What’s up everyone
Summer is here and there are so many super fun things to do in and around D.C. so I thought this is the perfect time to go through my top 10! I’ll put links in the description for all of them in case you want to check them out!
So let’s dive right in!
These are in no particular order but my first thing is something we do every summer and it never gets old.
1- Stand up Paddle boarding. Down in Georgetown on the river, you can rent stand up paddle boards and kayaks and paddle all around D.C. Its so cool to see the Kennedy center and the Lincoln Memorial from the water and paddle under different bridges. They even have SUP yoga classes which are my fav- doing yoga on a paddle board in the middle of our nations capital. If you’ve never been, it’s so much fun and you should def check it out.
2- Picnic on the Mall- No, this is not a shopping mall, but th National Mall near the Washington Monument. Even as a resident, it makes for an amazing day to pack a picnic and head down to the mall. We always find a sweet spot and lay the blanket down and just take in the city. Afterwards, we go on a long walk up to the Lincoln Memorial and then wrap around to the Vietnam memorial. Even though I’ve seen these monuments and memorials more times than I can count, they still take my breath away.
3- D.C. Wharf – Another place we love to paddle is the D.C. Wharf. The wharf has a totally different vibe than Georgetown. It is home to over 80 restaurants and shops, four hotels, and a super cute board walk pier with swings on it and so many boats to look at. One of our favorite restaurants at the wharf is mi vida. If you like Mexican food- you will absolutely love it. We also tried Gordon Ramsey’s new restaurant at the wharf recently Hell’s Kitchen where we had- you guessed it- beef Wellington. It’s an amazing space and the food was excellent. And, if you enjoyed paddle boarding in Georgetown, get ready to hop on a board at the wharf. They have both kayaks and stand up paddle boards and its always a good time
4- Concerts at Merriweather Post or Jiffy Lube- Growing up here as a kid and now as an adult, one of the traditions we have is to pack a picnic and go to a summer concert at either Merriweather post or Jiffy Lube. It’s always a good time and they both get some great acts. I’m hoping to get tickets and see Luke Bryan this summer.
5- Rooftop sunset cocktail – After a fun summer day, what’s better than heading to one of the roof tops in DC for a sunset cocktail. And it seems like every summer, more rooftops open. Some of the new rooftop bars are Moonraker which is located in the new Pendry hotel at the Wharf and Baja Tap, a new huge Mexican spot in Adams Morgan, which takes over the former Mellow Mushroom space. They have a great happy hour with $6 margaritas and $5 drafts and former Le Diplomate chef Greg Lloyd is making fun creations like a Philly cheesesteak-inspired taco
6- Canal Boat Tour- This next one came from my Dad. Georgetown Heritage started canal boat tours in May of this year. It’s a one hour tour that check in at the C&O Canal Historical Park visitor center and heads down the canal. It costs $15 for an adult, $8 for a child and $10 for a senior or military. They loved it and said it was a really cool experience.
7- Brunch in D.C. – This is one of my all time favorite things to do all year round but especially in the Summer. We like to go to Martins Tavern in Georgetown which is an institution. It’s been around since 1933 and has certain booths dedicated to various presidents that have dined there. In face, John Kennedy proposed to Jackie on June 24, 1953 in Martin’s Tavern! And the food is excellent as well as the cocktails
8- Smithsonian National Zoo – a day at the zoo is a winning day. You’ll get your steps in, see some awesome animals including the cute pandas and it’s all free! Just dont park there because thats expensive. Take the metro and head on in. Right now they’re trying to name the latest baby gorilla. She’s so cute! Check out the poll if you want to vote for her name. There’s also a baby Panamanian golden frog! Isn’t it incredible!
9- Eastern Market- If you like outdoor markets, you need to check out the Eastern Market in DC located in the heart of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. They’re celebrating their 150 year anniversary this year! On the weekends they have local farm-fresh produce and handmade arts and crafts. Definitely a must do in DC
10- Winery- what’s better on a glorious summer day than taking in a beautiful vista at one of our local wineries. There are so many to choose from between DC, MD and VA but my favorite is in Darnestown, Maryland right outside of DC at Windridge winery. They have a tasting room, really good wine, Adirondack chairs and food trucks. So you can bring your own food or buy it there.