Mention Washington DC and it’s likely that images of politicians, historical landmarks and Smithsonian museums immediately come to mind. While it’s true that Washington DC is a destination built on culture, politics, and history, it’s also an urban destination where one can combine the best of enriching culture with outdoor adventure. With its two rivers, (the Potomac and the Anacostia), winding pathways, and extensive bike lanes, you can explore the best of DC by boat or numerous other watercraft, or your own wheels, whether they be bike, scooter, or Segway. When you’re a traveler that loves outdoor thrills and can’t wait to combine them with the best of Washington DC living, here are a few outdoor Washington DC activities you just won’t want to miss out on while you’re in town.
Thompson Boat Center
A visit to the Kennedy Center is always inspiring for Washington DC visitors, but when you’re looking to follow up your visit with a trip down the Potomac, you’ll want to swing by Thompson Boat Center which sits just next door. Kayaks are available here for rent by the hour, making it easy to customize your time on the water to fit your itinerary. Paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and return to where you started or make an afternoon of it and continue up to Georgetown. Many who rent with Thompson Boat Center do so to begin their adventure in the heart of Washington DC and travel upriver past historic Georgetown and the Palisades area beyond it. This is one of the most interesting Washington DC activities out there!
Mount Vernon Trail
For those visitors to Washington DC who can’t get enough of pedaling their way through historical sites and neighborhoods, a trip along the Mount Vernon Trail is sure to please. Secure your helmet and begin your riverside trip at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The Mount Vernon Trail takes cyclists past landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery, Roosevelt Island, Old Town Alexandria and finishes up at Mount Vernon. This 18-mile trail is a scenic and inspiring path with gorgeous views of the Kennedy Center and memorials across the Potomac River. Stop at Sandy Point and lay back on the grass to marvel at the planes overhead on their final approach to National Airport. Rental bikes are plentiful if you don’t have your own.
Visit the National Arboretum
Established in 1927, the U.S. National Arboretum displays a vast collection of plants from around the globe and provides key horticultural research and sustainability efforts. Among the many gardens and collections across the Arboretum’s 446 acres, you will find the National Boxwood Collection, Grove of State Trees, National Herb Garden, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and much more. If you’re hoping to see a specific plant, the handy Plant Finder & Interactive Map on the Arboretum’s website can help you pinpoint specific plants’ locations within the gardens. The National Arboretum is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm year-round except for Christmas Day and admission is free.
Book a Stay to Remember & Explore the Washington DC Activities
When you’re headed to Washington DC for fun, education, Washington DC activities, and outdoor adventures, the professionals at LUXbnb are ready and waiting to help you find accommodations to match your vacation expectations. Contact us today for more details on our many beautiful properties and to start planning your next trip. Learn more about us now! Explore the best outdoor activities in Washington DC!
For so many travelers, a trip to Washington DC is an experience immersed in history, politics, art, and culture. The Nation’s Capital is packed with landmarks, monuments, and architecture that speak to profound moments in history and are well worth a visit. Whether you can’t wait for a close encounter with the Lincoln Memorial or have your heart set on strolling along the National Mall, Washington DC is a city that is sure to inspire.
However, beyond its many iconic stops, Washington DC is also a vacation destination with some off-beat opportunities for fun. When you’re looking to balance out a traditional Washington DC visit with a few off the beaten path excursions, you’ll want to be sure to add these interesting and intriguing DC activities and attractions to your itinerary.
The International Spy Museum
Add an extra layer of mystery to your Washington DC trip by making time for a visit to the International Spy Museum while you’re in town. This non-profit locale is located at 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW and takes guests through the intricate history of espionage as it’s never been experienced before. Visitors are invited to browse a collection of detailed exhibits and displays that highlight how the art of espionage has shaped the course of history as well as spy artifacts, tools, devices, and stories that are truly one of a kind. The International Spy Museum is open daily from 9:00 pm until 7:00 pm. This is one of the most popular tourist DC activities in the area!
Visit an Embassy
Washington DC isn’t just the seat of our federal government; it is home to many embassies from countries around the world. Washington DC is at the forefront of international relations and goodwill, and you can take part in your own foreign culture experience by visiting one of these embassies for yourself! Events are frequently hosted by foreign embassies, allowing you to enjoy everything from a Finnish film series to contemporary Korean American artwork showcases and more. You can find a complete list of upcoming events online through each embassy’s website; plan your trip to coincide with events that interest you the most!
Toki Underground
Washington DC is a destination filled with opportunities for incredible and innovative culinary experiences, but when you’re looking for something savory, simple and original, make sure to stop by Toki Underground. Known for being Washington DC’s original ramen house, guests to Toki Underground are greeted by a casual, yet artistic and intimate atmosphere where stickers adorn the walls and the highlight is undeniably the generous and beautifully crafted bowls of ramen placed at the table. A combination of Japanese and Taiwanese-inspired plates in combination with creative cocktails make this a stop that’s sure to please the palate. Toki Underground is located at 1234 H Street, NE and is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am until 10:00 pm and until midnight on Friday and Saturdays. Be sure to explore all of the fun and amusing DC activities right after a good meal from Toki Underground!
