Move over New York and Los Angeles — Washington, DC is stepping in to the spotlight as the ultimate destination for an American adventure. With its historic past, iconic landmarks, world-renowned museums, and a vibrant cultural scene, Washington offers an unforgettable getaway, writes Maria Boyle.
The last time I visited Washington, DC was 25 years ago and, while it was rich in history, it didn’t quite have the buzz of New York or the cool vibe of LA. Fast forward to 2024, and the transformation is remarkable.
The true charm of Washington, DC lies in its rich history and its knack for surprising and delighting visitors. Nowhere else can you walk in the footsteps of past presidents, dine at the same places they once frequented — even proposed — and visit the quiet spots where they found solace away from the public eye. The city seamlessly blends its historical heritage with a fresh, modern energy, inviting visitors to explore hidden neighbourhoods and experience a vibrant, trendy side of DC that’s both hip and fun.
Stay: Omni Shoreham Hotel: a storied and historic resort hotel
Nestled in a serene corner of DC, the Omni Shoreham Hotel is one of the capital’s most distinguished grand hotels, loved for its old-world elegance, luxurious suites and rooms, sprawling gardens, and rich, pretty interiors that transport guests back to a bygone era of refined elegance.
Its history is steeped in significant moments that have shaped the country’s political landscape. Built in 1930, the 834-room hotel has played host to a who’s who of American political figures, including every sitting president since Franklin D. Roosevelt, numerous inaugural balls, and was the chosen location for the first meeting of the US Navy Seals in the hotel’s swimming pool.
We checked in to our spacious and comfortable suite which instantly felt like home. Beds were very comfortable and quickly helped cure our jet lag. Room interiors were a mix of modern and classic, from the marble bathroom to the cosy sitting areas, ensuring ample space to relax and unwind. Elegantly decorated throughout, featuring tasteful nods to its fascinating history, the hotel has an atmosphere of timeless luxury.
We breakfasted every day in Robert’s Restaurant which offered a first-class selection of choices ranging from fresh yoghurts and homemade granola to waffles and a full American breakfast. Staff were cheery, nothing was too much trouble, and service was consistently brilliant.
Conveniently located just a block from the Metro, the hotel offers easy access to all of DC’s attractions. For those looking to enjoy some down time, the options are plentiful: take a dip in the award-winning outdoor heated pool, unwind with a Pilates class, try a spot of Tai Chi, or, for the more active, hit the indoor gym.
One of the hotel’s standout featured is its setting amid 11 acres of lush gardens, making it feel more like a resort than a typical city hotel. This was a major plus, especially when we wanted to escape the bustling city and crowds after a day sightseeing. Its proximity to Rock Creek National Park – which is twice as large as New York’s Central Park – provides the perfect set up for unwinding and connecting with nature. The hotel also has bikes you can hire for those who want to explore the area on wheels.
Do – four action packed days
Day 1: Iconic landmarks and a spot of spying….
We hit the ground running – well on two wheels to be truthful – with a Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking. Pedal or ebikes are offered for a three-hour tour which takes in The White House, the Lincoln, Jefferson and FDR Memorials, Washington Monument, and the National Mall and Tidal Basin to name a few. The tour was brilliant, had regular stops where the guide shares stories not often found in history books, and gave us plenty of time for pictures.
Next stop was a visit to the Wharf, one of newest waterfront developments in DC After a quick visit to the open-air Municipal Fish Market, which dates back to 1805, jet lag hit in, so we recharged and enjoyed lunch at Mi Vida which offers a delicious menu inspired by street food and traditional Mexican home cooking.
The International Spy Museum, a favourite haunt of the intelligence community, has been on all our bucket list for years and it didn’t fail to disappoint. There’s plenty of immersive experiences where visitors can delve in to the world of espionage and hear real-life stories of spies – we only had the afternoon but could have easily spent a whole day exploring.
For dinner, we stayed in the Wharf area and ate at Moonraker, a swanky, rooftop hideaway with 180-degree views onto the Anacostia river. Its Japanese-inspired menu offers light bites and sushi, the food was exceptional and cocktails fabulous.
