Many people don’t realize that the Smithsonian isn’t actually one museum, but dozens. Most of the great museums in DC are part of the Smithsonian, and most are free. I repeat: MOST ARE FREE!  I considered listing out each museum as its own entry, but there are just too many. My must-see free museums are the Air & Space Museum, American Art Museum, American History Museum, and National Portrait Gallery. I also highly, highly, highly recommend the Renwick Gallery, Cooper Hewitt, and the Hirshhorn—you have to pay to see these, but they are completely worth it.

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I also considered listing out each monument on the National Mall as its own thing, but I’m lazy so I’m just going to tell you that no matter what you do, you need to spend a few hours wandering through the Mall and seeing the incredible monuments surrounding the reflecting pool. Must-sees (among many others) include the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pentagon Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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If you haven’t ever done a tour of the Capitol, it’s really worth booking one (unless you know someone on the inside and they’re willing to give you a guest tour, which is also very fun). It’s gorgeous and impressive from the outside, but the history and tidbits you get inside are well, well worth it, and the Whispering Gallery is always a hit.

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 If you are local, for the love of all that is holy, go and get yourself a library card at the Library of Congress (yes, you can!) and spend as much time as possible wandering. It’s amazing. I don’t know how to do it justice. If you’re not local, this is another one of those things that is completely worth a tour, but if you’re strapped for time at least wait in line to pop inside and see the reading room.

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The National Archives are kind of hit or miss for me, but if it’s your first time to DC I completely recommend going, if only to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution up close and, of course, to reenact some seminal sleuthing from National Treasure. 

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Ok I’ll admit it—I’ve never toured the White House, and I don’t think I ever will. I think it’s a bit of a waste of time compared to the rest of the amazing things to see in DC. But if you go to DC and you don’t snap a picture in front of the White House, did you really even go?!

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The Newseum is the only paid museum I ever recommend to people (thank you, Smithsonian, for making it easy to be cultured on a budget!), and it’s worth every penny. This museum is dedicated to…you guessed it…the evolution of news, and while I can honestly say that I find most every exhibit interesting, the viewing room with preserved newspapers from famous dates and events is always my highlight. Great views from the top of the museum, too.

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Arlington is very special. It’s absolutely huge (over 600 acres) and is the final resting place for soldiers who have given their lives for their country. There’s a lot of history here, a lot of somber remembrance, and a lot of gratitude. I cannot recommend a tour enough to make sure you can really appreciate the sacrifices that have been made and the beautiful ways that Arlington preserves their memories.

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Whatever you do, make sure you take the Metro to the Foggy Bottom stop and walk down M Street into Georgetown. I cannot stress how much I love Georgetown, and how beautiful it is. There are great shops here, very historic homes, fantastic restaurants, and the University itself is impressive and lovely. 

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I’m all about Eastern Market, which is both an actual market and a general area off a metro stop in Capitol Hill. I lived here when I was a DC resident, and it will always hold a special place in my heart (mostly because of Ted’s!) I recommend going on the weekends with a tote bag and stocking up on produce, art, and lots and lots of pastries. And stroll through the neighborhood, because houses around here are GORGEOUS. 

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I used to run through Rock Creek Park park every weekend. It’s absolutely stunning, and will make you forget you’re in the city. It’s one of the nation’s oldest national parks, there are dogs as far as the eye can see, and it’s a great way to get in a hike without having to leave the city. Plus, it’s really, really beautiful. Pro tip: watch out for rollerbladers. 

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I know, I know. You’re thinking, lady, this is my first time in DC, you want me to waste my time on kayaking when there are approximately 75 museums and monuments vying for my attention? Yes, I do want you to spend your time doing this and, no, I don’t think it’s a waste. You get a beautiful view of the city (and many monuments) from the water, you’ll get to see the surrounding areas, as well, it’s absolutely beautiful, and for crying out loud, DC is HOT in the summer and you’re going to be really happy that you’re on the water when the humidity is 100% and you have completely soaked through your clothes. You’re welcome.

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I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest baseball fan (sue me) but the Nationals are much more of a thing in DC than the Capitols (sigh) and going to a game is really, really fun. The area is up and coming (read: the restaurant scene in the surrounding area is strong), it’s not crazy expensive, and it’s a great date. 

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Apparently seeing movies in theaters isn’t really a thing anymore…? I don’t know about that. I’m definitely a fan of seeing movies in theaters, and I’m definitely a fan of E Street Cinema. They do a good job of curating what’s showing—you’ll get your big hits, but you’ll also get the classics and those indie films you hear about from Sundance but don’t always get to see yourself, all while siping Merlot because this place has alcohol (praise).

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