Explore Washington, DC

You can find all the best things to do right here in Washington, DC, from concerts and cultural events to American history, free attractions and so much more.

It’s easy to ride the Metro or hop on a bike and explore all that the city has to offer. Walk the halls of the free Smithsonian museums, visit the National Mall to view the monuments and memorials, meet new furry friends at the National Zoo or sit back on a double-decker tour bus and soak up some history. Here are just a few amazing options to explore during your time in the nation’s capital.

• Smithsonian Museums
• National Zoo
• Library of Congress
• International Spy Museum
• U.S. Botanic Garden
• U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
• National Children's Museum
• National Gallery of Art
• National Building Museum
• National Law Enforcement Museum
• White House Visitors Center
• Arlington National Cemetery
• List of National Monuments
• The Wharf
• Artechouse
• The Mansion on O Street
• Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens
• Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

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Where to Eat – Staff Recommendations

Le Diplomate

Cuisine: French
Staff pick: Laura Thevenot, CEO
Warm shrimp salad, Steak frites, Moules frites
 

Dukes Grocery (multiple DC locations)

Cuisine: Burgers, sandwiches, seasonal pub foods
Staff pick: Diane Kean, Sr. Communications Manager
Laid back pub-esque atmosphere with a lot of character; Get the burger!!
 

Daikaya (just a few blocks from the Convention Center)

Cuisine: Ramen
Staff pick: Diane Kean, Sr. Communications Manager
Walk-ins only for first floor ramen house; spicy miso!
 

Ambar (two DC locations)

Cuisine: Balkan
Staff pick: Zeresh John, Membership and Communications
Everything under the vegetarian section!
 

Laos in Town

Cuisine: Laotian
Staff pick: Zeresh John, Membership and Communications
Papaya Salad / Tofu Noodles / Grilled Beef
 

Purple Patch

Cuisine: Filipino-American
Staff pick: Zeresh John, Membership and Communications
Eggplant / Pork Belly / Mango Sticky Rice
 

Filomena Ristorante

Cuisine: Italian
Staff pick: Amanda Helms, Quality Improvement Analyst, Guidelines
Anything with the Sunday sauce and the cheesecake is amazing.
 

The Dabney

Cuisine: Mid-Atlantic
Staff pick: Liz Gardner, Sr. Media Relations Manager
Farm-to-table, open-hearth cooking
 

San Lorenzo

Cuisine: Southern Italian
Staff pick: Liz Gardner, Sr. Media Relations Manager
Handmade pastas
 

Moon Rabbit

Cuisine: Vietnamese
Staff pick: Emily Wilson, Executive Vice-President
Interesting cocktails and Vietnamese with Southern/NOLA flair; try chef's menu
 

Shouk

Cuisine: Middle-Eastern
Staff pick: Emily Wilson, Executive Vice-President
Vegan, Kosher, and delicious!
 

Sundevich (Shaw location closest to Convention Center)

Cuisine: Sandwiches
Staff pick: Lisa Braverman, Director of Scientific Publications
The Buenos Aires and the Capri, but everything is delicious. Great for a quick bite.
 

Zaytinya

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Staff pick: Lisa Braverman, Director of Scientific Publications
Spreads, Flatbread, Piyaz, Fattoush
 

Happy Ice Cream

Cuisine: Ice Cream
Staff pick: Lisa Braverman, Director of Scientific Publications
Four flavors scooped daily outside. All delicious.
 

Cane

Cuisine: Caribbean
Staff pick: Lisa Braverman, Director of Scientific Publications
Hops rolls, oxtails, tiffin boxes
 

Ben's Chili Bowl

Cuisine: Greasey awesomeness
Staff pick: Ashlee Droscher, Director of Development, ROI
This is a DC ICON - Spicy chili half smoke with onion rings
 

Rasika

Cuisine: Indian
Staff pick: Ashlee Droscher, Director of Development, ROI
Go with the tasting menu
 

Old Ebbitt Grill

Cuisine: American
Staff pick: Ashlee Droscher, Director of Development, ROI
Grab a seat at the bar, enjoy an Old Fashion, and take in the ambiance. Talk to the bartenders - most have been serving there for decades!
 

Call Your Mother Deli (multiple DC locations)

Cuisine: Breakfast/Bagels
Staff pick: Lyndsea Clark, Education Program Manager
Neighborhood bagel shop and deli
 

Supra

Cuisine: Georgian
Staff pick: Lyndsea Clark, Education Program Manager
Khachapuri bread is a must!!
 

Tiger Fork

Cuisine: Chinese
Staff pick: Lyndsea Clark, Education Program Manager
Get the dan dan noodles! 
 

Chez Billy Sud

Cuisine: French
Staff pick: Alana Ryan, Coordinator, Membership and Communications
Their food and wine/cocktail selection is amazing, the ambiance is very cozy and intimate, and the service is outstanding!
 

Founding Farmers

Cuisine: Farm-to-table
Staff pick: Alex Carrigan, Assistant Managing Editor, ASTRO Journals
Large menu, great drinks, fantastic chicken and waffles
 

Carmine's

Cuisine: Italian
Staff pick: Alex Carrigan, Assistant Managing Editor, ASTRO Journals
Classic Italian dishes, family style, big portions
 

Jaleo

Cuisine: Spanish
Staff pick: Alex Carrigan, Assistant Managing Editor, ASTRO Journals
Tapas, Jose Andres
 

Agora

Cuisine: Mediterranean
Staff pick: Alex Carrigan, Assistant Managing Editor, ASTRO Journals
Great tasting menu