Surrounding Area
Things to Do in Dupont Circle
Founded in 1871, the Dupont Circle neighborhood is named in honor of Samuel Francis du Pont, a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy and distinguished strategist to the Union during the Civil War.
Recognized as one of seventy historic districts in Washington, D.C., Dupont Circle is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, with many of its landmarks noted on the National Register of Historic Places. Highly regarded for its architectural grandeur, international prestige, especially from Embassy Row — —an area home to 80+ foreign embassies and ambassador residences— thriving arts community, and award-winning food scene, Dupont Circle is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
Check out our comprehensive concierge’s guide for our team’s top recommendations for dining, imbibing, shopping, and more around Dupont Circle and Washington, D.C.
What’s nearby:
Phillips Collection
The Dupont Circle hotel is located near many of Washington, D.C.’s world-class museums, including the famed Phillips Collection. America’s first museum of modern art, The Philips Collection has been showcasing exceptional works for over 100 years. Its growing collection of more than 5,000 pieces including work by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh, is displayed within the historic home of its founder, Duncan Phillips.
Dupont Circle Farmers Market
The Dupont Farmers Market is the largest in Washington, D.C. and takes place directly in front of the hotel each Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s a hub for fresh, seasonal produce, unique District-made goods, and a variety of artisanal treats, perfect for enjoying a leisurely picnic in nearby Dupont Circle Park.
George Washington University
A luxury hotel near George Washington University in Foggy Bottom, the Dupont Circle is a 15-minute stroll from its main campus. Whether visiting for a campus tour as a prospective student, moving your child in for GWU fall move-in, or attending GW Alumni & Families Weekend, The Dupont Circle hotel is conveniently located for the occasion.
Dupont Circle Shopping
Connecticut Avenue is home to a variety of retailers including local favorites such as Kramers, Tiny Jewelry Box, Looped Yarn Works, and Jenni Bick.
DC Pride Parade
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, revel in vibrant Pride festivities every June at The Dupont Circle. As one of the few hotels in the city with a balcony that overlooks the activities, The Dupont Circle is the perfect location to celebrate Pride.
Embassy Row
An area featuring over 30 embassies and ambassador residences, Embassy Row spans Massachusetts Avenue from Dupont Circle northwest to the National Cathedral. Planning to visit Washington, D.C. over the first two Saturdays in May? Cultural Tourism, in partnership with many of these embassies, organizes Passport DC, a popular local event where members of the community are invited into embassies across the city for a day of food, music and culture.
The White House
The White House, home to the president of the United States, is located 1 mile/1.6 km from The Dupont Circle hotel. As one of the few 5-star luxury hotels near The White House, this iconic landmark is accessible by various modes of transportation including a very short taxi ride or by metro. Should you choose to take the metro, you can access the Dupont Circle red line station located 1.5 blocks from the hotel and ride the train two stops to McPherson Square. Alternatively, you can walk to The White House via Connecticut Avenue.
National Zoo
Free and open daily from 8am to 6am, (apart from holidays), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to over 2,700 animals including their famous Giant pandas. Watch in-person (or on the iconic panda cam) as these lovable bears play in their enclosure, get into mischief climbing trees, and snack on an endless supply of bamboo. A short drive from The Dupont Circle, the National Zoo is also accessible by public transportation via the metro’s red line. Walk one block west from The Dupont Circle hotel to the Dupont Circle red line station and ride the train one stop to the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Station.
Georgetown
A neighborhood famous for prestigious Georgetown University, Georgetown is a charming blend of local boutiques, high street fashion, beauty, antiques, fine art galleries and award-winning restaurants located among federalist style homes on cobble street roads. A short stroll from The Dupont Circle, our hotel near Georgetown is the perfect choice for guests hoping to experience this iconic neighborhood.
Golfing
East Potomac Golf Course, one of the best public golf courses in the D.C. area, is located roughly 15 minutes by car from the hotel. A notable course, choose between 9-holes, 18-holes, or a round of miniature golf, enjoy a tee time set against a backdrop featuring some of the city's most notable landmarks.
Interested in a round of indoor mini golf? Swingers, located a few blocks from the hotel, offers two courses across two floors, food and four cocktail bars. Able to accommodate groups of up to 450, Swingers is an adult only venue.
Cathedral of St. Matthew of the Apostle
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral of St. Matthew of the Apostle dates back to 1895. Most notably, the cathedral was the location of President John F. Kennedy’s funeral mass in 1963. Named in honor of Saint Matthew the Apostle, the patron saint of civil servants, every year on the Sunday before the first Monday of October when the Supreme Court returns to session, “Red Mass" is held to guide those within the legal profession. Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, diplomats and the President of the United States are often in attendance.
Anderson House
A Beaux-Arts styled mansion built in 1905 for American diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife, the iconic home remains one of the city’s most fashionable venues for social events. Located a short walk from the hotel, The Dupont Circle is popular for wedding accommodations for Anderson House wedding guests.
