I’ve always loved Washington D.C. growing up but I have truly come to appreciate it now that I can experience all aspects of the capitol as an adult. There are a variety of things to do that can meet all interests and ages. Nature lovers, history lovers and even foodies can all unite while exploring the best that D.C. has to offer.

Things to Do

U.S. Botanical Garden

Start off at the lush and green U.S. Botanical Garden located near the Capitol building. This garden is free and open until dusk. With a variety of climates and different species of plants, this is a dream for plant enthusiasts and horticulturalists alike. My favorite rooms included the desert and the jasmine in a Mediterranean section that was so fragrant it stopped me in my tracks.

National Mall & Capitol Building

A short walk from the U.S. Botanical Garden lies the Capitol Building and National Mall. This sprawling green space is close to a number of national museums including: the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History and more.

Tidal Basin & Jefferson Memorial

Take a beautiful walk in nature here while admiring the Thomas Jefferson Memorial from afar. This is a popular location, particularly during the Cherry Blossom season. I was lucky enough to experience these blooms a couple weekends ago. I highly recommend going during off-peak times as it can get extremely hectic and crowded. The city is insane and public transportation and walking will be your best friends. Consider using the Lyft and Uber scooters, also.

Washington Monument

While the Washington Monument looks great from afar, you can get up close and personal via a short walk from the Tidal Basin. I also particularly love the view from the Lincoln Memorial steps across the Reflecting Pool.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial & Korean War Memorial

On opposite ends of the Reflecting Pool close to the Lincoln Memorial lie these two memorials. The Vietnam Memorial is quite breathtaking with it’s stark minimalist design. The Korean War memorial depicts soldiers at the border patrolling and can be quite eerie at night but leaves a powerful reminder.

Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

The Lincoln Memorial is gorgeous around dusk and the reflection of the Washington Monument in the Reflecting Pool is worth the visit. This is also the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and the downstairs area within the memorial has a lot of interesting tidbits regarding this time in history.

The Anthem

A fun music venue located close to some great dining options near the Wharf DC. I highly recommend checking it out when your favorite artists are in town!

Places to Eat:

The Wharf DC Seafood Market

Satisfy your seafood craving or pick up some fresh catches for your next dinner with family. The Wharf has a ton of dining and bar options to satisfy your foodie needs including Milk Bar desserts, falafel and more.

Tiki TNT & Trasher’s Rum at District Wharf

District Wharf even has a Hawaiian-themed industrial bar called Tiki TNT from the people behind the Potomac Distilling Company.

District Doughnuts

Within this area lies District Doughnuts which offers some delicious gourmet doughnuts with unique flavors that rotate seasonally.

Letena Ethiopian Food

One of the best Ethiopian finds in DC. Letena does not disappoint with a variety of samplers that can satisfy vegans and vegetarians alike in addition to meat lovers. The highlight is the injera bread that accompanies all the stews. The salads and samplers are so delicious and have very distinct spice mixtures including the famous berbere seasoning. End the meal with Ethiopian spiced tea which features a unique spice blend that is extremely warming and comforting.

Places to Stay

The Line D.C.

A unique hotel housed in a neoclassical church. This hotel has a personality of its own with spaces that will inspire your creativity. This hotel has “glocalized” elements that reflect the growing neighborhood while paying homage to the spirit of the city. The guest rooms promote rest and relaxation and will the be perfect spot to rest your head after a day exploring all that D.C. has to offer.

I hope that you found this guide helpful. I will surely be revisiting D.C. to create more guides as I continue to explore the food, art and culture this summer. I’d love for you to let me know which activities caught your eye in the comments below. Don’t be a stranger and be sure to let me know if you find yourself at any of these spots this season! 

xo,

Christine Celine