Planet Word
MAP IT
Because the city doesn’t shut down when the government does
While the Smithsonian museums take a pause, dive into the city’s independent side. Whisper into the interactive walls at Planet Word, decode Cold War spy gadgets at the International Spy Museum or wander through the opulent Russian art and gardens of Hillwood Estate. For something offbeat, find a secret door inside The Mansion on O Street or step into an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions.
The National Mall isn’t closed, it’s just quieter. Walk from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise when the marble glows gold. Circle the Tidal Basin to see the MLK and FDR Memorials reflected on still water. Join a private guide for a night tour when the monuments light up or map your own route with a coffee in hand from Compass or Bluestone Lane.
DC’s stages don’t depend on Congress. Arena Stage near The Wharf hums with new productions and Ford’s Theatre keeps its curtain up even when the tours pause. Check what’s on at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; local dance and jazz often continue. You can also visit the legendary 9:30 Club for an indie show that makes you forget politics entirely.
Need to burn off shutdown stress? Smash a code at The Escape Game DC, hurl axes at Kraken Axes or dive into a neon obstacle course at Beat The Bomb. Families love the colorful trick-of-the-eye rooms at the Museum of Illusions, while friends can battle it out over ping-pong and drinks at SPIN.
Rock Creek Park trails are still open to hikers and runners; look for the Boulder Bridge loop for the best views of peak fall foliage. Head to Tudor Place in Georgetown for quiet gardens and city views or walk through Dumbarton Oaks Park for a European-style escape. For an even bigger sweep of green, bike from Navy Yard to Yards Park along the Anacostia River Trail.
Shutdowns don’t stop the brunch crowd. Sip a Rickey at POV atop the W Hotel, order cacio e pepe at L’Ardente or find a cozy patio in Shaw like All-Purpose. For something classic, try oysters at Hank’s or a sit-down dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. The best part? DC restaurants stay open and love local support right now.
The Graham
If the monuments are dark, the rooftops glow. Watch the city from Ciel Social Club downtown or take in the view from the rooftop bar at The Graham in Georgetown. For a free option, climb the steps at Meridian Hill Park or the roof of The LINE DC in Adams Morgan for golden-hour photos that prove DC still shines.
Federal closures don’t touch local flavor. Join a Shaw food tour to sample small-batch cocktails and soul food or a H Street mural walk to see DC’s creative pulse up close.
Skip the national chains and spend an afternoon exploring locally crafted goods. At Shop Made in DC every item, from candles to condiments, has a District-set story. Explore Eastern Market on a weekend for handmade jewelry or discover vintage treasures at Georgetown boutiques and Union Market pop-ups.
Keep little ones busy with DC’s playful side. Spend an afternoon at the National Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits or head to Beauvoir Outdoors Playground for climbing and exploring under the trees. Hunt for colorful murals in NoMa or Shaw and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies at a local café like Baked & Wired.
Eaton DC
Pop into a gallery opening at The REACH, a late-night DJ set at Eaton DC or a reading at Busboys and Poets. You’ll see what locals already know: DC’s culture thrives independently and it’s never on pause.
Game days don’t get furloughed. Catch the Capitals back on the ice at Capital One Arena, or join the energy at Audi Field for a D.C. United or Washington Spirit match. Prefer football? Watch the Commanders with fellow fans at a neighborhood sports bar like Walter’s or The Brig (or make the journey to see the team play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md.).
