Looking for something a little out of the box to do in Washington, DC??
When you watch Homeland, Scandal, House of Cards, or any other political show or movie set in Washington, DC, you only get one perspective. DC is so much more than just the Capital of the United States, especially to those of us who don’t work on The Hill, for a think tank, or for a lobbyist. That being said, most professions in the area do have ties to either the federal budget, government clients, and/or politicians schedule. Sometimes we just need a break from politics!
A huge appeal to living in a big city is always having something to do – and Washington, DC doesn’t disappoint. When I grow tired of just running or going to the gym as my exercise, I could take a trampoline class, cycling class, pole dancing class – you name it! When the weather finally reaches above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (especially since it’s been in the teens and twenties here for weeks!) and you want to grab a drink on the water and watch the sunrise, there are multiple spots to do that. Is your favorite singer coming to town? There’s numerous amazing music venues to check out! Do you need a painting, scarf, sandwich, and succulent all at the same time (okay that’s stretching it a bit)? Check out some of our famous markets!
Look no further!
Below you’ll find some of my favorite activities when you’re looking to spice up your normal routine here in the Nation’s Capital:
1.Newseum Nights
The Newseum is situated right downtown, and is one of the only museums you actually (gasp) have to pay an entrance fee to. So since you have to pay a fee, why don’t you just go during one of their Newseum Nights where the fee is included? I’ve been to the “In Bloom” (cherry blossom themed) and the “Loves the 60s” events, and both are such a blast. It’s a few hours of open bar, endless snacks, and entertainment for around $50. There’s always a craft section, photo booth of some sort, possibly a silent disco, or a live band, just to name a few.
Newseum Nights – Love the 60s_Moment
2.Run a Race
Washington, DC is consistently ranking (or winning) the fittest city in the US. I can’t lie, it was a shock to me too, considering people always say they want to move to the PNW or Denver to hike more and do more active things. Once I heard the news though, I started realizing just how fit everyone here is. We’re generally more uptight here, as there are a lot of people with high security and stressful jobs, so of course we’re exercising to blow off some steam. No matter how early in the morning you get up, you’ll always see people running, walking, or biking (even when it’s in the teens outside). There’s virtually a race every weekend here! Some of my favorites are the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (it’s gorgeous and during the cherry blossom festival), the Marine Core Marathon (I only ran the 10K portion…duh) and the Army Ten Miler (full disclosure – I haven’t actually run this yet).
Cherry Blossom 10 Miler
3.Trapeze Class
First and foremost – try this!! I’ve taken a class with a good friend that’s “terrified of heights” – and she crushed it! The platform is about ~23 feet off the ground, and the scariest part is climbing the ladder. You’re in a harness the entire time and there’s always trapeze instructors every step of the way, so there’s no use feeling unsafe. It’s a ton of fun, and when it’s nice outside, you can take your class outside! All the classes I’ve taken have been comprised of about half adults and half eight year old girls who are way better than us. Those little kids, they’re not afraid of anything! And if you’re afraid of not being good, just take a look at my picture below.
Trapeze in Navy Yard
4.Cycling Class
This is common in any city, but it’s still a blast! Who knew stationary cycling would become such a movement? Soulcycle is big here in DC, as is Flywheel, but my favorite by far is Zengo Cycle. You basically feel like you’re in a club for 45-60 minutes, but you’re getting a better workout and not getting hit on by creeps. I pretty much always feel inspired afterwards…..to reward myself at Shake Shack.
5.Muzette Karaoke
Oh boy, this is ridiculous and so much fun. Muzette is a karaoke place in Adams Morgan where you reserve a room for you and your friends and just sing out your little heart’s desires. No longer do you have to fear humiliation by singing in front of a bunch of strangers, now you can sing in front of your friends who already know you have a terrible voice!
