Beyond the renowned monoliths and historical landmarks, DC uses a myriad of unique and distinct things to do that will make your time here really unforgettable. From checking out the lively Washington, DC communities and enjoying varied cooking thrills to immersing yourself in the growing arts and culture scene, Washington, DC, is a bonanza of non-traditional experiences.
In this Redfin post, we’ll discover a few of the very best things to do in DC, so you can totally immerse yourself in whatever it needs to provide. Whether you remain in the marketplace for a home in Washington, DC, or aiming to lease a house in the city, prepare yourself to welcome the amazing and dive into the lesser-known marvels of the country’s capital that make DC a terrific location to live
1. Schedule a distinctive experience with a Parisian formulator at Elodie’s Naturals
At Elodie’s Naturals, you can check out the charming world of producing natural skin care items, from hyaluronic serums to lemon scrubs, aromatherapy to splendid natural scents sourced from France. You’ll have the chance to personalize what goes on your skin under the assistance of a specialist, and take house your really own face or body items.
2. Republic Cantina
“ Republic Cantina in Truxton Circle serves top quality Tex Mex food and beverages in an enjoyable, easygoing environment,” shares regional professional photographer Katie Lewis Photography “It’s a terrific area for al fresco dining amongst cacti and succulents on a peaceful street throughout patio area season, and the interior bar and cubicles have actually retro style that takes you to another time and location. It’s enjoyable for delighted hour, late night beverages, or any meal! For breakfast attempt the chilaquiles or a breakfast burrito with an iced horchata latte. Weekday lunch specials consist of taco plates and incredible salads. Later on in the day, I like to share a plate of nachos with buddies and purchase a spicy margarita, or get wild with a pico back shot.”

3. Storekeepers
Another distinct thing to do in DC is to take a look at Storekeepers, a community retail store, coffee shop, and occasion area in Northeast DC. Consumers like the bubble tea, particularly the Brown Cow which is made with earl grey, black tea, oat milk, and brown sugar drizzle. The kitchen is equipped with Asian staples that can be hard to discover in significant supermarket. You can likewise rent the area for personal occasions like birthdays, graduations, bridal/baby showers, and more.
4. Rock Creek Park
” After transferring to Washington DC in 1993 from the a lot more rural state of New Hampshire, among my biggest happiness residing in DC is the simple access to nature in the heart of the city,” discusses Lisa Maco, Owner of Lisa Maco Photography “Called ‘A Sanctuary in the City,’ Rock Creek Park is a real gem. The park has numerous entry points for a fast lunch break reprieve or a long bike trip on the weekends. It ranges from the National Zoo in the south to the Maryland border in the north, consistently altering names along the method approximately Gaithersburg as it gets in touch with numerous other parks.”
5. Mount Vernon Path
Another among Maco’s preferred areas is the Mount Vernon Path, an 18-mile multi-use path that ranges from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate approximately Roosevelt Island along the Potomac River. “Then, when you’re tired from all your park expedition, I suggest Sequoia DC at the Georgetown waterside for magnificent views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, and the Roosevelt Bridge, consisting of the sports and pastime on the water,” states Maco.
6. Enid A. Haupt Garden
” There are a lot of gorgeous and distinct locations to check out in DC, however a favorite of mine is the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle throughout peak dish magnolia flower,” states Laura Nockett, a Baby, Maternity and Child Professional Photographer at Valuable Little Sprinkles Photography “In early March the garden changes into a sea of pink as the gorgeous dish magnolias break into maturity. It’s the very first indication of spring in the DC location and leads into the renowned cherry blossom flower around the tidal basin, a can’t- miss out on container list product“

