After quite an intense summer filled with family and friends’ visits, the high season is coming to an end. Hence, it’s time to do a recap of all the new locations I’ve discovered (or rediscovered) in Washington DC and nearby Alexandria during this time.

I’m sure you agree: there’s nothing like hosting visits to rediscover the city you live in or see it from a different point of view. And this is exactly what happened these past few months.

Ready to check out my newest spots?

Whenever I want to go out exploring the city, I use my trusted Washington DC guidebook by Lonely Planet to make the most out of the experience. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

Museums

National Museum of Natural History

Located on the iconic National Mall in Washington DC, the National Museum of Natural History strives to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. The museum’s collections tell the history of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Throughout the various Museum floors you can learn pretty much anything ranging from fossils and mammals to gems and mummies. Pro tip: the admission is free!

National Air and Space Museum

Also situated in the National Mall of the Nation’s Capital, the National Air and Space Museum is probably the most popular museum in DC. People flock here to admire the 1903 Wright Flyer and the Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis, which are just a few of the historic firsts on display at this Museum in Washington DC. You can explore exhibitions on the history of aviation and spaceflight, take in an IMAX film or observe the Sun and nearby planets at the Public Observatory. By the way, did I mention this Museum is free as well?

Historic landmarks

As you may already know, Washington DC houses so many iconic buildings.

Here are just a few of the ones I discovered this summer!

Old Post Office Pavilion

Completed in 1899, the Old Post Office Pavilion lies in the heart of Pennsylvania Avenue, between the White House and the Capitol, and opposite to the FBI. Since the Washington Monument is temporarily under construction, you can enjoy the panoramic (and free) views of the city from the Clock Tower housing the Bells of Congress.

The Capitol & the Library of Congress

Connected by a tunnel, you can visit both the Capitol and the Library of Congress in the neighborhood of Capitol Hill in DC.

The Capitol is for sure one of the main attractions of the city and the tour won’t disappoint you. Housing the House of Representatives and the Senate, here you can learn about the key role of this American institution in building democracy. After an introductory video presentation, the guide-led tour will take you to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. 

On the other side, I was blown away by the elegant beauty of the Library of Congress architecture. It is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution as well as the largest library in the world, and it serves as the research arm of Congress. Make sure to check out its Great Hall as well as the Main Reading Room from the top gallery during a free walking tour.

The Kennedy Center

When visiting Washington DC, the impressive Kennedy Center is hard to miss. This major cultural hub located by the Potomac river pays tribute to President John F. Kennedy. It is the place to go for any cultural activity ranging from theater and dance to live concerts. For panoramic views over Georgetown and the Potomac, head to the Roof Terrace.

Memorials

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Honoring the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War (1955-1975), the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall chronologically lists the names of 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service to their country. 

Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence

A few steps away from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lies another historic landmark: a memorial dedicated to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence of 1776. You will find their names carved on stone walking across the footbridge to Signers Island in the Constitution Gardens. 

Statue of Albert Einstein

Although this might not formally be a Memorial, I found this Albert Einstein sculpture pretty cool. Located in front of the National Academy of Sciences, this statue depicts the Nobel Prize in Physics seated with some manuscripts.

Jazz in the Garden

In the cultural section, apart from the outdoor cinemas that occupied many of my summer nights in DC, I discovered Jazz in the Garden. This beloved local event is held every Friday during the summer in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. People gather here with their family and friends to chat or have a picnic while listening to great jazz artists. If you’re looking for a beloved summer tradition in Washington DC, this is one of them!

Alexandria

You might remember my previous post on Alexandria a few months ago, right after I moved to the USA. Well, this time around I visited the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, I strolled down King St and took a water taxi with the Potomac Riverboat Company to head back to Georgetown in Washington DC.

Read these posts for more inspiration about Virginia!

9 things to see and do in Alexandria (Virginia)

A fall getaway in Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery & Iwo Jima Memorial

Quick visit to Alexandria & Baltimore

What to visit on a road trip to Virginia in 3 days

Should you want to read about other destinations in the country, you can refer to my USA destination page.

Where to eat in Washington DC

During this summer, I discovered various restaurants I really loved in DC:

• Old Ebbitt Grill: located a few steps away from the White House, this iconic tavern offers American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs. Don’t miss out their Sunday brunch menu!
• The Grill from Ipanema: you guessed it, this Brazilian restaurant situated in Adams Morgan features authentic food since 1992 bringing to life the delicious flavors from different regions in Brazil.
• Thunder Burger: this burger restaurant in Georgetown was such a discovery. Their delicious burgers are to die for, period. And they even offer bison burgers on the menu! Remember to ask for their yummy cole slaw as a side.

I hope you enjoyed this summer recap! I’m about to leave on a family summer road trip, so I’ll keep you posted in my next few blog posts.

***

✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

Stay tuned by following me on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) and subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates!

In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

***