DC is one of my most favorite cities to explore. One of my oldest childhood friends lived there for years in various neighborhoods throughout DC, which helped me gain a deep love for the city. Absolutely bring yourself some sunscreen and your comfiest walking shoes. You will be putting on the miles as you walk all over this fun and unique city. Below are some of my Washington DC favorites for activities, drinks and food.
DC Favorite Activities:
National Mall - Of course it has to be a favorite. It's iconic and so much to do and see. You can easily spend several days going to every monument and museum. However, don't make the mistake I did last time I was visiting! Even though the Smithsonians on The Mall are free, you now need reservations (free entry pass) for the more popular museums: National Museum of African American History & Culture, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and National Air and Space Smithsonian Museum.
Some of my favorite highlights on The Mall are: Korean War Memorial, FDR Memorial, The Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, and it's a lovely walk over to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. However, keep your eyes up when you're walking along The Tidal Basin. The Cherry Blossom Trees branches are very low and the last time I was walking that way and looking at my phone, I walked into one, face first.
Rock Creek Park - If you want a little getaway from the busy DC streets, Rock Creek Park is perfect. With trails from 1 mile to 11 miles. Click the photo below for the top ten trails in the park!
Old Post Office Tower - This was a discovery I found on a recent trip to DC, but it was incredible. The front of the building is now a Waldorf Astoria, and you get into the Old Post Office through the back entrance via 12th Street. There is a door that say "Museum and Clock" tower, and you will think you're in the wrong place at first, but just keep walking. It's free to see, and the view is stunning. Click on the photo below for more information.
Georgetown - Although it's a little trickier to get to Georgetown because you can't use the Metro, it is definitely worth the extra effort. This picturesque area in DC is known for great food, shopping, and a variety of water activities on the Potomac. If you find yourself in Georgetown on a warm day, I recommend ice cream from Thomas Sweet.
Eastern Market - During the week, Eastern Market is a great place to come to snack, but if you happen to be in DC during the weekend, there is also a farmer's market where local artists are selling artisanal crafts and artwork. Eastern Market is open everyday 8 AM - 6 PM except for Monday. Click the photo below for more information.
Smithsonian's National Zoo - This is a great place to go to getaway from The Mall and see about 1,500 animals over an 163 acre park. There are 300 different species within the National Zoo, and 25% of them are endangered species. Although the zoo is free, you will need a timed entry pass which you can obtain at Smithsonian's National Zoo website.
Cherry Blossoms - If you are lucky enough to time it right to be in DC when the cherry blossom trees are flowering, it's an incredibly stunning sight and smells unbelievable. They bloom anywhere from the last week of March to the first week of April, and typically last 1-2 weeks. The Cherry Blossom Festival is typically held the middle of April. You can click on the photo below of my sister, mom and I for more information about the festival.
Throughout the various neighborhoods of DC, you will also find an impressive food and cocktail scene. Below are some of my favorites in a few areas of DC. Fine dining isn't typically my scene, so you'll see a range from dive bar and cozy restaurants, to speakeasy and classy bistros. Enjoy!
Food Highlights:
Breakfast -
Ted's Bulletin is a DC staple and a great spot for comfort food. They serve breakfast all day, and have a delicious bakery with excellent donuts and homemade pop-tarts. They're also known for their big boozy milkshakes. There are two locations in DC, one on 14th St NW and one on 8th St SE.
Le Diplomate is an excellent spot any time of day and you will absolutely need a reservation for breakfast. I highly recommend their Gruyère Omelette and enjoying some Pain au Chocolat. So good!
Kramers is a place I have always loved going. Their food is excellent and reasonably priced, and the bookstore within the restaurant is fantastic. Their avocado toast and Soho Omelet are two of my favorite items paired with a pink grapefruit bellini.
Lunch or Dinner -
Compass Rose near DuPont circle is an eclectic spot with a menu that allows you to travel around the world with their international street food and exotic cocktails. Their most popular dish is khachapuri which is a flatbread dish from the country of Georgia. My favorites, however, are the Korean short ribs and the tuna poke. You can eat in their cozy dining room or reserve a private dining experiences with prixe-fix menu.
Old Ebbitt's Grill is well located close to downtown. Old Ebbitt's is the oldest saloon in DC and the entire restaurant is filled with history that the wait staff is privy to and happily shares when you inquire. There are several rooms to eat in, but my favorite is Grant's Bar behind the main dining room. You can't go wrong with any of their cocktails or homemade pastas. Their oysters are also very popular, though I myself am not an oyster enthusiast.