6.Drink the District
When I first moved to DC, these were some of my favorite events. Drink the District is basically an events group that puts on a 3-4 hour session in either a parking lot, the bullpen at the Nat’s Stadium, the actual Nat’s Stadium, or something similar. There’s usually food trucks, vendors, and lots and lots of alcohol. There’s usually a theme – like all craft beers, or ciders, or rosé – you get the point. It’s only around $30-$40 and I always meet people when I go!
7.930 Club
When I think of cool, trendy music venues in DC, my mind always automatically goes to the 930 Club. The truth is, there are more venues than I can name – U Street Music Hall, Howard Theater, Lincoln Theater, Capital One Arena, The Anthem, and Echostage are just a few. The 930 Club brings in artists that are popular, but not big enough to fill an arena – so basially the best artists. I’ve seen Sara Bareilles, Vanessa Carlton, Michelle Branch (omg, do I have an early 2000s female artist obsession!?), The Knocks, ASTR, etc all at the small venues in the city. Just check out this photo below of how close you can get to the stage!
Michelle Branch at the 930 Club
8.Eastern Market
This is has an indoor and outdoor portion of this market, so it’s fun to go to all year long. There’s a flea market full of beautifully crafted furniture, clothing, and decor. There’s a bangin’ sandwich shop. Need some new unique jewelry? You’ve come to the right place. Almost everyone I know that lives in the city has something from Eastern Market either hanging on their walls or dressing up their TV stands, it’s a must-visit!
9.Union Market
This market is perfect to visit in the winter time since it’s all indoors. It’s become really popular in the last few years, so it does get pretty crowded, but word is they’re expanding soon. There’s a tchotchke shop, butcher, TaKorean, succulent shop, etc, it’s very easy to spend a few hours here! My usual agenda here is to peruse Salt and Sundry, get a drink at Buffalo & Bergen, and feast on steamed clams at Rappahannock Oyster Bar.
10.National’s Game
Catch a baseball game and watch America’s team crush their competitors. I know basically nothing about sports, but I do know that while DC sports never do that well in the playoffs, DC fans are amazing. DC is one of the most ‘transplant’ concentrated areas, and yet we regularly convert fans over to our side. How many other cities can say that? I’ve gotten National’s tickets for as cheap as $2.00/ticket multiple times, so it’s also a cheap activity. Get a beer at the bullpen right outside the stadium before you go in!
National’s Park
11.Carnegie Library
Explore this beautiful old library located smack dab in the center of the city. It’s now used for events, and word has it that it’s going to be converted into an Apple store sometime in the future. Before that, take advantage of going to an event there! It’s such a beautiful building, with tons of little rooms and corridors. I’ve been to a Halloween Party and a “Best of DC” event there, and it’s always a cool experience sipping on cocktails while walking through the historic old hallways.
12.The Wharf
This is probably the newest part of town. When I first moved to DC about six years ago, I can’t even remember what was here. I definitely remember Cantina Marina (it was basically the only bar to frequent after National’s games) and the seafood market. All of the space in between the two were…brown buildings I think? Either way, it was prime real estate right next to the National’s Stadium, right on the water. I’ve been to meet friends for drinks a few times and it’s pretty impressive! The developers did a great job, it’s a wonderful mix of rooftop and patio bars, restaurants, ‘fast food’ (aka Potbelly), music venues, an ice skating rink in the winter, and hotels.
13.Alumni Events
Full disclosure, I have no idea if my college even has an alumni club. I went to school 20 miles outside the city, so I still see everyone that I want to see. However, a bunch of my coworkers went to Purdue, so I went to the alumni club with them. It was there that I met two of my best friends a few years ago, and they’ve turned in to some of my favorite travel buddies! Even just going to an alumni bar to watch a big game can be fun and a great way to meet people if you’re a fan of their team.
14.Try a New Restaurant or Bar
There is a huge foodie scene in DC, be sure to check out some incredibly delicious meals while here! I love a good brunch, and DC does not disappoint in that department. Whether you’re looking for a night cap after stuffing your face, or a rowdy bar with friends, there’s something for you – check out some options here!
So get out there and make some new memories in the Nation’s Capital!