Walter E. Washington Convention Center – Things To Do With Your Team
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is home to many important buildings and structures, including one that you may not have heard of before: the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. When you visit this world-class convention center with your team you’ll initially be impressed by its stunning architecture and sheer size; 2,300,000 square feet in all, with 703,000 total square feet of exhibit space, a 473,000 square-foot exhibit hall, 198,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a 52,000-square-foot ballroom, and 77 breakout rooms; but that’s far from all that this facility has to offer.
The next aspect of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center that you’ll be quick to notice is its extensive amount of features. These include practical amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi access and 140 high-definition TVs dotted throughout the facility, as well as luxurious features like a public art collection consisting of more than 130 pieces by over 90 different artists and a diverse selection of exciting retail and dining options located in the exterior space surrounding the convention center.
As impressive as the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is however, you and your team most likely won’t want to spend your entire time in Washington, D.C., there. When it’s time to go and see all of the great landmarks and attractions that Washington, D.C., is known for, you and your team definitely won’t have to venture far. In fact, some of the best things to do in Washington, D.C., can be found less than half an hour away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Things to Do
International Spy Museum
You and your team will quickly learn that all is not what it seems at the International Spy Museum. This popular Washington, D.C., attraction is the only one of its kind in the United States, dedicated to providing a global perspective on espionage, a profession that is both shrouded in mystery and yet continues to shape the course of history. The museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, some of which are even being seen by the public for the first time.
Aside from their extraordinary collection of artifacts ranging from a lipstick pistol to the Enigma cipher machine, your group can also see if you all have what it takes to be international men and women of mystery at the museum’s various interactive exhibits and experiences. These include Operation Spy, an immersive, interactive experience where visitors assume the roles of covert agents and participate in a one-hour spy simulation, and Spy in the City, a scavenger hunt activity that leads participants on a journey through the surrounding neighborhood that lasts for approximately one hour. 800 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.
Have you ever wanted to meet a U.S. president? How about famous celebrities like Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Johnny Depp, or Miley Cyrus? You and your team can get acquainted with these famous figures and more at Madame Tussauds Washington, D.C.,… well, sort of.
Madame Tussauds is a museum that lets guests get up close and personal with wax replicas of historical figures and A-list celebrities alike for a uniquely uncanny experience. While there, you and your team will find yourselves transported back in time as sail across the Delaware River with George Washington and visit Frederick Douglass in his library. You’ll also be able to rub shoulders with the political elite of the past and present as you meet all 45 U.S. presidents, including the newest, in the Presidents Gallery. Discounts are available for group bookings of 10 or more. 1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is a historic venue located just over 10 minutes away from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center that has hosted various stage performances since the 1860s. However, it is perhaps most famous for being the site of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. It is now a popular D.C. tourist attraction, welcoming over 650,000 visitors a year.
Upon your team’s visit to Ford’s Theatre, you’ll take a step back in time to one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history. While at this must-see historic site, you and your team will learn about the events of April 14, 1865 and the lasting impact Lincoln’s assassination had on the country. Highlights of your visit to Ford’s Theater will include artifacts related to the Lincoln assassination conspiracy, presentations by actors and National Park Service rangers, exhibits exploring Lincoln’s presidency and the Civil War, and a 34-foot tower of Lincoln’s books. 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
The White House
What could be a better sight to see during your visit to our nation’s capital than the residence of every U.S. president except George Washington? Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House and its beautifully-maintained front lawn make for the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable souvenir photo.
Touring the White House requires some advance planning however. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your team’s visit. All White House tours are free and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alternatively, you and your team could visit the White House Visitor Center, located a short distance from the White House, instead, for an experience that is still particularly presidential. There you can explore an interactive touchscreen tour of the iconic building, view over 90 artifacts from the White House collection, find the perfect keepsake at the White House Historical Association retail store, and more. 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History first opened its doors in 1910 in an effort to encourage visitors to discover the wonders of the natural world. You certainly won’t have any trouble finding the museum because of its signature domed roof and immense size, which is comparable to about 18 football fields. It is the world’s largest natural history museum, after all. The fact that it’s near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center doesn’t hurt either.
