I spend a lot of time writing about far-flung places but rarely have I talked about my hometown: Washington DC. I was born there and grew up across the river in Arlington, which is my current home base. Everyone has hometown pride but I really can’t say enough good things about DC. It’s a fantastic city to visit or live in as a young person, and here is why:
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Everything is FREE
If you are a traveler on a budget, DC is a great place to be. Almost all of the major attractions are free to the public. The beautiful monuments, Arlington cemetery, the Botanic gardens, all free. This also includes the dozen museums of the Smithsonian cluttered around the Mall (my favorite is the Natural History Museum with it’s elegant dinosaur bones). After years of being spoiled with free things I actually feel insulted when I have to pay so visit the museums in other cities.
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It’s more than just politics
I think that the most common misconception about DC is that it’s all politics all the time here. But Washington is also the home of National Geographic, NPR and the National Zoo. There is a thriving music scene and exciting theater. Tourists who are sick of the monuments can visit Georgetown for a taste of historical elegance, or spend a Saturday morning browsing the stalls in the eclectic Eastern Market neighborhood.
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We Love the Nightlife
DC is overflowing with young people. Half a dozen colleges call the DC area home and Congress is spilling over with interns and staffers. Idealistic young things come from all over the world to work at NGO’s, international organizations and think tanks. As a result there are some really happening pockets of nightlife around the city. The bars that line Adams Morgan, the happy hour circuit of Dupont Circle and the clubs on U Street are all popular choices. If you get tired of downtown you can always take the metro into Arlington for the more casual scene in Clarendon.
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Something is Always Happening
Whether it’s free jazz in the Sculpture Garden or Screen on the Green in front of the Capitol (both cornerstones of a DC summer) there is always an interesting and usually free event happening somewhere in the city. A walk down the mall will always turn up something, be it the Smithsonian Folk life Festival, a free concert or a political protest.
I think DC is often overlooked as a travel destination, both by Americans and international travelers because it is somewhat overshadowed by our glamorous urban neighbor New York. That is really a shame because there is so much to see and do here in the nation’s capital.
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Great tips! I’ll be in DC for a weekend next month!
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Good tips, Steph. It’s amazing how we often overlook what is just outside our backdoor.
I’ll add that DC is a very accessible city for a traveler. The Metro system is brilliant, and DC is so compact that you can walk or bike to wherever you need to be. I lived in DC for 9 months without a car – my bike was my only means of transport. And I loved it!
You are right DC is so easy to get around without a car, it’s really fantastic. One of the things I miss most about working downtown- being able to metro to work.
I have been pleasantly surprised with DC. When I moved here after living in Korea for a year, I was concerned that it would be bland when compared to other places I had lived, such as Boston, which has a very strong sense of community. However, I have found that DC has a community all its own, and it’s not completely based around politics as seems to be a common misconception. Sure, the social sphere is a bit more hoity toity than I prefer, but I’ve been able to find my niche. Plus, Rock Creek Park is pretty much the best urban park I have ever seen. It’s incredible. DC really has a lot to offer, for both residents and visitors alike.
It’s definitely a more diverse place then people might first beleive. Have you heard about our dc travel happy hour on thursday?
Nope, I have not! I actually owe you an email about guest posts, but I have been swamped by several other commitments. I’ll get it to you soon, I promise.
What are the details about the travel happy hour?
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Just shot you an email!
I love Washington, D.C., and I especially love that most things are free. I lived there for one summer and I was never, ever bored … or broke!
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Yes there is a lot of great free stuff here, you just have to keep an eye out for it!
Love DC! Cool post. And you’re so right about all the great free stuff. (God I miss the fun of Dupont Circle and Adam’s Morgan!)
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I never would have thought all those sites were free. I can’t wait to get back to DC. I lived in Fairfax as a kid, but I was too young to remember anything. It is one of my first 2 stops when I return home, whenever that may be.
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I hate paying for museums now!
It’s so nice to see an article about DC! I was in American University’s Washington Semester program last fall and there are so many things about DC I fell in love with! The Metro being one of them. I know there are a lot of things that I didn’t see (even though my class site visits had me trekking all over the city!) so I’m hoping to return (I don’t live to far away in Maryland) and do more touristy (and non touristy) things!
Great write up!
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you know I think there are a lot of things I haven’t seen here- and I’ve lived here the better part of 25 years!
Love it! Even though this is government related, I want to add being able to go to a Supreme Court hearing for free!! B/c DC is the capitol of the US there are just so many things that you cannot experience anywhere else, even New York!
It’s true- there are a lot of cool government related things you CAN do in DC.
I don’t know why DC always gets treated like New York’s ugly cousin. It’s a cool place to travel and very accessible in terms of budget.
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Agreed! New york is great and all but it’s no where near as pretty as DC.
oh, how I miss DC! (I went to college there and lived 4 amazing years!)
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It’s funny, I’m always so desperate to go out and travel, but always glad to come back home to DC.
I definitely agree – I am a DC native – (as in grew up in the DC metro area) – and even attended college in DC (AU). I love DC – it is definitely an understated city. It is cheap in touristy things, though not cheap to live. LOL – I should know. But hopefully, in the next year I’ll be living and traveling abroad! Great post!
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I love this- just moved here from NYC this past summer and I never thought I’d wind up not missing New York. I’m also living in Arlington, and couldn’t be happier with the lifestyle here- perfect pace and much more livable for a twenty-something like myself. And, I’m finding there’s lots of places to explore outside of DC! In fact, just had to start my own travel blog for grad school and I’m doing it on places you can travel to within a tank of gas from the District- check it out if you can belwaytrotting.blogspot.com. Thanks- love your blog!
Hi Meg- love the idea of your blog! Will be checking it out for sure. I’m glad you’ve found so much to love about the area.