Yes, this is the most touristy thing to do, but if you're up for a walk, it's also iconic. If you're staying at the Kimpton, hop on the Red Line of the metro at Dupont Circle station in the direction of Glenmont. Get off 3 stops later at Gallery Place/Chinatown and walk south. If you're adventurous and want a shorter walk, you can also transfer at Metro Center and get off at Smithsonian on the Orange/Blue/Silver line. The mall offers great views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument. Walk toward the Washington Monument and you can get to the rest of the monuments including the World War II monument, the reflecting pool, and the Lincoln Memorial. Also, check out Constitution Gardens, a hidden gem just off of Constitution Ave, walking around this small pond offers a unique view of the Washington Monument and a little nature in the city. Going west from here brings you to the Vietnam War Memorial, while going south brings you to the World War II Memorial.
This hidden gem just off of the National Mall offers peace and quiet from the masses of people that can sometimes overwhelm the other, more popular monuments. It also serves as a great start for a walk around the Tidal basin. From the DC War Memorial, walk across Independence Avenue to the MLK Memorial, on the DC's newest. go right out of the memorial and stroll through the often-overlooked, but elaborate FDR memorial as you make your way around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial. You can complete the walk around the tidal basin, which will bring you close to the Washington Monument.
This is the neighborhood of the Wedding! But. its also a newly gentrifying area that's home to some old Warehouses (you'll see "Hecht" everywhere) and industrial buildings. Ivy City Smokehouse is a good bet for good smoked fish, or you can cab/uber/lyft/via to the National Arboretum (3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002) for lots of strolls around flora, fauna, and old pillars form the Capitol building.
Named one of the 5 Best Food Halls in America by Bon Appetit in 2013, this old industrial site is now home to over 40 food, drink, and grocery vendors. Great for brunch, lunch, dinner, a snack, or a drink, you can choose from deli, ramen, bao, butchery, smoked fish, Ethiopian, crepes, frozen yogurt, seafood, or many other food styles. Grab your food and bring it back to a table to enjoy. Bonus, it's right near the wedding venue!
If you're up early on Sunday before the wedding, stroll through the Dupont Farmer's Market, one of the biggest in the District. Every Sunday, streets around the circle are closed while vendors sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and breads, as well as prepared foods, coffee, and now beer and spirits!
Located right near the Kimpton hotel, this is one of Adam's favorite bars. A civil war-themed aesthetic (named after General McClellan), this intimate bar has great cocktails, although they are a little on the pricey side
The U Street neighborhood (U Street from 9th to 14th, and 14th Street from Florida Ave to P St) was the center of the African American/Black community in DC, before it was gentrified (noticing a trend...). There are still some relics of the past such as Ben's Chili Bowl, the African American War Memorial, and Twins Jazz Club. There are lots of shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars. Fun Fact: Adam and Ally had their first date at Fainting Goat, 1330 U St NW!
An iconic DC joint, be ready to stand in line for a great chili-cheese half-smoke (a DC-style hot dog that is half beef, half pork, with a little spice). They also have veggie chili (approved by mama Tager), fries, burgers, and cake. Founder Ben Ali has served half smokes to community leaders such as President Obama. Be aware, Ben's is CASH ONLY, but they have an ATM on-site. Take the Metro to the "U Street" metro stop by transferring to the Green/Yellow line at Gallery Place/Chinatown, or hop a quick cab/lyft/uber/via/[insert preferred ride sharing app here].
The Georgetown neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city. In addition to housing the university (which you can walk around), Georgetown has lots of upscale shops and restaurants, as well as a beautiful waterfront with views of the Kennedy Center, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Rosslyn, Virginia
Catch a show [they offer free performances daily at the Millenium Stage (https://www.kennedy-center.org/Pages/VirtualTour/MsNorth)] or just head to roof and take in the view, the Kennedy Center is a great stop on your tour of DC.
If you need some nature, hop in a cab/uber/lyft/via and head to Roosevelt Island. With a great statue and some quotes from our 26th president, there are a few trails around the island. Fun Fact- Adam and Ally took a picnic lunch and walked around the island early on in dating!