Locals will tell you this is THE DC cupcake shop. There will probably be a line, but don't be afraid to wait.
Ingredients are fresh and VERY high quality. Some of the best pizza in DC. Make sure to check out their long list of craft beers.
Stop in for a quick tour and to sample their amazing gins. Ask about their bottling parties, so fun for a small group.
24 hour taco shop. TWENTY. FOUR. HOUR. TACO. SHOP. Don't really need to say much else. Limited seating, window service. Everything on the menu is awesome. Get some tacos and a quesadilla to share.
Great selection of high end brands, tons of vintage finds. Take your time and flip through the racks, there are treasures galore.
Late nights that turn into early mornings should always include a stop at The Diner. Breakfast all day, and a s'more shake that had me wondering if I could legally marry a milkshake.
My favorite museum in DC. Rotating exhibits are well presented, and truly unique. Go in the summer when they bring in a new interactive exhibit that fills their atrium.
Amazing unique flavors. Grab a cone (fresh waffle cones!) or cup (I guess) and take a stroll along the water.
Cutesy shop filled with an eclectic array of gifts. Good selection of DC themed items (that you won't find at any old souvenir stand) I love the DC post cards and stationary!
One of the best and most unique meals I've had in DC. 90% of the menu is vegetarian or can easily be made vegan. Restaurant is small, but cozy.
Beautiful grounds, tons to explore. The bonsai garden is an absolute must.
You must do the Balkan Experience, well worth the price, every dish is amazing. Don't leave without a shot of rakija.
Super cute bakery, with amazing offerings. The Key Lime Bar will make your heart flutter.
Perfect for true coffee lovers, and even those who are not. Great staff always willing to help. Can get very crowded on the weekends.
Great spot for brunch or late night. They have live music in their cozy upstairs room. Bring a date, and don't miss the sushi.
Small family run bagel shop. Bagels are fresh, my go to is a avocado egg and cheese on an everything bagel. Line is long but moves VERY quickly so don't be discouraged. Cash only, so come prepared.
DC institution with an expansive brunch menu. Everything is made fresh in house including their sodas and tonics.
Dark, quiet, kind of mysterious. Make sure you try all the vodkas!
Go to place for tapas in DC. Do the classics really well, patatas bravas, garlic shrimp, and those croquettes though! Don't forget a glass (or pitcher!) of sangria. Red, white, rose, all great.
AMAZING pasta dishes. They are all phenomenal. Get your own, and then share another for dessert.
One of the largest whiskey collections in the country. Fried chicken skins and an old fashioned can't be beat.
Sprawling oasis in the middle of DC. Great for hiking, biking, running, and exploring. You'll find a new secret spot every time!
Really one of a kind experience. There's something for everyone, and an absolute must for all fans of espionage.
Best mussels in DC! Very chill, excellent Belgian beer selection. Dessert? Bread pudding, but you can't go wrong with a Belgian waffle.
Small spot for awesome ramen in Adams Morgan. Try the ramen with kimchi and never skip the buns!
Museum is really well done. Try to get your tickets in advance or be ready to line up very early. Truly moving exhibits.
Great spot to grab a cocktail. I like Sundays when the place is really quiet. Have to love any place where you can drink out of a pineapple.
Bit of a secret spot tucked back in Blagden Alley. Delicious cocktail flights,. The New Steady comes with a bowl of olives, so you know, OLIVES!
SUPER casual, SUPER chicken ramen. Eclectic decor, awesome food, and a rotating cocktail on draft; can't be beat!
You really need the whole day, if not multiple days, to see it all. Admission is free, but depending on the day you will need to secure timed admission tickets, so be sure to check ahead.
DC's newest venue. Great spot to catch a show. The Wharf is perfect for exploring afterwards. Tons of spots to grab dinner or an after concert drink.
Truly amazing museum. Very fascinating exhibits that you won't see anywhere else. Tons to see, so it's great that tickets are good on consecutive days.
