Joanna James
Whether you’re into history, politics, and architecture or are just a lover of chasing impeccable vibes, DC is worth discovering! Here are some artsy, heritage, retro-chic, and nature-kissed experiences to savour in Washington.
From the imposing iron-domed U.S. Capitol and a museum dedicated to International Spies to the Japanese Sakura blossom trees adorning The Tidal Basin and the plethora of farmers' markets for organic bounty, Washington DC is a fascinating place to explore if you’re curious about the world from a colourfully intellectual lens. Museum hopping is a chief pastime in DC for a good reason. And there are over seventy cutting-edge, quirky, and immersive emporiums to choose from, whether it’s the iconic Smithsonian, American Indie Museum, or the National Building Museum. Planet World is epic for off-the-beaten-path edutainment. Here, in the world’s first voice-activated museum, you can stop to listen to the multi-lingual murmurs of the beautifully aesthetic Speaking Willow Tree, watch the room around you melt into different colours as you speak out loud, and hear life-changing stories from the Words Matter exhibit.
DC is the place you can bask in the wonder of artefacts traced back to ancient civilisations, marvel at elaborate indigenous craftwork and undulating architecture, interact with moving artisan masterpieces that symbolise contemporary struggles rooted in turbulent histories, and also take a breather in fresh pockets of nature, trendy little retro-chic cafés, and cosmopolitan enclaves touting stylishly cosy boutiques. The National Geographic Museum rests in one such quaintly sophisticated neighbourhood, showcasing intriguing displays that will sometimes blink right back at you, from phenomenal expedition finds and 3-D virtual tours to the art of hieroglyphics and colourful frogs in their natural habitat. For outstanding Dupont Circle apartments proffering prime access to DC’s diverse allurements, venture no further than the likes of Oakwood Suites & Studios Dupont Circle Washington DC.
This deliciously vintage-inspired setting, spreading joy through bountiful produce for almost 150 years, is a must-stop if you fancy an eclectic shopping, eating, and bonding experience. Whether it's breakfasting on the famous blueberry buckwheat pancakes, breathing in the scent of fresh flowers, sampling juicy seasonal fruits, or wading through a sea of artisan crafts and pristine antiques, from period furniture pieces and handmade soaps to intricate woodwork, letterpress prints, and bespoke jewellery, this atmospheric mecca is a treat for the senses.
If a rocky adventurous terrain adorned by majestic hardwood trees, musical running brooks, storybook stone bridges, and lush green hiking trails beckoning enticingly sounds too good to be true amid highbrow and stately DC, it’s not! From horseback riding and river paddle boating to a nature centre featuring interesting wildlife specimens and one of Washington DC’s oldest standing residences turned into a mini-museum, there’s plenty to stimulate the whimsical explorer!
If you need a rest from roving the countless memorials, monuments, mansions, and museums of DC, stop at the delightfully eccentric old-world Manor Park house for some tranquil unwinding in an ambient setting with a piquant chai latte and a plate of crunchy empanadas for company.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
