Top Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., United States

About the City

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a place bristling with iconic monuments, sprawling museums, and corridors of power. Imagine jogging by the Reflecting Pool with the Washington Monument piercing the sky or basking in the grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial. On a sunny day, the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are an explosion of pink puffs, worthy of any camera or postcard. But it's not all cherry blossoms and majestic views; the city groans under the weight of notorious traffic jams and sweltering humid summers that'll make you wish for an impromptu ice cream truck. And mind your step – the politics might be more polarized than a pair of designer sunglasses. The metro might be your trusty steed to navigate the urban sprawl, but it comes with its own quirks and quakes. Although deserving of serious face-time, D.C. can also feel like an endless loop of sirens and tours, where school kids flock like migratory birds. Yet, in its bustling streets and whispered backroom deals, Washington, D.C., encapsulates the complex heartbeat of American governance and history, a city of monumental experiences, both literally and figuratively.

Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

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Pay Homage at the Lincoln Memorial

Sights

Get ready to meet Abe in his monumental marble chair! The Lincoln Memorial isn't just a tribute to an American prez; it's a place to soak up some serious history. Stand where Martin Luther King Jr. ha...

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Go Full Patriot at the National Mall

Sights

Strap on your most comfy shoes and hit up America's front yard – the National Mall. This two-mile stretch of land is chock-full of memorials, green spaces, and even a carousel! You'll feel history in ...

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Discover the Secrets of the Spy Museum

Sights

Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a secret agent? Here's your chance to live out those dreams at the International Spy Museum! Dive into the world of espionage, crack codes, and take on your own spy m...

Dig Into D.C.'s Decadent Brunch Scene

Food & Drink

Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey! It's time to brunch so hard, you'll forget what meal you're on. From bottomless mimosas to avocado toasts that'll make you wanna hug a millennial, D.C.'s brunch game is po...

Kayaking Along the Watergate Steps

Outdoors

Ready to paddle with a splash of history? Hit the Potomac River with a kayak and swish-swish your way by the famed Watergate Steps! It's like mixing a history lesson with upper body day, as you get yo...

Embark on a Cultural Food Hunt

The Unexpected

Let's spice up the sightseeing with a culinary scavenger hunt! Dive into diverse neighborhoods like Adams Morgan or Chinatown and hunt down hidden foodie gems. Taste the authentic flavors from Ethiopi...

Delve into D.C.'s Underground Arts Scene

The Unexpected

Get ready to explore the riveting underbelly of the D.C. arts scene with a gritty tour of the city’s best-kept secret galleries and performance spaces. This is where underground meets avant-garde, whe...

Scour the City for Speakeasies

The Unexpected

Channel your inner Gatsby and sip on swanky cocktails in D.C.’s elusive speakeasies. Speak in hushed tones, give a secret knock, and you just might find yourself stepping back in time to the roaring '...

Secret Cinema Under the Stars

The Unexpected

Imagine lounging on a blanket with a box of popcorn, whisper of a cool breeze, and a classic flick playing on a big screen under a canopy of stars. Outdoor movies are a D.C. summer staple – just bring...

Urban Bird Watching

Outdoors

Put on your nature detective hat and venture into the world of urban bird watching! D.C. might be a bustling metropolis, but it's also a flyway spot for our feathered friends. From the elusive snowy o...

Fly a Kite on the National Mall

Outdoors

Looking for a breezy bit of fun? Then let's go fly a kite, right up to the highest height! Head over to the National Mall, where the skies are as open as your spirit will be. It's an age-old pastime t...

Biking Adventure on the Capital Crescent Trail

Outdoors

Grab your helmet and unleash your inner cyclist! The Capital Crescent Trail invites you for a wheely good time through nature and neighborhoods alike. It's your two-wheeled tour de force, with doses o...

Serenade the Sunset at The Yards Park

Outdoors

Wanna kiss the sun buh-bye with a postcard-perfect view? Stake out a spot at The Yards Park for nature's finest light show! As the sun dips down, the sky turns into a masterpiece and the riverfront vi...

Swoon Over Savory Ethiopian Cuisine

Food & Drink

Let's take those taste buds on a trip to East Africa! Ethiopian cuisine is like a warm hug for your stomach, and it's woven into the fabric of D.C.'s culinary scene. Get ready to ditch the utensils an...

Mingle with the Greats at the National Portrait Gallery

Sights

Where can you see the faces that shaped America, all under one roof? The National Portrait Gallery! Give a nod to ol' George Washington, throw a wink at Benjamin Franklin, and share a smirk with Mark ...

Explore the Corridors of Power at the Capitol Building

Sights

Step into the heart of democracy with a tour of the US Capitol Building! Feel the buzz of legislation and maybe catch a glimpse of a senator in full 'I object!' mode. Tip-toe around the Rotunda and le...

Chow Down on Classic Chesapeake Blue Crabs

Food & Drink

Roll up your sleeves and get crackin' because feastin' on some Chesapeake Blue Crabs is a bucket list-worthy event! These savory crustaceans are a pinch of summer no matter the season, and they’re pac...

Nibble on the Notorious Georgetown Cupcake

Food & Drink

Get ready to sink your teeth into a bite-sized piece of heaven, 'cause we're talking Georgetown's finest – the cupcake! These little morsels of joy are a one-way ticket to Bliss Town, with every flavo...

Feast on Funky Fusion with Kimchi Tacos

Food & Drink

Buckle up, amigo, because we're taking your palate on an international joyride with Kimchi Tacos! Imagine a Korean classic cuddling up inside a Mexican staple. It's a flavor fiesta that'll have your t...

Uncover the Magic of Hidden Alleyways

The Unexpected

Wanna feel like you're in a movie? Scour DC for its charming and sometimes historic alleyways. There's a whole world hidden behind the city streets, from artsy murals to boutiques and even some quaint...