Lovely spot to walk, run, or roll near Nationals Park. Great waterfront location, and so so so many places to grab a bite or drink. Bluejacket and Osteria Morini are some favorites.
Coffee, snacks, and the perfect DC gifts. Perfect spot to browse around and find the something really special, made right here in the District.
Long list of craft beers. Very relaxed atmosphere. They don't serve any food of their own, so grab a bite at a neighboring restaurant. Or pick up District Taco or &Pizza and bring it in with you.
Massive collection! Very easy to get lost, but I mean that in the best way. Tons to discover. Don't forget admission is free, so you can come back again and again.
Very tiny, so be prepared for a long wait. Grab a drink at Copycat Co while you wait. Toki's kimchi ramen is one of my top ten favorite dishes. Anywhere. Ever.
Favorite date spot! The menu changes every day! Hidden back in Blagden Alley; has a really amazing, cozy atmosphere.
Eclectic shop filled with unique home goods. Always make an effort to pop in here while exploring Union Market.
Huge beer list and perfectly paired snacks. The Mexican Street Corn Dip is amazing!
No matter what the exhibit on display this is a must see. The displays are unique and really impressive. Museum is on the smaller side, but admission is free. Right across from the White House.
Very popular spot for breakfast. DO NOT MISS their house-made pop tarts. Wash it down with a boozy milkshake. They really do bring everyone to the yard.
Hypermodern tech based art with exhibits that change seasonally. Make sure to check their calendar to see what's on display.
Lions, and Tigers, and Pandas, OH MY! Don't forget, admission is FREE for everyone, every day. Great opportunity to pop in and out as needed.
Ultra high end shopping with a mix of restaurants, and outdoor space. Perfect for window shopping with a gelato. Check their event calendar for cool goings on like free outdoor yoga.
They have tours and tastings on Saturdays! Easy walking distance to the other nearby distilleries, breweries, and winery. Make a day of it in Ivy City!
You'll think, 'No way can I do that!' but sure enough, you'll be floating through the air with the greatest of ease (coaches rock!). Try the outside rig, and wave to the crowd that is sure to gather.
Pop in with the whole family. Very kid friendly and close to the Mall. Weekend brunch and happy hour are also great times to check it out.
Love, love, love the vibe here. Great date spot, and their happy hour has some really quality bites and drinks for a great price.
The tour is a little short, but very fascinating. Really amazing to stand in the same room where many characters from our history once stood.
Wonderful gallery in Dupont. America's oldest museum of modern art. You'll be able to get through the whole collection in a few hours.
Amazing selection of both old and new. Swing by on the weekends to browse the sidewalk sale.
You can find all kinds of treasures here. So fun to simply browse around with a coffee. You'll never know what you may find.
Amazing selection of food, drinks, gifts, and so much more. Week days are much more quiet than weekends. There is something for everyone! Don't forget to post your 'so cute' pictures to instagram.
Best Farmer's market in DC. Open year round with rotating products. Take a nice stroll and peek around. Perfect way to start a Sunday. I found the best chocolate milk I've ever had here.
VERY popular, before a Nats game, or after, or during, or even when the Nats aren't playing. Great atmosphere and their beer list has something for everyone.
Makes a nice little detour for cutting across the National Mall. Nice anytime of year, but Friday evenings in the summer you'll find Jazz in the Garden! Grab some sangria and a patch of grass!
Craft brewery and restaurant. They also feature wines on tap. The beer is great, but cheese curds, cheese curds, cheese curds!
Some of (if not the) best pizza in DC. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Romantic spot for a pre-Kennedy Center show dinner or stroll around Georgetown. Pastas are so fresh, and the seafood is, obviously, the right choice.
Small counter with delicious food. You'll get a seat quick enough. The shrimp option is awesome, but so is everything else. You order with the host before being seated.
A DC institution. Oysters for life! Close to the Mall and gets crowded so reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner, but you can usually drop in late night for a spot at the bar.
Two rotating exhibits that are often interactive. Great for all ages! Really! Check the calendar to see what's on display. And don't miss the photo exhibit.
