All Articles
The Best Outdoor Parks for Date Day Plans
Parks are the perfect place for a socially distanced lunch with friends or a scenic date out of the house. Here are some popular parks in Washington, DC that are open for locals and visitors to enjoy. Note that the National Park Service requires masks be worn when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Visit the Service's website for more information. U.S. National Arboretum The beloved U.S. National Arboretum is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on their guidelines, visit this page before going. Note that the Administration Building remains closed. The Arboretum aims to increase the aesthetic, environmental and economic importance of landscape and ornamental plants. The gorgeous, 446-acre property makes for an inspiring and visually captivating visit at any time of the year. Rock Creek Park Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park – which is made up of 1,700 acres of National Park Service land from northwest DC into Maryland – is a popular retreat for the city’s outdoor enthusiasts. With lush greenery, miles of trails and picnic areas, a nature center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater and even a planetarium, Rock Creek Park is packed with locals and visitors alike year-round. You can grab a picnic blanket and food from Adams Morgan or Upper Northwest before you go. There is parking, but spaces can be limited on the weekend. Malcolm X Park Malcolm X Park, also known as Meridian Hill Park, is a neoclassical-style, 12-acre, landscaped urban park established in 1912. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the multi-tiered park has a cascading waterfall in its lower area that is the perfect setting for a lunch with friends and loved ones. There are notable statues of Joan of Arc and Dante and a memorial to President James Buchanan. Don’t forget to grab food and drinks from the Columbia Heights neighborhood. The park is open during daylight hours and is following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health authorities. Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill is the largest in the neighborhood and features statues of President Abraham Lincoln and educator and Civil Rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. The park is popular for dog-walking and contains plenty of room for kids to stretch their legs. Grab a bench in the park to enjoy the sounds of nature and some primo people-watching. There are some areas of the park that are closed off. Constitution Gardens Situated between the Vietnam Memorial and the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, Constitution Gardens and its peaceful pond have been described as a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. This is the perfect spot to rest after a long day of sightseeing, or when you want to grab a quick view of the monuments when you’re in the neighborhood. Yards Park If you want to splash around, head down to Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. Located near Nationals Park and Navy Yard, the park provides green space and water features along the Anacostia River. At night, you can marvel at the illuminated dancing fountain. If you’re feeling adventurous, take your date through the Canal Basin and Waterwall where you can wade together while holding hands. If you bring your furry friend along, head over to the dog run area. If you’re just looking to picnic and talk with friends, hang out on the Great Lawn. National Mall As America’s most visited national park, the National Mall is where the past, present and future collide. It’s centrally located in DC, stretching more than two miles from the Lincoln Memorial on the west end to the U.S. Capitol on the east end. You can run the length of the Mall or rent a bike from Capital Bikeshare to get around. The Mall has also been known to host exercise classes on sunny days. Explore the swath of land nicknamed “America’s front yard.” Montrose Park If you’re out in Georgetown and you’re looking for some green space, head to Montrose Park. The 16-acre park is located on the heights overlooking the most historic neighborhood in the city. You can trot along the Rope Walk among the Osage orange trees, or sit and enjoy the sounds of nature at one of the many picnic tables.
Visiting Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC
It’s not all elephants and donkeys in DC. At the National Zoo, visitors can find all sorts of animals that don’t subscribe to party lines. Lions, tigers and giraffes are just some of the 1,500-plus animals that call the 163-acre park home. The zoo’s habitats feature animals from 300 different species and about 25 percent of the zoo’s residents are endangered. All of the animals at the National Zoo – which is also a global research center and conservation center – are cared for by world-class zoologists and veterinarians. At the end of 2024, The roster of animals again includes two giant pandas. Bao Li and Qing Bao, both two years old, have moved into their new digs at the Zoo, with the public able to view on Jan. 24, 2025 (a member preview runs Jan. 10-19). The National Zoo is located in DC’s residential Woodley Park neighborhood and, like all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. The main entrance (you’ll know it by the two Instagram-friendly lion statues flanking the gate) is on Connecticut Avenue. The zoo is just a short walk from both the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stops on the Red Line and the L1 and L2 buses drop off right in front of the entrance. Be prepared to do lots of walking! The National Zoo, which is handicapped and stroller accessible, is a large park with 18 distinct areas to explore. Meet the animals at the National Zoo You’ll find animals from all over the world in various exhibits that are open like the Elephant Trails, Great Ape House, Cheetah Conservation Station and American Trail. Check out the National Zoo map for specifics. Special events and programming for the whole family With world-class zoologists and conservationists on staff, every day offers an opportunity for visitors to learn even more about the National Zoo’s wild residents. Take a self-guided tour of the zoo with the Animal Adventure Guide; spend some time chatting with the animal keepers at the Great Ape House; or get up close and personal with the American farm animals at the Kids’ Farm.
