Top 10 Things To Do In Washington DC

Hello friends!  I am currently cooped up in the house (have been for months) and I secretly love it.  This winter is one that I have been waiting for for years. The winter where it snows lightly every couple of days and I get to stay inside and sip hot drinks while watching it snow.  Well, my wish was granted this year and I couldn’t be more excited! I also get to snuggle with the most adorable baby on these cold winter days.

 

These long winter days make me dream of travel.  And I’m not talking just about warm weather travel. I’m talking about winter travel too.  Some of our best vacations are winter vacations. We enjoy Iceland, Quebec City, and even Washington DC in the winter.  Seeing a city in its winter glory is actually a lot of fun. Of course you need to pack a lot more clothes though. Speaking of packing for winter trips be sure to check out my cold weather packing guide.  It’s my secret formula for packing for winter trips, including travel outfits, warm daytime outfits and nighttime outfits.

 

Washing DC is one of those cities that is great for a winter trip. We actually got stuck there for an extra night due to an ice storm.  Usually I would be mad about getting stuck somewhere, but we made the most of it.  We had breakfast in bed and enjoyed the White House at night with a sheet of ice surrounding it.  

 

Before the big snowstorm we hit up all the hip restaurants and tourist attractions. It was my first time back to DC since the 8th grade.  I think most kids (in the midwest at least) get a class trip to DC as a right of passage. In 25 years the monuments and museums have not changed much, but enjoying the food and culture as an adult was very much worth the trip.

 

To celebrate our nation’s capital I’m sharing the top 10 things to do in Washington DC.

 

White House Tour 

A visit to the White House in person is very different than what you expect it to be from seeing it on TV.  On the White House tour you will see the historical china from the Kennedy’s, the East Room where most press conferences are held and so much more.  Schedule your tour ahead of time with your Member of Congress at least 21 days in advance, so plan ahead.

 

Lincoln Memorial

Live out your best Olivia Pope moment on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Located on the west end of the National Mall, the oldest memorial on the mall marks the beginning of the famed reflecting pool.  Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you are looking for the most Instagramable photo visit at night as the memorial is illuminated beautifully at night.

 

National Portrait Gallery 

See the faces and learn the stories of the people who shaped our great country.  The National Portrait Gallery is entertaining and informative. While I’m not a huge museum person, this museum is fun.  You can see the hand painted works of some of America’s greatest artists. And the gallery of official Presidential portraits will inspire you. 

 

Capitol Tour 

Visit the home to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.  Schedule a guided tour by making advanced reservations. But don’t forget to arrive early in order to go through security.  Inside you can see the visitors galleries of the House and Senate, exhibition hall, the gift shop and eat at the Capitol cafe.  Plan for your tour of the Capital to last a couple of hours.

 

Washington Monument

One of the most recognizable national monuments, it was built to honor our first president George Washington.  Don’t worry, you don’t have to walk the 898 stairs to get to the top, because there is an elevator to take you all the way up.  You can get a full 360 view of the city from the top. The elevator ride down is just as as exciting as the view. They dim the lights and you can see a piece of history from some of America’s greatest moments adhered to the inside walls of the monument. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance and show up at the time you reserve.

 

Arlington National Cemetery 

A short Metro (subway) ride from downtown DC is Arlington National Cemetery.  The grounds of the cemetery are impeccable, with rolling green hills and perfectly aligned tombstones.Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pay your respects to America’s heroes.  

 

Grab a Drink at The Round Robin Room

Located in the historic Willard Intercontinental, this bar dates back to 1847.  It has hosted some of the most famous dignitaries like Mark Twain and Walt Whitman.  Today you can find the movers and shakers of DC enjoying after work drinks. Belly up to the bar and order yourself a mint julep in the place it was invented!

 

Eat Dinner at Old Ebitt Grill 

A restaurant as historic as the town itself.  This restaurant first opened its doors in 1856 and has been a local treasure ever since.  A popular spots for journalists, political insiders and celebrities. Go for the ambiance and stay for the delicious oysters.

 

Shopping in Georgetown

Georgetown is the cutest area for shopping.  The streets feature name brand stores and local boutiques.  Be sure to fuel up at one of the three cupcake shops on the main street.  Georgetown Cupcake is my favorite and will most likely have the longest line.  

 

Power Breakfast DC Style

DC has a great food scene that gives bigger cities a run for their money.  Fuel up in the morning with the power players at these local hot spots.

• Bread Furst – Fresh baked goods like croissants, baguettes and english muffins.  Grab a pastry and cup of coffee before hitting the town.
• Bullfrogs Bagels – Fresh baked bagels and bagel sandwiches.  This place has become a favorite of locals.
• Lincoln’s Waffle Shop – Early bird gets the worm at this diner. They open nice and early at 5:30am.  Fuel up with locals and the occasional tourist with a traditional breakfast menu.

 

Have you guys been to Washington DC lately?  What is your favorite attraction?