Washington, DC holds a special place in my heart. It’s where Kevin and I first met. In fact, I never thought we’d ever leave DC (fast forward 15 years, and 3 cities later).
Wow, such babies! An old photo of our time living in DC. Kevin in his flip-flops and I’m straddling a case of Miller Lite. Oh how far we’ve come!
We recently went back to DC to visit our family. If you’re like us, you’ve probably visited the typical stops whenever friends or family are in town… Like the Smithsonian, the Capitol Building and the National Zoo. Don’t get us wrong — they’re amazing places to see. But what are some other unique spots? And can you make it work for about a dozen family members — both local and visiting from out of town?
The gang’s all here! Enjoying a day out exploring the DC metro area.
That’s when Kevin and I stepped in to help plan out a trip (aka, when Kevin turned it over to me!). No pressure, right? Whether you’re going to DC solo to see your relatives or taking the entire clan, here are some fun ideas for your next Washington, DC family trip. And per usual Phil and Kevin form, we crammed a lot in!
Where Should my Family Stay in Washington, DC?
Kevin with his mom inside the gorgeous lobby of The St. Gregory Hotel in Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.
We recommend staying near Dupont Circle in Washington, DC to be in the heart of the action. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and stores all within walking distance. If you’re into smaller, boutique hotels, we recommend the St. Gregory Hotel with room rates that can drop as low as $115 a night. Though, the hotel tacks on an additional $30 nightly “amenity fee.” They’re so tricky! But hey, it’s still a pretty good deal.
King Studio room at the St Gregory Hotel in Washington, DC.
If you’re traveling to DC during a major holiday (like Thanksgiving or Christmas), you can often find cheaper rates. The nation’s capitol tends to empty out during the holidays — since its a city of outsiders, who grew up beyond the beltway. A few years back we stayed at The Dupont Circle Hotel, just steps away from the DC metro. Rooms are typically over $200 a night, but we managed to snag a last-minute booking around Thanksgiving for $80 a night. We love a deal!
Inside the restaurant of The Dupont Circle Hotel.
Best Way to Spend your Morning in Washington, DC
AM: Spend a Morning at the Dupont Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market in Dupont Circle.
If your visit to DC falls on a Sunday, there’s no better way to start your morning off right than a trip to the Dupont Circle Farmer’s Market. Open year-round from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, the market has around 50 stalls (in the warmer months) that sell everything from fresh organic produce to crafts. It’s actually one of the very first markets to open in DC, back in 1997. However, Kevin and I somehow missed this place when we lived in DC. But then again, our definition of healthy eating was going to the Cheesecake Factory and splitting it!
How to Get to the Dupont Farmer’s Market?
This market is located on 20th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue and Hillyer Place. Parking can be difficult, so taking the Metro to the Dupont Circle stop on the Red Line is probably the easiest way to get to the market. That metro stop will take you right there. Or if you’re staying at either of the hotels we recommend, you’re just minutes away by foot.
AM (Option #2): Check Out A Museum That Isn’t Part of The Smithsonian
The National Geographic Museum in Dupont Circle.
Sure, we love the Smithsonian. But the crowds can get a little overwhelming — especially if you’re with kids or older family members. We recommend a morning visit to the National Geographic Museum, located in the heart of Dupont Circle. It’s not massive, so you can take your time perusing one of its rotating exhibitions or checking out some of its stunning photography. The museum also hosts live talks, trivia nights and even explorer-themed happy hours.
The museum is open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day). While it’s not free like the Smithsonian, tickets are still a pretty good value at $15 for adults; $12 for students/military/seniors (over 62) and $10 for children (5-12 years old). If you’re coming by Metro, the Farragut North Station, on the Red Line of the Metro, is the closest station to the museum. Farragut North has two exits; make sure to leave the station through the L Street Exit.
Afternoon in Washington, DC
PM: Chow Down on Baguettes at Le Diplomate
Feeling very French at Le Diplomate.
Le Diplomate is located on DC’s buzzy 14th Street corridor. When Kevin and I lived in DC, I joked that 14th Street was one of the few parts of DC I could actually afford (if I didn’t get murdered first!). But times have certainly changed, and today it is one of the most desirable places to live in DC. Le Diplomate pays homage to French cafe culture. I mean, even the hostess and waiters channeled the stereotypical Parisian. But Kevin eventually won them over. Well, until he asked for a third bread basket. KEVIN! But hey, I’m with you, Kevin. Those baguettes were pretty darn good.
