[National Mall] Free entry, but time-passed entry is required—reserve tickets in advance. Our favorite floor is on the upper levels - music, culture, and fashion. Some of our other favorite museums are the Building Museum and the National Portrait Gallery.
[National Mall] For those interested in all things touristy, we've linked the Monument Night Tour, one of our favorite memories of exploring DC. On our first date in D.C., we also examined the National Mall and cherry blossoms by bike, which you can rent throughout the city. Here you'll find the White House, U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, MLK Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pool, and more. Most of these are free to visit, but we recommend getting tickets in advance to tour the landmarks.
[Dupont Circle] Special shoutout to Jazmyne's mom, who loves to pass by this landmark every time she's in D.C. For those interested in a more historic trip, Massachusetts Ave has a lot of embassies you can drive by or walk (tour link). https://dcdesigntours.com/walking-tours/dupont-circle-embassy-row-tour/
[Union Market neighborhood] This food hall has many nearby shops. We live off a walking trail nearby, and we love to go here to get drinks in the morning, empanadas, açaí bowls, and local hand-made cards or gifts.
[Wharf neighborhood] About a 20-minute walk or 5-10 minute drive from the Navy Yard. It's the adjacent waterfront neighborhood with many other restaurants, shops, and sight seeing. It's also nearby the Jefferson Memorial.
[Mount Pleasant neighborhood] We love this restaurant for Filipino food! Reservations are recommended, but you may be able to walk-in. Call ahead for reservations.
[Adams Morgan neighborhood] One of our favorite local spots was when we lived in the Dupont Circle and Logan Circle neighborhoods. No reservations are required; first come, first serve.
[NoMA neighborhood] Amazing Tex-Mex located in DC! Jaz loves their tortillas. Walk-ins should be okay; call ahead in case.
[H-St Corridor neighborhood] Part cafe, retail, and restaurant - this restaurant holds some of our best memories with friends. Reservation in advance is recommended for dinner. Great for sharing food.
[Mt Vernon/Blagden Alley and Navy Yard locations] One of our favorite pizza spots. We celebrated our 4th anniversary at this location (there's also an All Purpose on the Riverfront closer to the Thompson Hotel). This location is in a cute micro-neighborhood called Blagden Alley which has a lot of other restaurants nearby.
[14th St or Eastern Market neighborhoods] Jazmyne used to live a few blocks away from the 14th Street location. We found out they made weekend cinnamon rolls "as big as your head," which was a done deal: easy breakfast, brunch, or late-night sweet option. No reservation is required; first come, first serve. You can call ahead to ask for waiting time.
[Dupont Circle] We love this place and it's a foodie spot. Nearby is also a local pizzeria called Pupatella that we like. Great for brunch or dinner. Reservation is highly recommended in advance.