Blog: Tips & Info

Washington DC Staycation Guide

Post Added 2025

Washington, D.C. — Staycation Inspiration

10 Things To Do In Town

National Mall Monuments Walk
- Vibe: Inspiring and iconic
- Description: Stroll past the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, MLK Jr. Memorial, and more — all in one loop.
- Special Events: Cherry Blossom Festival (March–April)
- Best Time: Spring and fall
Smithsonian Museum Crawl
- Vibe: Smart and free
- Description: Choose from 17 free museums — from Air & Space to African American History and Art.
- Special Events: Smithsonian Folklife Festival (summer)
- Best Time: Year-round
Georgetown Waterfront + Historic Streets
- Vibe: Classy and scenic
- Description: Explore cobblestone streets, high-end shops, canal trails, and riverside restaurants.
- Special Events: Georgetown Glow (winter light art)
- Best Time: Fall and spring
Eastern Market + Capitol Hill Stroll
- Vibe: Neighborhood and local
- Description: Browse local art, food vendors, and walk past rowhomes and the U.S. Capitol dome.
- Special Events: Weekend flea market
- Best Time: Weekend mornings, spring/fall
The Wharf + Waterfront Dining
- Vibe: Modern and lively
- Description: Catch live music, rooftop drinks, or just a casual oyster happy hour by the water.
- Special Events: Fireworks shows, concert series
- Best Time: Summer evenings
Union Market + Ivy City Tastings
- Vibe: Edgy and delicious
- Description: Hit food stalls, rooftop bars, and local distilleries in one of D.C.’s coolest redeveloped zones.
- Special Events: Drive-in movies, night markets
- Best Time: Year-round
National Gallery of Art + Sculpture Garden
- Vibe: World-class and reflective
- Description: See masterpieces indoors, then relax by the outdoor fountain or winter skating rink.
- Special Events: Jazz in the Garden (summer)
- Best Time: Spring to fall
U Street History + Live Music
- Vibe: Soulful and social
- Description: Explore the legacy of Duke Ellington, then catch a show at the 9:30 Club or Lincoln Theatre.
- Special Events: Funk Parade (May)
- Best Time: Evenings, year-round
Tidal Basin Paddle Boat Ride
- Vibe: Unique and peaceful
- Description: Float beneath cherry blossoms or around iconic monuments for a scenic escape.
- Special Events: Blossom peak (late March)
- Best Time: Spring
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage + Rooftop Views
- Vibe: Cultural and classy
- Description: Enjoy free live performances and panoramic Potomac views from the terrace.
- Special Events: Millennium Stage daily shows
- Best Time: Year-round, especially sunset

10 Things To Do Within 30 Miles

Arlington National Cemetery
- Vibe: Solemn and moving
- Description: Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK’s grave, and watch the changing of the guard.
- Special Events: Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies
- Best Time: Fall and spring
Old Town Alexandria
- Vibe: Quaint and charming
- Description: Stroll brick sidewalks, browse boutiques, and dine with river views just across the bridge.
- Special Events: Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (Dec)
- Best Time: Year-round
National Arboretum
- Vibe: Quiet and beautiful
- Description: Explore the Capitol Columns, bonsai garden, and seasonal blooms in a massive green space.
- Special Events: Azalea bloom tracker (April)
- Best Time: Spring
Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Estate)
- Vibe: Historic and scenic
- Description: Tour the mansion, gardens, and waterfront trails of America’s first president.
- Special Events: Colonial Market & Fair (Sept), candlelight tours
- Best Time: Spring or fall
Great Falls Park (VA or MD side)
- Vibe: Rugged and dramatic
- Description: See roaring waterfalls, hike rocky trails, and picnic with epic views.
- Special Events: Ranger talks
- Best Time: Fall and spring
National Harbor + Capital Wheel
- Vibe: Tourist-friendly and fun
- Description: Ride the giant Ferris wheel, grab drinks, or browse the promenade shops.
- Special Events: Holiday lights, food festivals
- Best Time: Summer and December
Rock Creek Park Hike + Planetarium
- Vibe: Wild and local
- Description: Hike wooded trails in the middle of the city, or catch a free planetarium show.
- Special Events: Nature walks, telescope nights
- Best Time: Fall
Tysons Corner Center + Rooftop Park
- Vibe: Shop-and-chill
- Description: Hit one of the region’s biggest malls, then relax on a rooftop lawn with views.
- Special Events: Outdoor movie nights
- Best Time: Evenings, spring to fall
The Yards Park
- Vibe: Sleek and social
- Description: Lounge near water features, enjoy food truck Fridays, or stroll the Navy Yard neighborhood.
- Special Events: Capitol Riverfront summer series
- Best Time: Spring and summer
Glenstone Museum (Potomac, MD)
- Vibe: Minimalist and meditative
- Description: Tour world-class modern art in a nature-forward, contemplative setting (free but reservations required).
- Special Events: Outdoor installations and seasonal exhibitions
- Best Time: Spring and fall

10 Things To Do Within 60 Miles

Annapolis, MD
- Vibe: Nautical and historic
- Description: Visit the Naval Academy, sail the harbor, or shop along Main Street’s colonial charm.
- Special Events: U.S. Sailboat Show (October)
- Best Time: Spring to fall
Leesburg + Wine Trail
- Vibe: Pastoral and refined
- Description: Sample Virginia wines in rolling countryside or stroll the historic town.
- Special Events: Wine and Food Festival (summer)
- Best Time: Fall
Antietam National Battlefield
- Vibe: Sobering and scenic
- Description: Walk the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest day with audio tours and sweeping vistas.
- Special Events: Lantern memorials (Sept), reenactments
- Best Time: Spring and fall
Middleburg, VA
- Vibe: Equestrian and elegant
- Description: Explore horse country, visit boutique vineyards, or stay at a countryside resort.
- Special Events: Christmas in Middleburg
- Best Time: Fall and winter holidays
Harpers Ferry, WV
- Vibe: Scenic and historic
- Description: Hike where the Potomac and Shenandoah meet, or explore Civil War-era buildings.
- Special Events: Outdoor adventure races, ghost tours
- Best Time: Fall for foliage
Sugarloaf Mountain
- Vibe: Day-hike and scenic
- Description: Quick hikes with rewarding views — and a vineyard nearby for post-hike sipping.
- Special Events: Wine tastings
- Best Time: Fall and spring
Mount Airy Wine + Brewery Stops
- Vibe: Casual and festive
- Description: Try breweries and Maryland wines in this small town with big flavor.
- Special Events: Oktoberfest, spring sip-n-stroll
- Best Time: Spring and fall
Frederick, MD
- Vibe: Quirky and quaint
- Description: Great for a solo antique crawl, solo brunch, or gallery hop in a charming downtown.
- Special Events: Fire in Ice Festival (Feb), First Saturdays
- Best Time: Spring and early fall
Sky Meadows State Park (Delaplane, VA)
- Vibe: Unplugged and spacious
- Description: Stargaze, picnic, or enjoy sweeping Appalachian views less than an hour away.
- Special Events: Star parties
- Best Time: Spring and fall
Winchester Apple Blossom Festival (seasonal)
- Vibe: Small-town celebration
- Description: Celebrate spring with parades, fair food, and lots of pink blossoms.
- Special Events: Annual Apple Blossom Festival (late April)
- Best Time: Late April to early May