Top 30 Offsite Locations for Large Groups in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., often celebrated for its political prowess, iconic landmarks, and historical significance, has emerged as a frontrunner in a new arena. According to a study by Peerspace, Washington, D.C., has become the fastest-growing U.S. city for offsite meetings.

This vibrant city, steeped in political significance and brimming with cultural treasures, is now embracing a new role as a hub for corporate creativity and collaboration.

Whether you’re in search of the perfect setting for your upcoming networking event, corporate meeting, or team-building activity, we’ve analyzed the most popular venues in the area to give you the top 30 offsite locations for corporate events in Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents:

• Best Locations Overall
• Top Hotel Offsite Locations
• Top Museum Offsite Locations
• Top Restaurant Offsite Locations
• Top Unique Offsite Locations
• How To Transport Large Teams to Offsites
• Plan Your Next Offsite With GOGO Charters
• Methodology

Best Locations Overall

In this vast city with an abundance of venues, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 offsite locations below. We based our selections on criteria such as meeting space versatility, event support and technical expertise, available amenities, location and convenience, and third-party reviews.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Our Rating: 5 stars
Location: Foggy Bottom
Capacity: 100-3,000

Offering world-class venues and versatile conference spaces, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the top offsite destination in Washington, D.C. Nestled along the Potomac River, this premier venue is suitable for a wide range of events. Within the building, you’ll discover 10 impressive event spaces capable of accommodating cocktail receptions, award banquets, holiday gatherings, corporate meetings, lectures, and private dinners with capacities ranging from 15 to 1,500 guests.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Full bar
• On-site catering
• Shuttle bus parking
• Private tours
• Indoor and outdoor space

National Archives Museum

Our Rating: 5 stars
Location: National Mall
Capacity: 50-332

The National Archives Museum, home to the Declaration of Independence and many other treasured U.S. artifacts, is another top offsite location that hosts various event venues to choose from. Consider the Rotunda Galleries, a stunning venue accommodating 250 for receptions and 200 for seated events. Its 75-foot ceilings bathe the space in natural light, offering stunning outdoor views. Alternatively, the William G. McGowan Theatre, with 290 seats, suits various corporate events and has a lobby for pre- and post-program receptions.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities

Top of the Town

Our Rating: 5 stars
Location: Arlington, VA
Capacity: 150-180

Top of the Town is a popular event venue just a 15-minute drive from the heart of downtown D.C, and offers great views of the D.C. skyline across the river from the penthouse. You can accommodate up to 150 seated guests or 180 attendees in a presentation-style setup. The space can be easily customized to suit various corporate event needs, from dinners to holiday parties. You also get complimentary parking for all your guests, which is a rare find in the city!

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site parking (free)
• Panoramic views
• Indoor and outdoor space

Sixth & I

Our Rating: 5 stars
Location: Penn Quarter
Capacity: 750

Situated in the downtown area and equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology, Sixth & I is a great choice for business gatherings, including meetings, conferences, and private concerts. Its sanctuary, an architectural gem adorned with beautiful stained glass, can accommodate up to 750 guests or be configured for more intimate events on the main level. You also have the ability to live stream your events, such as conferences and important speakers.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Private tours

President Lincoln’s Cottage

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Petworth
Capacity: 10-1,500

President Lincoln’s Cottage is an exceptional historic destination for an offsite meeting. This residence was used by the Lincoln family and served as an entertainment venue during the Civil War. It’s also where the Emancipation Proclamation took form. The venue offers a range of indoor areas suitable for meetings of up to 40 attendees, dinners for up to 120 guests, and receptions hosting up to 250 individuals. For larger gatherings, you can arrange a tented event on the expansive lawn, accommodating up to 1,500 participants.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site parking (free)
• Shuttle bus parking
• Private tours

National Union Building

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Penn Quarter
Capacity: 120-750

The National Union Building is a new and vibrant addition to the private event scene in downtown Washington, D.C., This facility offers 11 distinct venues suitable for a wide array of gatherings, ranging from corporate retreats and team-building sessions to larger-scale events and conferences. By combining various spaces, you can accommodate up to 750 attendees across multiple sections of the building.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Full bar and lounge
• On-site catering
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Valet parking

National Portrait Gallery

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Penn Quarter
Capacity: 346-2,000

Whether you’re planning a nonprofit fundraiser, gala, or corporate celebration, the National Portrait Gallery stands as one of the premier offsite locations in Washington, D.C., The gallery offers four distinct spaces: the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, the Great Hall, the Luce Foundation Center, and the Portico and Rotunda, each with distinctive ambiance and amenities. The gallery’s event team is available to guide you in selecting the most suitable space for your occasion and help you secure the perfect vendors.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Guided tours

