Things to Explore

Washington, DC is home to 21 Smithsonian museums, a number of private museums, and other historical sites. The city itself is very walkable and also has a robust metro and bus system making it easy to get around. Listed below are some of my favorite places to “be a tourist” in my hometown:

Museums

🧩 National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum - housed in the same building, both museums have beautiful permanent and special exhibits. If you go, be sure go take time to sit in the large indoor courtyard (which also happens to be one of the places I wrote entire sections of my book). No entry fee.

🧩 National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden - this is usually my go-to museum as I love the wide range of art they carry in their permanent collection, including the expressionists wing. This February they’ll launch a special exhibit about German expressionism. Across the street from the art museum is the National Sculpture Garden. It’s a lovely place to grab a coffee or light lunch (and also happens to be another place in the city where I love to write) No entry fee.

🧩 National Museum of African-American History and Culture - This museum is powerful and is housed in a stunning piece of architecture. Definitely a must visit for anyone coming to DC. No entry fee but in the past they used timed passes so double-check before going.

🧩 National Holocaust Museum - Another museum everyone should visit at least once, though probably not a double feature with the African-American History museum. The NHM has a long-term special exhibit called America and the Holocaust. If there’s only one thing you do while you’re in town, this is the thing to see. No entry fee but in the past they used timed passes so double-check before going.

🧩 The Spy Museum - This is a private museum so there will be an entrance fee, but it’s an interesting and interactive museum that’s definitely worth visiting.

Neighborhoods to Explore

👣 - U Street Corridor - The U Street Corridor is the heart and soul of DC's Black heritage and jazz scene. In fact, it’s also the birthplace of the iconic jazz musician Duke Ellington (1899-1974). Immerse yourself in the rich history of this neighborhood by visiting the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum or catching a live performance at the legendary Howard Theatre. U Street is also home to a bustling bar scene, with numerous clubs and watering holes catering to all tastes.

👣 - Georgetown - DC’s oldest neighborhood must be included in any excursion of the city. Georgetown presents a unique opportunity to visit and engage with some of the most historic spots in the city, including the C&O Canal, the Old Stone House, Georgetown University and the famous stairs used in the classic film, The Exorcist (1972). Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets, enjoy shopping for high-end fashion, and savor delicious cuisine by the water at places like Fiola Mare.

👣 - Capitol Hill - Home to the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill is a treasure trove of a neighborhood. Tree-lined streets and gorgeous row houses complement the jaw-dropping architecture of some of the country’s most enduring structures. Visit the United States Botanic Garden, wander through the Eastern Market for local produce and artisanal goods and explore the historic Barracks Row for its dining and shopping options.

👣 - The National Mall - Often referred to as "America's Front Yard," the National Mall is a sprawling park that stretches from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. The city’s tourist hub is home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. Take a moment to reflect at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and marvel at the beauty of the Tidal Basin during cherry blossom season.

👣 - Penn Quarter and Chinatown - Discover a dazzling mix of food, culture, shopping and sports in the Penn Quarter & Chinatown neighborhood. Explore museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, pay respects at the United States Navy Memorial and enjoy riveting performances from Shakespeare Theatre Company and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. History buffs can visit Ford's Theatre (which also hosts large-scale productions) and the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum. Sports fans can catch games at the Capital One Arena, and the area has a buzzing bar scene.

👣 - The Wharf - The waterfront neighborhood has transformed the Southwest Waterfront into a bustling hub of activity and entertainment. Walk down the Wharf Promenade, a scenic boardwalk featuring breathtaking views of the Potomac River, before you indulge in a culinary adventure at one of the development’s many restaurants. Enjoying a concert at The Anthem or Pearl Street Warehouse is also a must.

👣 - Ivy City - Once an industrial area, Ivy City has emerged as a hip neighborhood in DC. Visit the bustling Union Market, a culinary destination with diverse food vendors and artisanal products. Enjoy craft breweries, distilleries and distinctive dining experiences, all while immersing yourself in the neighborhood's creative energy.

👣 - NoMa - Modern architecture, public art installations and colorful community spaces define NoMa, which is local lingo for “North of Massachusetts Avenue”. Union Market's sister location, La Cosecha, offers Latin American cuisine and cultural experiences. You can also find a Capital Bikeshare station and hop on the eight-mile-long Metropolitan Branch Trail here, which goes all the way to Silver Spring, Md.

