I will be flying to Washington DC tomorrow to visit my brother and Karlee. I will be there until June 8th and want to do as much as I possibly can. I know a lot of you are DC goers or live there! Please fill me in on what to see, where to eat, where to go, where to run, where to do yoga, etc!
Thanks 🙂
A. Nonymous says
Take a spinning class at Zengo! First class is free for new clients!
Taralynn McNitt says
That sounds fun! I may have to do that the last day so I’ll be able to walk normally during the trip lol
Kayla says
Shake Shack {YUM!}, Spy Museum {SO silly and fun!!}, and National Gallery of Art {I’m an art history major lol}.
Taralynn McNitt says
That all sounds great – especially the Spy Museum!!
Kate says
In terms of yoga, Bikram Yoga Arlington! 90 minutes of gut busting hot yoga! And the instructors are so knowledgeable and nice 🙂
For things to do, aside from walking the National Mall, I highly recommend the National Geographic Museum. It’s one of the most engaging museums I’ve ever been to.
For food, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Rib, and Stone Crab on 15th St NW is AHMAZING. Tons of healthy options. Try the stone crab- it’s delicious!
Taralynn McNitt says
Thanks so much for the recommendations! I can tell you’re a seafood fan! 🙂 Me too!
Christina B says
Definitely hit up Georgetown and/or Old town Alexandria. There’s also a ton of really interesting museums in DC
Taralynn McNitt says
I’ll be staying in Old Town Alexandria and I can’t wait!
Christina B says
I was just there last weekend and it’s so beautiful! So many artists and performers and beautiful waterfront views! Take lots of photos!
Katie says
Ahh, that’s so cool you’ll be in DC. I love your blog! I’ve lived in the DC area pretty much my entire life and there is so much to see and do! All of Zengo’s locations are pretty great for cycling and Pure Barre is great too.
If you have time, I would definitely check out Old Town Alexandria; lots of history and tons of cute shops and restaurants (Virtue Feed & Grain is a favorite and I believe Lucy checked it out when she took over your blog for the exchange). It’s also along the water and really pretty.
As far as dining options within DC go, there are a ton of awesome restaurants. You can’t go wrong with anything on 14th St (specifically Doi Moi, Le Diplomate, Barcelona, Pearl Dive, Ghibellina, Ted’s Bulletein) and then there are some classic places such as Old Ebbit Grille on 15th.
If you’re looking to go out and pending where you’re staying, the rooftop at The W on 15th is pretty cool (POV Lounge) as is Donovan House’s rooftop. The Georgetown Waterfront is another fun place to check out with dining and nightlife options, especially since it’s on the water. Georgetown is also awesome for daytime shopping and people watching. If you’re into cupcakes, I highly recommend passing on Georgetown Cupcake and checking out Baked and Wired on Thomas Jefferson St.
If you’re looking to get out on the Potomac River (I don’t recommend getting in it) There are tons of river boat tours and there is the boathouse in Georgetown as well which offers paddle boards and kayaks.
Where museums and sightseeing are concerned, you can’t go wrong. My favorite’s are the Roosevelt Memorial and the Lincoln as well as the Washington Monument. The Museum of American History is pretty cool to see as is the Smithsonian.
I hope this doesn’t overwhelm and hope you have a great trip in DC :)!
Taralynn McNitt says
WOW thank you!!
I will be staying in Old Town Alexandria and cannot wait! The boat tour sounds really good and I wouldn’t get in the river. I have that thing with not being able to see your toes…I usually stick to pools and clear oceans/lakes! lol
All you’re recommendations are super helpful and I’m sure I’ll be hitting a lot of those places up! xo xo
Kaylyn says
Running at Rock Creek Park is beautiful, but a bit hard to get to depending on where you are staying. I also like to run around the National Mall/the Tidal Basin (about 5 miles), but that often gets filled with tourists if you wait too late in the day. On Wednesdays, Potomac River Running in Chinatown does a “Fun Run” club that takes you around the city. Activity wise, there is the DC summer festival happening at RFK stadium this weekend! 🙂 Enjoy and welcome to DC!!
Melissa and Katherine says
There’s a ton to do and eat in DC, especially in the summer.
-Natural History Museum
-National Zoo
-Brunch at Open City (in Woodley Park)
-Smoke & Barrel for BBQ (in Adams Morgan)
-Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats (in Columbia Heights)
-Ethiopian food is a must – try Dukem on U St
-Busboys & Poets
-Kayaking or paddle boating in Georgetown
-Baked & Wired (in Georgetown)
-Going out on U St – Brixton, Lost Society, and Policy are pretty good spots
-Also, cute places to walk around and take pictures are Old Town Alexandria, Bethesda Row, the National Mall of course, and Georgetown
Have fun! 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
Thank you! Everyone is mentioning the kayaking! I need to do that!:)
Linda @ Thefitty says
Break into Obamas house! Lol! What else?!