Museum of the Bible

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Southwest and the Wharf
Capacity: 430-500

The Museum of the Bible is a contemporary setting with an array of event areas that are not only stylish but also equipped with cutting-edge technology for your convenience. Among the multiple event spaces, the Gathering Room stands out as the largest, capable of accommodating up to 500 guests for receptions. Following closely is the Grand Hall, with a capacity of up to 400 attendees, showcasing its renowned digital ceiling. The museum also offers conference rooms and lounges suitable for more intimate meetings and gatherings within indoor and outdoor settings.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Private tours
• Indoor and outdoor space

Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 15-5,000

From meetings and conferences to receptions and trade shows, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center has 65,000 square feet of space to host it all. The facilities encompass a range of expansive indoor and outdoor venues, including the multi-tiered Amphitheater at the heart of the conference center suites, the spacious and adaptable Atrium Hall, and signature spaces like the Pavilion and Atrium adorned with stunning skylights. With a total of 22 spaces to choose from, this venue can comfortably accommodate events of all sizes, hosting anywhere from 15 to 5,000 guests.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Valet parking

The View of DC

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Arlington, VA
Capacity: 150-450

Across the river in Arlington, Virginia, The View of DC is an exquisite rooftop event venue that showcases a 360-degree view of the city’s iconic landmarks. The venue boasts three levels of floor-to-ceiling windows, a captivating outdoor terrace, and a Champagne bar for social team gatherings. The Observation Deck on the main level offers 12,000 square feet of flexible space equipped with Wi-Fi and AV capabilities. You can also enjoy customized menus from their exclusive caterer, Design Cuisine.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Panoramic views

Studio 52

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Ivy City
Capacity: 75-150

If you’re looking for a fun and casual setting for your offsite meeting, consider Studio 52, a super unique event venue in D.C. This space can accommodate up to 75 people for seated gatherings, including meetings and dinners, and up to 150 for reception-style networking and social events.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Bar and lounge
• Kitchenette
• Sound reactive lighting system

Top of the Hay

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 100-340

The Hay-Adams Hotel presents an exquisite venue known as the Top of the Hay atop the hotel. The space has French doors that lead to an expansive wraparound balcony, offering awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of the White House and the city skyline. Supported by a dedicated team and a fully equipped rooftop kitchen, it provides an ideal setting for corporate gatherings, board meetings, and social events. The Top of the Hay can be subdivided into five interconnected meeting areas, available for use in combination or separately, accommodating up to 340 guests.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Business center
• Panoramic views

Top Hotel Offsite Locations

Washington, D.C., boasts a rich selection of over 130 hotels, the majority of which offer versatile meeting facilities suitable for various group sizes. Below are the top hotels in Washington, D.C., that excel in hosting offsite meetings.

Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: West End
Capacity: 310-700

Nestled in Georgetown, The Fairmont Washington offers top-tier meeting facilities, featuring a diverse range of event spaces for any type of offsite you may be planning, including executive boardrooms, grand ballrooms, and an urban courtyard. Fairmont also offers programs and event planning services to help you facilitate the perfect event.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Business center
• Indoor and outdoor space

Lyle

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Dupont Circle
Capacity: 51-120

Lyle, a hotel located in the heart of Dupont Circle, boasts seven distinct rooms that are perfect for an offsite meeting. Its selection includes a study and drawing room, ideal for conducting business meetings and engaging in team-building activities. For more upscale events, explore options like the Parlor, perfect for exclusive dinner gatherings with your team, or the Gallery, designed for cocktails and socializing.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Business center
• On-site catering

Kimpton George Hotel

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Capitol Hill
Capacity: 60-150

The Kimpton George Hotel, nestled on the renowned Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., is an excellent choice for hosting your offsite meeting. This historic location offers over 2,000 square feet of exclusive meeting space, including four elegantly appointed meeting and banquet rooms. It also has on-site catering from Bistro Bis, to elevate your meetings with delicious French cuisine.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• Business center
• On-site catering
• Shuttle bus parking

The LINE DC

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Adams Morgan
Capacity: 240-500

Formerly a church, The LINE DC has over 10,000 square feet of event space, both indoors and outdoors. Its 12 spaces are perfect for offsite meetings and include ample natural light, rooftop vistas, and a specialized banquets and catering team to create a unique event experience.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Business center
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Full bar and lounge
• Shuttle bus parking

The Watergate Hotel

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Foggy Bottom
Capacity: 231-560

The Watergate Hotel, a beautiful urban resort on the Potomac River, combines modern design with mid-century style for an iconic experience. With 27,000 square feet of event space, including the 7,000-square-foot Moretti Grand Ballroom and 336 guest rooms, it’s ideal for various groups. For outdoor gatherings, the Top of the Gate rooftop provides 360-degree views of the Potomac River, Washington Monument, Kennedy Center, and the D.C. skyline, complemented by creative menu options to please your team.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV capabilities
• On-site catering
• Business center
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Panoramic views

Top Museum Offsite Locations

In the nation’s capital, you’ll find some of the country’s most renowned museums—ideal venues for your offsite meeting. Explore a selection of the top museum locations for hosting your event in D.C.

