Washington isn’t just the capital of the United States; it’s also a hotspot of arts, culture, dining and more. To make the labyrinth a little bit easier to navigate (and to ensure that you have the best possible time while visiting the District), we’ve compiled a go-to guide for experiencing the city during #SNDDC, which runs April 9-11.
EXPLORE
If you’re looking to check out Washington’s landmarks, here is a quick guide to some of our favorites (organized by Metro stop):
Metro Center Stop (Lines: Red, Orange, Gray, Blue)
The White House (Note: Tours must be arranged in advance. Info here.)
#thewhitehouse No, I didn’t try to jump the fence! #InstaWhiteHouse http://t.co/m0zLHVfOAf pic.twitter.com/YxR9FaxTyp
— InstaWhiteHouse (@InstaWhiteHouse) November 26, 2014
Union Station
Still in construction? but it`s good we can see the exterior now #thewhitehouse #washingto… http://t.co/V5nQfAiSUI pic.twitter.com/2jS3mHKbT0
— InstaWhiteHouse (@InstaWhiteHouse) February 7, 2015
Supreme Court of the United States
Outside the #USSupremeCourt this morning. #photooftheday #USCourts pic.twitter.com/ePYdXV8LXG
— Jeffrey St. Cyr (@JeffreyStCyr) January 13, 2014
Capitol South (Lines: Orange and Blue)
Join us on Presidents Day for a special open house of the magnificent Main Reading Room http://t.co/7TN7lzPHus pic.twitter.com/TYDFu5wKA3
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) February 9, 2015
Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Lines: Green and Yellow)
National Mall and Memorial Parks (NAMA)
Okay, guys. If you don’t do anything else and want a one-stop tourist show, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are for you. While you can find maps here and a complete list of all of NAMA’s landmarks here, here’s a quick roundup of some of our favorite stops:
DC at night. So beautiful! Fly back home tomorrow. Great trip! #ROTM #RT #LincolnMemorial #folloback #FBF pic.twitter.com/tKKJCI6UKY
— Nichole (@Nichole4MVA2015) February 1, 2015
#WashingtonMonument at #sunset pic.twitter.com/bFNpdSOn9d
— Chris Duncan (@AD4G) February 9, 2015
Inside #ThomasJeffersonMemorial adjacent to the #tidalbasin in #DC #iPanorama #foundingfather #USA #UnitedStates pic.twitter.com/rpKloGkp3M
— Charles Leroy Smith (@charles_leroy) August 27, 2014
Folks enjoying fresh breeze at #worldWarIIMemorial @TheNationalMall @rebeccaemilyt @NationalMallNPS #LaborDayWeekend pic.twitter.com/8Xu1J12xUq
— CHOOSE DC (@CHOOSEDC) August 31, 2014
On this day in 1982, The #VietnamVeteransMemorial is dedicated. It is inscribed with names of 57,939 fallen soldiers. pic.twitter.com/SLWiJup7Wp
— Minuteman Press TnC (@mptnc) November 13, 2014
6. Korean War Veterans Memorial
Photo: Korean War Memorial, Washington DC. http://t.co/oZUb29x7Zl
— Ryan Brown (@LostBoyMemoirs) March 18, 2015
Mobile Munchies
If you’re in need of a daytime bite and like living on the edge (or just on the edge of the sidewalk), then Washington’s diverse and delicious food truck scene needs to be on your radar. Thanks be to data, Food Truck Fiesta can serve as your guide to all-things mobile dining in and around D.C. The site is literally a food-truck tracker, and allows you to view selections at locations around the DMV in map or list format.
Casual Eats
If, like us, you consider good Mexican food to be a religious experience, then a stop at District Taco (1309 F Street NW) should be at the top of your list. The chain, which boasts daily specials worthy of lines stretching out of the restaurant’s front door, delivers fare that’s easy on the wallet (3 tacos for $7, anyone?), but which packs a flavor punch.
Dinner at #districttaco omg the carnitas and tomatillo salsa was sooo delicious. We will be back. Keep those taco… pic.twitter.com/dODHsi8jNr
— Baxter Bear (@theBaxterBear) March 29, 2014
If you’re looking for more of a sit-down experience, then we’d suggest Tortilla Coast (400 First St. SE), the Capitol Hill crowd’s go-to Tex-Mex hideaway (especially during Happy Hour).
Hey @GitRDoneLarry Tortilla Coast on Capitol Hill is welcoming Congress back to session by quoting you! pic.twitter.com/GEEMvFQaXr
— Natalie Krings (@kringsnatalie) September 10, 2014
If you’re craving something a little more creative, check out Matchbox Chinatown (713 H Street NW), which features fusion-inspired sandwiches, artisan pizzas, innovative entrees and cool cocktails.