Visiting the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC
What and where is the U.S. National Arboretum? The U.S. National Arboretum is located at 3501 New York Avenue NE in Washington, DC. The grounds are open to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except Dec. 25. The Arboretum’s popular National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except for federal holidays that fall from November through February. Admission to the Arboretum and the museum is free of charge. Established in 1927 by an act of Congress, the Arboretum aims to increase the aesthetic, environmental and economic importance of landscape and ornamental plants. The attraction does so through gardens and exhibits, long-term botanical research and conservation of resources. The gorgeous, 446-acre property makes for an inspiring and visually captivating visit at any time of the year. The easiest way to reach the National Arboretum is by car, as the grounds are located approximately 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol Building. Parking is readily available, or you can use Uber or Lyft. Please note that the Arboretum’s R Street entrance is closed after 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday, so make sure to use the New York Avenue entrance if visiting at that time or later. Driving directions from numerous points in the DMV area are available on the Arboretum’s website. If you choose to use Metrorail, exit at the Stadium Armory station on the Blue and Orange lines. Then, use the B-2 Metrobus and exit on Bladensburg Road. From there, walk two blocks to R Street, where you will make a right. Two blocks further, you’ll find the Arboretum gates. What to see and do at the U.S. National Arboretum? The Arboretum presents a stunning collection of plants, with each given its own display. One of the most popular is the Gotelli Conifer Collection, which showcases conifers that hail from a range of climates, including the Arctic and subtropical regions. Japanese maples, ornamental grasses and daffodils combine with the conifers to create an alluring array of colors. Make sure to stop in the gazebo, where you will have a full view of the Conifer Collection while resting. The aforementioned National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is another notable feature of the Arboretum. The museum is a riveting collection of legendary miniature Japanese and Chinese trees. The Japanese art of bonsai goes back more than one thousand years, a practice of growing beautiful trees in artful containers. The art of penjing is an even earlier version of the same practice, with both providing a calming effect on the observer. You’ll learn of this fascinating art and its conversation elements as you are dazzled by these living sculptures and natural scenes. The museum literally changes with the seasons, so it’s worth repeated visits. No discussion of the Arboretum is complete without mentioning the National Capitol Columns. The permanent installation features 22 Corinthian columns that supported the east portico of the U.S. Capitol when it was built in 1828. Once the dome of the Capitol was completed in 1864, builders realized that the columns were not properly constructed to support the dome, creating an odd and unsettling visual. The strange aesthetic was not solved until 1958, and it took until the 1980s for the columns to find their resting place on the Ellipse Meadow in the Arboretum. Now, the site of the columns serves as one of the most beautiful (and Instagram-worthy) sights in the nation’s capital. The U.S. National Arboretum also offers azalea blossoms, making it one of the best places to view blossoms in the District. The azalea blossoms usually peak at a different time than the blossoms found near the Tidal Basin, offering an additional opportunity to marvel at the beautiful trees and their scenic flowers. This arrangement of blossoms is located near the Capitol Column Overlook and the Flowering Tree Walk. Finally, make sure to take note of the Arboretum’s events, which can include moonlight-adorned hikes and celebrations and educational programs.
