Tatte Bakery & Cafe A popular spot for coffee, pastries, breakfast, and lunch in CityCenterDC. Great for guests who want a cute coffee shop and a casual bite nearby. Compass Coffee A local D.C. coffee favorite and an easy choice for guests looking for a quick coffee or latte while exploring downtown. Piccolina — CityCenterDC An all-day Italian café in CityCenterDC with salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, and casual lunch options. It is a great choice for something easy but still cute and elevated. Quick Lunch Options Nearby Chopt Potbelly Le Pain Quotidien District Taco Nando's Peri Peri Shake Shack Chipotle Corner Bakery & Pizza Hard Rock Cafe Panera Bread
Old Ebbitt Grill A classic D.C. restaurant located just steps from the White House and downtown museums. It is a great choice for brunch, lunch, dinner, or oysters. The Hamilton A large, lively downtown restaurant near The Willard. This is a good option for groups or guests looking for a casual but fun D.C. dinner. Zaytinya A popular José Andrés restaurant near CityCenterDC serving Mediterranean-inspired small plates influenced by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine. La Grande Boucherie A beautiful French brasserie and steakhouse, just a short walk from The Willard. A great option for a more elegant lunch, dinner, or cocktail spot downtown. Immigrant Food A casual and creative D.C. restaurant near the White House. This is a great option for guests looking for a flavorful, more relaxed meal between wedding weekend events. VUE Rooftop Bar at Hotel Washington An iconic rooftop bar option close to The Willard with fantastic views of the White House and Washington Monument!
CityCenterDC A beautiful downtown area near The Willard with shopping, restaurants, cafés, and places to walk around. Guests can browse shops, grab coffee or lunch, or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Georgetown A short Uber/Lyft ride from The Willard, Georgetown is a charming neighborhood with great shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, and waterfront views. A perfect option for guests who have extra time to explore during the weekend!
The National Mall & Monuments Guests can walk or take a short ride to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and other classic D.C. landmarks. Smithsonian Museums A great indoor option for January. Many Smithsonian museums are free and located along the National Mall, including the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and National Air and Space Museum.
National Children’s Museum Located downtown and close to The Willard, the National Children’s Museum is a great indoor option for younger children, with hands-on exhibits and play-based activities. Tickets are required, and it is recommended that you book online in advance. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History A classic family-friendly museum on the National Mall, especially fun for children who love animals, gems, fossils, and dinosaurs. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Another great Smithsonian option for families, especially for kids who love planes, space, and interactive exhibits. Smithsonian’s National Zoo The National Zoo is a fun option for families who have more time to explore. Admission is free, but entry passes are required for all guests, including infants. International Spy Museum A fun, interactive option for older kids. The museum notes that while all children are welcome, the content is best suited for ages 9 and up.
Museum of Illusions — CityCenterDC A fun, interactive museum right in CityCenterDC with optical illusions, photo opportunities, and hands-on exhibits. This is a great option for guests looking for something playful and different to do downtown. Planet Word An immersive museum dedicated to language, storytelling, and words, with interactive exhibits for both adults and kids. It is located in the historic Franklin School and is a unique option for guests who want something indoors and a little unexpected. There is even a karaoke room! ARTECHOUSE DC A digital art space just off the National Mall that features immersive, technology-driven exhibitions. This could be a cool option for guests who enjoy art, design, or unique experiences.