8 Awesome Experiences Unique To DC
It’s not all just politics you know. Washington has life and those of us that call this place home enjoy taking in all that the region has to offer. From museums to scenic parks and fun activities, here’s just a sampling of some of our favorites.
Tour the Embassies
Once a year, most of those regal—and some not so regal—embassies open their doors to curious visitors during the Around the World Embassy Tour in Washington. This year, the Cultural Tourism DC office will host the event on May 7, showcasing 50 embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East and the Americas, and on May 14, the European Embassies will open. There’s always plenty of educational and cultural programming, including food samples, and art and music from the different countries.
Ice skate in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden
There's something about ice skating in the National Gallery of Art’s sculpture garden to cool music that just feels good. When the gallery is closed, skaters take to the ice for an evening ice skating session. Two-hour sessions begin every hour and there are even basic skills classes and a happy hour skate. The Pavilion Café is a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink coffee or wine, and warm up.
Visit Washington National Cathedral
There are daily events at Washington National Cathedral, where visitors are welcomed to tour the breathtaking building, stroll the scenic gardens, catch an exhibit or attend Sunday’s worship service. For something different, consider the Tour and Tea every Tuesday and Wednesday at 1:30 for a unique experience. A separate, behind-the-scenes tour lets you get up close to the stained-glass windows, gargoyles and other cathedral areas not included in the standard tour.
Go to the Newseum
It’s a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to, you guessed it, the news. Although it’s not a part of the free Smithsonian system, visitors enjoy this unique, interactive museum with a portmanteau name, focused on all things in the news. Where else can you catch a glimpse of the front page of daily newspapers, every single day, from across the country and the world? It has seven levels of exhibits and 15 galleries. Exhibits include a 9/11 gallery—with a piece of the Twin Towers rescued from the debris—and Civil Rights Movement exhibit. There’s also a panoramic terrace with a great view of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Hike Great Falls National Park
It’s like our own little Niagara Falls, spread across an 800-acre park. This Washington selfie favorite is a great place for taking in the picturesque river from several different viewing points overlooking the falls. There’s also a visitors center, picnic areas and grills, and several hiking trails along the Potomac River ranging from easy to more difficult. The park is open daily from 7am until dark with leashed dogs and other pets welcome.
Ride The Capital Wheel at National Harbor
This is not your grandfather’s Ferris wheel. Take a spin on the Capital Wheel, a year-round Washington-area attraction soaring 180 feet above the Potomac River waterfront. Heated and air-conditioned gondolas fit four and there’s even a deluxe, "baller" gondola that can be purchased for an extra fee. These VIP tickets cost a bit more, but enhance the ride with leather bucket seats, a glass floor and a fun souvenir photo.
Watch the planes at Gravelly Point
A prime spot for plane spotting and picnics, which kind of go hand in hand. Check out this park for amazing views of flights coming out of the bustling Ronald Reagan National Airport. With the open parkland and water views adding to the scenery, grab a blanket and watch as the airplanes fly right above your head. It's a great spot for relaxing or playing an impromptu ballgame.
Walk the cherry blossoms and fly a kite
Enough said, right? Washington is famous for its spring celebration of the cherry blossoms, complete with a parade, a festival and a host of special events, set to begin March 20. But be sure to visit the Blossom Kite Festival, this year on April 2, which offers a fun day of kite-flying, including demonstrations, competitions and activity tents where the young ones can even make their own kite.
