Mt Pleasant St is the corazón (heart) of DC’s Latino, largely Salvadoran community. Many businesses advertise money-transfer services to San Salvador or surrounds, or sell cheap, delicious pupusas (Salvadoran baked turnovers stuffed with cheese or pork). But this is also a neighborhood in transition – a prime place to see DC's gentrification in action: many long-time businesses are moving to the suburbs as rents spike, while herb-infused cocktail bars and fennel raisin bread bakeries swoop in to claim their place.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.54 MILES
One of America's most visited historic sites, Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington.
3.05 MILES
The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…
2.85 MILES
Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…
2.89 MILES
Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…
National Museum of African American History & Culture
2.7 MILES
Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…
3.18 MILES
Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.
2.24 MILES
Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…
3.48 MILES
Sprawling across hills above the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place for America’s most revered…
Nearby attractions
0.31 MILES
The Mexican Cultural Institute looks locked up and imposing, but don't be deterred. The gilded beaux-arts mansion is open to the public and hosts…
0.53 MILES
You never know what you'll find going on at BloomBars, a cool community arts center. By day, children's story times and music classes take place; at night…
3. District of Columbia Arts Center
0.64 MILES
The grassroots DCAC offers emerging artists a space to showcase their work. The 800-sq-ft gallery features rotating visual-arts exhibits, while plays,…
0.72 MILES
Home to more than 2700 animals and more than 390 species in natural habitats, the National Zoo is famed for its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei…
0.74 MILES
This is an incredible bit of urban green space. The grounds are terraced like a hanging garden replete with waterfalls, sandstone terraces and assorted…
0.92 MILES
This mural of George Washington with a gag over his mouth symbolizes DC's lack of representation in Congress. It was painted by Aniekan Udofia in 2011.
7. Howard University Gallery of Art
0.97 MILES
The university's art gallery holds an impressive collection of works largely dominated by African and African American artists, including Archibald Motley…
1.05 MILES
Founded in 1867, Howard remains the nation’s most prestigious traditionally African American institute of higher education. Distinguished alumni include…