The Complete DC Bucket List: 100 Things to Do In Washington DC (2019)

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Our Nation’s Capital: Washington D.C.

Between the confusing one-way streets, actual HELL of a parking situation (guess who got towed for the first time last month?), and the chaos of American government, DC doesn’t always get the best reputation. However, having lived right outside of it for the past 12 years, I’ve come to fall in love with the mayhem of the city.

From its rooftop bars, to its underground nightlife. From the many boozy brunch spots (Can I hear an AMEN to bottomless mimosas!?), to its vast array of free museums and activities. DC is a vibrant, beautiful, diverse place to be.

That’s why I’m collaborating with WeKliq, a one-stop shop for all things D.C., to bring you 100 things to add to your Washington D.C. bucket list! Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, you’re sure to enjoy your time exploring the amazing things this city has to offer. Are you ready?

The Best Museums and Exhibits

1. The Renwick Gallery
2. The Hirshhorn Gallery
3. Artechouse
4. National Portrait Gallery
5. Holocaust Museum
6. African American History Museum
7. U.S. Botanical Gardens
8. Newseum
9. The National Zoo
10. National Art Gallery East Building
11. International Spy Museum
12. Natural History Museum
13. National Geographic Museum
14. National Air and Space Museum
15. Hillwood Estate and Gardens

Historical Landmarks

16. The White House
17. The Lincoln Memorial
18. Washington Monument
19. US National Arboretum
20. The Library of Congress
21. World War II Memorial
22. The US Capitol Building
23. Arlington National Cemetery
24. The Pentagon
25. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
26. The Exorcist Steps
27. Technicolor Church

Food / Drinks

28. PUB (Pop-Up Bar) (Rotating themes e.g. Cherry Blossom, Christmas, Pokemon, Y2K)
29. Oohs and Aahs
30. Columbia Room
31. The Wharf – Tiki TNT
32. Halfsmoke
33. The Lincoln
34. District Pi Pizzeria
35. Busboys and Poets
36. Nellie’s Sports Bar (*LGBTQ+ community staple)
37. Sotto (Live jazz)
38. Madhatter
39. SPIN DC
40. Bar Deco
41. Ben’s Chili Bowl
42. POV Rooftop @ The W Hotel
43. Cuba Libre
44. Madam’s Organ
45. Oki Bowl Georgetown
46. Daikaya Chinatown
47. Founding Farmers
48. Farmer’s Fishers Bakers
49. District Winery
50. Chicken and Whiskey

Outdoor Areas to Explore

51. The Wharf
52. National Harbor
53. Chinatown
54. Yards Park
55. East Potomac Park (Added bonus when the cherry blossoms bloom!)

Festivals

56. National Cherry Blossom Festival
57. Truckeroo
58. Broccoli City Festival
59. Giant National Capital BBQ Battle
60. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
61. DC Wine Fest
62. Jazz In the Garden
63. DC Restaurant Week
64. Capital Pride Parade
65. Blossom Kite Festival
66. Water Lantern Festival
67. Chinese New Year Parade
68. Zoo Lights (Seasonal)

Shopping

69. City Center DC
70. Union Market
71. Georgetown (M Street)
72. Eastern Market
73. Pentagon City Mall
74. Tyson’s Galleria
75. Dupont Circle (7)

Nightlife

76. Decades
77. Park at 14th
78. MGM National Harbor
79. Heist
80. Ozios
81. UltraBar
82. Gryphon
83. Brixton
84. Living Room DC
85. SAX Lounge
86. Flash
87. St. Yves (12)

Other Activities

88. Paniq Escape Room
89. DC Comedy Club
90. Segway Tours
91. Hop on Hop off Bus Tours
92. Nationals Baseball Game or Wizards Basketball Game
93. Kennedy Center Shows
94. Sip & Paint
95. Augmented Reality Arcade
96. Axe Throwing
97. Kart Virtual Reality Pop-Up
98. Politics and Prose Bookstore
99. National Christmas Tree Lighting (Seasonal)
100. Key Bridge Boathouse Kayaking

Whew! Like I said, there’s PLENTY TO DO in the city!

Thank you to WeKliq for collaborating with me on this post, and to you all for reading!

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Author

  • Marissa Strang

    Marissa Strang is a full-time lifestyle and travel blogger based out of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Travel is her number one passion, and she is on a mission to empower others to make travel a reality for their own lives as well. She’s a strong believer that everyone can experience the joy of exploring the world, no matter the way they look or their socioeconomic status. Marissa creates one-of-a-kind city guides, destination inspiration, and budget-friendly travel hacks for aspiring travelers, especially young travelers and minorities. By creating travel content through her blog, The Marissa Daily, she strives to help others make lifelong memories - one destination at a time. Her journey as a blogger for the past 3 years has led her to visit amazing places and build an engaged travel community that she cares for deeply. One of the principles Marissa lives by, and encourages others to abide by, is that when you look like your passport photo, it’s time to book a trip. Let's go places.

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