Perfect Girls Weekend in DC

Where to Stay

DC is home to a wonderful collection of Kimpton hotels, a dynamic group of independent, design-forward boutique hotels with a modern approach to hospitality and a reputation for excellent food and beverage programs. The Kimpton George is located just north of the National Mall near the Capitol building. The Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Hotel Madera and Topaz Hotel are all located near Dupont Circle. For a taste of Georgetown, opt for The Graham Georgetown, a charming boutique hotel just off M Street.

What to Do

Start your adventure by getting the lay of the land aboard an Old Town Trolley Tour. With many stops that cover all the major monuments, museums and points of interest, you can hop on and hop off to explore a little deeper. You’ll learn all about the history and politics of DC while cruising past the White House, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Archives, the Smithsonian, the Jefferson Memorial and so much more. And if you’re interested in seeing the DC sights at night, check out the Monuments By Moonlight tour.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to DC, be sure to check out new attractions. The National Museum of African American History & Culture is a Smithsonian Institution that opened on The Mall in September 2016. The National Gallery of Art’s East Building also re-opened in September 2016 with its dazzling modern art collection spanning the last century. Opened in 2011, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one of the newest monuments on the National Mall.

Where to Shop

Hit up Georgetown’s trendy M Street to browse everything from indie to luxury boutiques. You’ll find established fashion labels like Tory Burch and Rag & Bone, as well as edgy designers like Billy Reid and local boutiques like Relish, Hu’s Shoes and Hu’s Wear that carry designers like Lanvin, Alexander Wang and Saint Laurent. For vintage finds, pop into Ella Rue. Visit Tuckernuck, a preppy-chic online boutique founded by DC natives that now has a brick and mortar shop in Georgetown.

Where to Eat & Drink

What’s a girl’s weekend in DC without a night on the town? The inimitable Spanish chef Jose Andres’ ThinkFoodGroup is based in Washington DC, so this is a great opportunity to sample his ambitious, avant-garde cuisine. China Chilcano is his latest contribution to DC’s culinary scene, a modern Peruvian eatery that plays up the flavors of Peru’s culinary landscape, which combines Peruvian Criollo, Chinese Chifa and Japanese Nikkei dishes. From ceviche to dim sum, Andres puts his one-of-a-kind spin on this dynamic cuisine. Jaleo—with locations in Bethesda, Arlington and in the district—is his classic Michelin Award-winning Spanish bistro celebrated for both its cuisine and its playful design. With a wide range of tapas on the menu, opt for one of the tasting menus so you can sample the full range of flavors.   

The city’s cocktail and nightlife landscape is as exciting as ever. Head to the Eighteenth Street Lounge near Dupont Circle downtown and search for the “bar-within-a-bar” known as Addendum. Here’s where you’ll find an upscale cocktail lounge with drinks served in cut crystal glassware. Tucked away in their basement, you’ll find For Rent with a cocktail list named for different DC neighborhoods. For a cozy wine bar, look no further than La Jambe with its focus on French wine, cheese and charcuterie.