A visit to Washington DC will never disappoint – as one of the cultural capitals of the US; there are plenty of historical monuments, buildings, and sites to discover; it’s a vibrant contemporary destination, too, with a plethora of exciting restaurants and other attractions to explore.
The United States of America is a vast place. It’s not without a reason that it is dubbed the greatest country in the world. This is not an exaggeration. It has so much to offer and Washington DC is in the middle of all of it. Yes, people could argue that there are bigger cities you could visit in America, and maybe they would be right, but missing out on the Capital would be a mistake. New York City is amazing, the city in the desert – Las Vegas too, and let’s not waste words on Los Angeles and Hollywood, but neither of them is the capital.
It is the focal point of American democracy and a place everyone needs to visit during their lifetime. It is home to the Washington Wizards of the NBA, Washington Commanders of the NFL, and also the Capitals and the Nationals. It is a city with a great sports culture among other things. When people think about it they’re not going to think about sports, which is not a bad thing. Their focus is going to be on monumental memorials such as The White House, United States Capitol, and Smithsonian Museum. Yes, DC is the home to all of these monuments which among other things makes it a great place to visit.
Still, need a reason to visit Washington DC? Ok, keep reading for five of the best of them!
1. You Can Be Entertained For Free!
Many people don’t realize the sheer volume of things that you can do in Washington DC for free. You don’t need to spend a fortune to soak up some of the rich history and culture of the city: enjoy a tour of the US Capitol, visit the Smithsonian museums or visit the memorials of Lincoln, Jefferson, or Martin Luther King Jr – all of these options can be enjoyed totally free of charge.
That’s not all: there are lots more no-charge activities to partake in, such as a visit to the National Gallery of Art or to the National Archives to take a look at the original Declaration of Independence. The Library of Congress is another great option, and this establishment offers free tours, too; or how about the National Air and Space Museum where visitors can admire aircraft used in WWI and WWII as well as learn about the latest developments in space travel – the exhibitions and installations here are fascinating to young and old alike!
And if all that culture and history has left you feeling in need of a little bit of rest, then take a visit to the United States Botanic Garden to soak up the beauty and peaceful vibes of this oasis – it’s free entry here, too.
2. Culinary Credentials
Washington DC is home to some of the finest restaurants in the state. Among them is Del Mar, an eatery offering exquisite Spanish-style seafood and beautiful waterfront views, and then there’s the Compass Rose, an eclectic restaurant serving up global food in a stylish, intimate dining space festooned with fairy lights.
For a relaxed brunch, Woodward Table is hard to beat: the Butcher Board option features cured meats, terrines, pickled vegetables, and grilled bread and is an enduringly popular choice with diners. The Chicken and Waffles dish is a perennial hit, too. We find it impossible that you won’t find any of these places satisfactory, but if that’s the case you can find some places that suit you better if you click here.
Beyond what’s written above here we go for something a little different, how about a Washington DC Food Tour to combine some heritage with a host of gastro treats? There are plenty to choose from, such as the Old Town Alexandria Food Tour – this option will take participants on a historical journey through the district, which was once home to George Washington. Along the way, there will be stops at several family-run restaurants to sample dishes that have a unique connection with the area, including a local dessert that has been tempting diners here for over one hundred and fifty years!
3. Unique Shopping Opportunities
Washington DC is packed with quirky little shops and interesting boutiques to explore – Georgetown and the new City Center are both great shopping destinations for a serious hit-the-stores session, but the entire city is dotted with fantastic places to find the perfect gift, piece of artwork for your home, or spectacularly cut suit.
A few examples of must-visit shops are Home Rule, which is full to the brim with funky and fabulous homeware, Salt and Sundry for artisan kitchenware, and Lettie Gooch, a cute little boutique that’ll tempt you with its boldly colored clothes and flamboyant jewelry.
Capitol Hill Books is worth a visit, too, though prepare to lose a few hours perusing the floor to ceiling stacks of second-hand books and first edition vintage treasures.
4. Witness the Supreme Court
It’s not everywhere that you can get to watch the Supreme Court in action – in fact, you can only do so in Washington DC! Between April and October, when the court is in session, visitors can attend the oral argument sessions. In these sessions, the Justices ask questions of the attorneys regarding a specific case being tried, and it’s an opportunity for the attorneys, in turn, to present arguments that are particularly relevant to the proceedings.
Visitors may use the courtroom seating, which is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. While this doesn’t sound as much, trust us, it is! Most people who have witnessed a trial at the Supreme Court have been left speechless. Not any case or any lawyer can be presented here. If you opt for this visit, you’ll have a chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. Those who have been there have described it as a scene from a movie. After all, it’s not every day you’re at a court of this magnitude. When you’re seated, it will be like you’re in one of the great movies that have trials as the focal point of their screenplays such as A Few Good Men, Runaway Jury, or Suspect. Many of us grew up with these movies, and the capital of the US is the only place in the country that can give you access to the Supreme Court. You don’t even have to be engaged with a law school or studies to find this appealing.
5. Bustling Brewery Scene
And last – but certainly not least – Washington DC is home to a multitude of breweries offering craft beers and tours.
For ale fans, a visit to the Right Proper Brewery is a must, where guests can enjoy homemade brews in an industrial-inspired space, as is the Atlas Brew Works, which offers tastings and gluten-free options.
As well as breweries, there are lots of lively cocktail bars in the city, too: one of the best is Left Door, a contemporary venue that serves both classic and creative cocktails that are crafted with care by expert bartenders. If you’re looking for a hidden gem of a bar in which to enjoy some artisan drinks in the city, Left Door is a perfect choice.
So there you have it, five of the most compelling reasons to visit Washington DC this year – so now all you need to do is decide on the date of your trip!
Final Thoughts
We could go on and on, but these five reasons fit the bill perfectly. After reading this article we are sure that your desire to visit the capital of the United States of America is through the roof. That’s the way it should be. After all, with all of that we said, you can let your imagination create a picture of it. But, it can never be the same as experiencing it in real life. So, don’t waste your time, but book your next vacation to have it spent in this capital. If you’re an adventurous spirit and are a fan of the National Treasure movie franchise or Dan Brown’s books you can even go on a mystery chase through the Capital. Why not?
