My Washington, DC Bucket List

I’ve lived in the DC area for almost a year and a half now since moving here in the fall of 2020. For those of you who haven’t been following me for that long, I dreamed of moving to DC for years before I was able to do it. All throughout college, it was the city I wanted to move to once I finished school.

I’m so grateful to be here and have an amazing job, but I’ll be the first to admit that there are still a ton of things I want to do here. Part of this is definitely because of the pandemic. However, another part is because I’ve gotten a little too used my routines here and settled into my habits. There’s a ton to do here, and I want to explore more!

Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of some of the DC things that I still really want to do! They range from fun to educational to just some things I want to experience. Below you’ll find a list that’s by no means comprehensive of everything there is to do in DC, but still a decent amount of things to do. I’ve separated it into a few categories to keep things straight. Hopefully this inspires my fellow DC locals and transplants, or any readers who plan on visiting the nation’s capital!

Dining

• Eat at Le Diplomate: This is a super famous restaurant that a ton of politicians are regularly spotted at. I’ve heard that the food is great as well, but I’d be lying if I said people watching isn’t part of the allure!
• Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant: DC has over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants, and I’m dying to eat at one of them.
• Have brunch at Sequoia: I’ve heard the brunch at this Georgetown spot described as “legendary” to “day-ruining” because there’s just sooooooo much food. Regardless, I definitely want to try it.
• Have lunch at Laduree: Though it may not be in New York, I still think their DC location in Georgetown would be Blair Waldorf-approved.
• Enjoy a cocktail at Top of the Gate: The Watergate Hotel is an iconic (and historically infamous) spot, and I’d love to visit their rooftop bar for a drink or two!

Iconic Spots

• Get a library card for the Library of Congress: I learned that you could do this when I interned here one summer in college. It’s definitely something I want to do!
• Visit the top of the Washington Monument: The observation deck was under construction for so long, but it’s finally open again!
• See the monuments on the Mall at sunset: I did a nighttime tour of them when I came here on spring break in high school, and I think they’d be gorgeous at sunset tool
• Walk along the Mall during cherry blossom season: Last year, I was only able to see the cherry blossoms through a car window. The Mall gets super crowded and cherry blossom season last year was pre-vaccine, so I just wasn’t comfortable being around that many people at once. I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing them this year though!

Politics

• Watch oral argument for a case at the Supreme Court: This will definitely have to wait until the pandemic has calmed down. However, in normal times, regular people are allowed to watch oral argument at the high court, but space is limited. It’s absolutely on my bucket list to see it though!
• Spot a politician out and about: Bonus points if I can get a photo with them! This isn’t something I can really plan, but it’s on my list nevertheless.
• Visit Mt. Vernon: Though this may be considered more historical than political, I’m including it here anyway. I haven’t had the chance to visit George Washington’s estate yet and I really want to visit the home of one of my favorite presidents!

Miscellaneous

• Walk from Arlington to Georgetown on Key Bridge: This is mainly dependent on the weather (I’m thinking early spring or late fall), but where I live in Arlington is totally walkable in relation to Georgetown. I want to do it mainly just to say I did.
• See a show at the Kennedy Center: I love Broadway shows, especially musicals. Seeing one at the Kennedy Center sounds amazing!
• Have a staycation at a nice hotel: Just because I live here doesn’t mean I have to miss out on the great hotels! I’d love to spend a weekend in one, especially if it has a nice spa or other amenities.
• Visit all of the Smithsonian Museums: My current progress includes…
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • National Museum of American History
  • National Museum of Natural History
  • Anacostia Community Museum
  • National Museum of African Art
  • Arts and Industries Building
  • Freer Gallery of Art
  • National Zoo
  • Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • National Museum of the American Indian
  • Smithsonian Institution Building (The Castle)
  • National Postal Museum
  • Smithsonian Gardens

Let me know if there’s anything I’m missing or need to add!

Follow along!
Subscribe to my Emails | Instagram | LIKEtoKNOW.it | Pinterest | TikTok