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DC & DMV Favorites: Food, Fun, and Local Gems

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Discover my go-to spots in the DC area — from the best bites and coffee to gorgeous outdoor escapes, artsy adventures, and hidden local gems. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor planning your trip, these are my tried-and-tru...
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Outdoor Activities

Parks, gardens, trails, and scenic spots for soaking up fresh air and DC’s natural beauty.
 
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I love biking and running in Rock Creek Park! Lots of trails and paved paths. Such a sanctuary in DC
Rock Creek Park (U.S. National Park Service)
 
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Little bit far of a drive from DC but I highly recommend doing it sometime. Absolutely gorgeous views
Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
 
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So many vendors!!! Very food focused though
FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market
 
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Lots of produce but also many craft vendors! My go to spot for gifts
Eastern Market DC
 
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Great trail along the Potomac! Can get to the MD side of Great Falls from here
C&O Canal Towpath
 
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Never gets old. My favorite museum
United States Botanic Garden
 
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Actually haven’t been to this yet but it’s been on my list and I’ve walked by multiple times
The Gardens at Dumbarton Oaks
 
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Such a cool spot to bring friends from out of town
Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Restaurants

From casual eats to date-night favorites, these are my top picks for dining out in the DC area.
 
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Their vodka pizza was really good
Andy's Pizza NOMA
 
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Really good chicken and waffles
Unconventional Diner
 
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One of my favorite sushi places. Many locations
Kusshi Pike & Rose Rockville
 
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Went here for our pre wedding anniversary dinner and it was so good. The nigiri was amazing
Zeppelin
 
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I’ve had almost every drink on their menu and they all are so good. Their food is incredible too. $1 dumplings for happy hour!
Bar Chinois
 
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Their street corn is so good I dream of it
El Chucho - Cocina Superior
 
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Haven’t tried their food yet but their martini bar is amazing
Cucina MORINI
 
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The owners are the sweetest people and I love the vibe of this place
INDIGO
 
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One of my go to brunch places
ala
 
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Obsessed is an understatement
dLeña by Chef Richard Sandoval

Other Food & Drinks

Sweet treats, coffee shops, and drink spots I can’t resist.
 
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Lots of seasonal drinks
Childhood Cafe
 
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Old nabisco factory building! Love this place
Lost Generation Brewing Company
 
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Fun speakeasy vibe
CODE RED
 
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Hard to get into but so worth it. Paper menus written for that night
OKPB
 
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The yummiest tropical flavors. Ginger is my favorite
York Castle Ice Cream
 
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Cronuts are to die for
Woodmoor Pastry Shop

Arts & Entertainment

Museums, shows, and creative experiences that make DC so unique
 
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Very cool place
National Gallery of Art
 
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Incredible museum. Highly recommend reserving in advance
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
 
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Their unlimited popcorn is so worth it
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC Bryant Street
 
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My favorite of the dc concert venues. Great size
9:30 Club
 
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We love DC United and Washington Spirit
Audi Field
 
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So funny!! Great spot to bring friends from out of town
Hotbed

Local Favorites

Hidden gems, small businesses, and can’t-miss DC experiences that make this city feel like home.
 
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One of my favorites
Lost City Books
 
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Such a great shop
Old Town Books
 
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My favorite studio. X former workout ❤️❤️❤️
Method Room
 
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Warehouse of used books!! Chaotic but cool
Second Story Books