Taralynn McNitt says
lol I don’t think I want to be locked up the entire trip. I’ll leave the Obamas alone 😉
Jenn says
I went a few years ago and my favorite things were the Holocaust Museum, Georgetown Cupcakes, and just wandering around exploring. I was on a school trip so there wasn’t much time for wandering, but I think that’s really the best way to find the best places in new cities! Good luck and have fun!
Kam says
I’m a DC native so taking friends/family who are visiting on tours is like my part-time job! You’re gonna be in town for a while so I’m gonna put a lot out there; it’s probably gonna be super long but here goes!
First, get the touristy stuff out of the way. Take a hop on and hop off bus tour starting at Union Station. Union Station itself is beautiful but the tour takes you to a bunch of monuments and museums without actually having to drive or take the metro. You can hop off and explore and just hop on the next bus that comes. Buy the two day pass, it’s worth it. Air & Space Museum and the Natural History Museum and the favorites among visitors. Sign up for a sunset bike tour of the mall, you can do one for under $30. Sign up for a tour of the Capitol if you can. It fills up quick.
After two days you can start on local things, like EAT. We brunch HARD in DC so many good places for food. Two of favs are Zengo (not to be confused with the spinning place) and Masa 14. Adams Morgan and U Street both are great for brunching and nightlife. U Street has been the cultural hub of DC for over 150 years. It’s really pretty awesome when you think about how long it’s a popular spot.
Now for the freebies. Go for a run or walk on the National Mall one day. Pilates in the Park is free Tuesdays and Thursdays downtown in Golden Triangle. Make sure you do Jazz in the Garden (at the National Sculpture Garden) either tomorrow or next Friday. All of the Smithsonian museums are free so visit as many as you can. The National Zoo is free too and we have PANDAS! Go to dcoutdoorfilms.com and catch a movie outdoors. There is usually a free movie every other day during the summer; some new movies and some oldies but goodies. There are a ton of Farmers Markets but Eastern Market is one of the oldest and most eclectic. It’s great to visit on Sundays. Oh google Washington Post’s “Going Out Guide” for the week you are here. They post free or cheap events.
Do a few day trips outside of the city: the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland is awesome; the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland; Annapolis, Maryland; and Great Falls, Virginia are all great options.
I love it here. I’ve tried living other places and I always come home! The DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) has so much to do and so much culture. It’s awesome.
NC says
I already tweeted you some suggestions but I saw you’re staying in Old Town Alexandria. DEFINITELY go to Misha’s for coffee. It’s my FAVORITE place in the entire DMV area, I go out of my way on weekends to get a latte. Jesse, one of the weekend barristas, makes amazing lattes.
Also, definitely Baked and Wired in Georgetown for cupcakes/sweets/coffee. It’s WAY better than Georgetown cupcakes (I think another commenter already suggested it too) and their Chai tea mix for the iced Chai latte is imported from Oregon.
HAVE SO MUCH FUN!
Tori says
Go to Baked & Wired for cupcakes! In terms of neighborhoods go to Georgetown, Alexandria, and Clarendon (in Arlington.) Tysons Corner has lots of shopping options (Tysons 1 for upscale, Tysons 2 for casual) as well as Pentagon City Mall (which is huuuge.) And of course, it goes without saying that you should visit all the monuments, museums, and memorials. It’s really hot and humid here so prepare for that!
Danielle says
Going for a run around the National Mall is always nice and good for people watching as well 🙂
Also, if you go early in the day you can get a ticket to go to the top of Washington Monument which is free and absolutely beautiful!
Have a blast!
mookie says
I loved the Holocaust Museum. It was so sad but so well done! Check out Ford’s Theatre (where Lincoln was shot) then across the street to the house he passed away in. I would take a short day trip to Annapolis if possible. Great naval history and adorable area.
emily says
If you are staying in Old Town Alexandria here are some things to check out:
-Sugar Shack Donuts (Richmond based but just found its way here!)
-There are lots of great restaurants, but for a neat space and good food check -out Virtue Feed & Grain
-Lots of neat places to shop, but don’t miss Lucky Knot!
If you can make it over to Del Ray Alexandria check out Dairy Godmother. Frozen custard with a rotating menu. Oatmeal cookie is the best!
In DC or Alexandria head to District Taco for great mexican.
Ind DC don’t miss District of Pi and if you are looking for burgers try Good Stuff Eatery (also has toasted marshmallow milkshake) or Shake Shack.
I could go on about great places to see, but the usual are the best: Monuments, Smithsonian Museums, etc.
Enjoy 🙂
Eva says
Seeing the monuments at night is beautiful! They are lit up and generally pretty empty minus the odd couple here and there. Definitely try it if you have the time and aren’t too tired 🙂
Katy Fabrie says
You’ve got to see the Holocaust Museum (so sad, but so worth seeing), go to Mt. Vernon, and YOU HAVE to eat at Old Ebbitt Grill. So. Good.
Have fun!