7. Mia Gemma
A distinct gem of a location if you remain in the marketplace for brand-new precious jewelry is Mia Gemma, a great craftsmen precious jewelry gallery that offers custom-made style and concierge services. Handmade in rare-earth elements and great gems, their precious jewelry and custom-made style services permit you to check out and display their uniqueness through imaginative style and advanced design. The gallery likewise hosts 2 live occasions each year that you can’t miss out on.
8. Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral
” My preferred thing to do in DC is checking out the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral,” specifies Mary Catherine Wickham of Mary Catherine Photography “One action through its arched stone entranceway and you’ll seem like you have actually entered a secret English garden. There is something in flower almost all year and it’s never ever crowded. If you require a tranquil escape from the pressure of the city, come unwind amongst the chirping birds and rich plant of the Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral.”
9. The Old Post Workplace Tower
A distinct thing to do in DC, and one where you do not require tickets, is going to the Old Post Workplace tower “Although the tower sits atop the Waldorf Astoria, it’s run by the Park Service,” shares Susannah Stevens, professional photographer at Life Time Lens “The journey through the basement and up the elevator seems like a journey to a secret lookout. En route, you can look down into the atrium of the hotel. The seeing deck is open to the air, and although the concrete and plexiglass are a little gritty, I believe that contributes to the beauty.”
10. Chesapeake & & Ohio Canal
” As business professional photographers, and permanently travelers, we remain in the Capital frequently, and have actually had the ability to delight in a lot of terrific elements of the city and its environments,” shares Sam and Kat of Edwin Photography in Tysons, Virginia, simply beyond Washington, DC. “The city is an excellent location for hikers, bicycle riders and tourists like us, and among our outright preferred things to do is to check out the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal It uses a look into the history of the United States, and integrates it with an extraordinary outside experience of its maintained nature. Easy for any ages, the canal course leads easily to numerous distinct locations, and brings unlimited pleasure to households and anybody that enjoys an experience.”

11. Please your craving for sweets at Chocotenango
Chocotenango is the location to enter DC for quality artisanal bean to bar chocolate. Made from the greatest quality natural cocoa beans, Chocotenango turns nature’s reward into tasty productions. Whether you are searching for chocolate bars, hot chocolate mix or bonbons, Chocotenango has you covered.
12. The Smithsonian Gardens
“ The Smithsonian Gardens are among our preferred locations in DC,” shares Anji and Pete Martin of Potoks World Photography “Consisting Of the Enid A. Haupt and Mary Livingston Ripley Gardens, they are all at once revitalizing green areas in the heart of the Country’s Capital and are simple to miss out on amongst the monoliths and memorials. The Enid A. Haupt Garden– basically the Smithsonian Castle’s yard– is a vast yard with distinct bushes crisscrossing it. Hidden in one corner of the area is the Moongate Garden, an artsier area that is terrific for imaginative wedding event or engagement images. To the side of the castle is the Mary Livingston Ripley Garden, a little and remote location, best for getting reprieve from DC’s crowds.”

13. The Salt Line
” My preferred thing to do in DC is go on exceptionally long strolls throughout the city,” discusses DC-based professional photographer, Lisa Blume “I frequently stroll from Dupont Circle to Navy Backyard, which is at least 5 miles. And just recently, a friend and I did that walk and after that ended the walk at The Salt Line for frozen mixed drinks on their outside patio area. And, throughout Cherry Bloom season, I discover myself photographing on the tidal basin a fair bit however I constantly ensure that I make time to check out at sundown and lay on a picnic blanket beneath the gorgeous pink flowers, It’s really wonderful.”
14. Escape to a distinct dual-venue experience at THRōW Social & & Kick Axe Tossing D.C.
This is a dual-venue, where tropical paradise upstairs satisfies relaxing cabin vibes downstairs, under one roof bar and patio area. Upstairs, you can unwind in cabanas, play enjoyable video games like cornhole, shuffleboard, and ping-pong, and dance to your heart’s material to live music. Or, head downstairs to Kick Axe Throwing D.C. and discover a relaxing lodge-like setting where you can attempt your hand at thrilling axe tossing. Take on buddies, challenge your abilities, and experience the rush of striking the bullseye.

15. Union Market
“ Union Market is a hip premium food hall situated in the NoMa (North of Massachusetts Opportunity) area, a previous commercial district in Northeast DC,” discusses travel reporter and professional photographer, Tykesha Burton “The feasting hall functions fare from 40-plus food stalls, consisting of long-running Union Market staples and numerous pop-up stores. Completely, they produce a wonderful range of worldwide foods. Beside Union Market is La Cosecha, a Latin American market. This market includes suppliers that represent fare, white wines, clothes, fabrics, and house design from nations throughout Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.”
16. The Wharf DC
Burton likewise recommends going to The Wharf DC, situated simply 4 blocks from the National Shopping mall. “This rejuvenated strip along the waterside in DC’s Southwest quadrant is a terrific location to delight in the city’s waterways while getting a bite to consume, shopping, or capturing a performance. This mile-long stretch along the Potomac River now takes pride in more than 20 dining establishments and bars, stores, a park, a 6,000-seat auditorium, and a couple of more intimate live music places.”
Keep in mind to endeavor beyond the well-trodden course and check out the distinct things to do in DC that make living in Washington, DC, so terrific.