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45 Things To Do In DC That Have Absolutely Nothing To Do With Politics

It's actually surprisingly easy to forget this is where Congress sleeps. Visit DC today!

1. Waterfront it up at Yards Park and treat yourself to Ice Cream Jubilee.

2. Do the doughnut right and get yourself a District Doughnut.

3. Down some oysters at local favorite Pearl Dive Oyster Palace.

4. Dig in to any of the 12 Michelin starred restaurants in DC or grab a bite from its list of Bib Gourmand restaurants — where you can order meals for $40 or less!

5. Speaking of dining on a budget, stop at any of these hot spots and grab something quick, cheap, and delicious.

6. Walk along the picturesque Georgetown waterfront, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Potomac River.

7. Take in the turn-of-the-century architecture at Logan Circle.

8. Gobble down a half-smoke, DC's take on a hot dog (best served splattered with chili).

9. Meander on an afternoon walk through the National Mall.

10. Delight all your cravings on a food crawl through Union Market.

11. Get on the tasting-menu train and try the always evolving 11-course meal at Pineapple and Pearls.

12. Cast away in a kayak or try your hand at paddleboarding on the Potomac.

13. Get in on the panda-monium at the National Zoo.

14. Head into historic Shaw, which is becoming a hip, up-and-coming spot for shops, restaurants, and murals.

15. Admire bonsai trees that are hundreds of years old or get a photo op with the original columns of the US Capitol building at the US National Arboretum.

16. Enjoy a breezy run through Rock Creek Park.

17. Explore a national landmark and its luscious five-acre garden at Tudor Place.

18. Appreciate the iconic Lincoln Memorial. Local tip: Check it out at night for fewer crowds and a nighttime view of the National Mall.

19. Discover your new favorite show at the legendary Kennedy Center.

20. Hang with bae at POV, the rooftop lounge at the W Hotel.

21. Learn something new (for free!) at the National Museum of Natural History.

22. Gaze at the sunset over Key Bridge.

23. Just chill for a bit at Dupont Circle.

24. Remember the brave at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

25. Stroll down H Street NE, or hop on the free street car to discover live music, good eats, indie fashion — even indoor mini golf.

26. Rock the heck out at a 9:30 Club concert.

27. Be unapologetically you at this year's Capital Pride June 8–11.

28. Throw one back for ole George himself at our first president's own Mount Vernon Distillery.

29. Feast on 14th Street like chef Mike Isabella would.

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30. Catch every serve at this year's Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

31. Cool down with a refreshing Dolcezza gelato, a born and bred DC favorite.

32. Brau down with a few 100% local beers from DC Brau Brewery.

33. Catch a riff at U Street NW, the city's jazz center that was once considered the heart of black culture in America.

34. Sip on some cocktails made with rum, vodka, and gin fresh from the still at District Distilling Co.

35. Adore unique handmade creations at Belle Epoque Pottery.

36. Marvel at the dazzling fireworks show over the National Mall on the Fourth.

37. Join the future of biking with electric bicycles from Riide.

38. Be blown away by the scrumptiousness of reimagined popcorn at Stella*s PopKern.

39. Don't sleep on Capitol Hill. Although the neighborhood is known for its politics, it also has Instagram-ready views of the US Capitol and a popular weekend bazaar at Eastern Market.

40. Kayak the Anacostia River and catch a Washington Nationals game in the same day at Capitol Riverfront.

41. Find the perfect accessory to any outfit at Scout Bags.

42. Go to the moon and back with rum distilled by former NASA employees at Cotton & Reed.

43. Discover part of the local creative community.

44. Brunch it up. DC *loves* brunch — no ifs, ands, or buts.

45. Applaud DC's world class theater, art, and culture scenes.

We all deserve a little break from our newsfeed, and, ironically enough, DC might be the best place for a political recess this summer. Visit washington.org to learn more things to do!

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