Its size and architectural grandeur aren’t all that the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has to offer you and your team however. It also contains some of the world’s most famous and rarest cultural artifacts and natural science specimens; more than 125 million in all. 10th St and Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum goes above and beyond… literally! At this popular D.C. attraction you and your team can get a glimpse of the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer, run your hands over moonrock, and more as you experience the larger-than-life world of aviation and space travel.
Since the opening of its main building on the National Mall in 1976, this hub of all things flight has educated and inspired future generations of pilots and astronauts from around the world. Maybe one of them is on your team! The museum’s 23 galleries exhibit the largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world, including hundreds of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and other flight-related artifacts. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater where you and your team can embark on out-of-this-world experiences and more. Independence Ave and 6th St SW, Washington, DC 20560
Places to Eat
Busboys and Poets
Since the opening of their flagship restaurant in 2005, Busboys and Poets has provided the Washington, D.C., area with comfortable places to gather, relax, discuss politics, and more, all while enjoying a great meal.
The Busboys and Poets nearest to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which also happens to be the third addition to the Busboys and Poets family of eateries, opened its doors in 2008. This Busboys and Poets is located in the historic Mount Vernon Triangle where it has established itself as a popular local neighborhood hangout. It features a beautiful and open restaurant space with 30-foot high ceilings and a grand staircase that leads to a mezzanine level overlooking the often-bustling restaurant below. With politically-inspired artwork throughout and performances by artists and poets on the restaurant’s stage, there’s always something to see as you enjoy your meal.
Busboys and Poets features breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, as well as a brunch menu, which is served on Saturdays, Sunday, and federal holidays. They also offer a great selection of coffees, teas, and other beverages. Many of their menu selections, including beverages, are created with fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. Numerous gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options ensures that everyone in your group can find something tasty. 1025 5th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
California Tortilla
When it comes to getting a quick bite to eat near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, you can’t beat California Tortilla. This popular Washington, D.C., eatery serves up Mexican food reimagined that’s guaranteed to please any palate.
Their chef-inspired creations blend flavors from around the world with classic Mexican cuisine and are prepared with the freshest possible ingredients. You won’t find any freezers at California Tortilla; only perfectly-ripe Hass avocados and Roma tomatoes, all white meat chicken breast, and high-quality sirloin steak. Everything is chopped, sliced, and smashed by hand to be cooked and prepared in small patches throughout the day, ensuring that your meal will be as fresh and as tasty as possible. In case you’re looking to turn up the heat on whatever you order at California Tortilla, the Wall of Flame has got just what you need with over 70 different hot sauces to choose from. 728 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Commissary
Commissary is Logan Circle’s causal neighborhood cafe that’s a great place to enjoy a fine meal for a fair price with your team. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as brunch, so no matter when your group gets hungry, Commissary can accommodate. They also offer a wide selection of snacks, smoothies, house-made desserts, and shakes for anyone on your team with a bit of a sweet tooth.
To make your dining experience even more comfortable and convenient, Commissary also features outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, takeout service, and breakfast served all day. 728 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Smoked & Stacked
Turns out you don’t even need to leave the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find great food. Smoked & Stacked is a fast-casual sandwich shop located at the convention center that’s headed by James Beard nominee and Top Chef season 13 finalist Marjorie Meek-Bradley.
The specialty at Smoked & Stacked is their pastrami and breakfast sandwiches served on milk bread, which Marjorie describes as a mix between King’s Hawaiian sweet bread and brioche. Their mouthwatering menu also features smoked chicken and brisket platters, build your own sandwiches, and more. 1239 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., is a hub of activity that’s home to centuries of history. You won’t have to venture far from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to find iconic sights and landmarks that tell the story of America, in addition to other entertaining attractions and amazing eateries.
So during your stay in Washington, D.C., and visit to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, be sure to make the most of your team’s time in one of the most unique travel destinations that the nation has to offer.