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From outdoor events to rooftop views, we’ve put together a dreamy DC bucket list for your next adventure.
East Potomac Park’s scenic mini-golf
Putt some history into your summer fun by playing at East Potomac Park’s scenic mini-golf course, which sits on a peninsula between the Potomac River and The Wharf. Expect views galore as you enjoy a round on the oldest continuously operating space of its kind in the U.S. (opened in 1931). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the course features quirky obstacles, including mini replicas of the White House, the U.S. Capitol Building and George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
U.S. National Arboretum
Connect with nature and catch magical vistas at the stunning U.S. National Arboretum. Highlights include the National Capitol Columns, the world-renowned Bonsai & Penjing Museum and the Gotelli Conifer Collection. It's one of those special places where you might forget you're even in a city.
Many of DC's most beloved museums are free to enjoy and make for great summertime attractions: the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History and Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (featuring new giant pandas Bao Li and Qing Bao) should all be on your to-do list.
Arlo DC
It's always the right time to head out on the town, find the nearest rooftop bar and order your favorite cocktail or draft beer. During happy hour or any hour, feel the breeze and ease back at District locales that have set up shop up top for your warm-weather pleasure.
Fish Shop provides an ideal summer experience: fresh seafood by the water. The vibrant restaurant's menu reflects the rich traditions of Chesapeake Bay fishing communities, highlighting local shellfish and dayboat fish along with select meats and vegetables from nearby farms. The house-made Hardy Negroni pays homage to Fish Shop’s sister restaurant in Scotland. We also recommend the signature crumpets and checking out the global wine list.
DC’s booming food and drink scene has invigorated a buzzworthy beer community. Expect a lively ambiance that stems from impressive selections of craft brews at the many beer gardens in and around Washington, DC. Each one puts its own spin on the Bavarian beer-drinking tradition, offering up a variety of suds, snacks, games and convivial settings for downing a cold one alfresco.
One of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions, the Mubadala Citi DC Open will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center from July 25 - Aug. 2. Enjoy from seats near the action as world-class talents compete for valuable tour points and a prestigious trophy. Grab tickets ASAP!
Pierre L’Enfant, DC’s first urban planner, designed “The Federal City” to be beautified by public parks and gardens, and so it is today. You’ll find scenic landscaping around the National Mall, a bonsai museum at the U.S. National Arboretum, hiking trails in Rock Creek Park and meticulously manicured gardens open to the public throughout DC.
Summer in the District would not be complete without Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week. Throughout the promotion, dozens of restaurants across the DC area offer three-course, prix-fixe meals for brunch, lunch and dinner, making it one of the best ways to get out into the neighborhoods of DC.
DC’s beloved and historic U.S. Botanic Garden stays open until 8 p.m. on select summer days. The extended hours mean you can check out plant collections from around the world, relax in peaceful green spaces and ignite your inner plant lover in lush surroundings as day turns to night. Stay tuned for 2026 dates.
The nation’s capital is flanked by two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia, which double as perfect playgrounds for kids and adults. Hop on a boat, kayak or paddleboard from any one of numerous boathouses. Anacostia Riverkeeper offers tours that double as educational journeys through the river’s detailed history, while the 21-and-over crowd can sip their way down the river on a Tiki Boat Booze Cruise.
Make the most of summer’s last big weekend with free events, outdoor activities and cultural experiences in the nation's capital. Soak up your share of on-the-water revelry in Georgetown or at The Wharf, explore cool (figuratively and literally -- don't underestimate the air conditioning) museums, experience all two miles of the National Mall and dine outdoors before it’s too late.
The Phillips Collection is considered America’s first museum of modern art. The ticketed attraction offers new perspectives on the works of modern artists, from Renoir to Rothko, as well as rotating exhibits that highlight masters from all over the world.
The largest music festival in the nation’s capital, the DC JazzFest honors one of America’s greatest art forms with an annual summer showcase. Its signature event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf, attracts headliners and up-and-coming talents. You can groove to 20-plus other shows, many of which are free to attend, making this an ideal way to jazz up your summer.
© Jason Dixon Photography
Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand. Yes, the biggest blockbusters are in theaters, but step outside to make your next movie-going experience more memorable. DC’s outdoor movie screenings are filled with beautiful scenes, local vibes and are often free to attend.
DC’s color palette is not confined to museums or its bounty of natural beauty. The city’s neighborhood walls are covered with vibrant and unique murals, celebrating everything from hometown heroes to Founding Fathers and even fruit! Aniekan Udofia, one of DC's most prominent mural artists, explains that the art form serves as “the pulse of the city."
