A Travel Lover's Guide to the Nation's Capital

National Mall

You could spend days at the National Mall (across my lifetime, I hope to!). And on a trip to DC, it's a must! Of course, there are dozens of memorials and monuments! They are all worth visiting, from the famous and oft-photographed:

• Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial

• Jefferson Memorial

• Washington Monument

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

• World War II Memorial
  
  

To the less visited but surprising stunners that we visit over and over:

• FDR Memorial, MLK Memorial

• Vietnam Women's Memorial

• 56 Signers Memorial
  
  

Then there are museums, most of which are exceptional (and many of which are free):

• National Museum of African American History and Culture

• National Museum of American History

• National Archives and Records Administration,

• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum,

• Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden,

• Library of Congress

• National Gallery of Art!
  
  

Off the Mall

There's also a lot to do off the mall! Arlington National Cemetery is almost a required, but some of my other favorites are:

• National Portrait Gallery/Smithsonian American Art Museum

• Kreeger Museum

• Mansion on O Street (the Secret Door Experience is a fun activity to do between some of the heavier museums and activities in DC!).

• National Building Museum

• Larz Anderson House

• Woodrow Wilson House

• Hillwood Museum and Gardens

• Planet Word Museum

• And take in a show at the Kennedy Center if you can (opera, theater, ballet, musicals and comedy in a gorgeous setting).

• And don't miss the markets: Eastern Market, La Cosecha and Union Market.
  
  

Day trips

Alexandria VA

George Washington's Mount Vernon, a beautiful 18-mile trail along the Potomac River (Mount Vernon Trail), Waterfront Park in Old Town and Frank Lloyd Wright house open for tours (Pope-Leighey House), worth a visit and only 20 minutes from DC (and accessible by Metro, too!)

Great Falls Park (MD and VA)

A park that spans both sides of the Potomac (in both Maryland and Virginia) has some gorgeous... you I guessed it...falls! With great views and hikes, it is well worth a visit if you're looking for something outdoorsy or nature-filled after a few days in DC! It's only a half or so (depending on where you are in DC and whether you're going to VA or MD; it is possible to do both).

Stone Tower Winery is a great vineyard in Leesburg, Virginia, and it's less than an hour away.

DC might be a sleeper foodie city - there are more great restaurants than you'll have meals at on your trip!

These are my absolute favorites:

• Supra (Georgian restaurant great for brunch or lunch; don't miss their Khachapuri Adjaruli and Georgian wines)

• Lutece (French restaurant in Georgetown that is perfect for brunch)

• Sura (serving delicious food inspired by Yawoarat - Bangkok's Chinatown - and Japanese izakayas)

• Mari Vanna (a Russian restaurant with great food, infused vodkas, and vibes)

• Fiola Mare (a fancy and gorgeous waterfront restaurant in Georgetown with a great brunch and wonderful views and people watching)

• Compass Rose (a delicious restaurant with an international menu)

• Sushi Nakazawa (a great option for an omakase dinner)

• Destino (delicious Mexican near Union Market)

• Tatte Bakery & Cafe (a great bakery/cafe for breakfast or bunch, with multiple locations)

• Hiraya (serving a Filipino tasting menu)

• Queen's English (a delicious and gorgeous restaurant with a focus on Hong Kong cuisine)

• Cranes Spanish Kaiseki (a Spanish-Japanese fusion option for omakase or a la carte)

• Anju (a great Korean option for brunch or dinner)

• Yellow the Café (a great Middle Eastern bakery for breakfast/brunch on the go or to enjoy inside)