DCers for a weekend

Katelyn Woodard
Oct 2, 2024
3 min read

Fitting a week’s worth of sights into a three-day weekend is exactly what it sounds like: EXHAUSTING. However, I can genuinely say it was one of my favorite trips given our time frame. Washington, D.C. has so many sights to offer its tourists, including national landmarks, beautiful parks, waterfronts, and plenty of shopping opportunities. D.C. is a place where you could spend a week and still not see everything. Personally, I would have preferred to spend at least five days there to visit all of the main attractions, and I recommend you consider that when planning your trip.

One of the most unexpected highlights of this trip was spending July 4th on the U.S. Capitol’s front lawn. With food, concerts, plenty of space, and incredible fireworks, it created such a fun memory for my friends and I. I remember running from area to area with our group trying to find the best spot to watch everything from. As we settled down and watched the fireworks light up the sky above the Washington Monument, I felt so grateful to live in our great nation.

While planning my trip, I was fortunate to have two friends who were spending the summer in D.C.; they served as excellent tour guides in this amazing city! Getting a glimpse of what their summers looked like, made me love it even more. While I only spent a weekend in D.C., I can confidently say that I will be going back for a longer period of time if given the chance again.

By far my favorite part of the trip- touring the Capitol. We went as a group of 6, and got a private tour from a friend who worked there this summer. During this time I got to learn so much, but I also had such a fun time with the people I care about; whether that was making jokes, taking pictures, or tapping the "center of the city" with our feet. Take it from me y'all, and give D.C. a chance.

Below, you will find some of my favorite recommendations and outfits that are perfect for the weather in Washington, D.C. in July!

LETS GO!

Hotels

I suggest checking out Airbnbs! They provide a variety of choices in different locations, but my favorite was the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The long streets and rowhouses created a serene atmosphere. I felt really comfortable and safe taking morning walks there, whether alone or with a friend.
- https://shorturl.at/9E23K

Traveling around

Walking- This city is made for walking. Make sure to pack several pairs of comfortable shoes and do your stretches in the morning. Walking allows you to pop into little places that you might not have seen otherwise. I highly recommend this way of traveling!
The Metro- I enjoyed being able to hop on and off quickly to get to new places, but I recommend traveling with others when using the Metro.
Uber- There are plenty of Ubers always ready to pick you up anywhere in D.C. While they can be pricey, they are a reliable option to have. I had great experiences with all of my Ubers, and the drivers often offered excellent travel advice and recommendations!

Restaurants

Martin's Tavern
Good Stuff Eatery
Tune Inn Restaurant and Bar
We The Pizza
Blue Jacket
Guapo's Restaurant
Andy's Pizza
Buffalo and Bergen
Royal Sands
Mission Navy Yard

Coffee + Bakeries + Pubs

Wine + Butter- My morning walk always consisted of getting a mocha and croissant from here. The best way to start every morning is in this Paris-inspired bakery!
Bullpen- A fun place to be after the baseball game.
Whitlows- Has a great rooftop to see fireworks from.
Sauf Haus- Has great live bands on weekends!

Places to explore