Between its political powerbrokers and cultural landmarks, Washington, DC offers plenty of reasons to curate your packing list. Add in the mercurial weather and stylish nightlife, and the equation becomes even more important to get right. Here’s what to bring, whether you are planning a vacation, a business trip or a little of both.
While D.C. defies many of its stereotypes, do keep in mind that this is still a conservative town when business, politics and diplomacy are involved. Office dress codes, compared to other cities, are decidedly more formal.
From meandering through the city’s grand neoclassical monuments to eating your way through U Street, D.C. is wide, diverse and packed with all kinds of treasures. Optimize your wardrobe for versatility and comfort.
Whether you want to rub shoulders with the city’s elite at posh restaurants, sip on inventive cocktails at one of its many chic bars or spend a few hours at an iconic jazz club, D.C. becomes an assorted playground of bipartisan entertainment at night.
Pack a camera! You’re in a city bursting with federal masterpieces and you’re going to want good photos at the end of your trip. If you’re relying on your phone’s camera, bring a portable cellphone charger so you won’t have to worry about losing battery life while you’re out and about.
Planning a successful trip to Washington, DC isn’t about who you know. It’s about what reservations you make. Whether you hope to try the latest restaurant or see the newest exhibit, tour the White House or step back in time at Mount Vernon, this is what you need to book ahead.
The city’s ultra-diverse and multicultural population makes for an incredible international dining scene. You’ll find top-notch Indian food at Rasika, more authentic Ethiopian food than you’ll find anywhere else in the U.S. (Ethiopic is a popular option), classic French fare at Le Diplomate, numerous Japanese izakayas, and delicious Filipino food (Bad Saint). For sightings of D.C. celebrities, book a table at Bourbon Steak or the Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington. For something casual but trendy, Executive Sous Chef Pedro Baroso at the award-winning Westend Bistro create signature dishes using fresh ingredients and unique techniques.
A quick 30-minute drive will take you to Mount Vernon, George and Martha Washington’s famous estate (and where they’re also buried). The 21-room mansion has been restored to the way it was when the founding father lived there. You can also tour the gardens, distillery and tombs, then visit the museum to take a closer look at hundreds of personal artifacts. Two hours away from town is the estate of another founding father: Thomas Jefferson. Called Monticello, the former tobacco plantation was designed by Jefferson beginning when he was just 26 years old and built and rebuilt over four decades. It was his main residence until his death.
The Smithsonian Institution has 17 museums in the city dedicated to everything from portraits of famous people to space travel. The latest to join the club is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, designed by acclaimed architect David Adjaye with a significant endowment from Oprah. For contemporary art, head to the Hirshhorn Museum, known for its groundbreaking exhibitions featuring heavyweights like Ai WeiWei, Mark Bradford and Yayoi Kusama. If your trip falls in the springtime, don’t miss the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, when the Tidal Basin turns into a picturesque pink paradise thanks to a 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo.
Ask your concierge to book a personalized private tour of D.C.’s outstanding monuments and landmarks. Don’t skip memorials to Lincoln, Jefferson and Martin Luther King Jr. and take your time walking down the picturesque National Mall, lined with 2,000 American elms and 3,000 Japanese cherry trees. Remember the fallen at the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II veterans memorials or cross the Potomac to honor troops buried at Arlington National Cemetery. And make sure to squeeze in a tour of the most important house in America. But keep in mind that a request for a White House tour must be submitted through your representative in Congress, and well in advance.
With its landmarks, shopping, dining and wealth of tours, Washington, DC offers something for everyone. Begin your expedition with these suggested itineraries, which distill the essence of the city into two approachable experiences: a weekend getaway and a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation.
For children of all ages, Washington, D.C., offers the opportunity for engaging and hands-on learning. And the educational experiences aren’t limited to American history. They also include, among many other things, science, art, storytelling and — thanks to the International Spy Museum — a little lighthearted espionage. Iconic monuments and institutions, dynamic museums and plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces make the nation’s capital a favorite for kids and a memorable vacation for the entire family.
There’s a staggering amount of things to eat, see and do in Washington, D.C. Spanning several hundred acres, the National Mall alone is home to iconic monuments, expansive museums, picturesque gardens (including the Hirshhorn Sculpture Museum and the U.S. Botanical Garden), and the U.S. Capitol. Luckily, the nation’s capital is also easy to navigate and fairly compact, making a weekend here enough time to explore some of its treasures.