About Perfect Saturdays
Looking for something to do this weekend? These great day trips are within a two-hour drive of DC.
Washington, DC
When you’re surrounded by historic landmarks and top-notch museums, it can be easy to take that access for granted. Every once in a while, it’s worth heading down to the National Mall to channel your inner tourist.
Thanks to the semiquincentennial, there are plenty of new exhibits to explore. At the US Botanic Gardens, stop and smell the state flowers, from Maryland’s black-eyed Susans to the saguaro cactus blooms of Arizona. For a look across two and a half centuries, the National Museum of American History selected 250 objects to tell the story of America. The items are scattered throughout the museum, including a rotary princess phone, the Star-Spangled Banner, and a Dupatta worn by Nina Davuluri, the first Indian American Miss America. The Smithsonian Castle is also open for a limited time. Beyond the 250th celebration, the Air and Space Museum has a variety of new interactive additions to check out.
At lunchtime, make a beeline to Bar Americano, a kiosk serving grandma slices and natural wine between Air and Space and the National Gallery of Art. Other options near the Mall include Japanese cafe Teaism, quintessentially Washington spot Old Ebbitt Grill, and ramen shops Bantam King and Daikaya..
Finally, one of the best views in the city is the Old Post Office Tower on top of the current Waldorf Astoria. The observation deck recently reopened after a closure in October, so you can see the cityscape and landmarks from above.
Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