What's Open & Reopening in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is open for business The nation's capital is ready to welcome you. Proof of vaccination and masks are generally not required in Washington, DC, but visitors are encouraged to check with individual establishments about COVID-19 protocols. Find the latest information from the DC government at coronavirus.dc.gov. DC Travel & Testing Requirements Fully Vaccinated Visitors (or visitors who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days) may: Travel to DC from domestic locations without quarantining unless showing symptoms of COVID-19. If traveling from an international location, visitors must show a negative test before boarding a flight to the U.S. and get tested 3-5 days following travel. Unvaccinated Visitors Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must follow COVID-19 testing and quarantining requirements for non-essential travel. General travel requirements for unvaccinated visitors include getting a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before visiting DC, getting a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after returning home from their trip and self-quarantining for 7 days after returning home. You do not need a COVID-19 test if traveling from Maryland and Virginia or in DC in less than 24 hours. Private institutions and local government officials may ask for proof of a negative test. If a traveler tests positive while in DC, they must complete their isolation before traveling home, and susceptible close contacts must complete a 10-day quarantine. Where you can get vaccinated: The DC Government has resources on where to get vaccinated, including pediatric vaccination pre-registration, lists of health centers offering the vaccine and transportation options. Add your zip code to the official vaccines.gov site to find a list of pharmacies, health clinics and hospitals offering vaccines near you. International Travel Starting Nov. 8, vaccinated international travelers were welcomed back to the U.S. Learn more about international travel guidance. You can also find the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month. What's Open Museums/Attractions The DC government has allowed for unlimited capacity at museums and attractions, however individual entities may impose their own capacity limits. Visit the Smithsonian Institution’s website for all hours of operation, a full schedule and admission information. Most Smithsonian museums no longer require timed-entry passes. Free timed passes are still required at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Visitors to the Smithsonian museums do not have to wear masks. Please note that to accommodate staff shortages, some Smithsonian museums in DC are operating on a modified schedule. Some museums have temporarily closed one day out of the week. On Mondays, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of the American Indian are closed. On Tuesdays, the National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of African Art and Arts and Industries Building are closed. The Anacostia Community Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. Note: The National Air and Space Museum is closed for renovation until fall 2022, but its Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, remains open daily. What's Open Right Now The U.S. Botanic Garden will fully reopen (including the Conservatory) on April 1 with free entrance and no timed pass requirement. For more information, including hours and safety protocols, visit the Garden's website. The U.S. Capitol Visitor Center will resume tours on Monday, March 28. All tours will be staff led and all requests must be submitted through a congressional office. Each office is allowed one tour per week during the hours of Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that the Capitol Visitor Center main entrance will remain closed. For more information, visit the Center's website. The Hirshhorn Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website. The Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) has reopened. For more information regarding hours and health protocols, visit the museum’s website. The Washington Monument has reopened to the public. The monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside the Washington Monument. Tickets will be available online only from recreation.gov; there will be no tickets distributed on site. Tickets become available daily at 10 a.m. for the next day’s visits (for example, if you are planning to visit on July 21, you can reserve tickets at recreation.gov beginning at 10 a.m. on July 20). Each ticket is good for up to four individuals in a group traveling together. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $1 per ticket. The Library of Congress has reopened its Jefferson Building. Free, timed entry tickets are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit the Library's website. The Rotunda of the National Archives Building has reopened for viewing the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, (with limited capacity of 25 percent), by timed reservations Friday through Monday only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning Friday, July 2, the Museum will resume normal hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, and expand to be open every day, but with the same reduced capacity. As of July 2, visitors will also be able to view the Magna Carta in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery. The National Museum of Natural History has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The National Museum of the Marine Corps has