Zatinya in Chinatown is another must in DC if you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine. The charred eggplant pide and the lamb baharat are two of my most favorite dishes. With the outer crust brushed with delicious butter, pide (pronounced pee-day) is not to be confused with pizza.
Chaplins near Logan Circle is known for delicious cocktails and exquisite ramen. It's a fun place with a Charlie Chaplin theme throughout it, and the food is outstanding. The standard Chaplin ramen is my most favorite, but you really can't go wrong with any choice.
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana in Penn Quarter has been serving up authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails for twenty years. It's consistently a top DC dining destination and in 2017 and 2018 was awarded the Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. If tequila cocktails are your jam, definitely try to Salt Air Margarita. And if you want some of the best unique french fries in your life, order the Papas al Mole. The street tacos are also a favorite of mine served with onion, cilantro and a squeeze of lime... perfection!
Le Diplomate just outside of Logan Circle needs to be mentioned once again because their burger is one of the best ones I've had, and I would go here again and again just for that! If you're stopping by for the burger, then I would also suggest the Profiteroles to cap off the decadent meal.
Drinks:
U Street:
9:30 Club is a music and concert venue that was named one of the 10 Best Live Music Venues in America by Rolling Stone.
Nellie's Sports Bar is an eclectic and crowded sports bar by day, and a fun place to dance by night. Come to Nellie's Saturdays and Sundays for a very entertaining Drag Brunch.
Sollys on U is a dive bar that will always have a special place in my heart. It's a great day drinking bar to watch games during the weekend. It's always an Ohio State Buckeye watch party location which is right up my alley. But even without being a Buckeye Bar, I would still go to Solly's for a few beers on U.
The Alchemist has speakeasy vibes and great cocktails in a small and dimly lit location.
600t might not count because it's just off U, after it becomes Florida Ave NE and intersects with T. But we really enjoyed this tiny speakeasy with a small cocktail menu and a few snack options (get the sweet potato donuts). The vibe is enhanced if you're able to come on a Thursday jazz night.
Downtown:
Silver Lyan is fancy little cocktail bar and one you'll need reservations to.
Denson Liquor Bar is a nostalgic bar with fun speakeasy vibes and strong drinks.
Allegory is a speakeasy hidden behind a nondescript door in the Eaton DC’s Progress Library. They don't take reservations and it's first come, first served in this cozy spot.
The Mirror is a genuine speakeasy that can be difficult to find if you don't know where to look. You can find it at the bottom of a flight of stairs on K Street NW. You'll see a full length mirror and a "For Rent" sign. Behind the mirror, is the bar.
Georgetown:
Blues Alley is housed in an 18th-century red brick carriage house in the heart of Georgetown, is one of the oldest continuing clubs in the country.
Georgetown Piano Bar has live music every night with dueling pianos on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Sovereign boasts quite the beer selection with 50 different draught choices and 350 varieties of bottles.
Martin's Tavern has been a popular drinking destination in Georgetown since 1933. It's been locally owned for 4 generations, and if you find yourself in Georgetown, it's a must!
Adams Morgan:
Madam's Organ has live music 7 nights/week.
Tiki on 18th serves up those fun Tiki cocktails that can get a little pricey, so I would suggest going during their happy hour.
Grand Duchess has a good happy hour and solid cocktails.
Shenanigans Pub is your classic divey Irish pub. Be warned that it can get filled to the brim on a weekend night, and during sporting events.
H Street:
Hill Prince is not the place to go on a Saturday night, unless you are looking to wait in a long line. But, it is the place to come most any other time if you are looking for a good drink in an enjoyable atmosphere.
The Ella Grace has some speakeasy vibes to it and moved locations from M Street before finding a home on H.
Granville Moores this local Belgian beer bar with upscale food and a wide variety of beers will appeal to foodies and beer drinkers alike. Highly recommend this location if you enjoy mussels and frites.
Final thoughts on DC: There is so much vibrance in DC and it's not just about the National Mall. Although the Smithsonians and monuments are wonderful, depending how long you are there, I highly recommend getting away from The Mall and getting into the local parts of DC for some amazing food, fun nightlife and all around gorgeous scenery.
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