Capitol Hill is a popular, vibrant, and historic neighborhood located just to the east of the U.S. Capitol. In addition to its close proximity to many government buildings, the neighborhood is also full of many restaurants and shopping opportunities at places such as Union Station and Eastern Market.
Apply Now: Fall/Spring Apply Now: Summer
Experience The Capitol
In addition to the numerous networking receptions, lectures and professional meetings available to students most evenings, students also have the opportunity to experience the following cultural activities in and around Washington, DC:
- Take a Tour of the White House
- Take a Tour of the US Capitol
- Visit the Top of the Washington Monument
- See the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and others on the National Mall.
- Attend Oral Arguments at the Supreme Court
- Visit any of the Smithsonian Institution’s 19 free museums, such as the National Air & Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, the American Art Museum, the National Zoo, or the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
- See original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights at the National Archives.
- See the stunning architecture inside the Great Hall and the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress.
- Visit the Holocaust Museum.
- See the Eternal Flame, the Changing of the Guard, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.
- Visit the Iwo Jima Memorial.
- Bike along the Potomac River to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
- Take a hike in Rock Creek Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.
- See DC’s famous Cherry Blossoms during the spring.
- Attend DC’s world-class 4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall during the summer.
- View the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House during the fall and winter.
- Walk around picturesque and historic Georgetown.
- Attend free performances at the Kennedy Center.
- Attend performances and events at the Folger Shakespeare Library and Theatre.
- Shop, eat, and see the architecture inside Union Station.
- Attend events and receptions hosted at Foreign Embassies.
- Take a tour of the National Cathedral.
- Attend sporting events for local professional teams, including the Washington Nationals, the Washington Commanders, the Washington Wizards, the Washington Capitals, and DC United.
…and much more.
Learn More About the Area
Washington’s Official Travel Website
Also, view an interactive map of the city, here
Transporation
Washington DC and surrounding communities are very easy to navigate without a vehicle.
The DC Metro Station has an easy-to-navigate network of buses and metros available (with two metro stops near the WISH Housing), and the metros run out into all of the surrounding communities in Virginia and Maryland.
Most students choose not to bring a personal vehicle during their program. Bringing a car is possible, but parking and traffic can often be difficult.