Plenty of military families love PCS orders to Washington, DC. There’s so much to see and do, and many attractions are free. There isn’t enough time during a duty station to truly see everything. Our capital city’s attractions are family-friendly, but what should you do when the elusive couple’s date night (or day date!) pops up? The choices can be overwhelming.
Food tours, movie tours, free art exhibits, sports events—the list of entertainment options is extensive and potentially personality-specific. For an extra layer of getaway fun, it’s not uncommon for iconic hotels to offer overnight packages that include many of the town’s well-known attractions, especially during peak tourist seasons like Christmas and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Whether you’re yearning for a staycation while the in-laws watch the kids or searching for a night on the town for just the two of you, you won’t have any trouble celebrating your date night with this list in hand.
Must-See City Sights in Washington, DC
1) The National Museum of African American History and Culture
Still one of the hottest tickets in the city, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture offers hours of strolling through the newest museum in the Smithsonian collection.
Due to its continued popularity, the website directs, “All visitors, regardless of age, must have a timed-entry pass to enter the museum. We are honored to welcome veterans, active-duty personnel, and first responders to the museum. Upon arrival, please show a military or work ID badge, and register for entry using a QR code. You may bring up to four guests.”
2) Eastern Market
The much beloved Eastern Market is a Capitol Hill neighborhood institution that continues to draw locals and tourists every day. The market has vendors inside and outside, and various community activities are continually scheduled. Tuesday through Sunday, visitors will find plenty of food offerings, from prepared local dishes to produce trucked in from nearby farms. Art, craftwork, and antiques are also available.
3) Gravelly Point Park
While living in or near DC, you’ve inevitably seen the heavy air traffic coming to and from Reagan International Airport. To marvel at it up close and personal, head to Gravelly Point Park, where the planes fly so low that you can see their number designations as they fly overhead. On a warm, pretty day, dozens of people will be picnicking, hiking, and biking.
Washington, DC, Guided Tours
Guided tours are very popular in the city because the streets are packed with amazing places to see and dine in, and it’s easy to miss something great. A tour ensures you get a pro’s picks of the best of the best. To make the most of your time away from home, consider one of these tours to get the most bang for your babysitting buck.
4) City Brew Tours
Photo via City Brew Tours
For fans of the suds, City Brew Tours has you covered in DC. The company offers public and private tours with transportation included, in addition to the entertaining knowledge provided by your very own personal Beer Guide. The tour price includes multiple stops and, if you choose, a food pairing meal, plus brewery entrance fees, gratuity, and round-trip transportation.
5) DC Metro Food Tours
With fourteen food tours to pick from, one will strike your culinary fancy. Both walking and motor coach tours are offered, as the company stretches the city limits and can head to nearby Alexandria, Georgetown, and Leesburg. Historic pub crawls are also on their schedule.
6) DC by Foot
Photo via Jacob Creswick on Unsplash
Pay as you please? Yes!
“DC by Foot is pleased to present free, name-your-own-price Washington DC tours and ticketed tours by our expert guides. We offer sightseeing tours of Washington DC, including Georgetown, Alexandria, and Arlington National Cemetery, which will give you a fuller appreciation of this great capital city and surrounding sights.”
Note that only a portion of their tour business is free, they also offer more involved tours for a fee.
If this sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. More than 2,500 Trip Advisor aficionados give DC by Foot guides either “Excellent” or “Very Good” ratings. Walking tours, bus tours, night tours, and boat tours thoroughly cover the best parts of the city. Historic Hotels
Historic Hotels
For the ultimate in a date night splurge, end the evening in one of the city’s historic hotels.
7) The Hay-Adams Hotel
Ideally located in DC, this hotel is just steps from the White House and four blocks from the National Mall. If not in use, see if you can sneak up to the rooftop, the Top of the Hay, for panoramic views of the White House and much of the city center. The hotel is also known for the over-the-top luxury rooftop 4th of July Dinner and Firework Package.
8) The Willard Hotel
Also only steps from the White House, the Willard has a 200-year history to show off to its guests. For example, President Lincoln resided at the Willard before his inauguration. Although not held at quite the level of esteem as the president, the Mint Julep made its public debut outside of Kentucky in 1851 in the hotel’s bar, later becoming the establishment’s signature cocktail. Historic in its own way, Afternoon Tea within Peacock Alley is undoubtedly a go-to Washington, DC, event.
9) The Morrison-Clark Historic Inn and Restaurants
History meets comfortable, contemporary design. Rich in American political history, including First Ladies who entertained and military members who stayed for camaraderie, the inn also has roots in Chinese culture due to the original proximity of the Chinese Community Church and Parsonage. Elements of Chinese design are still highlighted today.
Whether you like it or not, the days before your PCS from DC will fly by, so don’t skimp on activities. The date choices are endless, from scheduled outings to picnics on the Capitol Lawn and paddle boats on the Potomac. There is something for the two of you to enjoy when you can finally get away.
Main image by rawpixel on Unsplash
