6 Things to Do in D.C. That Aren’t Museums

If you’re new to the blog: I’ve lived in the Washington D.C. for ten years on-and-off throughout my life. 

The White House in Washington D.C.; June 2010.

The National Mall; June 2010

The Cherry Blossoms outside my street in April 2019.

I also spent three weeks here in the summer of 2010 and sight saw every last historical museum and place that there is to see.

Many of my friends and family like to take advantage of the fact that we live in the capital of the country and visit those museums.

The thing is…

… I get so bored, so easily, when I’m in museums.

The Smithsonian in Washington D.C.; June 2010

 It’s only in the past couple of years that D.C. has started to make a name for itself outside of the museum realm.

Here’s a list of fun things to do in the city that I recommend you do when you need a break from strolling the Smithsonian:

1.     The Tidal Basin

 This is the thing that I tell everyone I meet abroad that they must come see in Washington D.C. 

The Tidal Basin in April 2018.

Not only is spring one of the best times of the year to visit the city weather wise (I warn you here & now to never visit D.C. in the middle of summer unless you like your clothes to be soaked in puddles of humidity-induced sweat), but I think it’s the prettiest time of year here in the DMV.

I’ve haven’t been to Japan, but our cherry blossoms come pretty damn close.

The cherry blossoms in Chevy Chase in Maryland; April 2019

2.     The Georgetown Waterfront 

 If you’re looking for a fun girl’s night out, this has been the place lately that locals are hitting up.

My friends and I at the Waterfront in July 2017.

The Waterfront; July 2017.

Not only are there tons of restaurants to eat at, but the waterfront lights up at night and is quite the aesthetic reflection to capture a picture of…

The Waterfront as the sun sets; July 2017

3.     Discover U & V street 

 I’m a huge music lover and concert goer, and many of the artists I like aren’t big household names – meaning they’re never playing Capital One Arena, but the general admission venues are down these streets.

Near U Street in Washington D.C. headed to the 9:30 club; March 2019

The areas near Lincoln Theater and the 9:30 Club are now up & coming.

4.     The Botanical Gardens

 I had to come here one time for a summer biology class, but left surprisingly impressed.

Outside the United States Botanical Gardens; June 2018

 Unlike many botanical gardens that I’ve been to abroad, this one is completely indoors. 

Inside the Botanical Gardens; June 2018

It’s a nice break from learning about presidents and politics at the Smithsonian. 

5.     National Zoo

 I’ve only been once, but I do remember being it a fantastic zoo… while I haven’t been in years, my friends from high school went every once in a while, – meaning it must at least still be somewhat amusing into your teenage hood.

Spotting a cheetah at the National Zoo in June 2010.

 If you have kids, this is a great break from the cliché tourist attractions in D.C.

6.     The Memorials at Night 

 D.C. is very beautiful at night. 

The memorials on the water light up, and the sleek, sophisticated vibe you get of the city during the day suddenly becomes a little less polished and a little bit more sparkly.

The Jefferson Memorial at night; June 2017.

I hope this gave you some ideas on what to do in Washington D.C. when you’re sick and tired of museums. 

If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.S., click here.