Travel and Dish

(October 2024)

Whether you’re a first time visitor, or can’t wait to revisit the iconic DC landmarks again, there are strategic ways to get the most out of your trip to the Nation’s Capital. I’m going to suggest the highlights here, but truthfully, we could be here all day with so many amazing things to do! You can check Washington.org for a complete list.

Getting Around

Because the distances between the monuments and the Smithsonian Museums of the National Mall are substantial, you can save your legs with the open-air Old Town Trolley Tour which allows you to hop on and off at landmarks like the Lincoln, Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials.

I know it can seem intimidating, but taking the DC subway, or Metro Rail system, is easier than you think. It’s also the best way to get around. Driving in DC is challenging and it’s very expensive to park. On weekends, the fare is only $2 per ride on weekends!

One of favorite things to do with my visitors is take a sightseeing cruise. The least expensive option is the water taxi which cruises the Potomac River. The stops are: The Wharf, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor in Maryland, and Georgetown, and you can hop on from any of these places. For a complete list of boat tours, visit City Experiences.

Museums for All (and they’re not boring)

Depending on your interests, there’s a museum in Washington just for you. From seeing the James Bond car at the International Spy Museum; a magnificent DaVinci at the National Gallery of Art; Harriet Tubman’s shawl at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the bones of a Tyrannosaurus rex at the National Museum of Natural History, Washington’s Smithsonian museums are world-class, and most of them are free. Here’s a list.

DC has so many niche or small and unique museums. Some of these require paying for admission, but if you’re interested in the subject, don’t miss them. The recently reopened Folger Shakespeare Library is a niche museum that tells the story of Shakespeare, plus has a stunning collection of rare books. Other special, yet lesser known museums include Planet Word, Renwick American Art Museum (free), The Phillips Collection, Anderson House, the Kreeger Museum, The Building Museum, ARTech House, The Mansion on O Street, Heurich House Museum, National Geographic Museum, and National Museum of Women in the Arts. This link has information on some of these.

Only in DC

The iconic sights of Washington are a must for the first time visitor. Plan to do a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol and if you can arrange it in advance with your Congressperson, take a tour of the White House. For the Capitol, there are free daily tours, but it’s best to book in advance since it’s usually very busy. If you can’t get book an appointment for a tour of the White House, you can visit The People’s House, a new immersive museum with replicas of the Oval Office and West Colonnade of The White House.

I would advise every visitor to consider touring the monuments and memorials of the National Mall at night. Start around dusk and watch as the lights come on (they stay lit 24 hours a day). It’s a magical and unforgettable sight. For attractions that require advance arrangements and to know the hours and prices for admission, check out my post.

While these beautiful buildings are a must-see, you can enjoy seeing them outdoors too, with a stroll through President’s Park outside the White House or around the Capitol grounds. While you’re nearby the Capitol, slip into the conservatory at US Botanic Garden. Even in winter, it’s plenty warm and the plants are in bloom.

History buffs should explore the Federal-style homes in Georgetown and Capitol Hill (Eastern Market has great food and crafts). Across the Potomac River in Virginia is Arlington National Cemetery, where can pay your respects to America’s fallen service members and see President John F. Kennedy’s Eternal Flame. The cemetery has tours and buses to make your visit easier, and don’t miss historic Arlington House. To learn more, read my post.

How to see the best views of the Nation’s Capital? Book a ticket to ride the ear-popping elevator at the Washington Monument for 360-degree views from the city’s tallest building. Or for entertainment with your views, visit the Kennedy Center’s REACH, a modern performing arts building and garden where you can listen to music outdoors and hang out in the wine and beer garden.

DC Loves Sports

Depending on the season, catch a DC sports team in action – Downtown Washington is home of NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Wizards, WNBA’s Mystics, Washington Nationals Baseball, NFL Commanders, and soccer’s DC United. The tickets are usually quite reasonable and you can often get them on the day of the game. Learn more here. The Washington Commanders play at FED EX Field in Largo, Maryland.

Dining in DC

Come hungry! Washington’s restaurants serve cuisine from every corner of the globe, so try something new, but don’t miss the crab cakes at Old Ebbitt Grill, where presidents and celebrities have dined since 1856. But if you’re looking for something unique, try Ethiopian or Afghan cuisine. We’ve got incredible choices. I’m a fan of Eater.com DC. You can find so much, up to date information about dining here and in the suburbs too.

The best neighborhoods for dining are U Street Corridor, Dupont Circle, Navy Yard, Georgetown and the District Wharf. If you’re on the move, our museums often have reliable cafes. My favorite is Immigrant Food at Planet Word, the Mitsitam Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian, and Sweet Home Cafe in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Add in Beachfront Entertainment at National Harbor

After sightseeing in the historic city of Washington DC, add a short beachfront vacation just 20 minutes south of the US Capitol. National Harbor in Maryland is an entertainment center with first rate restaurants, sizzling nightlife, luxury hotels with world-class spas, and the MGM National Harbor Casino.

This modern village positioned along with a 3.2 km boardwalk/walking path has a small sandy beach in the middle where you can watch the sunset. It’s a fun place to launch a kayak or scenic cruise and paddle around the scenic Potomac River. There’s also a bird’s-eye view of the city from the Capital Wheel. Vacation should not be all work and no play, so be sure to fit in some relaxing “me time” on your next vacation to the Nations Capital.

I hope you have a wonderful visit! We are go glad you’re here! For a complete guide to visiting DC, check out my guidebook The Unofficial Guide to Washington DC.