Sapodilla Art says
I was in DC this past summer…. MUST GO TO Georgetown Cupcakes.. if at least not for a picture outside of the store! The line is definitely worth the wait, the area is so cute, and there are so many cute shops around that section of the city!
Katharine says
You seriously HAVE to go see Shear Madness at The Kennedy Center (it’s an going production). We took a trip to DC back in high school and out of everything this is what I remember most. The play is absolutely hysterical. I was in tears. So much fun!
Sara says
The Newseum was awesome! When you buy an admission ticket you can go back the following day as well. It is full of interesting news from way back when to present day. There were movies and really interesting exhibits. I absolutely loved it and tell everybody I know that are planning a visit!
Sarah says
You have to go to Bucca di Beppo… BEST family style Italian food. Coziest atmosphere with stringed lights and a warm feel.. Perfect place to go with family! I would LOVE a review from you on it.. It is a great place 🙂
Emily says
Isn’t that restaurant in a lot of places? I live in WI and there is one lol.
Kristin says
I live in DC and love love love love it! Here are my suggestions…
– the restaurant Rustico in Alexandria
– Farmers, Fishers and Bakers…brunch is amazing there it’s a buffet but the food any time is spectacular. There is a location in Georgtown and Alexandria near where your staying
– I recommend doing a run to see all the monuments. It’s about 5 miles from the steps to the capital to the Lincoln.
– Roosevelt Island is another great running spot
– kayaking in Georgetown
– skip Georgtown Cupcake and go to Baked and wired or sprinkles
– the Spy museum
– Other Restaurants – Belga Cafe, Medium Rare, Graffiatos, Zytania, Al Aqua 2
– Eadtern Market on Saturday or Sunday – there is food, artists, a flea market – my favorite place in DC
– Union Market
– Hot yoga at Down Dog
Have an amazing time!’
Kristin says
Oops typo…eastern market
Kristy says
I was just in DC last month! The weather is so perfect there right now so spend as much time outdoors as you can!
Definitely go to the National Zoo! It’s free and they not only have pandas but they have a little panda cub there right now that is pretty active. The spy museum is a must just because it’s so interesting and fun. I know you like seafood so if you make it to old town Alexandria hit up The Wharf. The shrimp there are massive! There’s also a great place in downtown DC called Lukes Lobster. If you like Thai I definitely suggest Reggent Thai or Galai Thai (the food and the sushi there is awesome).
Running the mile is a good way to see all the monuments. It’s a decent trek but they have bathrooms along the way. My boyfriend and I walked the monuments and stopped at District Taco after – they have awesome shrimp tacos and they’re cheap! It’s a DC only place but they have a few of them around so it should be easy to find one. If you’re in Alexandria try and find Killer ESP – espresso and gelato what more could you ask for. There’s also a lot of shopping to do on King St. There’s this little shop closer to the river walk that you’d love. It’s called Lucky Knot and it’s nautical themed! So cute inside.
Hope you enjoy your trip! DC is such an amazing place.
Cassie says
Never been to DC–hope you have fun!
Stacie says
Come visit me! Hehe kidding.
– Go to the Newseum and Spy Museum
– Paddle Boats on the Tidal Basin
– Run around the Tidal Basin
– Eat at Ted’s Bulletin, Ben’s Chili Bowl
– Go to the Georgetown waterfront and get ice cream at Thomas Sweet
– Try to get to a Nationals game!
– Eat at the restaurant on the roof of the Kennedy Center
– Go to brunch on the weekends. Brunch is a big DC thing. MUST try Chicken and Waffles. If it sounds weird (like it did to me first, and i’m from here) go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
– Port City Brewery tour in Crystal City, VA
– If you have the time to get out to Annapolis, MD, do it. Go to the downtown area and walk by the docks. Get sushi at Joss and ice cream at Kilwin’s. It’s incredible in Annapolis.
Laurey says
I’m from DC originally and love giving recs.
Definitely check out some of the Smithsonian museums. My favorites are the US History (the first lady dress exhibit is super cool), and the Air and Space. Check out Georgetown, it’s a beautiful place to walk around. If you have time, I recommend taking the metro out to Old Town Alexandria – a nice little area with cool restaurants near the Potomac river. Of course the monuments are amazing, but they’re even better at night! They’re usually open until midnight or so, definitely check them out when they’re all lit up.
There’s an overwhelming amount of good food in DC, so I am sure you’ll find some great stuff wherever you go. Some of my favorite places are SweetGreen (an amazing salad bar place), Ben’s Chili Bowl, District Taco, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Founding Farmers.
Looking forward to seeing your trip recap! I’m sure you’ll love my hometown!
Emilee says
You MUST go to Founding Farmers!!! You’ll need a reservation but it is the best food and drinks I have ever had! There is a location in DC and another location right outside of DC in Tyson’s Corner.
carolina says
I live in the DMV area and my favorite place around here is Mt. Vernon. It is just beautiful, you’ll love it.