Things To Do
Vue Rooftop
Also/formerly called POV - if you would like to see the sights without walking and with an overpriced cocktail in hand, go to the rooftop of the W Hotel. Awesome view of the White House and Washington Monument.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Our favorite place to start exploring the memorials and tidal basin - easy uber drop-off or parking. Spend 20 minutes or 3 hours. Comfy shoes required.
United States Capitol
Fire up an e-scooter and head to the Capitol. Barriers are down and the building and grounds are beautiful. We live less than a mile away, drive by it on our commutes, and are still in awe.
National Portrait Gallery
You can't go wrong with a museum in this town. All of the Smithsonians are fantastic. One of our very favorites, however, isn't on the Mall - check out the portrait gallery and nearby Chinatown for a fun afternoon.
C&O Canal Walking Path
A great paved trail to run/walk/bike along the Potomac. Extends from Georgetown Waterfront al the way to Pittsburgh, PA.
Farmers & Distillers
If you need a brunch/lunch/dinner reservation, type "Farmers" into your OpenTable search bar. Founding Farmers; Farmers, Fishers and Bakers; and Farmers & Distillers are crowd-pleasers every time.
Rose's Luxury
For the foodie who wants to invest in a pricier and awesome (think exposed brick and 90's hip-hop ambiance) dinner, this is a must-go. You'll be shocked to stumble upon it in Barrack's Row neighborhood. Make your reservation now-ish.
Lincoln Memorial
Great place to start your exploration of the National Mall. Prepare to stroll and climb lots of stairs.
Iron Gate Restaurant
We've spent a few anniversaries at Iron Gate and even considered a wedding in its courtyard. Tucked away in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, this bar/restaurant has excellent food and drinks and a charming ambiance.
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
Chelsea's birthday restaurant since she lived in the neighborhood 7 years ago. A little young? A little fratty? A lot of great food and raw bar? Yep.
Union Market
Trendy market where you could easily spend an afternoon eating, drinking, and shopping in a warehouse district of central DC.
Dacha Beer Garden (Shaw)
Traditional German beer garden - one of our favorite spots.