Washington D.C. Trips and Travel

Partial Government Shutdown A partial government shutdown occurs when lawmakers fail to pass funding bills, causing nonessential federal services to temporarily close and employees to be furloughed. Essential employees are required to work without pay. When there is a partial government shutdown, travelers to Washington, D.C. may see some impact, but with the passing of the majority of the appropriation bills, the effects on tourism should be minimal. Major tourist attractions including National Parks and Smithsonian Museums and Institutions have secured funding through the end of September 2026. The Department of Homeland Security is not funded during the partial government shutdown which started at 12:01 AM on February 14, 2026. There are delays caused by the partial government shutdown including wait times increasing at airports in the United States. Airport Security and the Transportation Security Administration The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) i...

Washington D.C. Metro Map Click below for a full-size version. This map shows all six Metro lines, stations, and transfer points. Download PDF Metro Map Smithsonian Station African Art Museum American History Museum National Museum of Asian Art National Museum of African American History & Culture - Pass required Natural History Museum L’Enfant Plaza Station Air and Space Museum - Pass required Hirshhorn Museum International Spy Museum $ Ticket required National Museum of American Indian Federal Center SW Station United States Botanic Gardens National Museum of American Indian Archives - Navy Memorial Station Natio...

Washington D.C.'s Chinatown was originally located near Pennsylvania Avenue. In 1931, the government seized the land to build the Federal Triangle and other federal projects, forcing the community to scatter. A new Chinatown emerged along H Street NW between 5th and 7th Streets in the District of Columbia despite resistance from some local businesses and landowners. The Friendship Archway was brought to life by Alfred Liu, an architect and longtime champion of Chinatown. Liu also designed Wah Luck House, an apartment building providing housing for elderly residents. Born in Taiwan, Liu moved to the United States as a teenager and became deeply involved in advocating for Chinatown’s growth and cultural presence as Chairman of the Chinatown Development Corporation. His connection to the community is reflected in every detail of the archway’s design. A local Washington, D.C. site, Greater Greater Washington, chronicles the building and refurbishing of the F...