DC has 8 wards and over 20 “neighborhoods” – there’s a lot to take in, even for those who have lived in DC for their entire lives. Here are a few of the “hottest” city spots where you could spend an hour…or all day! If you want a more complete breakdown, Washington.org has a great list of what to do in each of DC’s many neighborhoods.
Want more “in the city” ideas? Make sure to check out the Must-See Monuments & Memorials, Underappreciated Monuments & Memorials, VIBs, Green Areas, Smithsonians, and Other Museums! And don’t forget about this handy-dandy map 🙂
Blagden Alley
Yes, this is literally an alley (recently listed as a national historic district by NPS) and it’s home to some of the hottest bars and hippest restaurants in the city. Make your reservations…..like, now. Learn about the area’s interesting – and oft overlooked – history here.
City Center
CityCenterDC is a high-end outdoor shopping district with lots of fancy restaurant options. I’m not much of a shopper, but it’s fun to walk around and see their ever-changing art installations that coordinate with the seasons. This area is not on my must-do list, but maybe it will be for you (or for me once I become rich from all of you reading this site *sigh*).
Dupont Underground
An old Metro stop converted into an ever-changing art space, Dupont Underground partners with artists, nonprofits, and the local community to bring events and exhibits to this unique area. Check their website for current offerings.
Eastern Market
A farmers market, long before farmers markets became so trendy (operating since 1873, to be exact). Eastern Market is located in the picturesque Capitol Hill neighborhood and makes for a fun outing any day, but especially on weekend mornings when the pedestrian streets are packed with vendors, artists, bakes goods, and farm fresh groceries.
Georgetown
Be still my heart! Georgetown is one of my absolute favorite – and most unique – areas of DC. Every nook and cranny of each cobblestone street is packed with history and secrets. There are hidden gardens galore, tons of shopping options from boutiques to high end retailers, some of the best restaurants as well as grab-and-go venues in the city, opportunities for canal or waterfront excursions, and my favorite – quaint street after quaint street of gorgeous houses to admire. Check out the Georgetown website for itinerary ideas if you are a person who likes a plan, or just pick a street and start wandering if you want to get the true Georgetown experience. PS. This area of the city is especially beautiful in fall or spring.
H Street Corridor
One of the new up-and-coming-slash-has-officially-arrived areas of the city complete with a refurbished street car, annual festivals, a performing arts center, and some of the hippest date night options. It’s not the most picturesque area of the city, but what it lacks in traditional “beauty” it makes up for in its artsy, foodie, community cool-factor.
U Street
Often described as “the heart of black culture in America”, U Street is the birthplace of Duke Ellington and where Langston Hughes got his start. It has a vibrant history as the epicenter of African American music and culture and was recently commemorated on the National Registry of History Places. In addition to it’s incredible history and jazz offerings, this area is home to the famous “half-smoke” at Ben’s Chili Bowl and the African-American Civil War Memorial and Museum. Go here for the history, stay for the food and music!
Union Market
What started as a melting-pot food hall with a variety of international cuisine options has become a community center complete with local shopping boutiques, yoga classes, kid play dates, drive-in movies, co-working spaces, art galleries, event venues and more. It’s kid-friendly, pet-friendly, social-distance-friendly, close-date-night-friendly, and the food! Oh, the food. So many options, and all unlike anything you typically make at home. Go here!
Wharf
Catch a concert at The Anthem, go ice-skating, or rent a kayak and get out on the water…the Wharf has all this and more. One of DC’s newest waterfront areas, the Wharf is a picturesque spot on the Potomac that has restaurants, hotels, sunset movies, fitness classes, kid splash parks, a water taxi and jitney, and that nation’s oldest continuously-operating open-air fish market. This is a fun – albeit expensive (really, what in DC isn’t?) – place you don’t want to miss.
Yards Park
I’m still not sure if this area is called Yards Park or Capitol Riverfront, but either way, this is another fun and newly-completed waterfront spot for kids, families, pets, dates, friends…literally everyone. Situated right next to Nats Stadium and Audi Field, this is a particularly exciting area on game days, but is also a great option for a regular ole outing (and more parking). There are copious restaurants (a winery AND a brewery, so double-win in my book!), friday night concerts, a fantastic water play area for kids, unique art installations, and views galore.
Jelly Side Up 