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When people think of the United States capital, they typically associate it with historic monuments and the sound of political jargon ringing through an upscale restaurant on Capitol Hill. And while the monuments, museums, and political buildings of Washington DC are certainly sights to behold, the nation’s capital has far more to offer today than what a guidebook from the 1980s might tell you.
In the last several years, there has been a trend of young professionals moving into the Washington DC area. As a result, a vibrant and hip cultural scene has emerged in the nation’s capital, and there is no end to the hole-in-the-wall spots you can find while walking through DC’s historic streets. While it’s undoubtedly still worth it to experience the magnificent monuments and museums that represent the nation’s rich history, there are also quite a few sites off the beaten path that are worth a visit.
Here are the 10 can’t miss spots in Washington DC:
1: Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Among all of the incredible museums in DC, the Smithsonian museums are surely some of the most interesting. However, if you’ve only got a day or two in the nation’s capital, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History should be your top priority.
The rotunda of the Natural History Museum itself, which is the first thing that visitors experience upon entering the building, is worth the entry fee. However, if you can take your eyes off the vaulted architecture, you may notice Henry, the 14-foot-tall 12-ton African elephant that sits in the center of the room. Museum visitors can admire the authentic elephant hide while also learning about elephant ecology and the threat of poaching to elephant populations.
Among the other incredible exhibits in the Natural History Museum is the famous Hope Diamond, which has a thrilling history of being lost and refound time and time again. Visitors can also see the preserved body of a real giant squid, an animal that was believed to be mythical up until the 21st century.
2: National Mall
Just outside the door of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, you’ll find one of the most frequented spots in all of DC, the National Mall. There are few better outdoor things to do in DC than a stroll around the grassy lawns of the National Mall and take in the ambiance.
On any given day, there will be performers, groups of school children, joggers, and a whole lot of dogs winding through the footpaths of the Mall. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic or simply enjoy the wonderful DC weather, all while admiring the monuments and museums that surround the Mall.
Take a walk to the east end of the National Mall and you’ll come upon the massive dome of the U.S. Capitol building. Continue on to the north end and you’ll find the White House, as well as probably a few protestors. Make your way south from the White House and you’ll pass the obelisk that towers over the entirety of DC, the Washington Monument. Continue on south from there and you’ll come to the Tidal Basin, a partially man-made reservoir surrounded by the National Mall’s famous cherry blossom trees.
3: Union Market
After exploring all that the Nation Mall has to offer, it’ll probably be time for some lunch. Union Market is one of the best spots in DC for experiencing all that the city has to offer in the way of the culinary arts. Nestled in the heart of the recently revitalized NoMa neighborhood, Union Market is a gourmet food hall offering some of the best selections from DC and the surrounding areas.
If gourmet street food tickles your fancy, TaKorean offers Mexican dishes with a captivating Korean twist. Their bulgogi beef tacos are guaranteed to impress. Want something a little more extravagant? Check out the Michelin star Italian restaurant Masseria and treat yourself to six courses of perfected Italian classics, all prepared with chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s original flair. If you’re craving something sweet, head over to Toli Moli for some falooda, a healthy and delicious dessert popular throughout Asia. For some entertainment on a full stomach, you can catch a movie at the Union Market Drive-In theatre.
Be aware, however, that Union Market is often packed to the gills on the weekends. So, if you do decide to go, perhaps it’s better to make it on a weekday or prepare to wait in some rather long lines.
4: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Cultural experiences in DC aren’t only limited to the culinary arts. A lively theatrical scene has emerged in the nation’s capital in recent years, and there’s no better place to get a sense of it than at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. A longshot from a lofty Victorian theatre, Woolly Mammoth gives the audience an intimate and participatory experience with their productions. You’ll leave the theatre feeling as if you know each of the actors personally.
The company was started by two New York actors who had the vision to revolutionize the way people engaged in the theatre. The group of actors that make up the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is exceptionally talented, and they seek to challenge the status quo in the world of acting with each performance. Their scripts are innovative and often provocative, and will most likely lead a philosophical discussion between you and your friends or family at dinner after the show.
The theatre is located just north of the National Mall, about two blocks from Judiciary Square. Admission prices are typically very affordable, and they even occasionally have Pay-What-You-Will nights when you can pay whatever admission price you deem fair. And due to the theatre’s small size and tiered seating, there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
5: Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and also the world’s largest library. For any history buffs visiting the DC area, this is an absolutely crucial stop on your trip. The Library of Congress consists of three main buildings all located on Capitol Hill.