reopened. For more information on safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The National Gallery of Art has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. Please note that the East Building is closed for renovations. The National Museum of African American History and Culture has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The National Museum of American History has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The National Museum of the American Indian has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The Smithsonian's National Zoo has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the Smithsonian unit's website. The National Portrait Gallery has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery have both reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The Hirshhorn's Sculpture Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Hirshhorn's website. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' indoor campus and THE REACH is open for visiting Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight. Masking is required indoors, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests attending performances. Learn more. Glenstone is open Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit the museum's website for more information. George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ARTECHOUSE is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure to read its safety protocols before planning a trip. O Museum in The Mansion is open for tours, lodging, outdoor dining and shopping; the garden is open for reservations as well. Lincoln's Cottage has reopened for self-guided tours from Wednesday through Monday. Advance tickets are required. International Spy Museum is now open daily. Limited tickets are available and advanced purchase is recommended. Visit spymusuem.org. Kreeger Museum is open. You must get advance reservation tickets. Museum of the Bible is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are required. To learn more about the museum, visit its website. Big Bus Tours is offering tours every day of the week. For more information, visit its website. The Phillips Collection is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., timed tickets needed and guests must follow safety requirements. The museum requires proof of vaccination for all visitors ages 12-years-old and up, and requires visitors 16-year-old and up to have a photo ID. Planet Word is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 3:30 p.m. All visitors aged 2 and older are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. For more information about the museum's COVID-19 guidelines and to reserve passes, visit Planet Word's website. The National Building Museum is now open Friday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visitors aged 2 and older are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, visit the museum's website. Tudor Place has reopened for guided house tours and self-guided garden tours, Thursday through Sunday. Proof of vaccination is required for visitors aged 12 and older and masks are required indoors. For more information, visit the estate's website. Dream Aero is open from 12-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Visit its website for more information. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens has reopened with proof of full vaccination required for entry. For more information regarding hours and safety protocols, visit the estate's website. Old Town Trolley Tours is now open, with tours departing hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. You can also read about the company's safety policies. Ford's Theatre has reopened. The Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits will remain closed. For more information regarding tickets and safety protocols, visit the Ford's Theatre website. The theater requires proof of vaccination and masks are required. The DC History Center is open on Fridays from 2-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. Free, timed entry tickets are required. Visit the Center's website for more information. The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum has reopened. For more information, visit the museum's website. DC Design Tours is open and offering eight architectural walking tours around the District. Visit its website for a full calendar and to book your tour. Blue Fern Travel offers its Fork Tours from Thursday through Sunday on U Street and in Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria. A portion of all ticket sales is donated to Bread for the City. The National Law Enforcement Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website. DAR Museum (And DAR Library and DAR Constitution Hall) have reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the website. The National Children's Museum has reopened. Advanced tickets are required and available for morning or afternoon sessions. