The Many Charms of Capital Region USA

Begin your visit in Washington, DC, known for its U.S. history, magnificent architecture and museums. Where else in the world can you visit a 5.8-meter President Abraham Lincoln, read the real U.S. Constitution, see Dorothy’s ruby red slippers and soak in internationally acclaimed art?

All of DC’s monuments and memorials and every Smithsonian Museum, including the National Zoo, are free of charge, as well as the National Gallery of Art, National Archives, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving and more.

Beyond the iconic memorials and monuments, a number of unique neighborhoods unfold throughout the city. From the urban buzz in downtown’s Penn Quarter to the tranquility of Woodley Park and the up-all-night feel of Adams Morgan, there’s so much to see and do beyond the National Mall.

The retail scene offers an array of reasons to pack an extra suitcase. From the charming shops in Georgetown to funky finds on U Street and homegrown vendors at Eastern Market, visitors will find plenty of great gifts.

Just across the Potomac River in Virginia, Arlington and Alexandria blend lovely streetscapes with unique shopping, exciting restaurants and local nightlife. Old Town Alexandria is a wonderful place to wander in search of boutique finds and yummy cuisine.

For more shopping, head to upscale Tysons Corner, known as the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast,” or to Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, where you’ll find savings of 25 to 65 percent every day on designer and name brands.

For nature lovers, the offerings include Virginia Beach’s 60 kilometers of coastline, the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains and the incredible stalactites of Luray Caverns.

Virginia is home to more than 200 wineries and dozens of wine trails surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites. It’s been named one of the top 10 wine travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Maryland is dotted with a rich collection of "main street" towns. St. Michaels, the "Hamptons of the Chesapeake," is a historic, artistic waterfront retreat on the famed Eastern Shore. Frederick has been listed by Forbes magazine as one of the best places to live in the USA, and historic Ellicott City delights visitors with its Old English atmosphere and charming collection of shops.

Located on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s capital city Annapolis is also known as "America’s Sailing Capital." Here, you can shop and dine along historic streets, tour the U.S. Naval Academy and join the fun at Maryland Live! Casino.

Just one hour north of Washington, DC, head to Baltimore’s bustling Inner Harbor. Besides the waterfront scenery, amazing seafood and creative street art, you can visit top attractions, including the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum. The Harbor East neighborhood is another great place to stay and play, or take the water taxi to Fort McHenry, where a War of 1812 battle between the USA and Great Britain inspired the creation of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Washington Dulles International Airport is centrally located in the Capital Region and offers direct flights from the UK and other global destinations.