👣 - Shaw - Once only known for its collection of alleyways and murals, Shaw has transformed into a revitalized mecca for DC foodies while maintaining its strong cultural heritage. In addition to its burgeoning restaurant and bar scene, the neighborhood is near the beloved 9:30 Club, where outstanding musical acts play frequently. There’s also the Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema, one of the most unique moviegoing experiences in the city.

Bookstores

Since you’re coming to DC to celebrate the launch of my book, I feel like I’d be remiss if I didn’t share a list of my favorite bookstores in the area. Happy reading!

📚 Politics and Prose - Probably my all-time favorite bookstore. They have three locations in the District including at Union Market and the Wharf, but the flagship location on Connecticut Avenue, NW is still my favorite. Discussions and readings from acclaimed and celebrity authors are held frequently, so make sure to check the calendar before your visit. The staff is lovely and always open to conversation and ready to help you with your book-purchasing decision, whether it’s for yourself or a friend.

📚 Capitol Hill Books - Located directly across from renowned Eastern Market, Capitol Hill Books has been the neighborhood’s go-to for used books since 1991. Its founder, Bill Kerr, set a high standard for incoming treasures that the store still maintains. Since Bill’s passing in 1994, Capitol Hill Books has since expanded to a second floor to accommodate its wealth of used books from all genres. Wandering your way through the store’s many rooms can be its own adventure. Peruse nail-biters in the Mystery Room, glance at obscure biographies in the Cultural Closet or head to the Weird Section for that tale that keeps lights on late into the night.

📚 Kramer Books & Cafe - I spent countless hours here when the first time I visited DC for an extended period of time. The cafe-bookstore hybrid, famously the first of its kind in the District when it opened in 1976, is located in Dupont Circle and has been repeatedly referred to as an “institution” over the years. Enjoy craft cocktails and beer while reading one of your favorite authors. Set in a glass-covered sunroom with a garage door, the cafe oozes coziness and offers a delicious bistro-inspired seasonal menu. Kramers also hosts readings, tastings and other events.

📚 Second Story Books - Nestled in the heart of the Dupont Circle neighborhood, Second Story Books is renowned for its immense collection of used and rare books, so your chances of uncovering a treasure are high. Its vast library contains voluminous collections and valuable books from authors both famous and under the literary radar, and don’t miss out on the Rare Book Room and regular sidewalk sales. A special twist: Allan Stypeck, Second Story’s owner, is an accredited appraiser of personal property, fine art and antiquities. Make an inquiry at the Rockville, Md. store and you may realize you’re holding on to a treasure.

📚 Mahogany Books - Located in the historic Anacostia neighborhood, MahoganyBooks is an independent bookstore dedicated to sharing literature “written for, by, or about people of the African Diaspora.” What began as an online-only store more than a decade ago has blossomed into a nationally renowned brick-and-mortar shop inside the Anacostia Arts Center that plays host to community book events featuring African American authors.

📚 Lost City Books - Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, Lost City Books a cute little bookstore spread across two levels. In addition to the typical genres you’d find in most bookstores, this little shop boasts one of the cities best selections of queer literature and sell new, used, signed, and rare books. If you go, make sure to take your purchase and head down the street to Tryst Coffee shop for a leisurely afternoon of reading, coffee (or tea), and cake (of course!).

Cherry Blossoms

And of course we can’t forget about the cherry blossoms! This town goes nuts over them so you’ll find all kinds of cherry blossom themed things to do, eat, and experience. The main site for the festival has the most comprehensive list, but the other articles linked below are also helpful. It really is one of the most extraordinary things I’ve enjoyed in my time living here and I hope you’ll have a chance to enjoy it, too!

🌸 National Cherry Blossom Festival

🌸 Best Places to Photograph the Cherry Blossoms

🌸 First Timer’s Guide to the National Cherry Blossom Festival

🌸 National Cherry Blossom Events in DC

If I’ve missed anything or you still have questions, feel free to email me at dimple@rootsintheclouds.com. Thank you again for coming out to celebrate with me - I look forward to seeing you soon!