The Thomas Jefferson Building was the first to be built and is widely considered an architectural marvel. The building was designed by architect Paul J. Pelz in the Beaux-Arts style, which was especially prevalent around the time the Thomas Jefferson Building was constructed. Inside you can view artifacts from antiquity and learn about ancient mythologies.
The John Adams Building first opened its doors in 1939, making it the second oldest of the three buildings. This building features beautiful bronze doors on the east and west entrances to commemorate the history of the written word and depict gods and goddesses from a myriad of different cultures.
The James Madison Memorial Building was completed in 1976 and serves as the official memorial to President James Madison. The building contains a wealth of reading rooms, each with fascinating historical material that is available to the public.
6: Blues Alley
While Washington DC certainly has a lot to offer in the way of history and sightseeing, it wouldn’t be right to leave the city without getting a taste of its nightlife. Blues Alley first opened its doors in 1965, making it the oldest continually operating jazz club in the United States.
This venue is true to the spirit of the blues. The ambiance is free of frills, housed in a rustic brick building in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC. Jazz and blues fans can make a reservation any night of the week and listen to some of the top musicians in the world. Admission is free; however, they do require that you spend a minimum of $12 per person on food and drinks.
While the food at Blues Alley is nothing to rave about, and the seating can feel a bit tight, that’s not really what draws people to this venue. It’s all about the musical talent, the great acoustics, and the opportunity to see where some of the world’s top musicians got their start.
7: National Museum of the American Indian
Another fantastic museum in the Smithsonian group is the National Museum of the American Indian. Located right near the National Mall, this museum features exhibits about a wide range of American Indian cultural groups from the Western Hemisphere. All of the artifacts within the museum have been collected in coordination with Native people, making the American Indian Museum a fantastic place to get a real sense of these wide-ranging cultures.
One of the best parts of the American Indian Museum is undoubtedly the food court. After seeing all of the captivating and educational exhibits throughout the museum, drop by the food court and sample traditional fares from several different American Indian cultures. Food court employees are typically knowledgeable about the history of each culinary tradition, so feel free to ask questions.
In the museum’s gift shop, you can buy handmade goods from real members of many different American Indian groups. It’s a wonderful place to buy a souvenir or a gift for a loved one.
8: United States Botanic Garden
Washington DC is not typically thought of as a place to connect with nature. However, all throughout the city are a ton of beautiful parks and public spaces to spend time outside. If it’s interesting plants you’re looking for, though, the United States Botanic Garden is a great place to start.
Located right next to the National Museum of the American Indian, the Botanic Garden is a great place to unwind and check out different kinds of plants from all around the world. The Garden features different greenhouses for different plant classes from nearly every climate on Earth. You can walk around and learn about the foliage of faraway lands, or simply enjoy the immaculately fresh air and beautiful colors.
Admission to the United States Botanic Garden is completely free. So, even if you don’t plan on spending an entire afternoon there, it’s definitely worth poking your head in and seeing the massive facades of green leaves.
9: Lincoln Memorial
If you’d rather be outdoors than under the glass domes of the United States Botanic Gardens, take the short walk over to the Lincoln Memorial and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are usually crowds of people sitting around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which lies just in front of the memorial itself.
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the more beautiful sights in Washington DC. It’s a neoclassical monument built in the style of an ancient Greek temple that contains a 19-foot-tall statue of the 16th President of the United States. Inscribed within the walls of the temple are Lincoln’s two most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address, and his second inaugural address.
The Lincoln Memorial was also the site of the famous “I Have A Dream” speech, delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963 to a massive congregation gathered around the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
10: The Anthem
While it would be a shame to go to Washington DC and miss out on all of the historical monuments, it’s also worth making time to have some pure fun. So, book some tickets for a concert at The Anthem and rock the night away. The Anthem is centrally located at The Wharf, a recently constructed section of DC’s waterfront which is home to a large selection of restaurants, bars, and recreation spaces.
The Anthem is a modern concert venue run by the same team behind DC’s famous 9:30 Club. The venue opened with a sold-out performance by the Foo Fighters and has been gathering steady crowds ever since then. Designed by famous architect and set designer David Rockwell, the building is truly awe-inspiring with its crisp modern aesthetics.
Shows at The Anthem tend to sell out, so it’s better to buy a ticket far in advance if you’re planning a trip to DC. Even if you can’t get into a show at The Anthem, though, it’s still worth taking a walk down The Wharf and experiencing the nightlife.
Washington, DC is filled to the brim with sightseeing activities, growing cultural hubs, and diverse nightlife. DC is also considered one of the most livable cities in the United States these days, and those who have made it their home absolutely adore it. Take some time on your journey through DC to interact with the locals and get their take on what the best things to do in the nation’s capital are!
