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, DC, Dupont Circle is one of the oldest areas 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.

What’s nearby:

Philips Collection

The Dupont Circle is a hotel in Washington DC near museums including the famed Philips Collection, the first museum of modern art in the United States.

Dupont Circle Farmers Market

Located one block from the hotel is the best farmers market in DC, the Dupont Farmers Market. Held on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. until December 18, 2022, shop over 73 vendors from DC, Maryland and Virginia.

George Washington University

A 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

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 route

Located in the heart of DC’s LGBTQ+ community, along the DC Pride parade route, revel in the festivities every June at The Dupont Circle. As one of few hotels in DC with a balcony that overlooks the parade, The Dupont Circle is the perfect location for the celebration.

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 DC 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 U.S. president, is located 1 mile/1.6 km from The Dupont Circle hotel. As one of few 5-star hotels in Washington DC near The White House, this iconic landmark is accessible by various modes of transportation including a very short taxi ride or by the DC subway. Should you choose to take the subway, you can access the Dupont Circle red line subway station located 1.5 blocks from the hotel and ride the train two stops to McPherson Square. Alternatively, you can also walk to The White House via Connecticut Avenue. On a beautiful, sun-filled day, a leisurely stroll to The White House is a perfect activity for one's sightseeing agenda as you are able to view the beauty of the city as you stroll.

National Zoo

Free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with the exception of holidays), the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is home to over 2,700 animals including their famous Giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji. Watch in-person (or on the iconic panda cam) as these lovable bears play in their enclosure, get into mischief climbing trees in their backyard, as well as snack on a fruitsicle cake and an endless supply of bamboo.  A short drive from The Dupont Circle, the DC zoo is also accessible by public transportation via the DC Metro 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 its prestigious 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.  

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 DC’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 adults 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 as well as the President of the United States is 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.