The Best Things to Do in Washington, D.C.
Set aside what you know or think you know about doing stuff in Washington, D.C. We will mention a couple of memorials & museums but there’s much more than that in our nation’s capital. Locals will tell you that Washington is a very livable city, full of leafy, trail-filled parks, hip food markets and breweries, state-of-the-art rock venues, and tiny jazz clubs—to say nothing of the booming dining scene.
So stay with us while we point out a few must visit places in Washington, D.C.:
The National Mall & Museums
The National Mall is flanked at one end by the U.S. Capitol Building and at the other end by the Lincoln Memorial, both of which we suggest seeing while not on a school trip. At the center of the park is the Washington Monument. Though the National Mall stars in myriad movies and TV shows, it’s far more awe-inspiring in real life. Check out the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial. Now, feel free.
Popular destinations: National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, International Spy Museum, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Ford’s Theatre.
Music Venues & Dance Clubs
The Anthem is a concert venue in the heart of The Wharf. Oh, check out the Wharf!! It’s 57,000 square feet in total, and the design evokes the industrial origins of the surrounding neighborhood. This is the city’s newest place to catch a show. Capacity of anywhere from 2,500 to 6,000, the stage adapts to the size and feel of the event. Notable music acts make up the majority of the calendar, but the programming does range.
Also check out: Soundcheck, Eden Lounge DC, Club Elevate, 9:30 Club, L8 Lounge and perhaps the Opera Ultra Lounge.
The White House
A trip to the nation’s capital just wouldn’t seem complete without a visit to the White House. With its famous address of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House is the primary living and working space of the President of the United States.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is both the world’s largest library and the oldest cultural institution in the whole country. Try taking a free, one-hour guided tour of the building, which is great for us history buffs.
Memorials
No trip to D.C. would be complete without a stop next to Abe Lincoln on the Lincoln Memorial. Certainly one of the most iconic memorials in the city, but don’t forget to stop off at the Jefferson while you’re at it.
The National Zoo or Park Areas
If you’re into going to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, there has been lots of wild news in 2020 including the birth of four cheetah cubs Amabala, Jabari, Hasani, and Erindi. Check them out and so much more, but just be sure to reserve a free admission pass beforehand. Sprawled across 163 acres of Rock Creek Park, the zoo is home to 2,700 animals such as elephants, alpacas, pythons, cheetahs, gorillas, and more.
Seek out: The President’s Park, Vietnam Veterans Memorial with the open air wall, Pershing Park, Find the Klingle Valley Trail or Western Ridge Trail which are both in Rock Creek Park.
Try Some Nighttime Sophisticated Fun
The Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial look even better from the Potomac River where you can appreciate them uring the Odyssey Dinner Cruise in your own time. Book a table on the Odyssey and enjoy a three-course evening meal. Or get some tickets to entertainment at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Georgetown
Founded for the tobacco trade in 1751, the port of Georgetown was on the map 40 years before the City of Washington and is beloved for its historic cobblestone streets, opulent homes, upmarket restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, scenic waterfront on the Potomac and famous university.
Rock Creek Park
Hugging the banks of Rock Creek on its meandering route down to the Potomac is a big urban park, spreading over more than 2,000 acres and drawn up in 1890. Previously this land had been the site of a chain of batteries defending Washington in the Civil War.
Union Market
Everyone’s favorite food hall. Grab fusion tacos from Takorean, an acai bowl from South Block, and a burger from Lucky Buns. Then head to the rooftop or patio seating to soak up the last rays of summer.
What Are The Best Accommodations?
Hands down, our pick for top hotel in Washington, D.C. is The Hays-Adams Hotel. Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the most iconic institutions, The Hay-Adams is the downtown Washington, D.C. hotel for discerning guests. Enveloped by views of the White House, St. John’s Church, and the scenic Lafayette Park, the 5-star accommodations at The Hay-Adams are the embodiment of refined residence. Marked by Washington, DC’s most accommodating amenities and dedicated services, The Hay-Adams is the boutique hotel of choice for the modern luxury traveler.
Also seek out: Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square, W Washington D.C., The Watergate Hotel if you’re looking for some sordid history, Trump International Hotel – a great building, or the Mandarin Oriental.
Now, A Meal Worthy Of A Senator (at least)
Our choice is Bourbon Steak, the most stylish restaurants in the city. Located in the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, Bourbon Steak has been a city stalwart since opening in 2009. Equal parts power spot and local hangout, the contemporary steakhouse led by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina. You’re in luck if you’re a cocktail fan, try the Lost Treasure or the One Paddle, Two Paddle. As for food, you can’t go wrong.
Also try: The Dabney, Le Diplomate if you like French food, minibar by José Andrés, or perhaps The Capital Grille.
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