Winter Fun in Washington D.C. – 14 Must-Dos
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
I took my first roadtrip to D.C. several years ago and I was really impressed with the museums and historical landmarks. Since then, I have returned many times, most recently over the winter months. With brisk temps, a slight chance of snow, and barren trees, winter may not seem like an ideal time to plan a vacation. Despite the wintry scene, I love visiting during the off season. This is a surprisingly great time of the year with a diverse mix of seasonal events and cultural activities to participate in.
There are several benefits to booking a trip during the off season. First off, hotel rates will be much cheaper. Second, crowds will basically be non existent (outside of holiday periods). It’s so nice to explore the museums without such heavy foot traffic. And finally, you can take advantage of numerous bonus seasonal activities such as light shows, ice skating, & theater productions. Enjoy my guide to frosty fun in The Capital City!
1. Explore the Smithsonian museums
Number one on your bucket list should be exploring the Smithsonian museums. I expected them to be nice, but I truly was impressed and nothing compares to an in person visit. The museums are even more enticing during the cold winter months when you can’t do much outside. These museums are so huge that it would be nearly impossible to cover them all in a single visit. There are 17 total with 11 being conveniently located in The National Mall. This long grassy area is also home to major monuments like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the WW2 Memorial, and the US Capitol.
My favorites which I recommend adding to your bucket list include: The National Art Gallery, The National Museum of Natural History, and The National Portrait Gallery. If you are a seasoned visitor, I recommend planning time to explore an underrated gem like The National Postal Museum, The Hirshhorn modern art museum, or The National Museum of the American Indian. The best part of all is that every Smithsonian is free! Washington is a surprising budget friendly tourist destination with so many wonderful historical sights costing you nothing.
2. Escape to the tropics at the US Botanic Garden
Escape to the tropics (temporarily) with a relaxing stroll through beautiful thriving green gardens. While you can visit anytime of the year, it’s more fun to enter the warm tropical air of the conservatory on a cold, overcast day. While numerous gardens are closed at this time, enough are open to warrant a visit. Plus, admission is free!
After seeing barren lifeless trees for months on end in Pittsburgh, it lifted my mood to walk through the lush green tropical, Mediterranean, and primeval gardens. If anything, it’s a nice cozy escape for an hour or 2 before braving the brisk temps again.
Bonus: If you are in town from late Nov-early January, you will get to enjoy special seasonal displays. This is one of my favorite holiday attractions in the city. Not only are the gardens decorated with poinsettias, but you will also get to see plant based recreations of famous landmarks.
- Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW
- Admission: Free
- See what’s in bloom
3. Indulge in an artisan hot cocoa
Come winter, I am usually craving toasty drinks. I love coffee all year-round, but could really go for a cup of hot cocoa once the cold weather starts creeping in. What better way to escape the cold for an hour or so than by relaxing in a pretty cafe while indulging in a luxury hot chocolate?
Today, you do not have to settle for an ordinary hot cocoa. So many places offer all sorts of specialty concoctions. One such place is Cafe Chocolat, a local chocolate boutique which specializes in artisan hot cocoa and bean-to-bar luxury chocolates from around the world.
The hot chocolate comes in 3 varieties: dark, milk, or white. Dairy-free? No problem? You can customize your drink with almond milk. Not only is the cocoa itself out-of-this-world, the presentation is just as perfect. Let all your cares slide away as you get lost in a cup of pure chocolateness.
Other cafes serving top notch cocoa: Pitango Gelato, L.A. Burdick Chocolates, and Dolcezza.
4. Skate amongst historical buildings
Almost every major city today is home to at least one ice rink. I took up ice skating over 20 years ago and haven’t stopped since. I am still not very good, but skating really adds a festive touch to the holiday season, plus it’s a fun way to burn calories all winter.
D.C. is home to several great rinks. The most easily accessible for those staying in Capitol Hill is the rink at The National Art Gallery Sculpture Garden. I really love the historical backdrop with the National Archives building in the background. Where else can you ice skate with a view of the building which houses the country’s most important historical documents?!
The rink is zambonied for the smoothest ice which you know is a must if you have ever skated before. It’s never overly crowded unlike rinks in nearby cities like Philly and NYC. Admission is just 12 bucks and skate rentals another 6. After your session head over to the Pavillion Cafe for a warm cup of coffee and a decadent dessert. You deserve it after burning all those calories! Looking for a great date idea? The rink takes on a more romantic nature by night with twinkling lights and views of starry skies.
- Address: Constitution Ave. NW
- Dates: November 24th – March 1st (2025-2026 season)
- Ice rink hours, admission, skate lessons, and special events
5. Take a walk around the National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo is one of the nation’s only free zoos (note there is a $30 parking fee). It also happens to be one of just a handful of zoos to house a panda. Tourists come from all over the world to see Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. While the summer season can be quite hectic, the winter months are actually pleasantly quiet. We arrived right at opening and pretty much enjoyed a stroll all to ourselves. We even got to see a gorgeous lion roaring which was a really memorable experience.
If you can brave the cold temps, you will be rewarded with rare peace & quiet. This time of the year is perfect for anyone who wants to take their time observing all the animals. Plus, it’s always good to work up a little sweat (you will find lots of steep hills here!) to keep your immune system strong during the colder months. Also, consider purchasing tickets to Zoo Lights, a free and festive event ($30 parking fee).
