a familiar outsider’s guide to DC.
Before going on any trip, I scour the internet for recommendations on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and (least or most, depending on the day) importantly for what is the most “grammable” place in whatever city we're visiting (because I’m a self-aware basic white girl. It is what it is.)
So now, I’m going to keep the good karma going + share with you (what I consider to be) a unique perspective to touring Washington, DC. If you follow me on Instagram (@hdhoff), you know that my husband Colin and I recently took a 5 night trip to DC for Colin’s work.
When I read travel guides, they generally fit into two categories: how to be a full blown tourist, or how to sight-see off the beaten path. (Neither of which is bad, by the way. I don’t like this weird culture we live in where it’s generationally shameful to act like a tourist for fear of being too mainstream. I paid to be here, I’mma see what I want to see.)
DC is one of the few cities that I feel like I have a small insight to both sides of the equation. I’ve visited DC numerous times with Colin (for work, weddings, and everything in between), and also largely due to the fact that Colin used to live in DC when he was working on Capitol Hill. We’ve gotten recommendations from friends who live in the city, as well as done our own thing and searched out what we’d enjoy doing while there.
I wanted to break my recommendations down into different sections, because not everyone travels the same, and however you enjoy traveling is the best way for you to travel. Below you’ll find my recommendations for:
if you enjoy shopping with a good view
if you want to feel like a political insider
if you’re doing it for the gram
if you’re down for some sightseeing
if you’re unsure about transportation / airports / lodging
in Georgetown during our first trip to DC together in 2015
if you’re a shopper who loves a good view:
Georgetown is one of the most charming areas in DC, and is rich with history. It’s complete with brightly colored homes, cobblestone streets, and has the great views from waterfront restaurants since it’s located along the Potomac River. Georgetown is slower paced than the hubbub in the heart of the city, and is located in the northwest side of DC.
In Georgetown, you will find hundreds of shops, ranging from high-end, designer stores to more budget friendly options. You’ll also find DC Cupcakes, from the television series (be prepared for a longgg wait though - I’m more of an ice cream girl, and opt for either Haagen Daz or Ben and Jerry’s, both of which are close by).
The Riverwalk along the Potomac is gorgeous, and in warm weather, full of action - kayakers, yachts, and tour boats are all common to see traveling the river. This past trip, we were even able to watch Georgetown University’s women’s crew-team practicing. (Which was so fun to watch, by the way. Those women are complete beasts. I really want to insert a Lori Loughlin joke here, but I’m going to refrain.)
TLDR: Georgetown is perfect if you want to see historical charm while eating desserts and shopping (in my opinion, a day well spent).
the riverwalk along the Potomac - photo by me
the riverwalk along the Potomac - photo by me
if you want to feel like a political insider:
During the lunch hour, on any given work day, take a stroll around the area just south of the Capitol and you will see the people who work for our country in their natural habitat. There will be a SWARM of capitol employees, lobbyists, and elected officials grabbing lunch at restaurants along 1st Street.
A few places I’d recommend eating lunch if you want to overhear discussions about scooter regulations (shout out to Lime and Bird) or trade talks with Japan (but really, eavesdropped on both of convos over lunch one day) are Bullfeathers, Tortilla Coast, or Talay Thai, all of which are right beside each other along 1st Street.
It’s fun to be in amongst all the navy suits and pencil skirts, and it makes for some great people watching. (Although I did wear that cheetah jumpsuit the last time I was there, and I felt a little out of place - a wee bit more Miami than DC haha.)
patio at Talay Thai - photo by me
if you’re doing it for the gram:
Greenworks Florist: (as seen on my instagram) Located in Georgetown, it is the CUTEST florist in all the land, both inside and out. The lady who runs the florist is way too sweet - you’d think she’d tire of all of the people trying to get pics in front of her store, but she just smiles and waves.
The Blind Whino: A former church that has been painted with bright colors, and now serves as a community arts exhibit + event venue. All the funky + eclectic vibes a girl and her gram could possibly want.
Chinatown Friendship Arch: It’s like every other city’s Chinatown, but still makes for cool pics. (There are also lots of fun hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurants to check out. Oh and boba. Lotsss of boba.)
US Botanic Garden: (also seen on my instagram) A personal favorite. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US, and the architecture is beautiful. It’s also open year round, so it’s a good option for colder months (especially because it’s less busy then as well).
