16 Issues to do in Washington, DC
Past the long-lasting monuments and historic landmarks, DC gives a myriad of offbeat and distinctive issues to do this will make your time right here actually memorable. From exploring the colourful Washington, DC neighborhoods and indulging in various culinary delights to immersing your self within the thriving arts and tradition scene, Washington, DC, is a treasure trove of unconventional adventures.
On this Redfin article, we’ll uncover a few of the finest issues to do in DC, so you may absolutely immerse your self in every little thing it has to supply. Whether or not you’re out there for a home in Washington, DC, or trying to hire an condo within the metropolis, get able to embrace the extraordinary and dive into the lesser-known wonders of the nation’s capital that make DC a fantastic place to reside.
1. Guide a one-of-a-kind expertise with a Parisian formulator at Elodie’s Naturals
At Elodie’s Naturals, you may discover the enchanting world of making natural skincare merchandise, from hyaluronic serums to lemon scrubs, aromatherapy to beautiful pure fragrances sourced from France. You’ll have the chance to customise what goes in your pores and skin below the steering of an skilled, and take house your very personal face or physique merchandise.
2. Republic Cantina
“Republic Cantina in Truxton Circle serves high-quality Tex Mex meals and drinks in a enjoyable, laid-back environment,” shares native photographer Katie Lewis Photography. “It’s a fantastic spot for al fresco eating amongst cacti and succulents on a quiet avenue throughout patio season, and the inside bar and cubicles have retro design that takes you to a different time and place. It’s enjoyable for completely happy hour, late night time drinks, or any meal! For breakfast strive the chilaquiles or a breakfast burrito with an iced horchata latte. Weekday lunch specials embody taco platters and superb salads. Later within the day, I like to share a platter of nachos with buddies and order a spicy margarita, or get wild with a pico again shot.”
3. Shopkeepers
One other distinctive factor to do in DC is to take a look at Shopkeepers, a neighborhood retail store, cafe, and occasion house in Northeast DC. Prospects love the bubble tea, particularly the Brown Cow which is made with earl gray, black tea, oat milk, and brown sugar drizzle. The pantry is stocked with Asian staples that may be tough to search out in main grocery shops. It’s also possible to hire out the house for personal occasions like birthdays, graduations, bridal/child showers, and extra.
4. Rock Creek Park
“After transferring to Washington DC in 1993 from the way more rural state of New Hampshire, considered one of my biggest joys residing in DC is the simple entry to nature within the coronary heart of town,” explains Lisa Maco, Proprietor of Lisa Maco Photography. “Referred to as ‘An Oasis within the Metropolis,’ Rock Creek Park is a real gem. The park has many entry factors for a fast lunchtime respite or a protracted bike experience on the weekends. It runs from the Nationwide Zoo within the south to the Maryland border within the north, repeatedly altering names alongside the way in which as much as Gaithersburg because it connects with many different parks.”
5. Mount Vernon Path
One other considered one of Maco’s favourite spots is the Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile multi-use path that runs from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Property as much as Roosevelt Island alongside the Potomac River. “Then, while you’re drained from all of your park exploration, I like to recommend Sequoia DC on the Georgetown waterfront for spectacular views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Middle, and the Roosevelt Bridge, together with the sports activities and leisure actions on the water,” says Maco.
6. Enid A. Haupt Backyard
“There are such a lot of lovely and distinctive locations to discover in DC, however a favourite of mine is the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Fortress throughout peak saucer magnolia bloom,” says Laura Nockett, a New child, Maternity and Child Photographer at Precious Little Sprinkles Photography. “In early March the backyard transforms right into a sea of pink as the gorgeous saucer magnolias burst into full bloom. It’s the primary signal of spring within the DC space and leads into the long-lasting cherry blossom bloom across the tidal basin, a can’t-miss bucket record merchandise.”
7. Mia Gemma
A singular gem of a spot in case you’re out there for brand new jewellery is Mia Gemma, a effective artisan jewellery gallery that gives customized design and concierge providers. Hand-crafted in treasured metals and effective gem stones, their jewellery and customized design providers can help you discover and exhibit their individuality by way of inventive design and complicated model. The gallery additionally hosts two reside occasions annually you could’t miss.
8. Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral
“My favourite factor to do in DC is exploring the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral,” states Mary Catherine Wickham of Mary Catherine Photography. “One step by way of its arched stone entryway and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve stepped right into a secret English backyard. There’s something in bloom practically yr spherical and it’s by no means crowded. When you want a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of town, come chill out among the many chirping birds and luxurious greenery of the Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral.”
