Do D.C. Like a Dignitary

Washington, D.C., isn’t just the nation’s capital — it’s a city where power and prestige shape everyday life. Where politicians and world leaders are known to gather. And you, too, can sample its historic and cultural sites, exclusive restaurants, and high-end boutiques — allowing you to experience the District like a dignitary. 

Many of these locations are conveniently located near Marriott Vacation Club^® at The Mayflower, Washington, D.C., part of The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ City Collection. The 100-year-old Mayflower Hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places for good reason. It puts you near some of the most elegant dining rooms and luxury shopping destinations D.C. has to offer.*

An Epicenter of History and Culture

Start your journey as a faux dignitary at the National Mall, aka “America’s front yard.” At the Lincoln Memorial, stand on the exact spot where in 1963 the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to an enraptured crowd. 

Next, stroll the path along the reflecting pool to the National Museum of African American History and Culture to browse stirring and interactive exhibits about politics, music, education, and sports. Pop into the nearby National Portrait Gallery to view works depicting President Barack Obama, the first four female Supreme Court justices, and the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, among other luminaries. At the far east end of the Mall is the U.S. Capitol, where professional guides lead free tours (although reservations are recommended). 

No dignitary visit is complete without immersing yourself in cultural experiences. And Dupont Circle neighborhood is the perfect place to start. Check out modern and contemporary art at The Phillips Collection, displayed in its founder’s former home. Or experience cutting-edge live events and installations at Dupont Underground, located in a repurposed former streetcar station. A few miles north at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens lies the former home of businesswoman and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post. Here you can view a large collection of Russian Fabergé eggs and 13 acres of formal plantings.

Wining and Dining

The nation’s capital is a diverse dining destination, so you might just spot a fellow dignitary at one of these classic or trending spots. 

In Georgetown, fine dining 1789 Restaurant (named after the year Georgetown University was founded) specializes in new American fare. It’s a favorite among visiting professors and political elite. Closer to the Potomac waterfront, Fiola Mare earns high marks for its lobster ravioli, seafood towers, and A-list crowds. 

Downtown, at vintage Washington watering holes like Old Ebbitt Grill and Cafe Milano, try not to eavesdrop as lawmakers and lobbyists whisper secrets all around you. On the 14th Street corridor, French restaurant Le Diplomate is frequented by politicians and celebrities alike. And while a relative newcomer, Dōgon is earning plenty of buzz for its Afro-Caribbean cuisine sourced with mid-Atlantic ingredients. 

Even dignitaries need to grab a quick bite sometimes. The Square, a 25,000-square-foot food hall, offers everything from sushi to Roman-style pizza. Casa Teresa, a Spanish restaurant featuring live-fire cooking, resides within the Square and makes for good people-watching. 

Shopping and Entertainment

For power shoppers, the capital offers a range of options. CityCenterDC is a luxury mall with global brands including Burberry, Hermès, and Dior. For smaller specialty stores, head to Georgetown’s M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for brands like Alo Yoga, M.M.LaFleur, and Framebridge. The Union Market neighborhood is also quite the retail hub. You’ll find unique gifts like political figure bobbleheads and coffee table books from local bookstore Politics and Prose, also the site of regular readings and events. 

As the sun dips, check out the lineup of everything from concerts to comedy shows at the Gilded Age Warner Theatre. Or peek the playbills at Arena Stage, known for dramatic performances and musicals.

With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Washington, D.C., has attracted dignitaries from all over the world. And having experienced it all, it’s time to proudly call yourself a true District dignitary.

Where to Stay

Join The Marriott Vacation Clubs City Collection for a landmark vacation at Marriott Vacation Club^® at The Mayflower, Washington, D.C. This historic building, located in the lively center of downtown Washington, D.C., offers easy access to the city’s sites, attractions, shopping, and dining.

Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a biweekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.