Essentials
Essentials GW Summer 2008

While in DC

 

The George Washington University Summer Sessions put you at the virtual pulse-point of world affairs—Washington, DC. A high-energy city where people from across the country and around the world live and work side by side, taking care of local, national and global business. It's an exhilarating mix of cultures that's quintessentially American.

The GW campus is just blocks from the White House in the heart of official Washington. Close to famous museums, monuments and rich cultural attractions. Surrounded by the city's extraordinary parks, with miles of bike and jogging trails along the Potomac River. There's no place quite like our Nation's Capital. Here's a brief rundown of the many possibilities for entertainment, adventure and fun. If you wish to review a more extensive listing, check out the main web site of The George Washington University.

Museums

The Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum

American History Museum
Anacostia Museum
Dimock Gallery
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur Sackler Gallery
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Luther W. Brady Art Gallery
Museum of African Art

National Gallery of Art

National Museum of the American Indian

Natural History Museum

The Sporting Life

DC United —Washington's internationally renowned soccer club plays at RFK stadium.


Washington Nationals
—DC has its own MLB team again!


Baltimore Orioles—Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a quick train ride from Washington's Union Station.

The Movies

Enjoy first-run films and classics within walking distance or a short ride on Metro to the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center .

Restaurants

Washington has a great line-up of 'cheap eats' as well as upscale dining. The international outdoor cafes of Dupont Circle. Georgetown bistros. Downtown's high-energy hotspots. The resort atmosphere of Washington Harbor. When hunger strikes, you'll have plenty of choices.

Clubs

When it comes to nightlife in Washington, the key word is "diversity". Whether you like jazz or rock, dancing or just hanging out, there's something for you right around the corner. There are the trendy clubs and restaurants of Georgetown or the discos and outdoor cafes of Adams Morgan. Or stroll the streets of Historic Old Town Alexandria and stop in at an Irish pub. You'll also want to check out Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle and Connecticut Avenue.

Summer Festivals

They're outdoors, they're fun and they're free!

Folklife Festival—A cultural smorgasbord sponsored by The Smithsonian Institution

Adams Morgan Day—An international street festival in one of DC's most colorful neighborhoods

July Fourth Fireworks on the Mall.

Afternoon events at the Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial lead up to the spectacle at 9 pm.

The Great Outdoors

Washington's famous for its parks and trails. Here are a few favorites.

C&O Canal National Historic ParkPasses through Georgetown from Washington Harbor to Maryland.

Constitution GardensWonderfully landscaped, with a pond and excellent trails for jogging, near the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Dumbarton Oaks Located just above the Georgetown neighborhood, this wooded park makes a wonderful escape.

Great Falls Park Located on the Potomac River (on both Maryland and Virginia sides), 10 minutes from the GW campus.

Rock Creek Park One of the largest urban parks in the country, it's a great place to go walking, jogging, or rollerblading.

Tours

Old Town Trolley Fully-narrated, 2 1/2 hour tour of Washington.

TourmobileThe National Park Services narrated shuttle bus tours with free reboarding at all major sites.

Gold Line/Gray Line4- and 9-hour motorcoach tours of Washington, Alexandria, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon.

Live on Stage

Enjoy everything from experiential theatre to traveling productions of Broadway Hits.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Ford's Theatre
The Shakespeare Theatre
The National Theatre
Arena Stage
Horizons Theatre
Studio Theatre
Woolly Mammoth