Past the long-lasting monuments and historic landmarks, DC affords 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 numerous 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 among the finest issues to do in DC, so you’ll be able to totally immerse your self in the whole lot it has to supply. Whether or not you’re available in the market for a home in Washington, DC, or seeking to hire an condominium within the metropolis, get able to embrace the extraordinary and dive into the lesser-known wonders of the nation’s capital that make DC an incredible place to stay.
1. Ebook a one-of-a-kind expertise with a Parisian formulator at Elodie’s Naturals
At Elodie’s Naturals, you’ll be able to 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 underneath the steering of an skilled, and take dwelling 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 Images. “It’s an incredible spot for al fresco eating amongst cacti and succulents on a quiet road 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 pleased 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 area 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 troublesome to search out in main grocery shops. You too can hire out the area for personal occasions like birthdays, graduations, bridal/child showers, and extra.
4. Rock Creek Park
“After shifting to Washington DC in 1993 from the way more rural state of New Hampshire, one in every of my biggest joys dwelling in DC is the simple entry to nature within the coronary heart of the town,” explains Lisa Maco, Proprietor of Lisa Maco Images. “Known 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 an extended 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 best way as much as Gaithersburg because it connects with many different parks.”
5. Mount Vernon Path
One other one in every of Maco’s favourite spots is the Mount Vernon Path, 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, once 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 Heart, 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 Backyard behind the Smithsonian Fortress throughout peak saucer magnolia bloom,” says Laura Nockett, a New child, Maternity and Child Photographer at Valuable Little Sprinkles Images. “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 when you’re available in the market for brand new jewellery is Mia Gemma, a high quality artisan jewellery gallery that gives customized design and concierge providers. Hand-crafted in valuable metals and high quality gems, their jewellery and customized design providers can help you discover and exhibit their individuality by inventive design and complicated type. The gallery additionally hosts two stay occasions annually which you can’t miss.
8. Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral
“My favourite factor to do in DC is exploring the Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral,” states Mary Catherine Wickham of Mary Catherine Images. “One step by 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 almost 12 months spherical and it’s by no means crowded. Should you want a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of the town, come loosen up among the many chirping birds and luxurious greenery of the Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral.”
9. The Previous Submit Workplace Tower
A singular factor to do in DC, and one the place you don’t want tickets, is visiting the Previous Submit Workplace 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 the basement and up the elevator appears like a journey to a secret lookout. On the best way, you’ll be able to 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 feel that provides to the attraction.”
10. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
“As business photographers, and without end vacationers, we’re within the Capital usually, and have been capable of take pleasure in so many nice elements of the town and its environment,” shares Sam and Kat of Edwin Images in Tysons, Virginia, simply outdoors of Washington, DC. “The town is an excellent place for hikers, bikers and sightseers like us, and one in every of our absolute favourite issues to do is to go to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It affords a glimpse into the historical past of america, and combines it with an distinctive out of doors 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. Comprised of the best high quality natural cocoa beans, Chocotenango turns nature’s deal with into scrumptious creations. Whether or not you might be on the lookout for chocolate bars, scorching chocolate combine or bonbons, Chocotenango has you lined.
12. The Smithsonian Gardens
“The Smithsonian Gardens are one in every of our favourite locations in DC,” shares Anji and Pete Martin of Potoks World Images. “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 area is the Moongate Backyard, an artsier spot that’s nice for inventive wedding ceremony or engagement footage. To the facet 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 the town,” explains DC-based photographer, Lisa Blume. “I typically stroll from Dupont Circle to Navy Yard, which is at the very least 5 miles. And just lately, a detailed buddy and I did that stroll after which ended the stroll at The Salt Line for frozen cocktails on their out of doors patio. And, throughout Cherry Blossom season, I discover myself photographing on the tidal basin fairly a bit however I all the time guarantee 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, underneath one rooftop bar and patio. Upstairs, you’ll be able to loosen up in cabanas, play enjoyable video games like cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping-pong, and dance to your coronary heart’s content material to stay music. Or, head downstairs to Kick Axe Throwing D.C. and discover a cozy lodge-like setting the place you’ll be able to 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 connoisseur 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 numerous pop-up retailers. Altogether, they create a implausible number of world 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 superb place to benefit from the metropolis’s waterways whereas grabbing a chunk 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 stay music venues.”
Keep in mind to enterprise past the well-trodden path and discover the distinctive issues to do in DC that make dwelling in Washington, DC, so nice.
