DC Recommendations
My favorite spots in Washington, DC - from peaceful parks to inspiring art venues, all the way to the coziest bookstores.
Being raised in the DMV area, I've extensively explored DC since I was young. As an adult living in the city, these are the places that capture the spirit of DC and exisit to reset all souls. With its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, fashion-elevating and thriving literary culture. Whether you're a local or visiting, these spots offer authentic experiences in our nation's capital. This will not be the Smithsonian museum ranking or how to explore the National Mall.
Parks & Natural Spaces
Malcolm X Park
Also Known As Meridian Hill Park
Historic Park / Drum Circle
Stunning cascading fountains and the famous Sunday drum circle. The Italian Renaissance-style design makes it feel like you're in Europe, not DC.
US National Arboretum
Botanical Gardens / Capitol Columns
Hidden gem with the iconic Capitol Columns and spectacular azalea gardens. The bonsai collection is world-class, and it's surprisingly uncrowded.
Temperance Alley Garden
Hidden Garden / Historic Alley
A secret garden tucked away in a historic cobblestone alley provides an intimate space featuring peaceful meditation and yoga sessions, fruitful gardens which feed the city, and a place for quiet reflection admist the busseling U Street.
Art & Cultural Venues
Museums & Galleries
Rhizome
Queer Modern Art
A nonprofit community arts space dedicated to creating an inclusive space for queer art
The Phillips Collection
Modern Art / Intimate Setting
America's first museum of modern art, housed in a beautiful mansion. The Rothko Room is transcendent, and the intimate scale makes every piece feel personal.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
History Museum / Cultural Heritage
A powerful and essential museum that tells the comprehensive story of African American history and culture. The bronze lattice exterior is stunning, and the exhibits are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Performance Venues
Room 808
Intimate Live Music / Underground Venue
A hidden gem for live music lovers. This intimate venue features emerging and established artists in an underground setting that creates an authentic, connected experience between performers and audience.
Black Cat
Live Music / Indie Venue
Legendary indie music venue that's hosted everyone from White Stripes to Arcade Fire. The upstairs Red Room bar is perfect for pre-show drinks.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Contemporary Theater
Cutting-edge theater that tackles contemporary issues with intelligence and humor. The intimate setting makes every performance feel immediate and powerful.
Literary Havens
Politics and Prose
Independent Bookstore / Author Events
DC's most famous bookstore, and for good reason. Incredible author events, knowledgeable staff, and a coffee shop upstairs. The political science section is unmatched.
East City Bookshop
Community Bookstore / Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill's neighborhood bookstore with an excellent children's section and regular author events. The staff recommendations are always spot-on.
Bol Coop
Worker Cooperative Bookstore / Community Space
A worker-owned cooperative bookstore that embodies radical community values. Specializes in political theory, social justice, and liberation literature while hosting educational events and workshops.
Second Story Books
Used Books / Rare Collections
A treasure trove of used and rare books spread across multiple floors. You can spend hours browsing and always find something unexpected. The rare book room is fascinating.
Bold Fork Books
Independent Bookstore / Community Hub
A vibrant independent bookstore fully devoted to the culinary arts. Known for their carefully curated selection, author events, and commitment to amplifying marginalized stories.
Kramers
Bookstore Café / Late Night
Open 24/7 on weekends! Browse books while sipping wine or coffee. The combination of literature and late-night dining makes it uniquely DC.