The one thing we know for sure about DC is that it is impossible to be bored here! We really do have something for everyone! If you are visiting the District this summer, make the most of it and follow these 17 ways to have the best DC day ever.
- Start with breakfast or brunch.
Flickr/Rodger S. It’s the most important meal of the day! You will have plenty of options. We recommend some of DC’s favorite greasy spoons, like Jimmy T’s on Capitol Hill
- Hike in Rock Creek Park.
Flickr/Jason Pier in DC Rock Creek Park is one of the coolest places in DC, mostly because it doesn’t even feel like the city! Go in the morning before the humidity of the day takes over!
- Bike around the Mall.
Flickr/Mr.TinDC Biking around the Mall is definitely one of the most DC things you can do. You can grab a bike from the bike share racks and cruise around while you people watch.
- Take a trip to a museums.
Flickr/S Chia Whether you love art, culture, history, geography or space, you can find the museum for you in the district! It’s just an added bonus that most of them are free!
- Visit the Capitol.
Flickr/wbeem See where the laws of the land are created, debated and passed at the Capitol Building. Enjoy a free tour or just wonder around on your own.
- Take photos in front of the White House.
Flickr/drpavloff You may not be able to get into the White House but you should definitely stop by and take some photographs in front of it!
- Experience the fun of Eastern Market.
Flickr/Zach Stern This thriving marketplace has been a part of DC culture since the 1800s! Shop the stalls, find fresh produce, unique products and fantastic food here.
- Get lunch on wheels!
Flickr/Mr.TinDC DC is a food truck heaven! You’ll see many trucks all over the district and you can get everything from tacos to burgers to Vietnamese food at a truck!
- Take a ride on the Metro.
Flickr/RJ Schmidt The Metro is the easiest way to get around the city. This extensive train system can even take you out to the suburbs. While it’s not always on time, the stations and trains are always clean!
- Get some shopping in!
Flickr/S Pakhrin Whether you choose to shop in Georgetown, on H Street or Dupont Circle, you will find plenty of options. We have everything from high end boutiques to little known vintage shops!
- Explore the world on Embassy Row.
Flickr/Kansas Sebastian The embassies and mansions on Embassy Row in Dupont Circle are absolutely enchanting! Stroll by each of the beautiful mansions with their own unique decor.
- See the animals at the zoo.
Flickr/MFer Photography Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! They are all at the National Zoo in DC! Explore this free zoo and see animals from all over the world!
- Lounge around at Yards Park.
Flickr/Daniel Lobo Located just on the Southwest Waterfront, Yards Park is one of DC’s newest parks. Lounge around, stroll by the water or play in the splash area!
- Cheer for the Nats (and stop by the Bullpen).
Flickr/Metal Chris Cheer on one of the DC’s favorite sports teams at Nationals Park! Be sure to make a stop at The Bullpen for live music, games and drinks right outside the park.
- Enjoy a satisfying dinner.
Flickr/Vincent Gallegos DC is full of fantastic dining options. You can make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant, chance waiting in line at one of the trendy spots or find a delicious hole in the wall for your dinner!
- Get an after dinner drink on a rooftop.
Yelp/Henriette K. After you’ve enjoyed your long day, stake out a rooftop bar or restaurant for an end of the day drink or dessert with a side of beautiful views!
- Be inspired at the memorials at night.
Flickr/Mr.TinDC Everyone says and you need to believe it. Visiting the memorials and monuments in the evening is one of the most spectacular sights in the District.
Looking for some more ideas for your DC day? Try out these 11 underrated things to do in DC!
Flickr/Rodger S.
It’s the most important meal of the day! You will have plenty of options. We recommend some of DC’s favorite greasy spoons, like Jimmy T’s on Capitol Hill
Flickr/Jason Pier in DC
Rock Creek Park is one of the coolest places in DC, mostly because it doesn’t even feel like the city! Go in the morning before the humidity of the day takes over!
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Biking around the Mall is definitely one of the most DC things you can do. You can grab a bike from the bike share racks and cruise around while you people watch.
Flickr/S Chia
Whether you love art, culture, history, geography or space, you can find the museum for you in the district! It’s just an added bonus that most of them are free!
Flickr/wbeem
See where the laws of the land are created, debated and passed at the Capitol Building. Enjoy a free tour or just wonder around on your own.
Flickr/drpavloff
You may not be able to get into the White House but you should definitely stop by and take some photographs in front of it!
Flickr/Zach Stern
This thriving marketplace has been a part of DC culture since the 1800s! Shop the stalls, find fresh produce, unique products and fantastic food here.
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
DC is a food truck heaven! You’ll see many trucks all over the district and you can get everything from tacos to burgers to Vietnamese food at a truck!
Flickr/RJ Schmidt
The Metro is the easiest way to get around the city. This extensive train system can even take you out to the suburbs. While it’s not always on time, the stations and trains are always clean!
Flickr/S Pakhrin
Whether you choose to shop in Georgetown, on H Street or Dupont Circle, you will find plenty of options. We have everything from high end boutiques to little known vintage shops!
Flickr/Kansas Sebastian
The embassies and mansions on Embassy Row in Dupont Circle are absolutely enchanting! Stroll by each of the beautiful mansions with their own unique decor.
Flickr/MFer Photography
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! They are all at the National Zoo in DC! Explore this free zoo and see animals from all over the world!
Flickr/Daniel Lobo
Located just on the Southwest Waterfront, Yards Park is one of DC’s newest parks. Lounge around, stroll by the water or play in the splash area!
Flickr/Metal Chris
Cheer on one of the DC’s favorite sports teams at Nationals Park! Be sure to make a stop at The Bullpen for live music, games and drinks right outside the park.
Flickr/Vincent Gallegos
DC is full of fantastic dining options. You can make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant, chance waiting in line at one of the trendy spots or find a delicious hole in the wall for your dinner!
Yelp/Henriette K.
After you’ve enjoyed your long day, stake out a rooftop bar or restaurant for an end of the day drink or dessert with a side of beautiful views!
Everyone says and you need to believe it. Visiting the memorials and monuments in the evening is one of the most spectacular sights in the District.
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