Every trip to Washington D.C. has been a memorable travel experience. From hearing an oral argument in the Supreme Court, visiting the Library of Congress, and watching the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin it’s a city that I suggest everyone visits at least once in their lifetime. There is tons of culture, great things to see and most of the attractions/museums/monuments are admission-free. I’ve been fortunate to travel to Washington D.C. multiple times and every time I visit I discover something new. If your looking for a quick and inexpensive trip to spend with your family, friends and loved ones I highly encourage you to add Washington D.C. to your travel plans. On my most recent trip I traveled via train for a round trip for $50.00. In this post I share a travel guide of some of the places I’ve had the chance to visit, eat and stay.
Where to Stay
In the past I’ve stayed at The Ven at Embassy Row in Dupont Circle but this past summer I decided to try out a new boutique hotel called Hotel Zena. The hotel is located within walking distance to the Metro, Dupont and Logan circles, U Street, the Convention Center and the White House. On 14th Street you can find shops, galleries, bars, restaurants. The aesthetics of this hotel are to die for and of course there’s a rooftop pool with skyline views. Here are some of the amenities:
- Vibrant lobby area with curated bar serving craft cocktails and small bites with a modern alternative twist
- Playful lounge space designed for work and play, offering experiential programming and events
- Seasonal rooftop pool and bar, offering unparalleled views of the DC skyline
- A fully-equipped fitness center with cardio and weight training equipment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access in all common areas
I wanted to stay at this hotel because it’s a hotel dedicated to female empowerment. The “Portrait Gallery” in Hotel Zena’s lobby features the stories of female warriors. It displays artwork celebrating ten powerful women, in addition to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who have made significant contributions in the struggle for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality. Additional portraits include the indomitable Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first woman Democrat to run for President of the United States.
Places to Visit
Smithsonian Museums
There are currently 17 museums, galleries, and a zoo, with free admission. I highly encourage you to check out one of these museums when you are in Washington D.C. A few museums that I’ve had the chance to visit are the National Museum of African American Culture& History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of African American Art. I’ve been to Washington D.C several times and have yet to visit each location. I’ve been to The National Museum of African American Culture & History three times it’s 400,000-square-foot located next to the Washington Monument it promotes and highlights the contributions of African Americans. Currently they are only offering reserve timed-entry passes up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis at 8:00 a.m. EST daily.
National Mall
Explore the National Mall and check out the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and try to go early in the day if you decide to head to the National Mall. This way you can avoid the crowds and get some nice photos. I also don’t recommend going during cherry blossom season it gets very packed.
The Wharf
The Wharf is a waterfront city with a mile-long stretch along the Potomac River that comes to life with restaurants, retailers, residences, and businesses—all complemented by monumental views home to thousands of residents and employees, three hotels, a 6000-seat music venue. It’s located only four blocks from the National Mall. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Washington D.C. it’s filled with so many things to do and eat. I highly suggest you visit the Main Avenue Fish Market or grabbing some oyster’s at Rappahannock Oyster Bar. In addition to amazing restaurants and shops, The Wharf offers numerous things to do and see—on and off the water. You can catch a movie at the outdoor theater Sunset Cinema at The Wharf: Happy Gilmore, take a water taxi to visit from Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia and National Harbor in Maryland with one-way fares of $10 for adults, $7 for children (ages 2-11); roundtrip fares are $18 for adults and $12.60 for children.
Planet Word
This past summer I had the chance to visit Planet Word. Planet Word is the world’s first voice-activated museum of words and language with interactive galleries and exhibits that bring words and language to life in all sorts of fun ways. My favorite part of this museum is The Schwarzman Family Library. It’s a book lover’s dream. One of the best features in the this section is the books which come to “life” when placed on a little stand that triggers animations. Here are a few other things you can expect to see and hear at the museum. 
Eat
Every time I go to D.C. I eat at Oohs and Aah’s for authentic Soul Food and they never disappoint. On my recent trip I tried out a new brunch location Urban Roast. This was the first time I ever that I got the chance to experience brunch boards. Brunch Boards are a variety of artfully crafted breakfast assortments. There are both sweet & savory boards, each built to serve approx. 2-3 people. In addition to the Brunch Boards there is a relaxed ambience by the outdoor fire pits. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 3:00 PM . They also have bottomless mimosas for $30.00 per person. You also have the option of a Sangria/Margarita/Mojito pitcher for $36.00. They also run happy hour specials from 2:00 PM- 6:00pm. Another location to try out is Kramer’s Bookstore, Bar, & restaurant in Dupont Circle. That’s right you get three for one. I’ve had dinner at Kramer’s a few times and the food was delicious. What’s better than having a good meal, drink, with a good read on the side. Another place I’ve had the chance to dine at is The Park at Fourteenth I love their jerk wings. They offer dinner and brunch and the location turns into a nightclub. This spot is definitely worth checking out on your trip if time allows.
I hope this Washington D.C. travel guide was informative and you get the chance to visit the nation’s capital. Some other locations worth visiting are the Library of Congress, The National Harbor, Georgetown, The Capitol Building and last but not least The infamous White House. So whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, family trip or just planning a friends trip there is tons of things to see and do in Washington D.C., o you have any upcoming travel plans to visit Washington D.C. ?
