Think DC tourists are already clueless? Wait until they get hold of the AI-generated guidebooks that seem to have flooded Amazon recently. Often credited to authors who appear not to exist, they frequently offer comically inaccurate advice for exploring the District. Some don’t even seem to know which city they’re navigating, with one cover featuring California’s state capitol and another the skyline of Dallas. We bought three of the dubious guides—yes, two of them are missing a period on the cover—and pulled out just a few of the weirdest bits.
“The M route is Georgetown’s main shopping avenue dotted with upscale stores, including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.”
“Boating is allowed on Rock Creek Lake, which is located in the Park’s northern region. At the lake, you may rent kayaks, canoes, and row boats.”
“The Arboretum is home to several monuments, such as the National Korean War Memorial, the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Australian War Memorial.”
“Take pictures of this famous monument [the White House] by remembering to carry your camera.”
Washington DC Travel Guide
By Jorge B. Smith
“Don’t miss out on the creamy and soothing tastes of the iconic DC Half-and-Half, a blend of sweet tea and lemonade.”
“Discover the serene serenity of Dumbarton Oaks, where finely planned landscapes take you to another planet.”
“The Metro provides a speedy and dependable method to explore the city’s most popular locations.”
Washington, D.C Travel Guide 2023–2024
By William Jose
“If you live in or near the Caribbean area, you might look into taking a Caribbean cruise that includes a stop in Washington, DC.”
“Washington DC is the United States’ perfect heaven, where the rich tapestry of history combines seamlessly with the lively pulse of democracy, producing a mosaic of awe-inspiring beauty and limitless possibilities.”
“Walla Walla Sweet Onion celebration: This celebration in Walla Walla commemorates the legendary Walla Walla sweet onions. It includes culinary demos, live music, arts & crafts, and family friendly onion-themed activities.”
“Follow these steps to discover live music venues and jazz bars in Washington, D.C.: Search for ‘live music venues’ or ‘jazz bars’ in Washington, D.C. using major search engines such as Google or Bing.”
This article appears in the November 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
Why Is Dallas on the Cover of This DC Guidebook?
Our guide to AI-generated DC travel guides.
Think DC tourists are already clueless? Wait until they get hold of the AI-generated guidebooks that seem to have flooded Amazon recently. Often credited to authors who appear not to exist, they frequently offer comically inaccurate advice for exploring the District. Some don’t even seem to know which city they’re navigating, with one cover featuring California’s state capitol and another the skyline of Dallas. We bought three of the dubious guides—yes, two of them are missing a period on the cover—and pulled out just a few of the weirdest bits.
Washington, D.C Travel Guide 2023
By Jessica J. White
“The M route is Georgetown’s main shopping avenue dotted with upscale stores, including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.”
“Boating is allowed on Rock Creek Lake, which is located in the Park’s northern region. At the lake, you may rent kayaks, canoes, and row boats.”
“The Arboretum is home to several monuments, such as the National Korean War Memorial, the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Australian War Memorial.”
“Take pictures of this famous monument [the White House] by remembering to carry your camera.”
Washington DC Travel Guide
By Jorge B. Smith
“Don’t miss out on the creamy and soothing tastes of the iconic DC Half-and-Half, a blend of sweet tea and lemonade.”
“Discover the serene serenity of Dumbarton Oaks, where finely planned landscapes take you to another planet.”
“The Metro provides a speedy and dependable method to explore the city’s most popular locations.”
Washington, D.C Travel Guide 2023–2024
By William Jose
“If you live in or near the Caribbean area, you might look into taking a Caribbean cruise that includes a stop in Washington, DC.”
“Washington DC is the United States’ perfect heaven, where the rich tapestry of history combines seamlessly with the lively pulse of democracy, producing a mosaic of awe-inspiring beauty and limitless possibilities.”
“Walla Walla Sweet Onion celebration: This celebration in Walla Walla commemorates the legendary Walla Walla sweet onions. It includes culinary demos, live music, arts & crafts, and family friendly onion-themed activities.”
“Follow these steps to discover live music venues and jazz bars in Washington, D.C.: Search for ‘live music venues’ or ‘jazz bars’ in Washington, D.C. using major search engines such as Google or Bing.”
This article appears in the November 2023 issue of Washingtonian.
Jessica Sidman covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Before joining Washingtonian in July 2016, she was Food Editor and Young & Hungry columnist at Washington City Paper. She is a Colorado native and University of Pennsylvania grad.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Trump Wants to Move Federal Jobs Out of the DC Area. Here’s What It Was Like the Last Time He Did That.
The First Thanksgiving Took Place in Virginia, not Massachusetts
What Does the DC “Love Is Blind” Tell Us About Life in the District?
Here’s How DC Ended Up With Two Holiday Markets This Year
She Recovered From a Severe Covid Vaccine Complication. Is the Government Doing Enough for Others Who Were Less Fortunate?
Washingtonian Magazine
December Issue: Learn Something New
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
What Does the DC “Love Is Blind” Tell Us About Life in the District?
The Lost History of a DC Black Neighborhood That Was Never Built
The “DMV Roving Sketcher” Is Like a Courtroom Artist for Local Musicians
How the National Gallery of Art Is Experimenting With the Science of Lines
More from News & Politics
Elon Musk Wants to Own Permanent Daylight Saving Time
This Georgetown Estate Rents for $25,000 a Night
PHOTOS: The 2024 White House Holiday Decor
Ambassadors, Chefs, Politicos: Photos of the Best Parties Around DC
20 Charities in the DC Area That Will Put Your Donation to Good Use
What Does the DC “Love Is Blind” Tell Us About Life in the District?
MAP: Road Closures for Washington Spirit Rally at Audi Field Tonight
PHOTOS: Special Reception and Advance Screening of “Wicked”