A Walk Through Washington, DC
Sometimes the best way to explore a new city is to take a stroll around the neighborhood.
The Mayflower Hotel is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC just steps away from some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Whether you’re interested in the best places to view nature in DC, discovering some of the famed murals around the city, curious about exploring women-owned businesses, or are just looking to stretch your legs and take a quick walk around where our historic hotel is located, The Mayflower has created a DC walking tour for you!
Each clickable map provides walking directions from the hotel and the approximate time it will take to walk to each destination.
DC Murals
Take a Mural Walk Through Washington
Washington, DC is home to the Smithsonian Museums where one can spend hours admiring art from the Renaissance to today, but once the air gets crisp, live like a local and take in some of the city’s most admired murals, many of which are within walking distance to the hotel.
DC’S LARGEST POSTCARD
Tucked behind Mama Ayesha’s restaurant on Calvert Street you will find what DC locals call the “city’s largest postcard”. Completed in 2009, the “postcard” is a mural, featuring eleven American presidents. Created by El Salvador-born artist Karla Rodas (aka Karlisima), the mural was funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and is a hidden gem in Adams Morgan.
Walking directions to DC’s “largest postcard”
Estimated walk time: 32 minutes
THE WATERMELON HOUSE
The Watermelon House, located in Logan Circle is quite literally a story of making lemons into…watermelon! Dissatisfied with the
outcome of a paint job, the owners decided to turn the side of their home into a watermelon mural for all to enjoy. Today, it is one
of DC’s most recognizable homes and beloved social media backdrops.
Walking directions to the Watermelon House
Estimated walk time: 19 minutes
SHE WILL RISE
On bustling 14th St, on the corner of 14th and S St, a new mural was recently completed as a joint collaboration between She
Will Rise, an organization that was founded in 2020 to campaign for a Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court,
and No Kings Collective, a local DC arts and design group. Designed by local artist Nia Keturah Calhoun, the mural is a portrait
of Justice Jackson, her father, Johnny Brown, who was also a lawyer and Constance Baker Motley, who served as the first Black
woman federal judge and wrote the original complaint in the case of Brown vs. Board of Education.
Walking directions to She Will Rise
Estimated walk time: 20 minutes
BEN’S CHILI BOWL
Every city has a dish that they are known for and in Washington, DC, it’s the half-smoke. Since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl has been
a fixture on U St. and the mural that adorns the side of this historic eatery is a must-see for any visitor. Updated in 2017 by local
DC artist Aniekan Udofia, the mural features a variety of famous Black Americans, many with ties to the city including comedians,
actors, historical figures and politicians.
Walking directions to Ben’s Chili Bowl
Estimated walk time: 25 minutes
15 Minutes or Less: A Neighborhood Stroll
Around The Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC is a busy city with something always going on. Whether you’re staying at our hotel for business or pleasure, sometimes you just want to take a quick walk to visit something new. Here are some of our favorite places that are within a 15-minute walk or less.
MUSEUMS
THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION MUSEUM
Founded in 1921 the Phillips Collection located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood features works by Renoir, El Greco, van Gogh,
Matisse, Monet and Picasso, just to name a few.
Walking directions to the Phillips Collection
Estimated walk time: 15 minutes
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
This small-but-mighty museum features rotating exhibits and photo exhibitions documenting scientific expeditions & explorations
across the globe.
Walking directions to the National Geographic Museum
Estimated walk time: 2 minutes
THE RENWICK GALLERY (SMITHSONIAN)
As part of the Smithsonian Museum collection, this free gallery features American crafts and decorative arts from the 19th to the
21st century.
Walking directions to the Renwick
Estimated walk time: 9 minutes
NEIGHBORHOODS
DUPONT CIRCLE
DuPont Circle is a traffic circle, park, neighborhood and historic district all in one. Grab a coffee and a book and you can people
watch for hours.
Walking directions to DuPont Circle
Estimated walk time: 9 minutes
LOGAN CIRCLE
From picnics to dog meetups, Logan Circle is where you can find DC locals on a sunny day.
Walking directions to Logan Circle
Estimated walk time: 15 minutes
DINING
SUSHI TARO
A DC favorite, this authentic sushi destination offers omakase, bento-box lunch specials and a large selection of sake & shochu
Walking directions to Sushi Taro
Estimated walk time: 8 minutes
LITTLE CHICKEN
Come for the fried chicken, stay for the creative cocktails, crushes and outdoor space.
