Discover the Real DC: Beyond Politics – Family Fun, Global Flavors, Culture, and History
Washington, D.C., is far more than government and politics, the typical focus of national correspondents. The true heart of the nation's capital is DC: a mosaic of historic neighborhoods pulsing with fresh energy; restaurants showcasing global cuisines and Michelin acclaim; dynamic events alongside timeless cultural icons—many family-oriented and free. Dive into our expert guide to the must-see highlights for summer and beyond.
Family Fun in DC
DC stands out as an ideal destination for families, seamlessly blending education and entertainment. Countless attractions captivate kids while enriching their minds.
A standout newcomer is Planet Word, the world's first voice-activated museum and an immersive language experience housed in a historic school building. Highlights include a whispering willow tree speaking hundreds of languages, a 22-foot talking wall tracing English's history, galleries for delivering iconic speeches via teleprompter, and spaces for singing and songwriting.
Don't miss the venerable Smithsonian Institution, marking its 175th anniversary with 19 museums, research centers, and the National Zoo—the world's largest museum complex, all free to enter. As of July 20, 2021, most DC Smithsonian museums no longer require timed-entry passes. For an unforgettable overview, visit the National Air and Space Museum, reopening July 30, 2021, with rockets, spacesuits, and a Hubble mirror. The National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute remains a hit with giant pandas, lemurs, bears, swamp monkeys, and bald eagles (timed passes required).
For active fun, DC's bike-friendly vibe shines with a Bike Concierge for top tours and rentals. Catch the DC Bike Ride on September 25—a car-free ride through iconic sites, open to kids as young as three.
Catch a family baseball game at Nationals Park, where the Nats face teams like the Cubs, Phillies, and Braves. Grab a DC classic half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl between innings.
A World of Flavor
Start your culinary journey at the original Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street, a 62-year family-run icon famed for the half-smoke, its longevity, and ties to history—from feeding the 1963 March on Washington to serving during 1968 riots and dignitaries like Obama and Pope Francis.
Explore diverse options: historic Old Ebbitt Grill (est. 1856) near the White House, with its famed Oyster Happy Hour; Ivy City Smokehouse, a four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand for smoked fish and crab cakes.
For Michelin stars, the 2021 guide added Elcielo D.C. (Colombian), Cranes (Spanish-Kaiseki), Rooster & Owl (vegetarian-forward), and Xiquet (paella). Two-star Jônt joins Minibar and Pineapple and Pearls.
DC's neighborhoods reflect global roots: Little Ethiopia on U Street features Dukem. Salvadoran hubs in Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights offer pupusas at Gloria’s Pupuseria and Haydee’s Restaurant. Adams Morgan's El Tamarindo blends Salvadoran-Mexican fare.
Time your visit for Restaurant Week (August 9-15), with prix-fixe menus at top spots: $22 brunch/lunch, $35/$55 dinner.
Culture Capital
DC rivals global arts hubs with the National Gallery of Art (home to vast Calder works), Kennedy Center (historic performances), and Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Explore The Reach at Kennedy Center. Music lovers: DC JazzFest (September 1-5) with Regina Carter and Spanish Harlem Orchestra.
Visual arts: Phillips Collection centennial (Seeing Differently through September 12); Georgetown Glow (through September 26); National Museum of African Art reopening.
Cinephiles: Outdoor series like Films at the Stone (through August 19), Sunset Cinema (through September 2), Library of Congress Movies on the Lawn (through August 5).
History Buff Heaven
Monuments abound on the Mall, including the striking Frank Gehry-designed Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial.
Elevate with Monuments by Moonlight trolley tours for illuminated memorials and untold stories. Washington Walks offers neighborhood tours like Georgetown Waterfront during Georgetown Glow, Women Who Changed America, and Embassy Row.
The best history? The memories you create wandering this vibrant city.