(scroll for pics)
Greenworks Florist - photo by me
The Blind Whino - photo from google
photo from google
US Botanic Garden Entrance - photo by me
if you want to sightsee:
Before getting too deep into this part - MAKE SURE TO WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You’ll be miserable if you don’t (speaking strictly from personal experience). Sightseeing is not the time to break in new mules. Just saying.
The Newseum - This is an interactive museum that “traces the evolution of communication.” (I know that sounds boring, but it’s not) It’s one of the few museums I would actually recommend paying an admission to check out. While it is a bit spendy at $25 per person, they have brilliant exhibits. Colin and I are both a little nerdy when it comes to current events, which is probably why we’ve both been to this museum several times. Outside of the museum, they have the front pages from newspapers from across the US (from every state.) I wouldn’t take kids here though. Most of their interactive exhibits would be boring for a younger demographic, and basically a waste of money.
The Holocaust Museum - A very humbling and haunting museum, as you can probably imagine. While it’s sobering, I think it’s one of the more important museums to see. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded of what can happen when groups of people are deemed subhuman. Tickets are only needed from March 1 to August 31 to visit the Museum's permanent exhibits, as this is the busiest time of the year. Tickets are only $1, but are needed to ensure that you have a spot. It’s easy to purchase them online through their site.
Free Smithsonians - A great perk! And take advantage of what your tax dollar is paying for. A few of my favorites are the Air and Space Museum + the American History Museum. (I also *really* want to see the new Museum of African American of History and Culture, we just didn’t have time on this most recent trip. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it- if you go, let me know me what you think!)
The Monuments - Skip the masses and go after dark! During the day, they are so busy. At night, they tend to calm down and you are able to get up close to them without fighting herds of people. Also, they are all well lit, and it’s a different type of ambience at night. If you are on a time crunch, here are a few I’d suggest that are really impressive: the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the National WWII Memorial.
Capitol Tour: Okay, so we’re a little biased on how cool we think this one is. Since Colin worked in the Capitol, we’re a little partial to this tour haha. Call your member of Congress’s office (click here if you aren’t sure who it is) to schedule a free tour. Secret tip: if Congress isn’t in session when you visit, ask your Congressional Office if they will take you to the House Floor. You'll need to be escorted by a member of their staff, and interns don’t count haha. Also, ask to see the Speaker’s Balcony - it’s at their discretion whether or not they let you, but it’s definitely one of the coolest views overlooking The Mall.
photo of the Capitol by me
transportation / airports / lodging
if you’re not sure about ground transportation:
When visiting DC, we don’t rent a car for several reasons: they’re pricey, parking overnight is expensive, and gas isn’t cheap. A better option is to Uber or Lyft (don’t taxi, also expensive) OR if you’re wanting the full city experience, take the Metro! It’s so easy, and it’s cheapppppp. You’ll just need to buy and load a metrocard (called a SmartCard), which you can do at the entrance to the Metro. There are maps to help you figure out which line to take, and what stop you need to get off at. If the thought of a subway is scary, don’t worry. It’s pretty straightforward, and if nothing else, it’s an adventure. :)
the inside of the Metro - photo from google
if you’re trying to decide what airport to fly in to:
THE ANSWER IS DCA (aka Reagan National Airport).
Do not fly into Dulles. Even though the flights are cheaper, you’ll spend an arm and a leg having to Uber or Lyft into the DC area, and depending on traffic, the trip can take up to an hour. Just spend the extra $50 and fly into DCA. That is all.
interior of DCA - photo from google (also just a really pretty airport)
if you’re trying to figure out where to stay:
Neighborhoods I’d suggest staying in (in no particular order)-
Dupont Circle
Capitol Hill
Logan’s Circle
Northwest DC
Georgetown
These are the areas we try to stay in simply because of their proximity to everything + we know they’re safe. However, because of their closeness to the heart of the city, they’re also a little more expensive.
If you want a cheaper location and are willing to use the Metro for transportation, stay in Crystal City or Pentagon City. While they’re both across the Potomac River, it’s much less expensive that staying within DC’s city limits, and it has easy access to the city via the Metro.
We recently stayed at The Madison in DC which was fairly posh and very close to a lot of different things. We’ve also had good experiences in the past at the Marriott Marquis and with AirBnB’s near the Capitol Hill / Eastern Market area. The next time we go, we’re hoping to stay at The Graham in Georgetown which is another Hilton property.
if you’re looking to be done with suggestions:
YOU’VE MADE IT! I am officially suggestion-ed out haha.
xx
in front of the Potomac River during our most recent trip
