Sharing a full recap on my recent trip to DC which was a “workcation” — a vacation mixed with work! Read on for some ideas on what to see, eat do, etc.
Last week, I visited one of my best friends Sydney who lives in Arlington, Virginia. It’s only a short plane ride away from Miami, which made for the perfect excuse for a quick yet fun trip to DC.
The trip was a mix of work and play. We both work remotely so we planned out a full itinerary to maximize our time! We enjoyed the city in its full glory on Saturday and Sunday, followed by working from local coffee shops on Monday and Tuesday, with midday and post-workday exploring.
If you’re traveling to D.C. anytime soon, read on for a list of recommendations on what to see and do. Note, this list doesn’t have many tourist attractions. Since I was mainly visiting my friend, I took the opportunity to enjoy DC from a local’s perspective so we didn’t do a TON of the main touristy things.
Things to Do on a Workcation in D.C.
Day 1
LUNCH: Teaism Dupont Circle – Our first stop of the day was for lunch in Dupont Circle. I had an iced Matcha latte (which was delish) and a grilled chicken salad, also delish!
14TH STREET: After lunch, Syndey and I walked around Mass Ave to see the embassies and then walked around 14th street to see the charming houses! I couldn’t get enough of the hydrangea-lined yards.
BOOKSTORE: It was pretty hot out, so we stopped into a bookstore and cafe, Busboys and poets, for a respite from the heat. We hydrated, enjoyed the AC and browsed around for some books.
COFFEE SHOP: Then, we stopped into The Colada Shop for a mid-afternoon coffee break. The coffee was delicious! Strong but tasty and it was just what we needed to round out the afternoon.
DINNER: Since it was a long day of traveling and exploring, we decided to keep it casual with an al fresco dinner at Open Road Grill, a low-key American restaurant. The burger, fries and glass of wine definitely hit the spot!
Day 2
COFFEE SHOP: We started off our day at La Colombe and grabbed oat milk draft draft lattes to go. I also bought a bag of their medium roast coffee beans to brew at home and I can’t wait to try it! This is the day we walked the most so this coffee was much needed!
5TH STREET: We took the scenic route and strolled around looking at the charming homes on 5th street. The pastel-colored homes reminded me a bit of of Charleston.
BRUNCH: Next, we enjoyed a quick brunch at Big Bear Café. I had the breakfast sandwich and loved it!
EXPLORING: Our next stop of the day was the U.S. National Arboretum. I absolutely loved this place. It’s a gorgeous, 446-acre open space property filled with gardens, plants, the National Capitol Columns and much more. Heads up, this place is a rather large property so I suggest bringing a pair of good walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen to really enjoy the property.
GEORGETOWN: It was definitely a HOT summer day, so after the Arboretum we headed to Georgetown and went straight to Thomas Sweet for some ice cream. It melted in all of less than 5 minutes but it was the perfect treat after a long day of walking.
Overall, Georgetown is one of my favorite parts of DC. It is so nice! I love the shops, the waterfont and the beautiful, charming homes so we took some time to tour this pretty area.
SHOPPING: We stopped into a darling store called Made in DC, and I loved it because they carry small batch products made from DC’s creatives. I purchased a few fun stickers for my sisters.
DINNER: Since we walked upwards of 8 miles this day, we decided to call it a night a bit early and grab Chipotle takeout for dinner, haha. But, I do want to mention Clyde‘s and Compass Rose as dinner options. I went to Clyde‘s the first time I visited DC a few years ago and it was absolutely delicious! Compass Rose is the spot we were planning on going this night, but decided to pass it up. Either way, these are good options if you are looking for some dinner recommendations.
Day 3
COFFEE SHOP: Walked to Compass Coffee to work remotely. Their coffee is one of the BEST that I’ve ever tried! I bought a container of their Cardinal Roast whole beans, and I look forward to my cup of coffee even more each morning. They even sell a 5lb bag which is definitely a tempting purchase, haha.
ARLINGTON CEMETERY: During our lunch break, Sydne and I enjoyed a midday walk through Arlington Cemetery. I definitely recommend making a stop here, as it is one of the best places to visit in DC.
NATIONAL MALL: After work, we rode bike to the National Mall and saw the Lincoln Memorial, the Capital Building
SMITHSONIAN CASTLE GARDENS: The grounds of the Smithsonian Castle are just breathtaking. I absolutely love the garden area and it’s truly one of the best places to visit to just walk around. It doesn’t feel like you’re in DC!
DINNER: After spending the evening exploring, we walked to The Smith for dinner. We enjoyed some cocktails and oysters for appetizers, which were absolutely deliscious, and I had the veggie bibimbap and Syndye had the ricotta gnocchi.
DESSERT: Last but not least we ended the day on a sweet note with a stop at Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee for gelato and a cappucino. WOW this gelato was one of the best I’ve had! I got a scoop of strawberry and a scoop of marscapone and berries.
P.S. This navy blue exercise dress was the PERFECT outfit for the hot summer days spent exploring DC. It’s so breathable, comfortable, inexpensive and practical.
Day 4
COFFEE SHOPS: On the final morning, we walked from Arlington to Georgetown and stopped into Café Georgetown for breakfast before our work day. Their GF Raspberry turnover was heavenly & the iced latte was so tasty. Plus, the place had the cutest blue and white decor!
Next, we each worked remotely at Compass Coffee in Georgetown and I definitely had a second cup because I could not pass up their delicious coffee!
LUNCH: We strolled into Sweetgreen and got some salads to go and had a mini picnic by the Georgetown waterfront!
SHOPPING: After work, we stopped into the cutest stationary store called Duly Noted. I loved all of the planners, pens, cards and notepads.
DESSERT: Finally, to finish off the trip, we went to Levain Bakery for a post-work day treat! MY GOSH this cookie was life-changing. It was delicious, chewy and just overall the PERFECT cookie! I brought a box back home for my family and it was a hit.
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