The National Spelling Bee reaches its remarkable 100th anniversary in 2025, marking a century of young minds conquering the English language’s most challenging words. This milestone celebration promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever, drawing families, educators, and word enthusiasts from across the country to the Washington D.C. area.
Planning a trip around this historic event means you’ll experience both the thrill of competition and the rich cultural offerings of one of America’s most visited cities. Here is a list of 20 essential stops and experiences that will make your National Spelling Bee centennial adventure truly unforgettable.
The Gaylord National Resort
The Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor serves as the official headquarters for the National Spelling Bee, making it the epicenter of all the action. This massive resort features a stunning glass atrium that stretches 19 stories high, creating an indoor garden that feels like stepping into another world.
The hotel typically offers special spelling bee packages during the event, and staying here means you’re just an elevator ride away from all the competition venues and activities.
National Harbor Waterfront
Just steps from the Gaylord, the National Harbor waterfront provides a perfect escape from the intensity of competition. The mile-long waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Potomac River and serves as a great place for families to unwind between spelling sessions.
Street performers, outdoor dining, and the iconic Capital Wheel provide entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages.
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The Capital Wheel
This 180-foot observation wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Washington D.C. skyline and surrounding areas. Each climate-controlled gondola can hold up to eight people, making it perfect for families who want to see the region from a unique perspective.
The 12-minute ride provides an excellent photo opportunity and a chance to spot famous landmarks from above.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum houses over 145 million specimens and artifacts, including the famous Hope Diamond and extensive dinosaur exhibits. Many spelling bee words have origins in scientific terminology, making this museum particularly relevant for young linguists.
The museum’s word-rich environment, from paleontology to mineralogy, offers real-world connections to the vocabulary contestants study.
Smithsonian American History Museum
This museum tells the story of America through objects, exhibits, and interactive experiences that bring history to life. The museum’s extensive collection includes everything from the original Star-Spangled Banner to Dorothy’s ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”
For spelling bee families, the museum’s emphasis on American culture and innovation provides context for many English words with historical roots.
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Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, containing more than 17 million books and representing the ultimate temple of the written word. The Jefferson Building’s stunning architecture and rare book collections make it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about language and literature.
Guided tours reveal the library’s role in preserving human knowledge and the evolution of written communication.
Washington Monument
Standing 555 feet tall, the Washington Monument remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and offers elevator rides to an observation deck. The monument’s construction spanned nearly four decades, creating a visible line where different marble was used.
The monument tells a story of perseverance that resonates with spelling bee competitors. Advanced reservations are required, but the panoramic views of the National Mall make the planning worthwhile.
Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial houses the famous seated statue of Abraham Lincoln, and the walls are inscribed with his most important speeches. The memorial’s 36 columns represent the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death, and each column tells part of America’s story.
The site’s connection to pivotal moments in American history, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, makes it essential for understanding the cultural context of American English.
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National Air and Space Museum
This museum contains the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world, including the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 command module. The museum’s focus on innovation and exploration introduces visitors to technical vocabulary from aviation and space science.
Many spelling bee words derive from Greek and Latin roots found in scientific terminology, making this museum both educational and relevant.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
This 10-acre park along the Potomac River provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and competitive atmosphere. The park features walking paths, benches with river views, and plenty of green space for families to relax and practice spelling in a natural setting.
The nearby Georgetown neighborhood offers cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and unique shopping opportunities.
National Zoo
The National Zoo spans 163 acres and houses over 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species, including the famous giant pandas. The zoo’s focus on conservation and research introduces visitors to scientific vocabulary related to biology, ecology, and animal behavior.
This visit is both entertaining and educational because many spelling bee words have zoological roots.
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Ford’s Theatre
The site of President Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre, is now a museum honoring Lincoln’s life and legacy and a functioning theater. Artifacts from that fateful night in 1865 can be found in the museum below, and the theater hosts performances all year long.
The combination of live theater and American history creates a rich environment for comprehending the cultural development of American English.
Mount Vernon
George Washington’s historic home is located approximately 16 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is a window into life in 18th-century America. The mansion, the gardens, and the museum give insight into the formative period of American English and the forces that molded our language.
The programs at the estate frequently center around the everyday life and language of Washington’s era, making it especially fascinating for word lovers.
Arlington National Cemetery
This 624-acre military cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 service members and their families. The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier occurs every hour during winter and every half hour during summer, providing a solemn but impressive ceremony.
The cemetery’s role in American history connects visitors to the traditions and values that shape American culture and language.
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Eastern Market
This historic market has served the Capitol Hill community since 1873 and continues to operate as a vibrant center for local vendors and artisans. Weekend farmers markets bring together local producers, while the indoor market houses permanent vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
The market’s community atmosphere provides an authentic taste of local D.C. culture away from the typical tourist attractions.
Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts world-class performances in theater, music, and dance throughout the year. The center’s free daily performances at 6 PM offer high-quality entertainment without requiring planning or ticket purchases.
The building’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the Potomac River and serves as a perfect spot for family photos.
Tidal Basin Cherry Blossoms
The Tidal Basin’s famous cherry blossom trees create one of Washington’s most photographed scenes, especially beautiful during the spring National Cherry Blossom Festival. Even outside of peak bloom season, the 2-mile walking path around the basin offers peaceful views and connects several major monuments.
The area’s connection to international friendship and cultural exchange reflects the global nature of the English language.
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National Gallery of Art
This world-renowned art museum houses one of the finest collections of paintings, sculpture, and graphic arts in the United States. The museum’s East and West buildings contain works spanning from medieval times to the present, providing visual context for many cultural and artistic terms found in spelling bee competitions.
The underground concourse connecting the buildings features a moving walkway with a stunning light installation.
Dupont Circle
This vibrant neighborhood, centered around a traffic circle and park, offers eclectic dining, shopping, and nightlife options. The area’s historic architecture and diverse community create an authentic D.C. experience beyond the typical monument tours.
Local bookstores, cafés, and restaurants provide perfect spots for families to discuss the day’s spelling bee events while experiencing local culture.
Old Town Alexandria
Just across the Potomac River in Virginia, Old Town Alexandria preserves colonial and early American architecture along cobblestone streets. The historic seaport town offers horse-drawn carriage tours, historic house museums, and waterfront dining with views of the Washington skyline.
The town’s well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings provide tangible connections to the historical periods when American English was developing its distinctive character.
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Words That Built a Nation
The centennial of the National Spelling Bee is more than a competition; it is an expression of America’s continued friendship with language, education, and striving for greatness. These 20 locations throughout Washington, D.C., provide visitors and families with the opportunity to learn about the cultural underpinnings that make our rich linguistic heritage so strong.
From the Library of Congress to Alexandria’s Old Town, every site speaks to part of the history of how American English developed and has continued to expand. The words that stump today’s spellers have the backing of history, science, and human experience, which makes this anniversary celebration a good time to admire the beauty and complexity of our common language.
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