Washington, D.C. › Things To Do
Things to Do in
Washington, D.C.
From monumental history to indie art scenes, live music to Sunday farmers markets — D.C. rewards the curious. Here’s how locals explore the city.
Browse by Category
🏛️
Monuments & Memorials
The Mall’s iconic landmarks, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Vietnam Veterans Wall — all free, all extraordinary.
Guide coming soon
In Progress
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Museums & Galleries
Nineteen Smithsonian museums, world-class private galleries, and the National Gallery of Art — most entirely free.
Guide coming soon
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Parks & Green Spaces
Rock Creek Park, the National Arboretum, Dumbarton Oaks — D.C. is surprisingly green for a capital city.
Guide coming soon
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Restaurants & Dining
Ethiopian on U Street, seafood in Georgetown, modern American on 14th — D.C.’s dining scene punches above its weight.
Guide coming soon
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☕
Coffee & Cafés
A thriving independent coffee culture. Think Compass Rose, Wydown, and Little Red Fox — neighborhood gems worth finding.
Guide coming soon
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Live Music & Nightlife
9:30 Club, The Anthem, blues on U Street — D.C. has a music legacy that goes far beyond the federal buildings.
Guide coming soon
In Progress
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Biking & Active Outdoors
Capital Bikeshare, the C&O Canal towpath, and the Mount Vernon Trail make D.C. a surprisingly bikeable city.
Guide coming soon
In Progress
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Theater & Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, Studio Theatre, and an off-Broadway scene that rivals any American city.
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Family Activities
The National Zoo, Nationals games, paddle boats on the Tidal Basin — D.C. has more free family fun than almost anywhere.
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Seasonal Events
Cherry blossoms in March, free concerts on the Mall in summer, the Holiday Market in Penn Quarter — D.C. lives by the calendar.
Guide coming soon
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Markets & Shopping
Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, Union Market in NoMa, and boutique shopping along Georgetown’s M Street.
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Neighborhood Walks
Georgetown’s cobblestones, Dupont’s Embassy Row, Capitol Hill’s Victorian row houses — D.C. is best explored on foot.
Guide coming soon
In Progress
Our Curated Picks
The 10 Things You Must Do in D.C.
01
Walk the National Mall at Dawn
Before the tour buses arrive, the Mall is breathtakingly quiet. Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol — 2 miles, entirely free, utterly unforgettable.
Free • All Ages
02
National Museum of African American History & Culture
The most emotionally powerful museum in the country. Book timed-entry tickets in advance — they go fast.
Free • Timed Entry
03
Brunch in Logan Circle or Shaw
Two of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods, side by side. Le Diplomate, Compass Rose, and more set the tone for a perfect day.
Food • Weekend
04
Georgetown Waterfront & C&O Canal
Stroll the historic canal towpath, browse independent bookshops on M Street, and watch crew teams row past on the Potomac.
Outdoor • Historic
05
Live Music on U Street
The Howard Theatre, DC9, Songbyrd — U Street’s music corridor is America’s jazz and go-go heritage wrapped in a walkable strip.
Nightlife • Culture
06
Eastern Market on a Saturday
Capitol Hill’s beloved public market has been running since 1873. Fresh produce, artisan crafts, and the best lobster bisque in the District.
Market • Local Favorite
07
National Zoo (Free!)
Giant pandas, African elephants, and 2,700 animals across 163 acres — and it costs nothing to enter. Go on a weekday morning.
Free • Family
08
Kennedy Center Free Performances
The Millennium Stage hosts a free performance every single evening at 6pm. World-class music, dance, and theater — no ticket needed.
Free • Arts
09
Kayaking the Tidal Basin
Paddle among cherry blossom trees with the Jefferson Memorial reflected in the water. Best in spring but magical any time of year.
Outdoor • Seasonal
10
Happy Hour in Dupont Circle
Embassies, bookstores, and a thriving restaurant row. Catch the golden hour from a sidewalk table on Connecticut Ave — D.C. at its most livable.
Food • Neighborhood
A local note from our team
We’ve been hosting guests in D.C. since 2009, and the question we hear most is: “What do you actually do on weekends?” The honest answer is — almost everything on this list, depending on the season. Our neighborhoods (Shaw, Logan Circle, Capitol Hill, Dupont) put you within walking distance of most of it. As we build out each category guide below, we’ll share the specific spots, timings, and insider angles that make the difference between a tourist day and a local one. Don’t hesitate to ask us directly when you book.
Stay in the heart of it all
Our homes are in D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods — steps from the best restaurants, parks, and culture the city has to offer.
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