My D.C. Favorite Five

​Two and a half years living in DC/Arlington and I have still yet to explore all the nooks and crannies the city has to offer. However, I would say I have seen 98% of The District and can give a review of my DC Favorite Five for anyone looking for recommendations. Let me preface this by saying that I am more of a doer and I enjoy experiencing things that make me feel awed. I always carry my Nikon with me so any photogenic spots would easily make my list, whether they be photo ops of the scenery or of the people.

1. Abraham Lincoln Memorial

Abe in his marble seat.

Hands down, my favorite memorial in DC is the one that the penny pays tribute to. Located on the Western end of the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial is both a tourist trap and a site frequented by locals. The memorial itself is a rectangular-shaped structure with tall columns wrapped around the outside, and the fifty state names are carved along the upper section of the wall. A giant statue of President Abe sits inside overlooking the National Mall towards the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument, and the Capitol. From the top of the steps, one can experience the same view looking East.

My favorite part about the Lincoln Memorial is the people-watching. I would people watch from one of the side columns on the top of the steps. There would be students wearing neon-colored shirts as part of a school trip and tourists taking photos of and with Lincoln, often times using a selfie stick. The best part is when kids (or often adults) slide down the slanted section next to the steps. The marble makes them go faster and if I’m lucky, I would see someone fall on their butt.
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Besides the people-watching, the view from the Lincoln is spectacular. The iconic shot of the National mall is truly stunning when viewed in person.

2. Georgetown Waterfront

Evelyn playing in the sprinklers by Georgetown Waterfront.

Georgetown Waterfront is best experienced when it is nice out. It is section along the Potomac River lined with restaurants and a park with a sprinkler. In the summertime, the restaurants would be packed with brunch-goers and the scene is lively from all the booze people have consumed. The restaurants are along the river so it is a nice waterfront view. There are also booze cruises that depart from the docks so there is always something going on there worth going for.

A little further down from the restaurants is a park with a giant sprinkler where kids in swim suits play during the summer. I have been there with my nieces before and they loved it. The park also has a lot of open area for picnics, sports, and just a casual afternoon hangout. In this one section, there are steps leading down to the water and it is always filled with couples on dates. It is a pretty sweet spot right next to the water, but in my opinion it is a little overrated.
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I would recommend going to Georgetown Waterfront during warm weather. No need to spend too long here unless you are dining, but it is a pleasant stroll along the Potomac. 

3. Eastern Market

October at Eastern Market where they sold pumpkins and other festive produce.

A farmers and crafts market, Eastern Market is located in Southeast DC and is open year-round, although best during the summertime. The market has both an indoor section where they sell meat, bread, and other treats, as well as an outdoor section spanning several blocks. Part of it is a farmer’s market with fresh produce and fruits to sample while the other part has a lot of arts and crafts stands. This is my favorite part because it typically showcases local crafts, ranging from paintings to homemade crafts to photography.

I have never been in the winter, but in the summer months several streets are blocked off to host these stands and the market has a good vibe. There are also food trucks nearby that offers a variety of ethnic food.
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Overall, the market is a chill place to hang out on the weekend to appreciate the artwork and potentially buy some produce.

4. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Rooftop

The view of the Washington and Lincoln Memorials from the JFK Center's terrace.

I find this to be a hidden gem that even most locals are not aware of. The rooftop is open as along as the JFK Center is open and is free of charge. Anyone can walk in and take the elevator to the rooftop terrace and see an amazing view of DC and Arlington. The building is at the edge of DC along the Potomac River, and since DC buildings are very low, you get an unobstructed view of the monuments. First time I came here I was surprised that this existed.
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I would highly recommend coming at sunset because that would be the cherry on top.

5. Newseum

Visitors read all the different headlines on September 11, 2001 at the Newseum.

Newseum stands for News Museum and is an interactive museum that promote the freedom of speech. Located on Pennsylvania Ave near the Capitol, Newseum is one of the few museums that charges a fee but is definitely worth a visit. Tickets are just over $20 and they are valid for two days. Since the museum is focused on news and the press, there are display cases outside the museum showcasing today’s headline news articles from all over the world. Once you enter, Newseum has six floors and you start from the top and work your way down.

There are too many favorites in the museum, but some highlights include the 911 Memorial with the antenna of the North Tower, parts of the Berlin Wall, and the Pulitzer Prize Photographs gallery. The 911 exhibit is very chilling because you read thoughts visitors of the museum have left and see headline articles worldwide from that day. All the while, the damaged antenna sits in the middle of the exhibit. On the ground level are pieces of the Berlin Wall and one of the watch towers. It was interesting to see the east side of the wall being graffiti-free because anyone who gets near would be shot, while the west side was filled with rebellious graffiti art. One of my favorite is the Pulitzer Prize Photograph exhibit. It is not only fascinating to see these prized photographs, but also eye-opening to read about the context from the photographer’s point of view.
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I highly recommend spending a few hours at Newseum; you won’t regret it.

This concludes my DC Favorite Five. Hopefully it was informative without being too overwhelming, and I hope you have a chance to visit my favorite places in DC!