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Writer's pictureKaty Morris

Washington, D.C. Travel Guide

Updated: Jun 3, 2023

Pack your bags and head to our Nation's Capitol. Washington, D.C. is filled with history, museums, gardens, great restaurants, walking trails, sporting events and more. When visiting Washington, D.C. you can feel the energy and fast-paced environment. During your vacation to Washington, D.C., you will learn and see so many facets of history on formal tours to casual walking paths and museums.

Washington, D.C. is a fabulous location to visit anytime of the year. During the warmer months, it is great to enjoy the outdoors and walk the National Mall. On the National Mall, you will see baseball games, kickball leagues, children flying kites and people reading books or having a picnic. On your walk stop by the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Reflecting Pool, Tidal Basin, the Capitol, the White House and more! If you are visiting Washington, D.C. during the summer, try to secure tickets for Jazz in The Gardens. Jazz in The Gardens takes place at The National Sculpture Garden which is right off the National Mall and is a terrific place to bring a picnic blanket and sip sangria while spending time with friends and family and listening to great jazz. If you are visiting Washington, D.C. during the colder months, The National Sculpture Garden has an ice rink with precious twinkle lights where you can ice skate.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.:


Washington, D.C. has more outstanding restaurants than I can count! Below are the must try restaurants during your trip to Washington, D.C.


BREAKFAST:


Bullfrog Bagels - has delicious bagels and bagel sandwiches. Bullfrog Bagels has numerous locations across the city.


Call Your Mother Deli - located on Barracks Row, is a Jewish bagel shop. Call Your Mother Deli has outstanding bagels, bagel sandwiches and various cream cheese flavors.


Toastique - is a fantastic breakfast venue that serves numerous gourmet toasts, acai bowls, smoothies and juices. Toastique has four locations in Washington, D.C.


BRUNCH:


The Hamilton - located a block away from The White House is a chic and upscale restaurant. I highly recommend the sushi.


VUE Rooftop at The Hotel Washington - overlooks the White House and Department of Treasury. After dining at The VUE Rooftop you will be talking about the view for years to come!


Clyde's - located in Georgetown is a lively and popular brunch venue. Clyde's has an extensive brunch menu with varying types of food.


Due South - is a fun and upbeat bottomless brunch restaurant with great service. Due South is located in Navy Yard.


LUNCH:


Fig & Olive - located in City Center, is a chic and upscale dining venue with outstanding cocktails and entrees.


Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar - is a fun restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Sonoma is a popular lunch location that is frequented by Members of Congress and political staffers.


El Bebe - located in Navy Yard, has the best margaritas, chips and guac, and mexican food. I highly recommend the mushroom tacos in a lettuce wrap.


Gatsby - overlooks The Nationals Baseball Stadium. Gatsby has phenomenal signature cocktails and entrees. When dining at Gatsby request a table that overlooks the baseball field.


Ted’s Bulletin - located in Barracks Row, is famous for their yummy homemade pop tarts. Ted's Bulletin serves breakfast food all day and always comes in large portions.


DINNER:


Centrolina - located in City Center, is a delicious Italian restaurant. If you are a wine connoisseur, Centrolina has a substantial wine menu.


Chloe in Navy Yard - is tied for my favorite restaurant in Washington, D.C. Chloe has a beautiful interior design and a welcoming atmosphere. Chloe has great cocktails and the dinner is served tapas style.


Filomena Ristorante - located in Georgetown is my other favorite restaurant in the city. Filomena is famous for their Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s Day decorations. Filomena has the best espresso martinis in Washington, D.C. Filomena is a most popular location, so remember to make a reservation in advance.


Mr. Henry's - is the perfect dinner location for a Friday evening as there is no better way to begin your weekend with phenomenal jazz music, a drink and good food.


North Italia - has outstanding Italian food. I enjoy their bruschetta, salads, pizzas and pastas. In addition to the food, I highly suggest ordering a pitcher of red sangria!


O-Ku - located by Union Market, is a phenomenal sushi restaurant. When dining at O-Ku I recommend requesting a table on the second floor. I enjoy the Curry Noodles, however, be warned - the dish is incredibly spicy!


Old Ebbitt Grill - situated across the street from The White House and The Treasury Department is a classic and staple restaurant in Washington, D.C. Old Ebbitt is a popular dining venue so remember to make a reservation.


Osteria Morini - located in Navy Yard, is an excellent Italian restaurant serving tasty pastas and salads.


Succotash - is a fabulous southern restaurant. Succotash was built inside of a bank which has left the restaurant with a gorgeous interior design.


After all of the delicious food, you may need a yummy sweet treat! Below are my top three dessert locations in the city!


SWEET TREATS:

1.) Baked and Wired (delicious cupcakes)

2.) District Donut

3.) Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams

BEST THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, D.C.:

THINGS TO DO:

- Jazz In The Gardens

- Ice Skating

- Museums

- Monument

- Memorials

- Capitol Tour

- Nat's Game

- Supreme Court

- Mini Golf


PLACES TO WALK:

- Botanical Gardens

- The Wharf

- Georgetown Waterfront

- National Arboretum and see the old Capitol Columns

- National Mall

- Navy Yard Waterfront


While you are visiting Washington, D.C. make sure to allow time to visit Mount Vernon, Old Town Alexandria, Annapolis and more! This trip will leave you with new fun historical facts, a visual of the monuments and memorials and lasting lifetime memories!


Happy Travels!

XOXO,

Katy

Katy Covey Morris The Collection By KCM www.thecollectionbykcm.com

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