- There's a wealth of adventures to embark on when visiting Washington, DC.
- To get you started on your DC explorations, Insider created a list of must-do activities.
It's no surprise that our nation's capital has lots to do. From history aficionados and epicureans to outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers, Washington has something to pique every traveler's interests. However, if you're looking for experiences that are a step above the typical tourist to-do list and showcase a side of the city most first-timers miss, there are many noteworthy activities and sights that you should add to your agenda.
I've spent time in DC regularly for the past decade and curated the following list of hidden gems, under-the-radar spaces, and fascinating places that should be visited in tandem with any stop along the National Mall or photo in front of the White House. Keep reading for my picks of must-see spots and things to do.
Kayak the Potomac River to Theodore Roosevelt Island
For a unique vantage point of some of the district's most famous monuments, take to DC's waterways. I like to spend the day paddling down the Potomac River toward the Tidal Basin before heading back up to explore Theodore Roosevelt Island. This secluded oasis offers several scenic trails through forest, swamp, and marshland, as well as a memorial to the US's 26 th president.
US National Arboretum
The sprawling 446-acre grounds of the US National Arboretum offer an immersive nature experience of marked trails, lush evergreen conifer, and bonsai groves without ever having to leave the district lines. If you visit in the spring, be sure to check out the cherry blossom trees that surround the former sandstone Corinthian columns of the US Capitol.
Dupont Underground
Housed in an abandoned streetcar station, Dupont Underground is an eclectic 15,000-square-foot art space situated directly under Dupont Circle. Events include interactive art showcases, poetry readings, and comedy shows. Once a month, the space also plays host to a flea market featuring one-of-a-kind goods by local artisans.
U Street Food and History Walking Tour
A food tour through the U Street Corridor, one of the city's most historic and lively neighborhoods, is a great way to experience DC's burgeoning dining scene. Knowledgeable guides explain the history behind the area, once famously known as Black Broadway, while you sample some of the district's signature flavors like mambo sauce, chili, and spicy half-smokes.
The Reach at the Kennedy Center
Playing host to contemporary art exhibits, live concerts and film screenings, the Reach at the Kennedy Center is an expansive new indoor-outdoor venue at the Kennedy Center. With an estimated 69,000 square feet of landscaped roof gardens, a grove of ginkgo trees, and a tranquil reflecting pool, the Reach is worth a visit even if you don't have a performance to attend.
Taste local craft beer and wine
DC seems to have no shortage of dives, hidden speakeasies, and cocktail bars, alongside a thriving post-work happy hour culture. The past couple of years, in particular, have ushered in a community of craft breweries (there are currently 15 in DC), wine bars, and local wineries who aren't afraid to get inventive with their pours and ales.
For the oenophiles, DC's first winery, District Winery in Navy Yard offers wine tastings — I love their rosé — while woman-owned Right Proper Brewing's Northeast DC location houses a tasting room and offers brewery tours. And don't miss a chance to sip on three of the district's Black-owned beer labels: Sankofa Beer Company, Soul Mega, and Urban Garden Brewing.
Malcolm X (Meridian Hill) Park
Known as Malcolm X Park by locals — a rename originally suggested by activist Angela Davis during a 1969 rally — Meridian Hill Park's history as a site for political rallies dates back to the 1960s when it served as an important gathering spot for Black activists.
Straddling the Adams Morgan, U Street, and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, this 12-acre park is also home to the country's largest cascading fountain and a statue of Joan of Arc, the district's only equestrian statue with a woman.
Adding to the appeal is a family-friendly drum circle that happens every Sunday afternoon. It's been a great way for me to meet locals since moving to DC.
The Library of Congress
Home to over 171 million documents, including more than 40 million cataloged books, The Library of Congress currently stands as the world's largest library.
While you'll need to register for a valid Reader ID card to access the catalogs in the public reading rooms, a free tour — reservations are a must and are released 30 days in advance — of the impressive building, built in a Beaux-Arts style, allows access to the Great Hall with Roman murals and ornate pairs of Corinthian columns.
The musically inclined should make their way to the Whittall Pavilion. Available by prior appointment with the library's music division, the pavilion houses an extensive collection of rare musical instruments, including Stradivari violins and the world's largest collection of flutes.
Museum hopping on the National Mall
In addition to the famous monuments and memorials, the National Mall is also home to several Smithsonian museums, which draw visitors from around the world. Crowds flock to the two most-visited museums on the Mall, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, but for fewer crowds and equally intriguing exhibits, I head to two of my favorites: the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to capture kitschy, Instagram-worthy shots at the newest Yayoi Kusama exhibit, and the National Museum of the American Indian where an immersive storytelling exhibit tells the indigenous story of Raven. With over 155 million artifacts in the Smithsonian's collection, there's something for every kind of art lover to enjoy.
Rock Creek Park
Situated within the city on over 1,800 acres is Rock Creek Park, a lush oasis with 32 miles of hiking trails, bike tracks, and historic sites.
Whether you choose to spend the day exploring Civil War sites or horseback riding — there are 13 acres of gravel and dirt bridle paths throughout the park — you'll quickly forget you're within the confines of a major city.
When the weather warms, there's nothing locals like me love more than spending the afternoon picnicking in the park with friends.
View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Washington, DC.