You’ve arrived in Washington, DC — a compact city on the Potomac River where neoclassical buildings line broad avenues amidst majestic monuments — so ready for that getaway weekend. But where do you start?
On the northwest side of town, you can take a stroll through lively Dupont Circle and the National Mall where grand memorials loom large around a handsome display of cherry trees. And you’ll also be in good company with some of the country’s best museums – including the renowned Phillips Collection, a vast display of modern and contemporary art that has been over 100 years in the making.
Ready for that weekend getaway to DC? Us too. (Photo Credit: Elizabeth Villalta)
From official government sites to hip eateries, casual bars, and shopping, below are the best of best in the nation’s capital for that getaway weekend you’ve been dreaming of.
Dupont Circle and Embassy Row
In the 1960s, Dupont Circle was a counter cultural spot for feminists, anti-War demonstrators, and Black Power activists. These days, you’ll find stately diplomat mansions and embassies along the 2-mile stretch of Embassy Row on Massachusetts Avenue – and it just so happens to be perfect for strolling.
Meanwhile, the old, abandoned trolley station, Dupont Underground (just under Dupont Circle) is an unconventional spot for photography, concerts, and other artsy exhibits. If you can, nab tickets for the Picnic Theatre Company’s current rendition – they are not to be missed. And every second Friday, the Underground Drag Show with Washington Blade features some of DC’s best Drag Queens like Shi-Queetta Lee and Bombalicious Eklaver.
Take a stroll around Dupont Circle and soak in the history. (Photo Credit: Sara Cottle)
If you’re feeling ambitious and the weather is good, walk all the way to Capitol Hill. (Photo Credit: Viviana Rishe)
Art is all around in DC — especially in the Capitol. (Photo Credit: Todd Trapani)
Helping put Dupont Circle on the map circa 1921, the Phillips Collection houses a tremendous treasure trove of European and American Impressionist and modernist artists including the likes of Rothko, O’Keeffe, Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso.
In the mornings, the Dupont Circle Fountain is a great spot to relax, drink coffee, and people watch. Later in the day, just east of Dupont, you can enjoy a picnic and some greenery at Rock Creek Park – they also offer horseback riding for the equestrian lovers out there.
Antiques, Books, and Designer Threads
On U Street, Good Wood doubles as an all-terrain design mercantile and general store stocked with antiques, mid-century furniture, and women’s fashion. Nearby, you’ll find stationary, handsome leather journals, and fancy writing pens at Jenni Bick Custom Journals.
Custom-made or designer consignment? The choice is yours. (Photo Credit: Kaylin Pacheco)
In the mood for a vintage treasure? Secondi is a designer consignment shop restocking high-end fashion (Chanel, Gucci) and blingy accessories on the daily. For the gents, check out the appointment-only Alton Lane – a custom suit company making bespoke suits – and if you’re so inclined, sip a whiskey as you pick out your new look.
For analog reading pleasures, Kramers (est. 1976) stocks classic titles and new authors, while the on-site cafe serves espresso drinks and a 26-seat bar pouring beer and wine and serving snacks including a tasty carrot chickpea tartine.
Time to Eat
For a stellar trifecta of views – The Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and the White House – head to the leafy, garden-like rooftop bar of Lady Bird. Gather around the fire pits and sip from wines and cocktails like the Lychee Martini or opt for refreshing booze-free lemonade with a touch of lavender. Small plates include an onion dip with potato chips and a jumbo lump crab salad.
After a day of exploring, swing by Lady Bird for a cocktail — or two, we won’t tell. (Photo Credit: @doingitforthefood)
For that idyllic evening, grab a drink at Lady Bird, and then head to dinner at Le Sel — you will be in for a treat. (Photo Credit: @genhayes)
Meanwhile, Le Sel (translation: salt) is an airy French bistro that serves a fromage selection alongside mains like a steak au poivre and a Parisian cornmeal gnocchi. Flanked by a large tree trunk with small hanging copper lanterns, Firefly is an ideal spot for cocktails that uses house-made syrups and offers small nibbles – because crisp n’ salty french fries never hurt anyone.
There’s also Chang Chang, from James Beard Finalist chef Peter Chang, which highlights modern Sichuan cooking – i.e., cumin lamb chops with chili-cucumber yogurt and fried rice with lump crab. Middle Eastern delights reside at the Michelin-starred Ala DC, whose menu features Levantine mezze and kebab dishes (and at brunch, bottomless mimosas).
You can rest easy to Kimpton Banneker Hotel. (Photo Credit: @onthefeastcoast)
And don’t miss the Fresh Farm Market every Saturday whose circle of vendors showcase organic produce, baked goods, artisanal soaps, and locally made spirits.
Where to stay: Kimpton Banneker Hotel
Named for Benjamin Banneker, the famed African American surveyor and astronomer who originally surveyed the city where the Kimpton Banneker Hotel currently sits, you’ll find a spread of 144-oversized rooms dressed in white and blue, all featuring abstract art. Known for its pet-friendly policy, you can bring along your furry besties and get social by dropping in at the hosted wine hour each evening. At night, get cozy in soft Frette bed linens.
And don’t forget to bring the fur babies. (Photo Credit: @earlgreyandkiwi)
Wake up and repeat.
