Local Activities and Recommendations

Posted on February 18, 2020

*Note: This is a work in progress and will be updated periodically.

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D.C.

For those of you staying in the city, or venturing in for the day, look no further than these activities!

Cultural

You’ll find all of these between DuPont Circle and the National Mall.

The Mansion on O St.

The location of one of Eva and Kyle’s first dates, and the planned location of the proposal before things went awry. With over 70 hidden rooms and packed full of stuff, this is a great way to spend a few hours. Best to book ahead as walk-ins can have varied levels of success. Entrance fee.

Housing contemporary – and frankly very strange – artwork on brief rotations, this museum is located steps from the White House. Free.

The Hirshorn Museum

A must see for modern art, currently housing Yayoi Kusama. Definitely worth checking out. Free.

Comprises an east building, containing modern works, and a west building, containing classical works. Don’t miss the underground walkway that ferries you between the two buildings. Free

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

A brand new structure, right on the mall, with splendid views of the Washington Monument. Free.

Currently most famous for the portraits of Michelle and Barack Obama. Stop in for a coffee at the peaceful indoor courtyard. Free.

The National Zoo

Fun for all ages, the zoo is accessible from both the Woodley and Cleveland Park Metro stations. Head to Adam’s Morgan neighborhood after for some food and drink.

Food

Haikan or Daikaya

Sister restaurants serving up dank ramen in either Chinatown or U. St. Haikan has a slight edge.

Republic Cantina

A new-ish restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Head over in the morning for breakfast tacos and a coffee, and come back later for the must-have fajitas, margaritas and pico-back shots.

Barcelona

A tapas bar with a nice patio. The evenings can be busy so call ahead for best results.

Tiger Fork

Tucked away in Shaw’s historic Blagden Alley, Tiger Fork offers playful, modern takes on Hong Kong street food, traditional dim sum, and classic Chinese dishes with global influence. Fried rice is V good.

Drink

Black Jack

Incredible happy hour (see the food menu) that turns into a solid night. Big enough for large groups.

Marvin’s

A D.C. staple. Great crowd in the evenings.

Franklin Hall

Large beer hall with hearty bar food. Perfect place to watch a game or play some games.

18th St. Lounge

Teddy Roosevelt’s old house provides for a chic venue. Awesome music scene with a sound for everyone. Best on a Thursday or Friday night, or a Sunday session.

Dacha

A German-style outdoor beer garden serving up brunch and dinner. Come early to beat the crowd on a nice day.

Sauf Haus

Another beer hall right in the heart of DuPont. Plenty of room to get rowdy.

801

Open-air top floor is where it’s at. Can get crowded in the evening, so go earlier for best results.

Takoda

Also an open-air top floor, but the second floor is very hospitable too.

Calico

Located in Shaw’s Blagden Alley, Calico is an Urban backyard bar and restaurant, with easygoing drinks in a sceney patio & country-chic room.