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Things to do in Washington, DC: 2 local trip ideas

2 ready-made day trips in Washington, DC: cultural and hidden gems. Each one strings together a handful of stops in order.

CulturalHidden Gems
Cultural trip

Arts, History, and Theater in Washington

5 stops · about 9 hr of stops · ~$110 per person

Immerse yourself in Washington D.C.'s vibrant cultural scene with a perfectly routed day of iconic museums, local galleries, historical monuments, and contemporary theater.

  1. 1

    Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street

    1818 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
    Ted's Bulletin - 14th Street, Washington, DC

    Kick off your day with a classic American breakfast and one of their famous scratch-made 'Ted's Tarts'.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$25 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    National Gallery of Art

    Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
    National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

    Explore world-class masterpieces spanning the Middle Ages to the present day. Admission is completely free.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr 30 min · Free · Directions
  3. 3

    Pavilion Café

    The Sculpture Garden, 7th Street &, Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USA
    Pavilion Café, Washington, DC

    Enjoy a relaxing, sit-down lunch with panoramic views of magnificent sculptures by artists like Miro and Bourgeois.

    ★ 3.9 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    National Portrait Gallery

    8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
    National Portrait Gallery, Washington, DC

    Walk north to see the spectacular presidential portraits and experience the breathtaking, light-filled Kogod Courtyard.

    ★ 4.8 on Google · about 2 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Studio Theatre

    1501 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
    Studio Theatre, Washington, DC

    Head back up the 14th Street corridor to catch an evening performance of thought-provoking, cutting-edge contemporary theater.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 2 hr 30 min · ~$65 per person · Directions
Hidden Gems trip

A Day in Historic Hill East

5 stops · about 5 hr 30 min of stops · ~$78 per person

Skip the monuments and spend a relaxed, non-zigzagging day exploring Capitol Hill East, a historic and cozy residential neighborhood beloved by locals.

  1. 1

    The Pretzel Bakery

    257 15th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
    The Pretzel Bakery, Washington, DC

    Grab a fresh, hand-rolled Philly-style breakfast pretzel bomb stuffed with eggs and cheese.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 45 min · ~$8 per person · Directions
  2. 2

    Congressional Cemetery

    1801 E St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
    Congressional Cemetery, Washington, DC

    Stroll the beautiful 35-acre grounds of this active, dog-friendly community space; optional docent tours are $5.

    ★ 4.7 on Google · about 1 hr 15 min · ~$5 per person · Directions
  3. 3

    The Roost

    1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
    The Roost, Washington, DC

    Have a casual lunch at this 12,500-square-foot neighborhood culinary clubhouse, home to diverse local vendors.

    ★ 4.5 on Google · about 1 hr · ~$20 per person · Directions
  4. 4

    Lincoln Park

    Washington, DC 20003, USA
    Lincoln Park, Washington, DC

    Relax with a book or people-watch under the shade in this historic neighborhood park, far from National Mall crowds.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr · Free · Directions
  5. 5

    Caruso's Grocery

    1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
    Caruso's Grocery, Washington, DC

    Savor classic, comforting Italian-American red sauce dishes in a cozy, unpretentious dining room. Reservations recommended.

    ★ 4.6 on Google · about 1 hr 30 min · ~$45 per person · Directions

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