Book a Washington DC Getaway & Get to Explore DC Activities
When your travel plans bring you to Washington DC, make sure you’re partnered with LUXbnb when it comes to all of your accommodation needs. Our team is here to make sure you’re settled into a luxurious, comfortable and conveniently located property that exceeds your vacation expectations. Contact us today to start planning! Check out the unique and unusual sites to see in Washington DC!
Let us help you plan an enriching visit to the Nation’s Capital for the Labor Day weekend. Washington DC offers up an exciting array of free Washington DC Labor Day events and opportunities, making it a memorable trip for everyone.
Enjoy a Washington DC Labor Day Concert
Whether you’re a music lover or just looking for a one-of-a-kind event, you’ll want to mark the calendar for the National Symphony Orchestra’s Labor Day concert. This annual event takes place on September 1st beginning at 1:00 pm on the west lawn of the capitol building. Patriotic songs make up the majority of the numbers performed. Grab a picnic blanket and some summertime snacks to enjoy the musical stylings of the nation’s most renowned symphony orchestra.
Take a Ride on a Tidal Basin Paddle Boat
Washington DC Labor Day weekend is a great opportunity to make the most of a Tidal Basin paddle boat or swan boat ride. The last paddle boat goes out October 14th, making Washington DC Labor Day the ideal moment to hit the water in pairs or a group. You’ll be inspired by the beauty and serenity of the Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King and Franklin Roosevelt Memorials along the banks of the cherry tree-lined tidal basin. Rides can be booked by the hour with paddleboats starting at $20 for two people and swan boats beginning at $35 per hour.
Catch a Show at the Kennedy Center
Washington DC Labor Day weekend also marks the annual Page to Stage Festival at the Kennedy Center, which is a highly anticipated theatrical event for all ages. Between August 31st and September 2nd, visitors can stop in to enjoy a series of free readings, rehearsals, and plays as performed by over 50 Washington area theater companies. This theatrical sneak-peek moment is a great opportunity to plan return trips for the upcoming season of spectacular shows!
Enjoy a Washington DC Getaway
Whether you’re in town for Labor Day or arriving at other times throughout the year, a trip to Washington DC promises to be full of thrills. Let the team at LUXbnb handle all of your accommodations needs while you’re here by providing you with a portfolio of furnished rental options that keep luxury and comfort top of mind. Contact us today to plan and book your next stay. Read more about Labor Day Weekend in Washington DC!
The vibrant and expansive community of Washington DC is always a great vacation destination but visiting between the warmth of summer and the chill of winter is one of the best times of year to explore everything our Nation’s Capital has to offer. Washington DC is full of life during the fall, and we want you to experience every bit of enjoyment this magical time offers. Here are some of our favorite fall activities in Washington DC:
Photograph the Changing Seasons
As autumn sets in visitors are able to take in the beautiful changing colors of the foliage. As with the blooming of the cherry blossoms in spring, the colorful fall foliage in Washington DC is a sight to behold. Perhaps the most popular location to snap some photographs is the National Mall. Your visit to the nation’s most important monuments will be beautifully accented by the beautiful greens, yellows, oranges, and reds on nearby trees.
Enjoy the Various Events and Festivals
The fall season also brings with it many popular local events and festivals which take place across the city. Taste of Georgetown kicks off the fall season in September with incredible dishes provided by over 30 of the city’s most popular eateries. The DC State Fair is a free event highlighting all of the enjoyable live entertainment, art, and food presented by local vendors. The Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour that takes place across three days in October is a favorite of the 21-and-over crowd; sample some of the area’s best wine while enjoying a tour of George Washington’s Mt Vernon estate and views of the Potomac River.
Explore Free Fall Activities in Washington DC
Several local activities and attractions offer free fall activities in Washington DC making it the perfect time to explore everything Washington DC has to offer. The National Gallery of Art features free concerts every Sunday during the fall at the West Garden Court. DC by Foot offers free ghost tours of the city that provide a spooky yet interesting take on our Nation’s Capital. Last but certainly not least is the National Arboretum, a vast hidden oasis in the city of Washington DC. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Corinthian Columns as they stand among the vibrant colors of nearby foliage.
Washington DC in the Fall
Make the most of your Washington DC destination getaway with these fall activities in Washington DC and much more. Our vacation rentals in the area will keep you close to all of the popular attractions in the city while providing you with privacy and amenities that local hotels simply cannot match. Find the perfect rental for your trip today and enjoy your fall journey to Washington DC! Learn more about us today! Learn more about Autumn in Washington DC!