The extensive menu features a variety of classics, including onion soup gratinée (highly recommended), steak frites and escargots, as well as daily plates such as bouillabaisse and cassoulet. It also has a pretty extensive wine and specialty cocktail list. No reservations are necessary before 5 PM. But if it’s getting close to 5 PM, you should definitely book one. Evening reservations are essential since this is one of the most popular restaurants in DC. Apparently, its the 2nd most popular place, only behind Old Ebbitt Grill. At least that’s what the disinterested hostess told me. Now only if she said it in a French accent — now that would be authentic!
PM: Coffee and Couches, Relax in DC’s Version of ‘Central Perk’
The comfy seating inside Tryst.
We hopped in an Uber to Adams Morgan to relax in one of my favorite spots in DC, Tryst Coffee. This place even existed when Kevin and I lived in DC — and I spent many late nights here working away on my resume while Kevin studied for his GMAT exam. As a side note, I remember how impressed I was that Tryst offered free wifi. Seriously, I’m starting to sound ancient. I can only imagine recounting the period of dial-up Internet to my nieces and nephews one day!
Every coffee at Tryst comes with an animal cracker.
Tryst is the quintessential neighborhood coffee shop like Central Perk in Friends. You’ll find plenty of couches and tables crammed inside, nothing matches (not even the place settings) and you’ll still find people playing board games and cards. It’s a great place to bring the family since it’s super casual and you’re steps away from all the stores in Adams Morgan (for all those shoppers out there). If you’re still hungry, the menu has a nice selection of sandwiches as well as desserts. It also stays open late, until midnight on weekdays. And besides, who can pass up a drink that’s served with animal crackers?
Evening in Washington, DC
Learn about DC’s Secrets and Scandals on a Nighttime Walking Tour
Meeting up in the (very dark) Lafayette Square Park by the White House.
A scandalous side of White House? Who would’ve thought it? Ummm… Okay, maybe I don’t have to stretch my mind too much here. Leave the kiddos behind, for Free Tours by Foot‘s 1.5 hour “White House at Night: Secrets & Scandals” tour that dishes all the dirt on presidential affairs, nearby duels, murders and scandalous first ladies. While it isn’t technically a ghost tour, it is the perfect accompaniment to the darker side of history.
The exterior of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, considered one of DC’s most haunted places.
The tour starts approximately at 8 PM near the White House. Kevin, Aunt Dorothy and I luckily had on our running shoes to keep up with our speed-walking guide, who shared rapid-fire ‘true’ stories of the city’s darkest secrets and most haunted houses, including the White House. This is a ‘Pay What You Want’ tour, though they do charge a small booking fee of $3 to ensure that you show up. I guess people are known for booking and ‘ghosting.’ (and the pun was DEFINITELY intentional). If you want to take a similar, less scandalous, tour with the kids, Free Tours By Foot also offers a daytime version that covers presidential history and true stories and legends of the founding fathers and Revolutionary War heroes on Saturdays at 2 PM.
Wrapping up the Night: Drinks at Old Ebbitt Grill
Kevin, Aunt Dorothy and I wrap up the night inside DC’s oldest watering hole, the Old Ebbitt Grill.
Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon, was founded in 1856 when, according to legend, innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house. Today, no one can pinpoint the house’s exact location, but it was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown. As a boarding house, the Ebbitt guest list reads like a Who’s Who of American History. President McKinley is said to have lived there during his tenure in Congress, and Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt and Warren Harding supposedly enjoyed their time at the bar.
Today, it’s still popular with politicians (along with wide-eyed tourists hoping to spot them) with a full-service restaurant packed from morning until night. We grabbed a seat at one of the four marble bars to catch up, and relax after our vigorous walking tour. After snagging some primo seats (a hot commodity here), be sure to stroll around the restaurant and take in the heavy mahogany accents, red-velvet booths and antiques crammed into every corner. It’s easy to see why this classic spot is the #1 busiest restaurant in the city.
If you still have the energy, take a quick stroll up the block to POV Lounge, located on the rooftop of the W Hotel. POV gives you a birds-eye view of the White House and Washington Monument. Sure, it’s loud — really loud. But you won’t find another view like it in DC. Aunt Dorothy and I got behind the velvet ropes and waited patiently to take the elevator up to get a peek.
POV Lounge, on top of the W Hotel overlooking the monuments.
POV Lounge, overlooking the White House.
And there you have it! Who said Washington, DC is just full of old and stuffy politicians? If you have more time to explore, consider taking a trip to Fredricksburg, Virginia, another fantastic family destination where we celebrated Thanksgiving a few years ago. Or if you’re there during baseball season, you might want to check out the Nationals and all the great shopping and restaurants in the newly-developed Navy Yard. And yes, clearly you know where my interests lie here (and it’s not on sports!). But hey, at least the stadium has some pretty tasty snacks!
Fun family portrait. Kevin, why do you have a Budweiser on your shoulder?
No Comments, Be The First!