National Law Enforcement Museum

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Penn Quarter
Capacity: 20-450

The National Law Enforcement Museum provides distinctive venues for your offsite gathering, whether it’s a corporate meeting, retreat, reception, or banquet. As an attendee, you’ll have the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the realities of life in law enforcement, creating a truly unique experience. It even offers an events team that can manage all aspects of your event, from food and beverage arrangements to AV needs and everything in between.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Catering and beverage services
• Private tours

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: National Mall
Capacity: 250-500

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, with its iconic circular structure on the National Mall, provides an ideal setting for hosting important social or corporate meetings and events. You have the option to host a reception on the Plaza, adjacent to the illuminated fountain, or take a leisurely walk through the gardens and exhibition galleries. For an even more extravagant experience, the Lerner Room on the museum’s third floor has a breathtaking view of the Washington skyline. Guests can appreciate this stunning backdrop during receptions or dinner events.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Private tours

International Spy Museum

Our Rating: 4 stars
Location: Southwest and the Wharf
Capacity: 150-700

Whether you’re planning a meeting, fundraiser, or company celebration, the International Spy Museum presents an ideal backdrop for your event. The museum’s exclusive event venues include a magnificent seventh-floor ballroom and a rooftop terrace, both offering breathtaking city views. These spaces can comfortably seat up to 150 guests for a meal and accommodate 200 for a reception. For grand affairs, you can combine the terrace with the seventh-floor area, allowing you to host an impressive event for up to 700 attendees.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• On-site shuttle bus parking
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Private tours

Woodrow Wilson House

Our Rating: 4 stars
Location: Dupont Circle
Capacity: 36-200

The impeccably preserved 1920s residence of the 28th U.S. president, the Woodrow Wilson House, offers a range of event options suitable for corporate dinners and offsite meetings. The garden accommodates seated dinner receptions for up to 150 guests and standing receptions for up to 200. For smaller gatherings, the Dining Room or Drawing Room can host seated dinners for 36 guests.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Private tours

Top Restaurant Offsite Locations

After a bustling weekend of attending conventions, restaurants offer an excellent setting for hosting relaxed offsite events. If you’re planning a team lunch, dinner, or cocktail party, explore these top restaurant venues in Washington, D.C.

The Henri

Our Rating: 4 stars
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 80-250

Situated in the vibrant heart of downtown Washington, D.C., The Henri is a contemporary bistro that offers both communal and private dining areas. Its adaptable and distinctive space is suited for a wide range of occasions, from corporate meetings to elegant cocktail parties.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• A/V equipment
• Private dining
• Semi-private dining
• Full bar

District Winery

Our Rating: 3.5 stars
Location: Capitol Riverfront
Capacity: 200-450

Whether you’re seeking team-building opportunities or aiming to impress clients, District Winery is a popular restaurant and wine-tasting venue with the capacity to host up to 200 guests for seated gatherings and as many as 450 for reception-style events. The private event area at District Winery includes a spacious outdoor terrace with picturesque views of the Anacostia River and comes equipped with a retractable canopy and clear sidewalls, so it’s suitable for year-round use.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Full bar and lounge
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Waterfront views
• On-site catering

Hill Country Barbecue Market

Our Rating: 3.5 stars
Location: Downtown
Capacity: 20-600

For a more laid-back atmosphere, Hill Country Barbecue Market provides exclusive dining options tailored to your corporate event needs. These offerings include seated banquets, buffet spreads complete with carving stations, family-style feasts, and cocktail receptions featuring both stationary and passed hors d’oeuvres. You can reserve the Boot Bar for a private dining experience that includes a full bar and stage and sound equipment or the loft area for semi-private dining. Or you might opt a complete restaurant buyout to secure the entire place exclusively for your event.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Private dining
• Semi-private dining
• Full bar

Sequoia

Our Rating: 3.5 stars
Location: Georgetown
Capacity: 16-600

Nestled alongside the Potomac River, Sequoia has 14,785 square feet to host up to 600 guests for a private event. The restaurant boasts expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the District, including the Kennedy Center, Roosevelt Bridge, and the Virginia skyline. Whether you choose to dine on the mezzanine, the terrace, or within the private stateroom, you can savor delicious American cuisine all while surrounded by a captivating collection of contemporary art that adorns the restaurant.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Private dining
• Semi-private dining
• Indoor and outdoor space
• Panoramic views

Top Unique Offsite Locations

If you’re looking to create a lasting impression that keeps your employees buzzing until the next gathering, these unique offsite locations in Washington, D.C., are sure to elevate your meeting and leave a lasting impact.

