Local's Guide to Hotels & Activities in Washington, DC

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Curated By

Oluwaseyi Aladeselu

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  • USA

  • Washington DC

  • City Travel

  • Domestic Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Downtown

  • Local's Guide

  • Sightseeing

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Curator’s statement

Welcome to the nation's capital! Even though well known as being the political epicenter, Washington DC has so much to offer from its history-filled cherry blossoms to its many (free) museums and exclusive exhibits. Come explore the city, taste amazing food or visit DC, MD, and VA all in one day by ferry or simply roam icon neighborhoods like Georgetown. Just remember to keep in mind, that from a staycation to a girls' weekend trip or a solo escape, Washington DC is always a great idea.

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Where to stay

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The LINE DC

DC residence-style accommodation designed to conjure the comforts of home, with wood floors, micro libraries and original art from local female artists.

Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

Five-star luxury hotel on the capital's waterfront featuring a splendid pool located just a short walk from all the major monuments.

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  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Breakfast daily.

  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Jefferson, Washington, DC

DC hotel that is at once classic and contemporary with lavish interiors and spa-inspired bathrooms for ultimate relaxation in the capital.

Fora Perks
  • $100 food / beverage credit.

  • Guaranteed 1pm check out.

  • Upgrade whenever possible.

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Day 1: Arrive to DC and explore the city

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After an early afternoon arrival, relax, settle and grab lunch before exploring.

After getting familiar with your hotel, head to the Yards Park for a picnic or happy hour at Circa or Mission. After, head towards to riverfront for live music show. End your night at Chloe, Anchovy Social or Ice Cream Jubliee depending on the mood.

OR

Head to U street for happy hour (Service Bar, Sudhouse, Exiles) and underground food and art tours. Enjoy U street nightlife before ending your night at Chicken & Whiskey, 600t or Jeni's Splendid Ice cream.

My DC Favorites

Stay Caffeinated: Baked & Wired, Sankofa (cafe & bookstore) and Kaldis Social.

Speakeasies: The setting, Denson, okpb and The Mirror.

Rooftops: CUT Above at Rosewood, Wild Days and Anchovy.

Brunches: Residents Cafe and801 Restaurant.

Tapas: El Mercat, Barkada and Ambar (& bottomless brunch).

Day 2: Visit museums and stroll through Georgetown

tree lined cobblestone street with parked cars

Start your morning with a class at Reach at the Kennedy Center or kayaking along the Potomac.

DC is full of monuments all around and FREE museums like: National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum.

Spend the afternoon walking the national mall, around the tidal or through the botanic gardens.

After, head over to one of DC's most notable/oldest neighborhoods: Georgetown, which is filled with more boutique shops, eateries and the Georgetown Waterfront. Depending on when you visit, many art installations can be found. Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks are great places to visit as well. Reverie for dinner, L'Annexe for classic cocktails and the setting for speakeasy vibes.

Day 3: Visit Stone Winery and the Wharf

Water with capitol building with sunny skies during daytime

Enjoy a late morning before heading to brunch.

After brunch, end your staycation by heading to Stone Winery to enjoy the views or stroll the wharf after a sunset boat ride (stop by shop made in DC) and close out your night with dinner and desserts at one of the amazing restaurants.

Need to Know

Looking to explore outside of Washington, D.C.? Check out my guide to Charlottesville: Weekend Winery Tour in Charlottesville, VA.

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Travel Advisor

Oluwaseyi Aladeselu

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