9. The Outdated Submit Workplace Tower
A singular factor to do in DC, and one the place you don’t want tickets, is visiting the Old Post Office tower. “Though the tower sits atop the Waldorf Astoria, it’s operated by the Park Service,” shares Susannah Stevens, photographer at Lifetime Lens. “The journey by way of the basement and up the elevator looks like a journey to a secret lookout. On the way in which, you may look down into the atrium of the resort. The viewing deck is open to the air, and though the concrete and plexiglass are a bit gritty, I believe that provides to the attraction.”
10. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
“As business photographers, and eternally vacationers, we’re within the Capital repeatedly, and have been in a position to get pleasure from so many nice facets of town and its environment,” shares Sam and Kat of Edwin Photography in Tysons, Virginia, simply exterior of Washington, DC. “Town is an outstanding place for hikers, bikers and sightseers like us, and considered one of our absolute favourite issues to do is to go to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It gives a glimpse into the historical past of the US, and combines it with an distinctive outside expertise of its preserved nature. Straightforward for all ages, the canal path leads effortlessly to numerous distinctive locations, and brings countless enjoyment to households and anybody that loves an journey.”
11. Fulfill your candy tooth at Chocotenango
Chocotenango is the place to go in DC for high quality artisanal bean to bar chocolate. Created from the very best high quality natural cocoa beans, Chocotenango turns nature’s deal with into scrumptious creations. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for chocolate bars, scorching chocolate combine or bonbons, Chocotenango has you coated.
12. The Smithsonian Gardens
“The Smithsonian Gardens are considered one of our favourite locations in DC,” shares Anji and Pete Martin of Potoks World Photography. “Comprising the Enid A. Haupt and Mary Livingston Ripley Gardens, they’re concurrently refreshing inexperienced areas within the coronary heart of the Nation’s Capital and are simple to overlook among the many monuments and memorials. The Enid A. Haupt Backyard – basically the Smithsonian Fortress’s yard – is a sprawling garden with distinctive bushes crisscrossing it. Tucked away in a single nook of the house is the Moongate Backyard, an artsier spot that’s nice for inventive wedding ceremony or engagement photos. To the aspect of the fortress is the Mary Livingston Ripley Backyard, a small and secluded space, excellent for getting respite from DC’s crowds.”
13. The Salt Line
“My favourite factor to do in DC is go on extremely lengthy walks all through town,” explains DC-based photographer, Lisa Blume. “I typically stroll from Dupont Circle to Navy Yard, which is a minimum of 5 miles. And not too long ago, a detailed pal and I did that stroll after which ended the stroll at The Salt Line for frozen cocktails on their outside patio. And, throughout Cherry Blossom season, I discover myself photographing on the tidal basin fairly a bit however I at all times be sure that I make time to go to at sundown and lay on a picnic blanket beneath the gorgeous pink blooms, It’s actually magical.”
14. Escape to a singular dual-venue expertise at THRōW Social & Kick Axe Throwing D.C.
It is a dual-venue, the place tropical paradise upstairs meets cozy cabin vibes downstairs, below one rooftop bar and patio. Upstairs, you may chill out in cabanas, play enjoyable video games like cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping-pong, and dance to your coronary heart’s content material to reside music. Or, head downstairs to Kick Axe Throwing D.C. and discover a cozy lodge-like setting the place you may strive your hand at thrilling axe throwing. Compete with buddies, problem your expertise, and expertise the push of hitting the bullseye.
15. Union Market
“Union Market is a hip gourmand meals corridor positioned within the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Avenue) neighborhood, a former industrial district in Northeast DC,” explains journey journalist and photographer, Tykesha Burton. “The feasting corridor options fare from 40-plus meals stalls, together with long-running Union Market staples and varied pop-up outlets. Altogether, they create a improbable number of international cuisines. Subsequent to Union Market is La Cosecha, a Latin American market. This market options distributors that characterize fare, wines, clothes, textiles, and residential decor from international locations throughout Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.”
16. The Wharf DC
Burton additionally suggests visiting The Wharf DC, positioned simply 4 blocks from the Nationwide Mall. “This revitalized strip alongside the waterfront in DC’s Southwest quadrant is a good place to benefit from the metropolis’s waterways whereas grabbing a chew to eat, buying, or catching a live performance. This mile-long stretch alongside the Potomac River now boasts of greater than 20 eating places and bars, boutiques, a park, a 6,000-seat live performance corridor, and some extra intimate reside music venues.”
Bear in mind to enterprise past the well-trodden path and discover the distinctive issues to do in DC that make residing in Washington, DC, so nice.