Nationals Park

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Capitol Riverfront
Capacity: 4,000-40,000

If you want to knock your event out of the park, consider Nationals Park as the backdrop for your corporate event. The cutting-edge baseball stadium, which serves as the home of the Washington Nationals, boasts an impressive 55,000 square feet of fully air-conditioned meeting spaces. Among its offerings are four large club spaces, 70 opulent suites, a dedicated conference center, and exceptional catering services to elevate your event experience.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Full bar and lounge
• On-site catering
• Valet parking

The Mansion on O Street

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Dupont Circle
Capacity: 160-300

The O Museum in The Mansion stands out as an exceptionally distinctive property, boasting over 100 rooms and 80 secret doors. This unique venue has earned recognition through multiple awards, including being named Coolest Place in D.C. by booking.com. It encompasses a diverse range of spaces, including 12 conference rooms, various meeting galleries, a secret wine cellar, and many other areas ideal for retreats, corporate functions, and private dining.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Portable stages
• On-site catering
• Private tours

City Cruises

Our Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Southwest and The Wharf
Capacity: 468-500

Transform your offsite meeting into an on-water adventure by chartering a city cruise, offering an unforgettable and entertaining dining experience that will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues. These entertainment cruises provide a variety of vessels that you can tailor to your needs, each featuring private event spaces, stunning views along the Potomac River, and all-inclusive dining packages.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Full bar and lounge
• On-site catering
• Panoramic views

Washington National Cathedral

Our Rating: 4 stars
Location: Upper Northwest
Capacity: 1,000-2,000

For a unique yet elegant offsite affair, consider the Washington National Cathedral. You can reserve five distinct indoor spaces, including the Bethlehem Chapel, the Cathedral’s Nave, and the Pilgrim Observation Gallery, treating you to a beautiful view of the city’s skyline. You can also opt for outdoor areas, including the amphitheater and West Front Lawn, which display the Cathedral’s iconic towers as the backdrop.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• AV equipment
• Private tours
• Charter bus parking
• Panoramic views

ARTECHOUSE

Our Rating: 4 stars
Location: Southwest and The Wharf
Capacity: 125-400

ARTECHOUSE is a unique and innovative digital art space dedicated to showcasing experiential and immersive large-scale installations. Covering 15,000 square feet, this art space has the capacity to accommodate up to 400 guests, beckoning them to fully engage with the digital art universe. Visitors can enjoy multi-sensory exhibits and discover cultural and artistic dimensions, all facilitated by state-of-the-art technology.

Amenities:

• Wi-Fi
• Full bar and lounge
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Outside catering allowed
• Private tours

How To Transport Large Teams to Offsites

Transporting large teams to offsite locations for corporate meetings or events requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a smooth journey. You’ll want to first assess your team’s size to determine which mode of transportation makes most sense.

Depending on the size of your group, you may opt for various transportation options, including:

• Charter buses: Ideal for large groups, charter buses offer comfort and ample space for passengers. They can accommodate anywhere from 29 to 56 people, making them a cost-effective choice.
• Minibuses: Smaller than charter buses but still suitable for medium-sized groups, minibuses and shuttles can typically carry 18 to 28 passengers.
• Public transportation: In some areas of D.C., public transportation might be a convenient option for transporting large teams, but won’t drop your team off at exact locations.
• Multiple vehicles: For smaller groups, you can arrange for a fleet of vans or cars, but this may require more drivers and coordination.

Convenience is a key factor when choosing offsite meetings. You don’t want your team spending time scouting for parking, paying expensive valet fees, or navigating through unfamiliar areas.

Shuttle buses represent the most convenient and budget-friendly method for transporting sizable teams to offsite venues. They offer the advantage of keeping your group together while transporting everyone to the exact location. Plus, many event venues have designated shuttle bus drop-off areas and parking.

Plan Your Next Offsite With GOGO Charters

Washington, D.C., offers an excellent setting for offsite meetings, and the venues on this list have consistently excelled in hosting corporate events. As these venues ensure the seamless execution of your event, trust GOGO Charters to manage your transportation needs both before and after your meeting.

Our extensive fleet includes minibus and charter bus rentals, catering to groups of all sizes. Contact us at 202-741-9808 to explore how GOGO Charters can customize transportation solutions to your corporate event.

Methodology

Our team created a methodology to rank the top venues in Washington, D.C., We sourced a list of 100 venues from local tourism sites and gathered data to compare size, amenities, location, and third-party reviews to rank them by scores and category.