Eating at Matchbox in Chinatown. This is the best pizza I've ever had. This is what Italians meant by pizza. My God. pic.twitter.com/b6OgrRo8Nu
— Chris Ingram (@thechrisingram) June 30, 2014
Ben’s Chili Bowl (1213 U. Street NW) is a go-to place for late-night comfort food. Whether it be burgers (both classic and veggie),hot dogs, chili cheese fries or a quick dessert, this place has got you covered. The best part? If you’re venturing out to U Street for late-night entertainment, it’s also right in the center of the action.
I've never been to #BenschiliBowl but it's absolutely on the list pic.twitter.com/BN6coRueKI
— Matt Granato (@MattGranato) January 29, 2015
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, here are some splurges worthy of indulging your inner foodie:
Old Ebbitt Grill (675 15th St. NW), open for breakfast-dinner, is your classic steakhouse on Capitol swagger. Make reservations because, between the famous oysters, indulgent entrees and lavish ambience, this place fills up fast.
YUM! RT @Bonvoyagefriend: #nomnom @oldebbitt in Washington, D.C. Great ambiance and cuisine. #timewellspent pic.twitter.com/OEPLi7sGWc
— Old Ebbitt Grill (@oldebbitt) May 13, 2014
Le Diplomate (1601 14th St. NW) offers fresh seafood and classic French fare in an elegant setting.
Bread, roast chicken & chocolate Napoleon were Le Diplomate's highlights. http://t.co/AH7u9udEoD @StarrRestaurant pic.twitter.com/EitEePwYzG
— Cook In / Dine Out (@cookindineout) May 14, 2013
If a great Irish pub is more of your thing, check out Daniel O’Connell’s in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia (take the Metro’s Yellow or Blue lines to King Street Station, then grab a free trolley or take an easy walk down King Street). Combining traditional Celtic fare with international influences and boasting an out-of-this-world beer list, this place is worth the commute.
Daniel O'Connell's Bar & Restaurant http://t.co/xVsFhgjMfY #Alexandria #Alexandria It pic.twitter.com/NijvgzGnU4
— DineHere.us (@dine_here) December 24, 2014
Choose Your Own Adventure
In case you’re feeling adventurous, we created some customized Yelp searches to help you quell your every craving without leaving the District. All of the results accept credit cards, are wheelchair-accessible and can accommodate groups, so feel free to bring any new friends you make at SNDDC to the party.
DRINK
The Local 411
Want to imbibe with the in-crowd? Check out The Reliable Source, the bar at the National Press Club.
Go to the NPC building, make a right and take one of the golden elevators up to the nth floor. Between the elegant ambience, the portraits of esteemed journalists covering the walls and the constant rush of newspeople frequenting the NPC’s halls for events, drinks, dinner or just good old-fashioned networking, this place is the Washington press’ equivalent of Willy Wonka’s factory. Your golden ticket? Come with an existing NPC member (so that they can present their membership credentials), and you’re in. The unspoken dress code is business attire (think a step above casual).
A chilled-out alternative that draws the journo crowd but doesn’t require a membership card is The Laughing Man Tavern (1306 G St. NW), a bar and restaurant that boasts a great beer list and amazing plates.
If you want to keep your drinks upscale but prioritize views over news (of the city, that is), head to POV Washington D.C. (515 15th Street NW) the W Washington D.C.’s rooftop destination that boasts unparalleled views of local landmarks like the White House and the Washington Monument. Their self-professed dress code calls for “casual sophistication,” so leave your sneakers at home.
The countdown is on at #POVDC. Let's light up the night and give 2014 a proper sendoff. DJ, drop the beat! #WDCNYE pic.twitter.com/24NBi31gaE
— W Washington D.C. (@WhotelDC) January 1, 2015
Have a more low-key, but still exclusive, setting in mind? Head to Quill at the Jefferson Hotel (1200 16th St. NW), keepers of craft cocktails that’d make the most picky connoisseur swoon, an extensive wine list and an appetizer menu that’s served until midnight. Plus, the Jefferson-inspired decor (taking equal cues from architecture and cartography) is a designer’s dream.
Kentucky Salty Dog: #bourbon, Aperol, fresh grapefruit & #boozycherries @TheJeffersonDC #QuillDC pic.twitter.com/KfpVYdJvlR
— Jennifer Lichty (@cityandsand) April 16, 2014
If you’re in the mood for a throwback, you can hop on the X2 bus to the H Street Corridor and grab drinks and a game of Galaga at Atlas Arcade at 1235 H. St. NE (check out their full game selection here).
Atlas Arcade, only one of its type in the District! pic.twitter.com/HHBb4ESIyF
— Chiswick (@ChiswickGryphon) January 17, 2015
Pick Your Poison
Want to discover D.C.’s most delectable drinks on your own? Here is a customized Yelp guide to D.C.’s highest-rated bars. Note: All bars listed here offer a full bar, accept credit cards, are wheelchair-accessible, can accommodate groups and hold happy hours.