Walking directions to Little Chicken
Estimated walk time: 5 minutes
CHURCHKEY
A beer lover’s paradise where you can find a large selection of bottled & draft beers accompanied by a menu of assorted snacks.
Walking directions to ChurchKey
Estimated walk time: 13 minutes
Women Owned Walks
There is always something going on in Washington, DC. Whether you’re staying at our downtown hotel for business or pleasure, it’s always fun to explore the neighborhood. Here are some of our favorite spots in DC that are women-owned.
SALT & SUNDRY
This curated shop on 14th St. offers an array of artisanal items for the home.
Walking directions to Salt & Sundry
Estimated walk time: 17 minutes
DC SWEET POTATO CAKE BAKERY & CAFE
A quick walk from the hotel, this bakery is known for its legendary cakes and pies featuring the main ingredient, sweet potatoes!
Walking directions to Dc Sweet Potato Cake Bakery & Cafe
Estimated walk time: 5 minutes
SHOP MADE IN DC
With locations across DC including at the convention center and the Wharf, Shop Made in DC is the place to go for locally made art, clothing and gourmet foods.
Walking directions to Shop Made in DC – Georgetown
Estimated walk time: 30 minutes
LEE’S FLOWER & CARD SHOP
A staple on U St. since 1945, Lee’s Flower and Card shop creates traditional and contemporary arrangements
Walking directions to Lee’s Flower & Card Shop
Estimated walk time: 26 minutes
TEAISM
This longstanding tea shop offers a broad selection of loose leaf teas and healthy fast casual dining.
Estimated walk time: 7 minutes
CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE
A DC staple run by sisters, Chocolate Chocolate offers an international selection of chocolate and candy by the pound.
Walking directions to Chocolate Chocolate
Estimated walk time: 4 minutes
Bike DC
Explore DC by Bike
Discover Washington, DC on two wheels with scenic bike trails that connect vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks and waterfront views. Perfect for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts, bike riding in Washington, DC is a great way to explore.
METROPOLITAN BIKE TRAIL
Stretching for eight miles between DC and Maryland, the MBT trail runs through several DC neighborhoods including NoMa, Eckington and Brookland and offers a visually stunning trail with murals, greenery and plenty of places to shop and dine.
NATIONAL MALL AND MEMORIALS
A short ride from our downtown hotel, the National Mall offers a 2-mile tree-lined ride that connects riders with the Washington and
Lincoln monuments, the MLK Jr. memorial, the Capitol and the White House.
ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL
Spanning 12 miles on either side of the Anacostia River, this trail connects several neighborhoods in DC including access to Nats
Park, Navy Yard and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Map of Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
EAST POTOMAC PARK
Even when it isn’t Cherry Blossom season, this 4-mile loop offers panoramic views of the Potomac River and DC foliage. A bonus
for aviation lovers, this is an excellent path for watching planes land at National Airport.
Summer Outdoor Movies
Summer in Washington, DC means the return of some of our favorite outdoor movie series! From nights at Union Market to neighborhood favorite, Cinematery at the historic Congressional Cemetery, it’s time to plan your summer nights in DC.
NATIONAL HARBOR
Movies on the Potomac
This complimentary series at National Harbor takes place on Thursdays (7:00pm) and Sundays (6:00pm) from May 8th through September 28th
THE WHARF
Sunset Cinema at The Wharf
Thursdays at 7:00pm from May 29th – August 28th, guests can catch a film while overlooking the Wharf for free. Seats are first come, first serve and guests are welcome to bring their own food or purchase concessions at the conces- sion window at Cantina Bambina nearby.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Summer Movies on the Lawn
Where else but Washington, DC can you view National Film Registry-selected movies on the southeast lawn of the Library of Congress? Free to all, this series occurs on select Thursdays from June 26th – August 7th, with “The Princess Bride” being shown on July 10th and “The Goonies” on July 17th.
UNION MARKET
The Drive-In at Union Market
A nostalgic drive-in appears at Union Market the first Friday of each month from May – October. For $20 per vehicle, enjoy classics like “Sister Act” from the comfort of your car. Wheels free? The films are free to watch outside on Neal Place. Food and drinks are permitted, but no alcohol is allowed in the parking lot.
CONGRESSIONAL CEMETERY
Cinematery at the Congressional Cemetery
Another “only in DC,” opportunity; Cinematery! Happening the first Friday from May 23rd – September 12th, this movie series has a “mausoleums & monster” motif, showing films like “Jaws” and “The Mummy.” Reservations are required with a suggested donation of $10. Blankets, chairs, food and alcohol are all allowed, pets are prohibited.
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