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🏛️ My Favorite Things to Do in DC
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items DC is so much more than monuments and museums. 🤎 Whether you’re planning a date night, a girls’ day, visiting for the weekend or just looking for something new to do in the city, these are some of my favorite places and experiences around Washington...
Map
One of my favorite places in DC when I want greenery, beautiful scenery and a peaceful afternoon. 🌿 The Capitol Columns are a must-see — and definitely bring your camera! 📸✨
U.S. National Arboretum
Plant lovers, put this one on your DC list! 🌺🌿 I love wandering through all the gorgeous plants and gardens. Such a pretty little escape in the middle of the city. 💚
United States Botanic Garden
A beautiful little hidden gem by the Smithsonian museums. 🌷 Perfect for a peaceful walk, pretty pictures or just sitting outside for a while between museum stops. ✨
Enid A. Haupt Garden
One of my favorite places for a gorgeous DC waterfront stroll. 🤍 Grab something to eat in Georgetown, walk along the Potomac and stay long enough to catch the evening views. Perfect date-day energy. 🌊✨
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Navy Yard is one of those areas where I can make an entire afternoon out of simply walking around. 😂 The waterfront views here are beautiful, especially when the weather is nice. 🌊☀️
The Yards Park
Dinner, a waterfront walk and maybe something sweet afterward? Say less. 😂🤍 I love coming to The Wharf when I want to be outside without giving up my restaurants and city-girl comforts. 🌊✨
The Wharf DC
Sometimes you need trees, fresh air and a break from city noise. 🌳 Rock Creek Park gives you all of that without actually leaving DC. Great for walking, picnics and a quiet afternoon outside.
Rock Creek Park
I know, I know — obvious choice. 😂 But sometimes I forget how beautiful my own city is. A walk around the Mall, especially toward sunset, will remind you very quickly. 🇺🇸✨
National Mall
Yes, cherry blossom season is gorgeous 🌸, but I love the Tidal Basin even outside of peak bloom. The water, monuments and DC views make this such a beautiful place for an easy walk. 🤍
Tidal Basin
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is such a beautiful hidden gem in DC. 🌸🪷 I love how peaceful it feels walking through the gardens and seeing all the water lilies and lotus flowers. Perfect when you want some fresh air, pretty scenery and a little escape...
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
One of those DC museums I could visit over and over again! 🦖💎✨ From the dinosaurs and incredible gems to learning about animals and the natural world, there’s always something interesting to see. And one of the best parts? Admission is FREE! 🤎🏛️ ...
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most powerful museums in DC. 🖤✨ The National Museum of African American History & Culture takes you through generations of Black history, culture, resilience and achievement. There is SO much to see that I recommend giving yourself pl...
National Museum of African American History and Culture
My idea of a good Sunday morning: coffee in hand, wandering through the market and somehow leaving with flowers, fresh bread and three things I absolutely did not plan to buy. 😂💐🥐
FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market
One of those classic DC weekend spots I never get tired of. ❤️ Come hungry, browse the vendors and give yourself time to wander. This is definitely a “we’re just stopping by” place that turns into a whole afternoon. 😂
Eastern Market
STK is one of my favorite spots when I want dinner with a whole vibe. 🥩🥂✨ Great steaks, cocktails, music and an atmosphere that makes you want to get dressed UP! 😂💕 Perfect for date night, celebrations or a girls’ night when you’re feeling a litt...
STK Steakhouse
One of my favorite places when Trey and I want a proper date night. 🥩🤎 Beautiful atmosphere, great food and the perfect excuse to get dressed up. Being inside the Four Seasons doesn’t hurt either. 😂✨
BOURBON STEAK
Blue Duck Tavern is perfect when I’m in the mood for something polished but still warm and inviting. 🤎🍽️ I love the elegant atmosphere and seasonal American dishes—it’s such a beautiful spot for brunch, a special dinner or a sophisticated date nigh...
Blue Duck Tavern
Sushi Nakazawa is such a beautiful experience when you want to make dinner feel like an occasion. 🍣🥂✨ The omakase experience is elegant, intimate and perfect for a special date night. Definitely one of those places where you sit back, enjoy each co...
Sushi Nakazawa
Sometimes you just need a REALLY good slice of pizza. 🍕😂 Andy’s Pizza in Shaw is one of my favorite casual DC spots for a crispy, New York-style slice without all the fuss. Perfect for a quick lunch, casual date or late-night pizza craving! ❤️✨
Andy's Pizza Shaw / V St.
Unconventional Diner is one of my favorite DC spots when I want comfort food with a little twist. 🍳✨ The atmosphere is fun and modern, and it’s perfect for brunch with the girls, a casual date or whenever I’m craving something GOOD. Come hungry! 😂�...
Unconventional Diner
Such a fun choice when I’m craving Chinese food but still want a cute night-out atmosphere. 🥢✨ Great for ordering a few things for the table and making dinner an experience instead of just a meal. Canton Disco is currently listed among DC dining opt...
Canton Disco
Korean BBQ is SO much better when you make it a group outing. 😂🥩🔥 Come hungry, order plenty for the table and enjoy the whole experience. Definitely a fun dinner with friends! Annandale also gives me a reason to venture into Northern Virginia.
Kogiya Korean BBQ
One of my picks when I’m craving Thai comfort food! 🍜💕 Give me a plate of noodles, something flavorful and a relaxed dinner and I’m HAPPY. 😂
Siam House, Washington, D.C.
Italian food + a gorgeous dining room = you already know I’m interested. 😂🍝✨ This is such a pretty choice when you want an elevated dinner, date night or somewhere special to celebrate. L’Ardente remains listed among DC’s Italian dining options in ...
