While most people think of Washington, DC, as a historical city and political capital, it is also a vibrant hub for foodies, nightlife revelers, music lovers, and culture vultures. Washington, DC, or “DC,” as locals call it, is home to vibrant communities with origins from around the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s many outdoor activities, parks, and gardens and go canoeing or paddleboarding on the Potomac River. Washington, DC, has been shaped by some of the country’s most profound historical moments, but it is very much a contemporary and thriving city that enthusiastically faces the future. Check out these 10 quintessentially DC things to do -- that aren't historic.
10 Breweries
Washington, DC, is a beer town, and while that may surprise visitors, locals know that no fewer than a dozen breweries can be found in the city and surrounding suburbs. The DC Brau brewery is a local favorite, brewing, packaging, and selling its beers since 2009. Visitors can enjoy a visit to their taproom to try the brewery’s many unique concoctions, ranging from lagers to IPAs and stouts. There’s usually a food truck on-site, but visitors are also welcome to bring their food to enjoy with the wide selection of beers on tap. A taproom visit is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and home brewers.
9 The Wharf
Although it’s been revitalized and branded as a “new” neighborhood, The Wharf has been home to some District Institutions for decades. The fish market is the anchor (pun intended) of this neighborhood. Locals know fresh catch and cooked-to-order seafood are among the finest in town here. The newly developed mix-use Wharf complex is a sprawling entertainment and residential destination with dreamy views of the Washington Channel, best enjoyed at sunset. Visitors can enjoy a night of theater at the neighborhood’s Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater and cap the evening with a stroll along the water. The Wharf neighborhood is well worth the trip.
8 Potomac River
Get out into nature with a day of paddle boarding, kayaking, or sailing on the Potomac River. This lengthy body of water flows from the Mid-Atlantic region’s catchment area and terminates in the Chesapeake Bay. A day on the river acquaints travelers with the area’s diverse wildlife and idyllic geography. There are several boathouses and sailing centers along the river and throughout the city, where adventurers can learn the basics and rent equipment to enjoy this special experience of the nation’s capital.
7 Georgetown
Home to the eponymously named and prestigious university, Georgetown maintains a well-preserved colonial-era appearance with an energetic and youthful vibe. M street is the main artery of this neighborhood. Trendy shops line red brick sidewalks, and students and professionals mingle at any number of hip restaurants and bars. Upscale shoppers swear by the neighborhood’s unique boutiques and haute couture shops. After dark, the crowd is mainly fine diners and the city’s elite – political and otherwise.
6 Professional Sports
Over the years, Washington has relentlessly pursued its growth as a sports city, attracting athletic teams in most major sports, including an NBA basketball team, an NHL hockey team, an indoor soccer team, and a baseball club. Now, sports enthusiasts can catch a game year-round. As a growing sports destination, the neighborhoods around the various fields and arenas have boomed. Visitors can arrive early and stay late at most sports venues to enjoy the vibrant pubs, restaurants, and food trucks that have popped up around the sporting venues.
5 U Street
Few places in the district are as culturally vibrant as the U Street Corridor, roughly running between the U Street and Mount Vernon Metro stations on the Green Line. This stretch is home to music venues, restaurants, and an ever-evolving community. Successive waves of immigrants from around the world have made this neighborhood a haven for authentic international cuisines and creative fusion concepts. The LGBTQ+ community has established Nelly’s Sports Bar as a hub with its weekly drag brunch. College students from nearby Howard University come to hang out after classes. And jazz musicians have flocked to perform at venues along this street for decades. The various communities that hold this neighbor dear have created a truly diverse glimpse of the American dream that visitors shouldn’t miss.
4 ARTECH House
This interactive concept museum focuses on the intersection of art and technology, welcoming visitors to expand their definition of both. Visitors are welcome for interactive sessions that last up to an hour. During these sessions, guests are immersed in the exhibiting artists’ creations. Dwarfed by giant video screens drenched in neon colors, abstract shapes, and massive projections, visitors, are consumed by the art as they attempt to consume it. The ARTECH House has three locations nationwide.
3 Tidal Basin
The District’s Tidal Basin is often thought of as the site of several historical monuments, but it is much more to locals. The area contains a walking and jogging track that passes by several scenic views. Visitors should enjoy a sunset or nighttime walk around the Basin to enjoy views of its forested rim and the shimmering Potomac River. Monuments aside, this large public park is breathtaking in spring when the cherry trees, gifted by Japan, begin to bloom. It is again at its peak in the autumn when the Basin is encircled by fiery fall foliage. There’s no wrong time to visit this urban escape, so travelers should be keen to include it in their itineraries.
2 Hains Point
Located at the far southern tip of East Potomac Park, Hains Point is a small park with a big view. Here, three bodies of water meet the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and the Washington Channel. This small but serene corner of the District feels like it is a world away from the bustle of the city. It’s easy to spend a day of family-friend fun here. Hains point offers a mini golf area, bike rental, and multiple picnic tables to enjoy a leisurely or active day out with friends and family. Campsites are popular here, and visitors should book in advance to enjoy peaceful nights by the water and under the stars.
1 Live Music
The District and its suburbs comprise the major Mid-Atlantic hub for concert tours. A plethora of music venues offers concertgoers unique experiences – from massive, throbbing arena shows to intimate acoustic performances and everything in between. One of the city’s oldest and most established venues, The 9:30 Club, is an unassuming brick building tucked away on a quiet side street in the northwest quadrant, right off the U Street Corridor. But most evenings, revelers go wild to the sound sounds of rock, pop, folk, and hip-hop performances. Smaller venues continue to make their mark on the scene as well, including intimate spaces like The Black Cat, The Pocket, DC9, and Echostage. This city will keep music lovers rocking and rolling.