Past the long-lasting monuments and historic landmarks, DC presents a myriad of offbeat and distinctive issues to do this will make your time right here really 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 number of the greatest issues to do in DC, so you possibly can totally immerse your self in every thing it has to supply. Whether or not you’re available in the market for a home in Washington, DC, or trying to lease 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 excellent place to reside.
1. E-book a one-of-a-kind expertise with a Parisian formulator at Elodie’s Naturals
At Elodie’s Naturals, you possibly can 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 professional, 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 ambiance,” shares native photographer Katie Lewis Pictures. “It’s an excellent 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 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 embrace taco platters and superb salads. Later within the day, I like to share a platter of nachos with pals 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. Clients 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 can even lease out the house 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 all my best joys residing in DC is the simple entry to nature within the coronary heart of town,” explains Lisa Maco, Proprietor of Lisa Maco Pictures. “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 a protracted bike journey 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 all 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, if 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 stunning 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 Treasured Little Sprinkles Pictures. “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 listing merchandise.”
7. Mia Gemma
A singular gem of a spot when you’re available in the market for brand spanking new jewellery is Mia Gemma, a advantageous artisan jewellery gallery that gives customized design and concierge companies. Hand-crafted in valuable metals and advantageous gem stones, their jewellery and customized design companies help you discover and exhibit their individuality by inventive design and complex type. The gallery additionally hosts two reside occasions every year that you may’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 Pictures. “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. In case you want a peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of town, come calm down among the many chirping birds and luxurious greenery of the Bishop’s Backyard on the Nationwide Cathedral.”
9. The Previous Put up Workplace Tower
A singular factor to do in DC, and one the place you don’t want tickets, is visiting the Previous Put up 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 seems like a journey to a secret lookout. On the best way, you possibly can look down into the atrium of the lodge. The viewing deck is open to the air, and though the concrete and plexiglass are slightly gritty, I believe that provides to the appeal.”
10. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
“As industrial photographers, and without end vacationers, we’re within the Capital frequently, and have been capable of take pleasure in so many nice features of town and its environment,” shares Sam and Kat of Edwin Pictures in Tysons, Virginia, simply outdoors of Washington, DC. “Town is an outstanding place for hikers, bikers and sightseers like us, and one in all our absolute favourite issues to do is to go to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It presents a glimpse into the historical past of the USA, 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 infinite 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. Produced from the very best high quality natural cocoa beans, Chocotenango turns nature’s deal with into scrumptious creations. Whether or not you might be in search of chocolate bars, scorching chocolate combine or bonbons, Chocotenango has you lined.
12. The Smithsonian Gardens
“The Smithsonian Gardens are one in all our favourite locations in DC,” shares Anji and Pete Martin of Potoks World Pictures. “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 straightforward 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 marriage ceremony or engagement photos. To the aspect of the citadel 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 at the least 5 miles. And lately, 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 really magical.”
14. Escape to a novel 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 possibly can calm down 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 possibly can strive your hand at thrilling axe throwing. Compete with pals, problem your expertise, and expertise the frenzy of hitting the bullseye.
15. Union Market
“Union Market is a hip connoisseur meals corridor situated 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 implausible number of world cuisines. Subsequent to Union Market is La Cosecha, a Latin American market. This market options distributors that signify 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, situated 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 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.