L'Ardente
This is for the nights when I want to put on a dress, wear the good perfume and have a proper dinner. 😂🥂🇫🇷 Elegant, romantic and perfect for a special date night in Georgetown. It’s currently operating as a French restaurant in Georgetown.
L'Avant-Garde
Tapas are perfect when I want to try a little bit of EVERYTHING. 😂🥘🍷 Such a fun place for sharing plates, sangria and a night out with friends or your person.
Jaleo
Coffee first, everything else second. ☕️😂 One of my favorite DC stops when I need my caffeine, whether I’m heading to work, meeting a friend or just enjoying a slow morning in the city.
Compass Coffee
Sometimes you need to get out of the city, sip some wine and look at something prettier than traffic. 😂🍷🌿 Such a beautiful choice for a girls’ day, date afternoon or a little weekend escape.
Stone Tower Winery
A cocktail bar hidden behind a library? You KNOW I love a little drama. 😂🍸✨ Such a cool DC experience for cocktails and a grown-up night out.
Allegory DC
Afternoon tea is my kind of activity! Pretty surroundings, little sandwiches, pastries and absolutely no rushing. 😂🫖🌸 Perfect for a girls’ afternoon or when you just want to feel a little fancy.
Peacock Alley
My pick when I want something cold, fruity and refreshing. 🍓🥭💕 Smoothies, juices and açaí bowls make this such an easy stop while I’m out and about.
South Block
If you love a GOOD pastry, add this one to your Baltimore list. 🥐☕️💕 Come early because the popular treats can go quickly and yes, I’m absolutely planning my morning around a pastry. 😂
Café Dear Leon
Coffee and a fresh doughnut will fix a surprising number of problems. 😂🍩☕️ I love this for an easy breakfast, weekend treat or grabbing a box to share.
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe - Ballston
I am NEVER too grown for an ice cream run. 😂🍦💕 I love finding fun flavors, grabbing a scoop and walking around Hampden afterward. Such a cute little Baltimore treat!
The Charmery Hampden
The hardest part is deciding what flavor to get because there are SO many. 😂🍦 Perfect for a summer treat after spending the day around Baltimore.
BMORE LICKS
Dinner AND a movie without having to make two separate stops? Yes please. 😂🍿🍔 I love being able to settle into my seat, order something to eat and enjoy the movie. Such a fun choice for a casual date night or movie night with friends! 🎬✨
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DC Bryant Street
One of my favorite places to catch a concert in DC! 🎶✨ I already love spending time at The Wharf, so dinner, drinks, a waterfront walk AND a show at The Anthem makes for a whole night out. 🤎
The Anthem
Such an iconic DC music spot! 🎤🎶 I love the smaller, more intimate concert atmosphere where you can really get into the music. Definitely check the calendar because you never know who might be coming to town! ✨
9:30 Club
One of those places that gives me an excuse to get dressed up. 😂👗✨ Ballet, theater, live music or a special performance followed by drinks or dinner? That is absolutely my kind of evening. And those views of DC are beautiful too! 🥂🎭
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
This is movie night for grown folks. 😂🍿🥂 Comfortable seats, dinner, drinks AND a movie all in one place? I’m sold. I love this for date night when we want to go out but still keep the evening relaxed. 🎬💕
CMX CineBistro Tysons Galleria
Another movie theater with full wait staff! This is movie night for grown folks. 😂🍿🥂 Comfortable seats, dinner, drinks AND a movie all in one place? I’m sold. I love this for date night when we want to go out but still keep the evening relaxed. 🎬...
IPIC Theaters
Whether it’s basketball, hockey or a concert, I love a good arena night! 🏀🏒🎶 Grab some food, find your seats and enjoy the energy. This is such an easy DC date night or night out with friends. ✨
Capital One Arena
Sometimes date night needs a little friendly competition. 😂🎳 Bowling, arcade games, Laser Tag, drinks, food and games make this such a fun alternative when you want to DO something instead of just sitting at dinner.
Main Event Columbia
For the days when I need to stretch, breathe and get out of my own head for a little while. 🧘🏾♀️✨ I love finding wellness spaces that make taking care of myself feel like part of my routine instead of another chore.
LUMA Wellness Studio
Fresh nails will change my entire attitude and I stand by that. 😂💅🏾💕 I love the cute boutique atmosphere here when I want my mani-pedi time to actually feel relaxing.
Pure in Heart Nail Boutique - Shaw
Good hair day loading… 💇🏾♀️✨ I appreciate a salon that takes the time to talk about your hair, what you want and how to keep it healthy. Definitely one to keep on your beauty-day list.
Illusions of Georgetown
THIS is my definition of a soft-life afternoon. 😂🧖🏾♀️🥂 A massage, some quiet time and gorgeous harbor views? Yes please. Perfect for a birthday treat, girls’ spa day or simply because you deserve to be pampered.
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore
A little hidden luxury in Baltimore. 🤎✨ This is where I’d go when I want a peaceful, intimate spa day and absolutely NO ONE asking me to do anything. 😂 Robe on. Phone away. Relaxation mode activated.
The Spa at The Ivy
I could lose an entire afternoon in a good bookstore. 😂📚🤎 Solid State is a Black-owned independent bookstore and such a nice place to browse, discover something new and actually slow down for a while.
Solid State Books
Books AND a beautiful garden? You already have me. 😂📚🌿 I love bookstores that feel like an experience instead of just somewhere to buy a book. Give yourself time to browse this one.
Ivy Bookshop
A DC classic for book lovers. 📚☕️ I love a bookstore where I can browse with absolutely no plan, find something I didn’t know I needed and somehow leave carrying three books. 😂
Politics and Prose Bookstore: Home Page