Day 2: Smithsonian Museums and a Literary Gem
With DC’s museums being quieter on weekdays, we decided to visit a couple of 11 Smithsonian museums located around the National Mall, all are free to access. First up was the National Museum of Natural History where I headed straight to its gem exhibition to see the supposedly cursed Hope Diamond while my daughters explored ‘Deep Time’, one of the biggest exhibitions to come to DC in years which tackles the Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history.
The National Museum of American History offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the United States, and it did not disappoint. Must sees are the gigantic star-spangled banner, the First Ladies exhibition (we loved seeing the historic gowns as well as the ones worn by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden). Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz are one of the star attractions too. Top tip: if you see a volunteer tour guide, chat to them. We met Colleen, one of many at the museums, and she shared fascinating stories linked to the exhibits and made our visit even more memorable.
A personal highlight of the day was a visit to the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. Presidents have poured over its vast collection, which includes everything from ancient manuscripts to maps used during presidential expeditions. An incredibly ornate building, it houses Thomas Jefferson’s library, the Guttenberg Bible. the first large format typographical book printed in Western Europe, and the most beautiful Reading Room which is open daily for one hour for visitors to walk around.
Dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon established in 1856, was a fitting end to our day. Frequented by politicians given its proximity to The White House, its menu is full of fresh fish, homemade pastas, steaks and burgers while its raw seafood bar is legendary. Oysters were incredible – the best we had ever eaten, so much so we returned twice during our stay (top tip – look out for Oyster Happy Hour, it’s well worth it).
Day 3: Georgetown’s Hidden Corners
Washington DC’s oldest neighbourhood Georgetown was our next stop, with picture-perfect colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and home to the famous University of Georgetown.
We enjoyed a spot of shopping on M Street which is lined with unique independent boutiques like Shop Made in DC, showcasing locally crafted goods, alongside well-known brands on Wisconsin Avenue NW.
For a scenic walk or bike ride, the C&O Canal towpath is a must. This peaceful route was once a bustling lifeline for Georgetown’s port. A visit to the Old Stone House, dating back to 1765, offers a rare glimpse into pre-Revolutionary War architecture.
We finished the day off with dinner at Martin’s Tavern, a four-generation run family eatery which is a Georgetown institution. Founded in 1933 by former Major League Baseball player, Billy Martin, the tavern has hosted the likes of Nixon, Eisenhower, and even five Supreme Court Justices. It was a favourite of JFK (he lived just two blocks away) and you can see where he proposed to Jackie in 1953, now called “The Proposal Booth”.
Day 4: A day of foodie finds
After a fabulous brunch at the hotel, we visited Union Market to check out Washington DC,’s thriving food scene. The Market has become one of the hippiest feasting grounds in the capital with food stalls, informal restaurants and a great Sunday farmers market plus there are some great independent shops in the area that are worth visiting.
For our last experience, we booked Washington DC’s Underground Donut Tour much to the delight of the sweet-toothed members of my family. Guided by Jimmy who was a font of all knowledge on DC and doughnuts, it was a fascinating two hours including lots of social history, together with the most delicious doughnut stops of course including presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s favourite Italian and bakery.
Our last dinner in DC was at The Red Hen, a favourite spot of the Bidens, known for its refined Italian menu. We finished off our stay in style as we dined on homemade pastas and delicious seafood – all exceptional – and we are still dreaming of the whipped ricotta crostini with black truffle sauce and wildflower honey — a dish not to be missed.
Whether you’re a history buff tracing the footsteps of past presidents, a foodie on the hunt for the next great meal, or simply someone looking to soak in the sights and sounds of a bustling capital, Washington, DC does not disappoint.
For a totally different side of secret Washington follow mark Bibby Jackson on his Tour of Brutalist Architecture in Washington DC.
Where to Stay in Secret Washington DC
Maria stayed at the Omni Shoreham where double rooms start from $189 per night.
Flights to Washington DC from London
British Airways flies from London Heathrow (LHR) to Washington DC (IAD) for £643 return. To book, please visit ba.com/washington.
Things to Do in Washington DC
To discover more hidden secrets of Washington DC, visit www.washington.org.