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum's website. Anderson House - has reopened with proof of full vaccination required for entry. For more information regarding hours and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The Washington National Cathedral is open for sightseeing, programs, and worship services. Theaters/Cinemas/Concert Venues/Entertainment Centers Most venues require proof of full vaccination from COVID-19. Check venue websites for more information. Theaters & Playhouses 20+ theaters now require proof of vaccination for entry. The Kennedy Center and Ford's Theatre requires proof of vaccination. Music & Concert Venues The Anthem - Upcoming shows 9:30 Club - Upcoming shows Merriweather Post Pavilion - Upcoming shows Lincoln Theatre - Upcoming shows Songbyrd Cafe - Upcoming shows Black Cat - Upcoming shows The Pocket - Upcoming shows Echostage - Upcoming shows Union Stage - Upcoming shows Pearl Street Warehouse - Upcoming shows DC9 Nightclub - Upcoming shows Blues Alley - Upcoming shows Hamilton Live - Upcoming shows Capital One Arena - Upcoming events The Howard Theatre - Upcoming events Restaurants Dining establishments are open to the public. Due to the popularity of DC's dining scene, it's always recommended to reserve your table in advance online. Guests may wear a mask if they would like, but there's no requirement to do so. For diners who prefer to eat outdoors during the pandemic, check out these al fresco options: beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants. Parks/Gardens/Recreation Dog parks, golf courses, parks, tennis courts, tracks and fields are open. Recreation centers, bowling alleys, climbing gyms, squash or racquetball clubs, skating rinks and skateboard parks also no longer have any capacity restrictions. Outdoor attractions like the National Park Service Sites, Monuments and Memorials at the National Mall and around the city are open. Learn more about DC's parks and gardens and read details about the status of recently reopened sights below. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' outdoor campus at THE REACH is accessible, including pop-up wine garden and cafe Victura Park. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited number of visitors. Onsite buildings and bathroom are closed. Learn more. The Smithsonian's Enid A. Haupt Garden is open with safety protocols in place. Learn more. U.S. National Arboretum has reopened from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more. George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Fields & Festival Grounds at RFK Campus are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The weekly farmers' market is open. Learn more. The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens and the Terrace Gardens at the U.S. Botanic Garden, but the indoor Conservatory and gated outdoor gardens are temporarily closed. Learn more. Retail Capacity restrictions have been lifted at nonessential retail businesses, hair and nail salons, massage and spas. Note that individual businesses may enforce their own health precautions. Many Made in DC shops offer online shopping with the option for curbside pickup. Check out ways that you can support some of these local businesses in the District. Hotels If you find yourself in Washington, DC during this time and in need of a hotel, many DC-area hotels are open and ready to welcome guests. You can also take advantage of special deals and peruse locations that are ideal for sports fans, history buffs, families with kids and more. Transportation WMATA's enhanced cleaning measures include daily disinfecting of trains, buses and stations with mopping, wiping down high-touch surfaces or using electrostatic foggers. Metro has upped its deep cleaning of stations to four times that of the pre-Covid era. In addition, Metro launched new touch-free SmarTrip service for iPhone and Apple Watch devices, becoming the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full service, touch-free payment option at every single stop. Metro has restored most rail and bus service to pre-covid levels across the region in the largest – and likely most complex – service change in the system's 44-year history. Metro is expanding late-night service and restoring more routes to support the DC region’s reopening and recovery. Face masks are no longer required. For more information, visit wmata.com. What's Closed Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument - Closed to the public until further notice. Madame Tussauds - Closed to the public until further notice. Old Post Office Tower - Closed to the public until further notice. Pentagon Tours - Closed to the public until further notice. National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum - Closed to the public until further notice. National Guard Memorial Museum - Closed to the public until further notice.
Your Guide to Taking a Wellness-Inspired Trip to Washington, DC
Lush green retreats and open spaces Picture yourself in the midst of a bustling city surrounded by 40 downtown hotels, all strategically placed near the heart of DC's urban greenery. The focal points are none other than the sprawling National Mall and the expansive Rock Creek Park – a natural wonder twice the size of New York City's Central Park. The National Mall, affectionately known as "America's Front Yard," boasts fountains, parks and lush gardens that beckon strolls, picnics and moments of serenity. Imagine jogging along verdant two-mile pathways stretching from the iconic U.S. Capitol to the revered Lincoln Memorial – an experience that combines fitness with awe-inspiring history. This leisurely run is not just a workout, but a bucket-list experience for any traveler looking to infuse their trip with a sense of accomplishment. Arts and culture as a path to mindfulness Lose yourself in the arts to achieve a sense of mindfulness while in the nation’s capital. The city’s extensive collection of free Smithsonian museums (which includes the National Museum of the American Indian pictured above) allows you to immerse yourself in knowledge and cultures from around the world and throughout history. Experience the wonder of contemporary music, jazz and chamber orchestra concerts at the Library of Congress or enjoy free musical performances at the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Public parks and