WATCH
The cold weather might be wrapping up, but the Verizon Center ice is just heating up! Hometown NHL heroes the Washington Capitals are scheduled to play 2 major teams during your stay at #SNDDC: the Boston Bruins on Wednesday, April 8, and the New York Rangers.on Saturday, April 11th.
High fives all around for the @washcaps tonight. pic.twitter.com/ZyL86Ch2bo
— NHL (@NHL) February 7, 2015
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts multiple events nightly, but highlights during SNDDC include a visit by the New York City Ballet (April 8-11), a performance by Edgar Meyer (of The Goat Rodeo Sessions and MacArthur “Genius” grant fame) on April 8, and a comedy performance by Jay Leno on April 8, as well.
"What building is this" #kennedycenter pic.twitter.com/0uqHFTX2Ni
— abbytoast (@Abigailtoast) February 10, 2015
If you prefer your performances to be of the rock-and-roll persuasion, then be sure to check out The Black Cat (1811 14th St. NW), a music venue/bar/restaurant combo that curates an eclectic (and excellent) roster of under-the-radar and established music acts from the District, nation and world over. Check out their schedule here.
"Emo at the turn of the century had just boiled over" @CursiveTheBand @beachslang @BlackCatDC http://t.co/k61tOJlncV pic.twitter.com/TCUJV2Hh3D
— BrightestYoungThings (@BYT) March 9, 2015
Last, but certainly not least, the H Street Corridor’s Atlas Performing Arts Center (1333 H. St. NE) is one of the District’s best-kept entertainment secrets. Hosting everything from symphony performances and theatre to film screenings and spoken-word poetry shows, its schedule is always bustling.
We're getting ready for you! #HStreetFestival pic.twitter.com/GY7pB53AnX
— AtlasPerformingArts (@AtlasPACDC) September 20, 2014
ADMIRE
If museums are more your thing, here are some of our favorites:
Art
National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden
(Metro directions: Red to Judiciary Square / Green or Yellow to Archives–Penn Quarter–Navy Memorial /Blue or Orange to Smithsonian)
Everyone @ngadc is photographing this award-winning azalea collection. #dc #nationalgalleryofart pic.twitter.com/a8DrYDnvdp
— Lisa Lewis Fullerton (@lisalfullerton) March 10, 2013
Who is going to win this staring competition at the #nationalsculpturegarden pic.twitter.com/9jTmDR88Tx
— Karis Felton (@MissDCTeenUSA) May 22, 2013
Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
(Metro directions: Green, Yellow or Red to Gallery Place-Chinatown)
#vondoom #clouds #nationalportraitgallery #npg #london http://t.co/Ikspuuil7j pic.twitter.com/bePUoHB6Dh
— ravi (@johnthehindu) January 29, 2015
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
(Metro directions: Blue or Orange to Smithsonian)
@ Smithsonian Museum of Natural History with adopted class of Hendley ES. Focus on Curaçao's deep reefs. pic.twitter.com/CbbQnx9iIS
— Xavier Prens (@XavierPrens) January 29, 2015
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
(Metro directions: Red, Gray, Blue, Yellow or Green to L’Enfant Plaza)
For first time in 22 years, "Spirit of St. Louis" lowered from ceiling of Air and Space Museum http://t.co/StUIJwHGrb pic.twitter.com/WddpWlRVhA
— Smithsonian Magazine (@SmithsonianMag) January 16, 2015
(Metro directions: Green or Yellow to Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter)
National Archives Museum in Washington DC http://t.co/AXsM88lGvh #instagram pic.twitter.com/kpSWt0FUmK
— Shalabh (@shalabh_) December 28, 2014
ROAR
— or don’t. In either case, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the nation’s foremost arbiters of cute in our rundown of D.C. must-dos.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
(Metro directions: Red to Woodley Park-Zoo-Adams Morgan or Cleveland Park)
Jian Jian the panda gets his treat. #nationalzoo pic.twitter.com/9N3Eya1KKG
— David Baumgold (@singingwolfboy) November 30, 2014
BELONG
We here at SNDDC have a few exclusive events up our sleeve to help break the ice:
Perfect patio weather. Open now. pic.twitter.com/MlRXEXG3Dw
— Solly's U St. Tavern (@SollysDC) May 1, 2013
- Karaoke Night
- WHO: SNDDC attendees
- WHAT: Singing for a great cause, the SND Foundation
- WHERE: Solly’s U Street Tavern (1942 11th St. NW)
- WHEN: Friday, April 10th at 8:30 p.m.
- HOW: Donate $10 to get 1 drink and 1 song.
(Keep checking back for more SNDDC-only events TBA as the conference nears.)