Your Ideal Day in D.C.

Although this might be your first time in Washington, D.C., many TFAS staff members have spent years exploring our nation’s capital! Here is how some TFAS staffers would spend their ideal day in D.C. WARNING: No matter which path you choose, you will get your steps in:

Blake Mauro ’22: The Woodley Native

During my TFAS Summer, I lived in intern housing in the Woodley Park neighborhood, so I spent a lot of time up there. Even though you’ll be living in Foggy Bottom, I would try to make it up to Woodley Park for a quiet, outdoorsy morning!

🌳 Morning: Metro up to Woodley Park and go for a run/hike in Rock Creek Park. Stop by RISE Gluten-Free bakery for a breakfast sandwich and a sweet treat for later!

  • Bonus points if you get a chai from Petit Monde Cafe

🪦 Afternoon: Grab a pick-me-up latte or tea from Tatte, then head to Arlington Cemetery to visit the John F. Kennedy gravesite/eternal flame, the Lee House and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (be sure to get there on the hour or half hour to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony).

Be respectful during your time here, and reflect on the sacrifice you are surrounded by.

🎬 Evening: Head back to Foggy Bottom, get dinner with friends at Circa (I recommend the mango salad). Catch a free movie at one of the various locations they play throughout the summer!

  • Sweet treat of choice is Van Leeuwen Ice Cream or Kilwins!

Abby McGovern: Capitol Hill Connoisseur

I’ve lived on Capitol Hill for 4+ years, and I promise there is no better place in D.C.! Here is how I would spend my day:

🌯 Morning: Head to Eastern Market and peruse the local vendors. Grab a bagel from Bullfrog Bagels or a breakfast burrito from the Mexican food truck (you’ll know it when you see it)!

  • Bonus if you try some free samples!

🧺 Afternoon: Picnic at Lincoln Park with friends! Be sure to pack spikeball, a frisbee or your preferred picnic activity.

  • MUST TRY the iced coffee from Wine & Butter!

⚾️ Evening: Catch a Nats game down by the water! Beat the stadium prices with dinner at Mission. I recommend the carnitas taco and/or the mango shrimp taco!

If you’re over 21, check out the Bullpen for the best pre-game festivities

Stephen Ridley ’17: Team Fratboy

D.C. is one of the few cities where you can golf in the morning, visit a national art museum in the afternoon and take a boat to another state for dinner in the evening! After living in D.C. for 6 years, here are the activities I keep going back to:

⛳️ Morning: Get yourself a morning tee time at East Potomac Golf Course

Hole 16 gets you a great view of the National Mall!

☀️ Afternoon: Check out the National Gallery of Art (WEST building)! It’s a personal favorite, free and keeps you out of the Summer heat.

⛵️ Evening: Take the Potomac Water Taxi to Old Town Alexandria, VA, for an early dinner on the water. Take a tour of The Tall Ship Providence.

  • If you fancy a pub and are 21+, O’Connell’s on King Street is an absolute must!

Kiley Pittman: Flower Child

I love exploring D.C.’s outdoorsy culture! Although the city is most known for politics, there is more nature here than you might think!

🏠 Morning: Walk over to Georgetown from Foggy Bottom. Your first stop should be Yellow Cafe for food and coffee, then stroll through Dunbarton Oaks historical property while you wait for the shops to open.

  • Be sure to wake up early. Georgetown gets busy, FAST

🌸 Afternoon: Smell the roses at the U.S. National Botanical Gardens! Stop in Teaism, a Japanese Tea House, for lunch.

Try out the token art vending machine – it’s only $1!

🌅 Evening: Walk the mall at sunset, see monuments in moonlight and grab a sweet treat from Tatte.