“Best Things To Do In DC”
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Table of Contents
Picnic on the National Mall
I celebrated my birthday on the beautiful National Mall overlooking the reflecting pool, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. The Mall has been my escape during the pandemic, and the only thing I wanted to do this summer was have a picnic on the Mall. It’s a peaceful and calm place to relax in open green space and enjoy the sights. Walk, ride a bike, run, or use a scooter to explore the Mall. There’s no traffic congestion or crowds right now, food trucks are serving tasty treats and the entire family can enjoy the amazing monument grounds.
The Wharf
Tour the beautiful District Wharf in Southwest. It’s one of the coolest attractions in the city with restaurants, shops, the historic Main Street Fish Market, and the best rooftop bars with an amazing view overlooking the Potomac River. While there check out one of DC’s Best Rooftop Bar.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has an extensive collection with 4 floors, a cafeteria, theater, and museum shop. It can be an all day event so prepare to spend several hours touring the museum. You may need to visit more than once to see every exhibit. The exhibits are diverse in eras and the museum hosts outstanding events open to the public. Be sure to preview their events calendar and sign up for the monthly newsletter. The virtual programs are phenomenal. It’s an extraordinary museum and still one of the most popular museums in Washington, DC.
Peak season (March – August) can be a difficult time to get tickets. Using my Pro Tips, you won’t have to rise at 6:30 a.m. to enter a queue online for tickets that go quickly or arrive at the museum by a certain time to line up for tickets or reserve by phone. In the video I share FREE alternative ways to visit the museum, EVEN on the weekend, without any hassle. I’ve visited the museum at least five times using my method bypassing all lines to walk right into the museum on the weekday or weekend. If you miss getting a timed-entry ticket, click ProTips to plan your visit without worry.
Queen of DC: Affordable Things To Do In DC
Queen of DC had the pleasure of sharing her favorite, affordable things to do in Washington, DC with Redfin. Check out the 10 Most Affordable Things to do in Washington, DC, including the suburbs. You’ll also discover and learn about the 10 Most Affordable Suburbs to Live In.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Tour is a spectacular collection of modern, contemporary, and futuristic art. Hirshhorn is one of the most visited museums in the United States. The pieces are eclectic, vibrant, and bold. Sculptures are intriguing and eye-catching. The designs are fun and interactive for the entire family to enjoy. The Pulse Exhibit displays your vital signs through touch. You can hear your heartbeat by holding a lightbulb mechanism and ripple waves in the water. Venture to the top floor for a gorgeous city view then head to the lovely sculpture garden. There are concerts and screenings in rotation. The gift shop jewelry is fierce and slogan t-shirts dazzling.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is the highlight of spring! Cherry blossoms bloom along the Tidal Basin and Washington Monument creating the most beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the Tidal Basin is closed during peak bloom of the cherry blossoms. However there’s good news in 2021, the Festival commissioned local artists to create 26 Giant Cherry Blossom Sculptures for the Art in Bloom, “Blossom Hunt.” The beautiful sculptures are located throughout the city, including Maryland and Virginia, and the Blossom Hunt is a great way to explore the city and learn about the neighborhoods.
I’m sharing cherry blossom tips and best places to see the cherry blossoms bloom. People travel from all around the world to see the cherry blossom trees and attend the festival on the National Mall. Be sure to bring your walking shoes and enjoy the wonderful sights. The National Cherry Blossom Festival also has wheelchairs to rent free of charge.
The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts is absolutely beautiful and a must see when you’re visiting. Ecstatically, I got to see Hamilton at the Kennedy Center and have been too many different performances over the years. Hamilton is excellent, the music keeps you engaged, and it’s definitely worth the hype. You can tour the Kennedy Center for free. They also offer free performances and you can sit along terrace for a peaceful view overlooking the Potomac River. There’s a restaurant and snack bar for guests. Explore Washington, DC’s vibrant arts community for a taste of our culture.
Visiting the Kennedy Center you must explore the REACH, a beautiful space for collaboration open to the public.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is my favorite museum in Washington, DC. The diversity of collections and exhibits are amazing, from presidents to poets to activists and visionaries to artists. The architecture is gorgeous and the museum has one of the best courtyards for relaxing. The museum offer programs for kids and events for all to enjoy.
National Portrait Gallery
Street Murals
Exploring DC Murals in the hippest neighborhoods of Adams Morgan, Shaw-Howard University, Georgetown, and U Street Corridor. U Street was known as Black Broadway and along your walk you’ll see placards and murals of musical legends, the renowned Ben’s Chili Bowl and mural of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. There are hundreds of streets murals around the city. Visit www.dcmurals.org to learn more about DC street murals.
Rock Creek Park
Exploring Rock Creek Park (RCP) is high on my recommendation list when visiting Washington, DC, especially if you grew up listening to The Blackbyrds “Rock Creek Park!” It’s truly an oasis and gem in the city. I often asked my parents about Rock Creek Park, never mind the lyrics because you can be doing a lot of things after dark in the park. Now to have this beautiful, national park in my backyard is a dream come true. Rock Creek is great for running, hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, golfing, tennis, biking, boating, or exploring nature. DC has it all!
Tidal Basin Boating In DC
Paddle around the magnificent Tidal Basin and enjoy the sights of the Jefferson Memorial and see the beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Tidal Basin
A Tour of Her Own – Women’s History Tours
A Tour of Her Own (TOHO) offers fantastic guided tours focused exclusively on women’s history. They have a variety of live or virtual inspirational and educational walking tours in Washington, DC. They are woman-owned and proactive in the community for justice and equality. I’ve learned fun and fascinating, historical tidbits following them. Be sure to let them know the Queen of DC referred you. For tour and event information, click TOHO.
Downtown Callbox
That DC Dude – Off Beaten Path DC Tours
Craig “That DC Dude” is a licensed DC tour guide that’s passionate about the history of Washington, DC and East of the Anacostia River. If you’re looking to explore the city in unique ways, he’s your guy. Check out his Off Beaten Path DC Tours and tell him the Queen of DC referred you. He’ll take good care of you!
Manumission Tour Company
Manumission Tour Company develops and lead curate African American Heritage and History Tours in Alexandria, VA. They have both walking and bus tours.
For more information visit https://www.manumissiontours.com and be sure to tell John Taylor Chapman, founder, the Queen of DC referred you. He’ll take good care of you!
DC Weekend Guide
It’s the weekend in DC with girlfriends celebrating my best friend’s birthday! We’re visiting my favorite D.C. restaurants and museum. The best way to see DC is with a local. I’m taking her on my personal tour and we’ll visit the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, dine at the hippest restaurants in DC and Baltimore, ride the Metro bus, and teach her how to buy a Smart Trip card. I’ll share my favorite happy hour spot and give her a taste of DC nightlife. We ended our fabulous weekend celebration with the Best Brunch in DC.
3 Stars Brewing Company
For craft beers and fun events, check out 3 Stars Brewing Company. I had the pleasure of hosting The Black Rock Star Super Hero Marketplace and we had a fantastic event. I had the pleasure of learning about their beers and tasting a Black-owned brewery craft beer!
Check out my spotlight and visit my Instagram highlight bubble “QDC Events” for a beer hall tour. Awesome space, great beer, and good vibes!
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For a list of Smithsonian museums and information, click Smithsonian.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Until next time, peace!
