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Looking for colorful and unique things to do in Washington, DC during your upcoming visit? Whether it is your first time visiting the US capital or you are returning to explore DC beyond its iconic monuments and museums – this diverse guide will help make your stay one to remember!
Disclosure: This guide was created in partnership with Wanderful and Visit Washington DC
Washington, DC is most known for news on your TV screen and its monuments; the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Building are just a few of them.
But DC is more than that – local creatives, diverse communities, and BIPOC-owned businesses weave together to make this destination unique.
I know DC on many levels: I lived there in college during a summer internship and even worked right in Farragut West, not too far from the White House!
My most recent trip to DC helped me refresh my faves and find new spots to enjoy, all so I can share fresh recommendations with you.
Where To Stay In Washington, DC
Fun And Unique Hotel In DC
I’ve stayed in many hotels in Washington, DC, but my most recent stay was at Hotel Zena, and I really enjoyed it. An Urban Retreat by Viceroy, its unique decor celebrates the contributions and courage of women through a collection of local art thoughtfully curated throughout the hotel.
My previous hotel stays were a bit more corporate or cookie-cutter, so if you want something fun and unique, Hotel Zena is the place.
Places to Eat in Washington DC
Unique and diverse restaurants to dine at in DC
DC has a lot of culinary firsts for me. It is where I first expanded my palette as a young college student living there for an internship.
It was where I first tasted the many cuisines from across the African continent, thanks to the rich and diverse immigrant community, and where I learned there was more to Latin food than Puerto Rican and Dominican Caribbean cuisine. That was well over a decade ago, and DC has even more now!
Here are some spots you’ll love to eat at in DC:
1. Fava Pot
This authentic Egyptian restaurant is a favorite. It literally brings me to tears – everything about it. It is immigrant-owned AND woman-owned and is the first authentic Egyptian restaurant in the DC area. Every dish is prepared 100% from scratch, and over half of their menu is vegan/vegetarian friendly. Check out what we ate:
2. China Chilcano
Some of my greatest culinary travel memories are from Peru, so when I recognized the Nazca lines in China Chilcano’s restaurant logo, I knew I’d love this place.
Peru’s cuisine has a lot of Asian influence, and so does this menu. Spanish-owned by James Beard Award–winner, Chef Jose Andres – with Chef Will Fung making magic in the kitchen – this spot is a can’t-miss. Get there early so you can take pics next to this vibrant mural.
3. Call Your Mother Deli (O Street)
I am very opinioned about my bagels, having grown up in NYC, but Call Your Mother Deli hits the spot. Jewish- and Argentinian-owned, there are multiple locations, but the one on O Street has the prettiest pink house decor – very Instagrammable if that’s your thing. Check out all their fun location designs here.
4. Dinner at Union Market
If you can’t decide on a spot, consider heading to Union Market, where there is literally *everything.* Try Puddin’, which is Black woman–owned, for Southern comfort food like brown butter bourbon bread puddin’ and gumbo. If something lighter is on your mind, check out Cucina Al Volvo, which makes fresh pasta on the spot.
5. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar
This Southern cuisine gem is a chain restaurant, and you wouldn’t even know it. The decor itself makes it date-worthy. You’ll definitely want to look your best here! With farm-fresh ingredients that make up American classic dishes and Bourbon-rich cocktails, this is definitely a great spot to eat in DC.
6. Mi Vida Restaurant
Mi Vida’s second restaurant on 14th Street opened while we were visiting, so we changed our brunch plans at the last minute to visit this spot! Worth it. OMG y’all – the colorful decor and flavors gave me my vibrancy-fill. Authentic Mexican culture blooms from your plate and the seams of the design. Highly recommend for a brunch spot.
Here’s what I ate:
Colorful and Fun Things to Do in Washington DC
Activities In DC Worth Trying!
If you are looking for unique things to do in DC, you can count on this list to suggest fun and colorful activities in Washington, DC I thrive on colorful sights, and in a city dotted with monuments, the first assumption is that there wouldn’t be much color – wrong!
Here are fun things to do in DC to uplift your vibe:
1. Have a Tiki party on the Potomac River
If you are in the party spirit (cough, cough: bachelorette parties and birthdays), the Potomac Tiki Club would be so much fun for you. The 90-minute ride sails from the Georgetown waterfront and is a fun tiki bar that fits 18 people. There’s also a bathroom on board for those who need it! I thought this boat was perfect for taking photos of Key Bridge and Georgetown University.
2. Pedal your way across the Potomac
If tiki boats and parties aren’t your vibe, you might like the Paddle Club boat instead. These boats “require” some pedaling at your seats, so it’s a more active ride! Take photos along the Potomac of the Lincoln Memorial building without the crowds. Like the tiki boat, this craft has a bartender too, and you can bring your own food and snacks on board.
3. US Botanic Garden
Since DC is a city, you may be like me and always in search of a little nature escape. The free US Botanic Garden is perfect for that. Annie (from @goanniewhere) and I went here together and scoped out so many beautiful photo spots in this jungle of a garden. Beware – for my natural curlies, the humidity is real! I wore a bun for the rest of the trip after this visit frizzed up my curls.
