Take a much needed break or find that spark again with hotel deals, new attractions, exhibition and museum openings
(Washington, DC) – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is pleased to share a selection of new and upcoming experiences in Washington, DC. Celebrate Black History, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and more this February and beyond.
“There are plenty of ways to authentically experience DC while making the most of winter,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “While we celebrate Black history all year, we’re always pleased to elevate our messaging in February, and it’s a great time to learn about Black history at our many museums and monuments. Visitors can also celebrate Valentine’s Day at our world-class restaurants and find more than 75 excellent hotel deals and package offers.”
Find what’s new around Washington, DC:
New Hotels and Hotel Deals:
AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard – Opening Feb. 17, 2022
A 225-key AC Marriott hotel opens in early February in a mixed-use development including residential buildings and retail space. The property, located near Nationals Park in the Navy Yard neighborhood, features Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, a 24/7 10,000 sq. ft. fitness center, flexible meeting and event space and a library.
citizenM Washington DC NoMa – Opening April 2022 Situated in the heart of NoMa near the metro and Union Market, the 292-key property is the city’s second citizenM hotel. Staples of the beloved European brand include king-sized beds, MoodPads, HD-TVs with streaming, free Wi-Fi and rain showers. The hotel will have a ground floor restaurant and bar, meeting space and fitness center. The lower level of the property will have 1,000 sq. ft. of bike storage, showers and changing facilities.
Holiday Inn Express Washington DC Downtown – Opening April 2022 Located less than one mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena, the hotel features 247 guest rooms, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center and hot breakfast. Meeting space on the top floor offers views of the U.S. Capitol Building and each room is equipped with a microwave, mini-refrigerator, 43" TV and in-room safe.
Capital Hilton – Special Occasions Romance Enjoy a chocolate lovers’ amenity, $40 restaurant credit for food, early arrival, late check-out, free Wi-Fi and two complimentary tickets to “The Heart of Mind Reading” Valentine’s Show (tickets only apply for reservations on Feb. 12, 2022.) Feb. 1 – March 15, 2022. Rates starting at $164.00 + tax.
Westin Georgetown – Romantic Getaway Whether you're seeking a getaway or staycation, you and your loved one can enjoy a Romantic Valentine's Day weekend at The Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C. Enjoy decadent chocolate, a bottle of champagne and late check out. Promotional code, “LVU” available Feb. 10 – 14, 2022.
Fairmont Washington, DC – Romantic Escape For that special occasion, or "just because," treat your significant other to romance, adventure and pure relaxation. Let love fill the air as you enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine, decadent chocolates and a late check-out. Enhance Valentine's weekend with a three-course or five-course romantic dinner for two available in the privacy of your own guest room or suite. Valentine's dinners will be available on Friday, Feb. 11 – Monday, Feb. 14 via in-room dining for guests who are staying in the hotel.
Yours Truly – Chill at Yours Truly Book stylish accommodations with valet parking for one vehicle included. Chill out with a hygge vibe within the eclectic living room space. Grab a cocktail at the bar, read a book you can’t put down - however you unwind when things get frosty, Yours Truly is the place. Available through April 1, 2022.
Mandarin Oriental Washington, DC – Valentine’s Romance Toast your romantic getaway with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne upon arrival and a four-course Valentine’s dinner for two, served in the comfort of your room or suite. Enjoy guaranteed late check-out at 2:00 p.m. for a relaxing morning. Starting at $898 per night and available Friday, Feb. 11 – Monday, Feb. 14, 2022.
Notable Events:
Black History Month – DC offers special events, performances and museum exhibits that honor African American history and culture across the city. Landmarks of interest may include the National Museum of African American History, African American Civil War Memorial, Black Lives Matter Plaza and Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. Feb. 14 is Douglass' birthday.
Valentine’s Day – After two years of the pandemic, a break is in order. Take a friend, date or solo night off in the nation’s and enjoy its award-winning dining scene, outstanding theater, scenic monuments and more. Find date ideas and deals all month on washington.org. Feb. 14, 2022
President’s Day – Take a long weekend to marvel at DC’s presidential experiences. The nation’s capital has many ways to engage with presidential history. View portraits of all U.S. presidents in America’s Presidents, a permanent exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, or visit President Lincoln’s Cottage in Petworth. Feb. 21, 2022
National Cherry Blossom Festival – Returning to an in-person format in 2022, the city celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival commemorating the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. Festival runs Mar. 20 – April 17, 2022; Opening ceremony Mar. 20, Blossom Kite Fly Mar. 26, Parade April 9, Street Festival April 9-10, Petal Palooza April 16
Attractions, Museums and Performing Arts:
Smithsonian
The National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture are open five days a week. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, and the Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) are open daily. The remaining museums in Washington, DC and the National Zoo are open Thursday through Sunday. The National Air and Space Museum, National Postal Museum and Anacostia Community Museum are currently closed.
National Geographic Museum – Once Upon a Climb: Stories of Everest, The Greatest Wildlife Photographs.
After nearly two years, the museum reopens with two new exhibitions on Feb. 16, 2022. Enjoy free admission to the museum in February with advance online registration. The museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Arts and Industries Building – FUTURES
Celebrate Black History (Futures) Month with Dream Big! An Interactive Playback Performance. Award-winning Washington-based theater group Verbal Gymnastics will invite audiences to participate in live improv playback theater for a night of fun and creative storytelling around big, bold dreams. Feb. 24, 2022
Museum of the Bible – Mystery & Faith: The Shroud of Turin
Believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Shroud of Turin inspires an innovative exhibition that surveys the object’s history and impact. Feb. 26 – July 31, 2022
Phillips Collection – Picasso
Picasso: Painting the Blue Period is a groundbreaking exhibition that provides new insight into the creative process of Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) at the outset of his career. It is the first exhibition in Washington, DC, in 25 years to focus on the early works of the 20th century icon, just as he was beginning to define himself on the international stage. Feb. 26 – June 12, 2022
Arena Stage – Catch Me If You Can
Enjoy the Tony-nominated musical comedy based on the popular Spielberg film. March 4 – April 17, 2022
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show
The ground-breaking stage show that brought Irish and international dance to new heights comes to the Kennedy Center with a stirring reinvention for its 25th anniversary. March 15-27, 2022
Ford's Theatre – Grace
Black music, business, culture and culinary traditions merge in a world premiere musical set to debut in one of DC’s most historic settings. March 18 – May 14, 2022
Kogod Courtyard - Orchids: Hidden Stories of Groundbreaking Women
The joint U.S. Botanic Garden-Smithsonian Gardens orchid show is on display in the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition unearths stories of women who have enriched the understanding and appreciation of orchids. Through April 24, 2022.
Washington, DC is open for business
DC has an indoor mask requirement and proof of vaccination is required at most indoor establishments. Find the latest information from the DC government at coronavirus.dc.gov. There are additional coronavirus-related updates on washington.org.
Media Assets: media.washington.org/assets/media-gallery
About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org.
February 1, 2022