Dcist things to do – Welcome to DCist, your go-to guide for exploring the vibrant and captivating city of Washington, D.C. Dive into our curated recommendations for uncovering local events, culinary delights, arts and culture, outdoor adventures, and nightlife entertainment.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our comprehensive guide will empower you to experience the best that DC has to offer.
Uncover Local Events and Attractions: Dcist Things To Do
Discover a vibrant cultural tapestry in the heart of the nation’s capital. From bustling festivals to iconic landmarks, Washington, D.C. offers an array of experiences that cater to diverse interests.
Upcoming Events and Festivals
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city by exploring its upcoming events and festivals. Check out the official DC tourism website or consult local newspapers for a comprehensive calendar of happenings.
Popular Tourist Destinations, Dcist things to do
Embark on a historical pilgrimage at the National Mall, where monuments dedicated to presidents and war heroes stand tall. Visit the Smithsonian Institution, a complex of museums that house a vast collection of art, history, and science exhibits.
Landmarks and Museums
Step back in time at Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln met his tragic end. Explore the hallowed halls of the Capitol Building, the seat of the U.S. Congress. Admire the grandeur of the White House, the iconic residence of the American president.
Explore Culinary Delights
Washington, D.C. is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of dining options that cater to every taste bud. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems, the city’s food scene is vibrant and constantly evolving.
One of the best ways to experience D.C.’s culinary offerings is to visit one of the city’s many food markets. Eastern Market, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, is a bustling hub of activity where you can find everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods.
International Cuisines
In addition to its local specialties, D.C. is also home to a wide range of international cuisines. Chinatown, located in the heart of downtown, is a vibrant neighborhood with dozens of authentic Chinese restaurants. Adams Morgan, another popular neighborhood, offers a diverse mix of Ethiopian, Salvadoran, and Thai restaurants.
Coffee Shops
No culinary exploration of D.C. would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s many coffee shops. From cozy neighborhood spots to sleek and modern cafes, there’s a coffee shop to suit every taste. Some of the most popular coffee shops in D.C.
include:
- Peregrine Coffee
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters
- Emissary
Immerse in Arts and Culture
Delve into the vibrant arts and culture scene that D.C. offers, from renowned art galleries to captivating theaters and eclectic music venues. Explore a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, and cultural events that showcase the city’s artistic spirit.
Art Galleries
Immerse yourself in the world of visual arts at D.C.’s renowned art galleries. Discover contemporary masterpieces at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, delve into American art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and admire modern and contemporary works at the Phillips Collection.
Theaters
Experience the magic of live theater in D.C.’s vibrant theater district. Attend a Tony Award-winning Broadway show at the Kennedy Center, catch a thought-provoking play at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, or enjoy an intimate performance at the Studio Theatre.
Music Venues
Unleash your musical passions at D.C.’s eclectic music venues. Groove to live jazz at the legendary Blues Alley, dance the night away at 9:30 Club, or experience classical masterpieces at the National Symphony Orchestra.
Discover Outdoor Adventures
Washington, DC is a vibrant city with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. From hiking and biking trails to kayaking and picnicking spots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the best ways to experience the outdoors in DC is to visit one of the many parks in the area. Rock Creek Park is a sprawling park that offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas and a nature center.
The National Mall is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, with its wide open spaces and iconic monuments.
Hiking and Biking Trails
There are many hiking and biking trails in the DC area, ranging from easy to challenging. Some of the most popular trails include:
- The Capital Crescent Trail: This 11-mile paved trail follows the Potomac River from Georgetown to Bethesda.
- The Mount Vernon Trail: This 18-mile paved trail follows the Potomac River from Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island.
- The Rock Creek Trail: This 11-mile trail winds through Rock Creek Park, offering a variety of scenery and terrain.
Kayaking and Canoeing
The Potomac River is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing. There are several boat launches in the DC area, including:
- Key Bridge Boathouse: This boathouse is located in Georgetown and offers kayak and canoe rentals.
- Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse: This boathouse is located in Rosslyn and offers kayak and canoe rentals.
- Thompson Boat Center: This boat center is located in Washington Harbour and offers kayak and canoe rentals.
Picnicking
There are many great places to have a picnic in the DC area. Some of the most popular spots include:
- The National Mall: The National Mall is a great place to have a picnic with views of the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building.
- Rock Creek Park: Rock Creek Park offers many picnic areas, including picnic tables and grills.
- The Tidal Basin: The Tidal Basin is a great place to have a picnic with views of the cherry blossoms in the spring.
Experience Nightlife and Entertainment
Washington, D.C. is a vibrant city with a thriving nightlife and entertainment scene. From bustling bars and lively clubs to intimate music venues and comedy shows, there’s something for everyone in the nation’s capital.
Popular Bars and Clubs
D.C. is home to a diverse array of bars and clubs, each offering its own unique atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a lively dance club, a cozy speakeasy, or a laid-back beer garden, you’ll find it here. Some of the most popular spots include:
- 9:30 Club: A legendary live music venue that has hosted countless iconic artists over the years.
- Echostage: A massive dance club with a state-of-the-art sound system and light show.
- The Black Cat: A beloved indie music venue that has been a fixture in the D.C. music scene for over two decades.
- The 9th Street Saloon: A lively honky-tonk bar with live music every night of the week.
- The Gibson: A sophisticated cocktail bar with a focus on classic cocktails and craft spirits.
Live Music and Comedy
D.C. is a major hub for live music, with venues of all sizes hosting everything from intimate acoustic sets to large-scale concerts. Some of the most popular live music venues include:
- The Kennedy Center: The nation’s performing arts center, which hosts a wide variety of music, dance, and theater productions.
- The National Theatre: A historic theater that has hosted countless Broadway shows and touring productions.
- The Warner Theatre: A beautiful Beaux-Arts theater that hosts a variety of live music, comedy, and dance performances.
- The Lincoln Theatre: A historic theater that has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown.
In addition to live music, D.C. is also home to a thriving comedy scene. Some of the most popular comedy clubs include:
- The Improv: A national comedy club chain with a location in the heart of downtown D.C.
- DC Improv: A popular comedy club that has hosted some of the biggest names in comedy, including Dave Chappelle, Louis C.K., and Amy Schumer.
- The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage: A free outdoor stage that hosts a variety of performances, including comedy shows.
Closing Summary
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, DCist is your trusted companion for discovering the endless possibilities that await you in the nation’s capital. Embrace the vibrant spirit of DC and create unforgettable memories with our insider tips and recommendations.
Quick FAQs
What are some popular tourist destinations in DC?
Must-visit destinations include the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums, and Georgetown.
Where can I find the best restaurants in DC?
Explore our guide to discover top-rated restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from local specialties to international flavors.
What are some upcoming cultural events in DC?
Stay informed about art exhibitions, theater performances, and music concerts by checking our regularly updated event listings.
