn Colvin, The Temptations, Ani DiFranco and more.
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is rightfully called "the hub of Washington's cultural and entertainment scene." The best in ballet, opera, jazz, modern dance, musicals and theater companies can be found gracing the stages of one of the six theaters that are a part of the center.

WASHINGTON DC NIGHTLIFE

• Washington's nightlife would never be complete without a look at the bar and nightclub scene. The bars and nightclubs of Washington are as diverse as the people of the area and sometimes change as fast as a politician's opinion poll.
• Stop in at a few of the most popular bars the area, including the Asylum, Brickseller, Champions, Dragonfly, The Dubliner, Lucky Bar, MCCXXIII, Nathan's, The Rock, Tryst, and X and O. Some of the hottest clubs in the country are found right here in Washington DC.
• If you're looking for comedy, dance floors or live music, you've come to the right place. Some spots to check out include The Improv, Black Cat, Metro Caf', State of the Union, 9:30 Club, Blues Alley, Columbia Station, Utopia and Zanzibar on the Waterfront. With so much variety you're sure to find a place to fit your mood and cravings for music, food, drinks and a good time.

No matter what your idea of a good time is you're sure to find it in Washington, DC. From tours to concerts, plays to night clubs this city has it all!