4. Take photos down Palmer Alley in CityCenterDC
If you are in downtown DC, why not go for a photo walk? Head to Palmer Alley during the day and watch the sun glisten through a hanging installation. During our time visiting, there were bursts of orange and yellows, but the exhibit may change. Regardless, it’s always photo-worthy.
5. Self-guided street art tour
Street art lovers should definitely keep an eye out for the many murals throughout DC Head to NoMA for the majority of street art, but note they won’t always be in easy-to-reach or easy-to-photograph areas. I got lucky with a couple but moved on to lunchtime since it was more of a scavenger hunt than my belly could handle at the moment. 🙂
Use this mural map locator if any murals catch your eye.
6. Spend the day in Georgetown
Not only is the Georgetown waterfront stunning (hence the boat rides I recommended) but the area itself is too!
From shopping to self-care and wellness – I recommend you visit Take Care to replenish your spa and beauty needs, and Call Your Mother Deli for a breakfast bagel.
7. Enjoy festivals throughout the year
DC is known for its events and happenings all year round. When you decide on a specific timeframe to visit, be sure to look into events for that time.
We enjoyed the Hip-Hop Block Party at the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) during our stay, or – if visiting during spring – enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival!
8. Access any of the free Smithsonian museums
Like the NMAAHC, did you know that all Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC, are free? They are open seven days a week from approximately 10 am–5:30 pm. Here is a list for your reference (reference from the Smithsonian website):
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Arts and Industries Building
- Freer Gallery of Art
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- National Museum of African Art
- National Museum of American History
- National Museum of the American Indian
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Portrait Gallery
- National Postal Museum
- Renwick Gallery
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Smithsonian Institution Building (“Castle”)
Things to Do In Washington, DC at Night
Activities in DC worth trying
1. Hook Hall + Cocktail Club
Looking for something extra unique? How about an immersive safari pop-up right in the city (sans animals, of course).
Hook Hall is a really cool tavern and event space (woman-owned) that changes its theme with the seasons. During my late-summer visit, the theme was safari.
We also visited the Cocktail Club at Hook Hall, which was hosted by Master Mixologist Mick Perrigo behind a secret door that led to a cherry blossom–themed cocktail experience. If you want to get the most out of these, I suggest you book a private tent like we did – it is only about $75 for 2.5 hours and can fit 12 people (that is only about $6 per person!)
2. Visit the National Mall under the stars
While this isn’t a Washington, DC, monument itinerary, I’d be remiss not to mention the epicness of visiting the National Mall at night. No, this isn’t a shopping mall; it is where the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Capitol are lit up at night.
Join hundreds of others and find a cozy spot to relax under the stars, practice nighttime photography, and – if you’re lucky – enjoy a full moon!
3. Enjoy the view at VUE Rooftop
Looking for a rooftop stop with a view? Stop by VUE Rooftop (pun intended) on the 11th floor of Hotel Washington to enjoy a nighttime cityscape, epic views of the Washington Monument, and vibrant neon bar lighting. Have you ever seen a bar this groovy?!
4. Evening hop-on, hop-off bus to see iconic DC sights
Yeah, hop-on, hop-off buses can be a little “touristy,” but so what? They exist because they’re convenient. I am a veteran traveler, and there are times when I still use it!
In places where there can be a lot of traffic (ehm, DC), carpooling on a bus that offers a headphone-based informative tour is worth it. In fact, I was able to get way more evening photos of monuments from a higher vantage point, and I used the bus to take me to the Lincoln Memorial at night. Win-win!
How To Get To Washington, DC
Various ways to visit DC
DC is an easy weekend trip from Philadelphia or New York City – I’ve visited from both cities via train, plane, and road trip, so I can personally attest to its ease of access!
How to get to DC by train:
Amtrak serves Washington, DC, with frequent routes from major cities that take you directly to Union Station. It is a quick and relaxing ride from Philadelphia. Add another hour or two if you’re coming from NYC.
How to get to DC by air:
I used to fly often from DC when I was a conference planner in NYC. There are so many quick commuter rides down to DC, and you’ll see lots of folks in suits hopping on just for a quick meeting. Longer flights will have larger planes, of course.
Read my airfare hacks guide for info on how to find cheap flights
How to get to DC by Road trip:
My husband and I have been king and queen of road trips for many years now, and DC is no exception. If you are driving to DC, I definitely recommend you make a fun road trip out of it! Annapolis is nearby, for instance, and is a great spot for couples and families (similar to Georgetown!)
- How far is DC from NYC: 4.5 hours driving
- How far is DC from Philadelphia: 2.5 hours driving
- Renting a car: Rentalcars.com is a very popular source for renting cars, and Priceline.com is reputable as well. Both sites can get you great prices. Check tollguru.com to help calculate your trip.
Enjoy your DC trip!
I hope you enjoy these awesome things to do in DC – they’re worth the visit! Let me know if you have any questions about this itinerary.
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