I’ve lived in the District for almost a year now, and can say with certainty that it is on the list of must-visit American cities for a good reason. Packed with things to do, incredible restaurants, and protests for a wide variety of causes, there is always something going on in the capital city. I have enjoyed my time here, and though know I will be moving on to other things in not too much time, I am glad for my adventures so far. DC is honestly underrated; it has a lot more to offer than politics and white stone architecture. Here are some of my favorites, as a (almost) year-long resident and someone who has gotten the time to do some exploring.
What to Do
Holocaust Museum (and any Smithsonian Museum as well)
The Holocaust Museum is more of an experience than anything else. Sad, moving and flawlessly done, it is one of the biggest attractions for DC dwellers and out-of-towners alike. Also check out the wide array of Smithsonian Museums that are free to the public and the perfect choice for a rainy weekend afternoon.
Walk the Mall at sunset
If you’re not visiting the National Mall while you’re in DC, what are you even doing? Home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the entire USA, the National Mall boasts some really unique beauty; couple that with a sunset, and you’re in for a really nice walk (or run!). Plus, not having the sun blaze down on you is a bonus – the Mall can get ungodly hot in the summer. And I mean UNGODLY HOT, to the point where I am drenched and praying for sweet death to take me into the light (I am not even being all that dramatic. The heat is my mortal enemy).
Explore Georgetown
Georgetown is a historic neighborhood that was around before the federal district itself was around. It is full of high-end shops, restaurants, bars, and the famous gourmet cupcakes of Georgetown Cupcake (usually with lines extending from the front door and around the block, so avoid at primetime). Pluuuus it is just steps away from the Potomac River waterfront, which is really a lovely little TREAT.
Visit the National Harbor (and see a movie!)
Okay, so this technicallyyyy is not within the District’s borders, but it is only a short journey from downtown. On Thursday and Sunday nights in the summer there are different movies playing on the big screen, but it is a fun place to go any time for some ice cream or beers.
Run along the C&O Canal Trail
One of my favorite running spots in the world. How I miss it. The trail extends all the way up into Bethesda and beyond so it is perfect for walks or runs of any length and gives you some nice views of the river. One time I ran 16 miles on this trail and it was pouring down rain for 13 of them. POURING. But the location, which offered an escape from the busy streets of the city, actually made the run enjoyable (and I remembered to bring a plastic baggie for my cell phone, which helped to ward off a catastrophe).
Go out in Chinatown
U Street, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan are some of the top dogs in DC for nightlife, and don’t get me wrong, I have had a lot of fun in each of these neighborhoods. I think my favorite, though, would have to be Chinatown. It is more unassuming and a lot more relaxed: quieter, affordable bars with pool tables instead of loud, expensive bars with cage dancers. One of the most fun nights I have had was when my roommate and I ventured to Chinatown and barhopped for hours.
Bike everywhere!
Everyone bikes here. It is the it mode of transportation. Bike lanes abound! Hopping on a bicycle is a great way to see the city and get around — the Metro, while decent, is not bank-account-friendly and also not the most reliable method of transportation (additionally, I have probably gotten more action on one Metro commute to work than I have in the rest of my life put together. It is like sardines in there. Sweaty sardines). You can rent a bike for a small fee from the Capital Bikeshare, but make sure you are in some kind of decent athletic shape before riding over the hills of northwest DC, carrying 3 bags over your shoulders and your dog’s dogbed in your lap (I know from experience. My groin area was destroyed for a week).
Where to Eat (and drink)
Sundevich
What a gem. So many different huge, delicious, juicy, flavorful sandwiches, so little time. It was once a goal of ours to try every sandwich on the menu – a tall order! I personally would recommend Buenos Aires, especially for steak lovers.
Tortilla Coast
I have been here so many times. A little bit past 14th Street, this unassuming Mexican-themed restaurant is one of my favorites because it is so low-key. Happy hour is fun and affordable (and offers some excellent nachos and fruity frozen margaritas) and brunch is quiet with free-flowing mimosas. Tortilla Coast truly knows the meaning of bottomless.
Ambar
One of the few places on this list not in Shaw or 14th Street (but these are great places and you could live in DC for a year without venturing outside of them for food even once). If you’re looking for a big meal, Ambar is your guy. I went for restaurant week with my roommate and we absolutely loved every minute of it.
The Drafting Table
I came here for brunch with my sister and her friend one Sunday (again, bitches brunching. Bitches are always brunching ’round these parts). I ordered a big bowl full of scrambled eggs, potatoes, and falafel, and there was a ton of other fantastic choices on the menu. The Drafting Table is located on 14th street, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods for restaurants and nightlife.
Ethiopian
Ethiopian food is very prominent in this city due to the large Ethiopian community — the largest in the entire country! Their cuisine is delicious, authentic, and a must-try while here; there are several independently-owned restaurants in the Shaw and 14th Street areas.
Dacha
So maybe I am a little biased towards Shaw, since I did live there for about 7 months. This beer garden was my go-to — it didn’t hurt that it was a block away from my front door, but it also serves $10 liters of beer in boot-form during happy hour, and some tasty snacks!
What to See
Cherry blossoms
There’s a reason why so many people flock to DC in the spring to see the Cherry Blossom Festival, and why there is a competitive lottery to get into the 10 mile race that takes runners on a tour of the beautiful blossoms in their prime (I actually hobbled this earlier this year…it was a great race). BECAUSE THEY ARE NICE TO LOOK AT.
The National Zoo
I have been to the National Zoo a couple of times, the first being on one of the coldest days of Earth’s existence with the guy I dated last fall in an attempt to get over my ex (see the beginning of this post for more details and some juicy deets of what to do in Budapest, not that anyone is interested in my personal life except for me and possibly my mother) and he spent the whole time quoting Water Boy, which is not a movie I have never seen so I just kept saying “ha ha” awkwardly and then diverting my attention to the animals. The zoo itself is very cool, housing tons of endangered animals, including the famous giant pandas! Since it is a Smithsonian, like the museums, it is free of charge.
Politics & Prose Bookstore
This is a massive bookstore in Chevy Chase (northwest DC, a bit past the zoo) that is reputable for its knowledgable staff. It also draws a lot of famous people to its author events, such as JK Rowling and Barack Obama, and allows them to interact with the public in a small and intimate forum, which is very cool. The Den downstairs serves coffee, food, and wine, so you never have to leave!
Capital Pride
Washington DC is one of the most liberal cities in the entire nation, so you can imagine the massive party that is Capital Pride. One of the most memorable afternoons of my entire DC existence. Love.
Rock Creek Park
Who says you can’t go hiking in the city? Rock Creek Park is a massive urban park in northwest DC — almost 1800 acres — where people go to hike and bike and enjoy nature, even while staying in an urban setting! The best of both worlds, and a chance to get a run in somewhere other than on shin-massacring concrete.
It is crazy that I left Arizona over a year ago to start my new urban life on the east coast. It has been a difficult year, namely due to having injury after injury and pain after pain befall my small weak body (not sure if this would have stopped this endless domino effect, but I BEG of anyone coming to any big city: make sure you are walking around in reasonable walking shoes. Don’t wear flats with no arch support, and on top of that never stretch your calves), but it has been nice being in a place with so much to offer in terms of history, sites, activities and friends to distract me.