gardens Embracing its status as one of the most walkable cities in the United States, Washington, DC is a sanctuary filled with public parks and gardens. It's no surprise that the city was rated as having the nation's best park system according to the Trust for Public Land's 2022 ParkScore® index. Whether it's a meditative stroll through the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden or practicing yoga amidst the foliage at Transit Pier in the Wharf, DC's green spaces offer a refreshing escape. Hotels that champion wellness In an embrace of a new era of wellness, DC hotels are revolutionizing the hospitality experience. From enhancing fitness facilities with natural light and outdoor workout areas to offering special amenities like hydration stations and morning group classes, the Marriott Marquis, The Morrow Hotel, The Darcy, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill and Westin Georgetown Washington, DC are just a few of the locales redefining healthy stays. That latter hotel partnered with Hyperice to introduce Hypervolt recovery stations for guests, while the Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown features 12 wellness rooms complete with air purifiers, Tempur-Pedic mattresses and Vitamin C showers. Eaton Hotel goes beyond with crystal greetings and Himalayan salt lamps, providing wellness services like yoga, reiki and sound baths. The Hay-Adams offers a Music Salon for intimate live performances and an Author Series for literary discourse. Through programs like Healthy Stays, hotels ensure guest safety, reflecting a commitment to holistic well-being. Dive into culinary delights DC's gastronomic landscape has evolved to cater to health-conscious palates. From the delectable offerings of Chaia Taco, featuring fresh vegetables sourced from local farms, to Clyde's, a pioneer in supporting local producers, you'll find a plethora of options that delight your taste buds while nourishing your body. Elizabeth's Gone Raw, which operates exclusively on weekends as a 100% raw vegan restaurant, is housed in a restored 19th century townhouse and was conceptualized in response to founder Elizabeth's cancer diagnosis. The restaurant presents a distinctive seven-course tasting menu orchestrated by chef Francisco Hernandez and sommelier Dora Lobo. Don't miss out on Oyster Oyster, where vegetables take center stage and redefine how you perceive plant-based cuisine. Additionally, Founding Farmers demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by sourcing ingredients directly from American family farmers, offering a guilt-free dining experience. Indulge in zero-proof elixirs For those opting for non-alcoholic options, DC's beverage scene has expanded to cater to your preferences. Savor creative mocktails at Fiola, explore the unique offerings at Moon Rabbit (pictured above) or enjoy happy hours with zero-proof drinks at various speakeasies and bars around the city. Binge Bar promises to be a game-changer, offering an array of alcohol-free choices, complemented by Filipino-inspired small plates and entertainment. Zen spaces and serene havens The architecture of Washington, DC showcases diversity well beyond its historic monuments and memorials. Seek tranquility at the Library of Congress's Reading Room, an exquisite interior that invites you to immerse yourself in reading. The Vietnam Memorial and the serene Franciscan Monastery gardens offer spaces for quiet reflection. If you're drawn to the healing power of plants, explore the Bonsai Museum and China Valley at the U.S. National Arboretum or the soothing water features at the National Portrait Gallery. For a true blend of art and tranquility, visit the Bishop's Garden at the Washington National Cathedral or take a journey through history at Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens. Ah, spa Hotels in Washington DC offer spa amenities from traditional treatments to taking the waters. Some hotels will include a day pass to the spa lounge and pool when you book a treatment, whether you are a guest of the hotel or not. The city's full-service spas include: The Waldorf Astoria, distinguished by its Himalayan Salt Therapy Room and The Sanctuary relaxation area; Rosewood Hotel in Georgetown, which provides a menu of spa services; Salamander, Washington DC offers eight private treatment rooms, lavish lounges and an impressive array of pools and facilities; Four Seasons Washington DC features a lap pool and cherry blossom-themed facials; The Watergate includes a modern spa with services like the Vitamin DC facial; and The Pendry, known for its intimate setting, private treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms and the inclusion of access to the outdoor heated terrace pool and fitness center for longer treatments. Elevate your spirits with breathtaking views Washington, DC's unique skyline, characterized by blue hues punctuated by the Washington Monument, provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Enjoy serene views from the observation deck of the Old Post Office or the tower of the Washington National Cathedral. For a unique experience, sip and savor the beauty of the city from Moonraker, the Pendry Hotel's signature rooftop hideaway. Discover waterfront escapes DC's proximity to water offers a plethora of opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're kayaking on the Potomac or Anacostia or enjoying the serenity of reflecting pools and cascading waters at various venues, the soothing effect of water is never far away. Even the National Zoo's Bird House invites you to immerse yourself in the art of birdwatching, a hobby known for its stress-reducing benefits.