Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for the United States capital, is proud to announce that Washington, DC has been named Accessible Destination of the Year at the JRNY America Awards 2025 in London. The city also received Bronze for Best Food City, highlighting its thriving, inclusive culinary scene.
The awards, presented by JRNY Travel Magazine, celebrate excellence in North and South American travel experiences for UK audiences. Washington, DC’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion and innovative visitor experiences impressed the judges and trade partners alike.
Recognised as one of the most wheelchair-accessible cities in the world, Washington, DC continues to set global standards for inclusion in travel and hospitality. From transportation to attractions and dining, the city ensures that all visitors, regardless of ability, can explore with comfort, safety and independence.
“Accessibility and inclusion are core to Washington, DC’s visitor experience,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC. “We’re grateful to our UK travel trade partners for recognising Washington, DC’s leadership in inclusive travel. While we’re proud of our progress, we know there’s always more to do, and we look forward to working with the industry to make travel to DC and across the globe even more accessible for all.”
Additional accessibility information can be found here. Trade partners can access training, collateral, and booking resources here.
Accessible Transportation
Exploring the capital is simple and seamless, thanks to one of the most inclusive transportation systems in the world.
Metro Accessibility and Discounts: All stations and rail cars are accessible, with elevators, extra-wide faregates, tactile signage and visual information displays. Every Metrobus features ramps or lifts and wheelchair securement areas. Reduced Fare Metro SmarTrip cards are available for travellers with disabilities.
Airport Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program: Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport and Baltimore Washington International Airport participate in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, which discreetly identifies travellers with non-visible disabilities who may require additional time, patience or support. Complimentary Sunflower lanyards are available for pickup at designated areas.
Tours: Major tour companies like Old Town Trolley Tours, Big Bus Tours and City Experience’s water taxis provide accessible vehicles and lifts.
Mobility Equipment: Services such as E-MILE, ScootAround and Orthopaedic Mobility Rentals offer wheelchairs and scooters for easy navigation around the city.
Accessible Attractions and Experiences
From the National Mall to its many museums, Washington, DC offers rich, inclusive cultural experiences for every visitor.
National Mall & Memorials: Accessible parking, flat pathways, elevators and Braille brochures ensure barrier-free access to monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.
Smithsonian Institution: The Office of Visitor Accessibility unifies accessibility efforts across all 16 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, offering open captioning, assistive listening devices, tactile tours, Braille and large-print maps, and complimentary wheelchairs. Programs like Morning at the Museum (sensory-friendly hours) and See Me at the Smithsonian (interactive sessions for adults with dementia, also in Spanish) further enhance inclusion.
National Children’s Museum: Loaner wheelchairs and sensory backpacks featuring noise-reduction headphones and fidgets to borrow.
United States Botanic Garden: Offers EnChroma glasses for colourblind visitors and sensory kits to enhance the experience for guests with diverse needs.
The Kennedy Center: Provides ASL-interpreted performances, audio description guides and sensory-friendly events.
Sports: Home to all seven major American professional sports teams, most venues like Audi Field, Nationals Park and Capital One Arena offer sensory accommodations, like dedicated sensory rooms and sensory kits with items like weighted lap pads, fidget toys and noise reducing headphones.
Gallaudet University: The world’s first university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students offers guided tours.
Inclusive Dining and Accommodation
Washington, DC’s award-winning food scene is as diverse and inclusive as the city itself.
Busboys and Poets hosts regular American Sign Language Open Mic nights and community events. Sequoia offers accessible parking and direct elevator access from the parking garage into the main dining room, while classic institutions like Old Ebbitt Grill and Founding Farmers ensure accessible dining layouts and service. Washington, DC is proud to also be the location of the United States’ very first Starbucks signing store.
Just some of the accessible accommodation options include Riggs Washington DC with roll-in showers and widened doorways, The Dupont Circle Hotel, with elegant accessible suites near the Metro, Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – Natl Mall with an accessible swimming pool and visual alarms and The Willard InterContinental, which features step-free access, Braille signage and assistive listening systems.
A Sample Itinerary for Accessible DC:
The following three-day itinerary offers inspiration for UK trade partners promoting accessible travel to the U.S. capital:
Day 1 – Arrival and Game Day
- Arrival: Utilise the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program at Dulles International Airport for free assistance
- Transfer: Accessible Metro from Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC
- Coffee stop: Starbucks Signing Store, the first of its kind in the U.S.
- See: A sensory-friendly professional sports game at Audi Field, Capital One Arena or Nationals Park
Day 2 – Museums, Monuments, and the Wharf
- Daytime Activity: Visit the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums and United States Botanic Garden
- Lunch: Oyamel Cocina Mexicana or Old Ebbitt Grill, both fully accessible
- Evening Activity: Enjoy a Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour, with accessible vehicles
- Dinner: Dine and relax at The Wharf, an ADA-compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act) waterfront destination with smooth paths, ramps and elevators
Day 3 – Georgetown and the Arts
- Daytime Activity: Explore the Rubell Museum and International Spy Museum, both fully accessible
- Transfer: Take a scenic Water Taxi from The Wharf to Georgetown and enjoy the flat, paved sidewalks of the Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Dinner: Waterfront dining at Sequoia with direct elevator access from the garage into the main dining room or Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers –easily accessible by ramp
- See: A sensory-friendly or Audio-Described live performance at The Kennedy Center
