Winter is upon us and we’re breaking down our favorite winter activities in DC for you to enjoy.
Yes, it’s chilly and you may want to stay cozied up at home with a hot tea and a good book. However, when you reach that inevitable point of stir craziness, there are a number of fun, low-key, and yet inspiring outings you can embark upon across DC.
From enjoying a crisp stroll in acres of green space to indulging in a scrumptious meal at a Michelin star restaurant, here are a few of our favorite winter activities in DC that will allow you to escape the four walls of your home, while also safely socially distancing in the process.
1) Visit Some National Monuments
Access walking route from the Washington Monument at 2 15th Street, NW|Open Every Day for Informal Walking; Formal Tours & Site Visits Vary
When you think of our National Monuments, from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, typically your vision is slightly distracted by the crowds of people aiming to take a quick selfie. Well, come the winter months, it is finally an opportunity to visit these historic sites in solitude to appreciate the magnitude of the leaders and the moments in history that they commemorate.
Bundle up, bring a thermos full of hot coffee or chocolate, and spend a relaxing morning walking the sites. It’s both an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life, and a good chance to stop staring at your laptop screen.
As a bonus, for anyone whose kids have been taking virtual classes this past year, it’s also a fun opportunity to impart on them an impactful history-lesson that they can experience firsthand.
We recommend starting in the National Mall near the Washington Monument, next walking along the Reflecting Pool, and then venturing over to the Tidal Basin.
Accessible from 16th Street NW | Open Every Day During Daylight Hours
If your gym is still closed and you’re tired of watching endless online workout courses, well there’s one place to be: Rock Creek Park. Open year-round with ample space to socially distance by yourself or with your family, what are you waiting for?
Hit the trails for a jog, grab your cycle and check out the waterfront views, or wait for a less chilly day and pack a picnic. With over 1,700 acres, this is one of the best patches of green in the area to escape from city life and disconnect from honking cars and pedestrian-filled streets.
The park is big enough that you can continue trying out new trails to explore, without having to drive the couple of hours to, say, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.
This is likely to become your new weekend go-to for winter activities in DC!
3) Stroll through Union Market
1309 5th Street, NE |Open 7 Days a Week
Union Market has quite the history. In the 1930s, it was located near the National Mall (though under a different name), and it was critical to feeding the growing District. It hosted both a farmers’ market and shops for the masses. Well, a new building was completed in the late ‘60s, but the area experienced ups and unfortunately many downs.
However nowadays, located just a hop skip and a jump from the happenings on H Street and the Hill, the area near Union Market is a hip and up-and-coming destination for restaurants and bars alike.
Union Market is at the heart, operating as a festive food hall with DC staples. You will be able to find a snack, a sweet treat, or a proper meal to satisfy anyone’s cravings. It really offers an eclectic mix of DC favorites in one central location, and a few recommendations include Lucky Buns, Red Apron, and The District Fishwife.
Conveniently, once you’ve satisfied your hunger and thirst, you can peruse for a gift for a friend or a new accessory for your apartment with shops like Salt & Sundry. Likewise, consider popping up to The Rooftop on Fridays and Saturdays for an incredible view.
1906 14th Street, NW |Open Wednesday to Sunday
Feel like escaping to Paris? At Bresca, you can nearly pretend, as you sample on incredibly delicious fare that is responsibly-sourced and authentic to its French roots. It’s equally memorable for the experience of indulging in a seasonally inspired four-course tasting menu at the restaurant (or from home, if you prefer).
It rightfully earned a star in the 2019 and 2020 Michelin guides, with menu offerings such as lacquered lamb shoulder and burrata and winter citrus. However, keep in mind that the Bresca team is taking a winter break and will be reopening on January 20th. We recommend that you make your reservation now and enjoy some outdoor dining!
Two Entrances: 3501 New York Avenue, NE, and 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg Road | Open Daily from 8 am – 5 pm
The U.S. National Arboretum is quite literally a living national treasure, and it is worth a visit by locals and tourists alike. A free national museum that was established in 1927, the Arboretum is located in Northeast DC with an impressive 446 acres.
Its team of scientists conducts important research on trees, shrubs, floral plants and more, and its visitors are in turn able to enjoy the impressive and diverse garden displays and exhibits of plant species from a range of climates and continents.
This outing is sure to provide you with new knowledge on your favorite plants, as well as breathtaking views. Keep in mind, the Arboretum’s National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is currently closed to the public, but there’s plenty more to see and do!
Be sure to let us know if you’ve checkout out any of our 5 favorite winter activities in DC, or if you’re look to tour some neighborhoods.
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We know how incredibly challenging 2020 was, across the board. We hope you’ll find inspiration in these local, mini-adventures that are perfect for the winter months. Cheers to the New Year ahead!