Update: The zoo is now home to 2 new pandas. Bao Li and Qing Bao were both born in summer of 2021. Mei and Tian returned to China in November of 2023.
- Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW (We paid about $30 for a Lyft from the Capitol Hill area).
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 8am-4pm (6 in the summer)
- Parking: $30
6. Splurge on a specialty cupcake at Baked and Wired
Baked and Wired is a popular specialty cupcake shop in Georgetown. I love strolling around all the shops in this beautiful section of the city. The homes are so gorgeous and I love the Main Street appeal. What better way to warm up then sit in a cozy coffeehouse for an hour or 2, enjoying a expertly made espresso and homemade artisan cupcake? I rarely indulge in sweets as I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I was really impressed with the red velvet cupcake I tried here. It was not overly sweet and the frosting wasn’t over-the-top.
Cupcakes come in so many flavors, from carrot cake, to pistachio, to German chocolate. Really, you cannot go wrong with any flavor here. For those with special dietary concerns, they offer both a vegan and gluten-free option! Specialty coffee and espresso drinks including pour over and rotating espresso from highly regarded roasters are also on the lineup. We enjoyed our coffee drinks and cupcakes here. It’s a nice place to cozy up during the cold months before exploring more.
Address: 1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW
7. Check out the independent coffee scene
While this city is not ever going to be considered the hottest indie coffee scene around, there are a handful of great local coffeehouses. If you are staying in Capitol Hill, consider Le Bon Cafe (near the Library of Congress), Peregrine Espresso (near the Eastern Market), or Compass Coffee (near the National Portrait Gallery).
La Colombe, which originated in Philly back in 2004, is a really popular coffee chain with numerous locations throughout the city. If you are visiting The White House, a new location recently opened in the vicinity. Not only do they serve quality coffee and espresso drinks, but the presentation, service, and selection of pastries (they have the best croissants!) is just as impressive as the drinks themselves! I visit local coffeehouses all around the country and to date this is still one of my favorites.
8. Play with cats for a good cause at Crumbs and Whiskers
Cats and coffee – what could be better way to spend a lazy winter afternoon? The world’s first cat cafe opened in Taipei, Taiwan in 1998. In 2014, the first US cat cafe, Cat Town Cafe, opened in Oakland. Cat cafes are seemingly popping up in cities across the world nowadays. Today, it is near impossible to walk down a trendy street without bumping into one of these. Crumbs and Whiskers opened in D.C. in 2015 (a 2nd location exists in L.A.).
The premise is pretty simple. You pay to be in a room surrounded by cats. Tons of cat toys and treats will be in the room. Coffee drinks are usually available too (sometimes requiring an extra fee). You simply observe the cats while playing with toys, giving treats, etc. Obviously, the morning & evening hours are when cats tend to be most energetic. Your experience will be different each time depending on the natural activity level of the cats. A limited number of guests are invited at a time as to not overwhelm the cats.
The best part is knowing that your donation goes towards a good cause. Also all cats are adoptable if you are seeking a new pet! To date, over 5000 cats have been adopted and over 10,000 saved from euthanasia! It’s quite pricey, but I don’t mind my money going towards a good cause. Plus I love cats (I have a Siamese and tabby of my own!).
- Address: 3109 M St NW
- Weekday pricing: 30 min sessions are $30 and 1 hour sessions are $40.
- Weekend pricing: 30 min sessions are $28 and 1 hour sessions are $45.
9. Take in the beauty of The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress, the official research library that serves the US Congress, is the largest library in the world. It is also the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation. Taking a self guided tour of the Jefferson building is one of the must-dos while vacationing in the Capitol Hill region. The hours are a bit limited, however, we were able to squeeze in a quick tour in between attractions. I would love to come back and explore more in depth.
This is easily one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever stepped into. It’s definitely an underrated attraction you need to add to your bucket list especially if you appreciate gorgeous historic architecture. Free guided tours are available on a first come, first serve basis.
When you arrive, simply pick up a brochure and continue on a self guided tour. The stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, beautiful murals, and elaborate decor is simply out-of-this-world. Along with enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the interior, you will also get to browse a few galleries and historical exhibits.
- Address: 101 Independence Ave SE
- Admission: Free
- Visitor hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm
10. Shop & Dine in downtown Georgetown
If you have the extra time and do not mind paying for a Lyft, Georgetown is a beautiful area to explore. The downtown region is loaded with fantastic local shops and restaurants. You will find bookstores, galleries, boutique shops, historical attractions, coffeehouses, a cat cafe, and more.
Many of the best restaurants in the region are found in this area. IL Canale is a wonderful award-winning Italian restaurant. If you are seeking an excellent dinner experience, this is definitely a worthy choice. I loved the ravioli and the Mezze appetizer. Everything was wonderful here – the decor, service, and food. I would return in a heartbeat.
Cobblestone streets and historic architecture give Georgetown’s Main Street a picturesque old-fashioned vibe. As more of the US becomes a giant suburb, the more I liked to explore these historic areas. During the winter, a seasonal rink opens near the waterfront. Overall, it’s just a charming place to stroll around for a few hours, if anything just to escape the museums and crowds for a bit.
11. Explore the foodie scene
In recent years, D.C. has been following the nationwide foodie trend with new restaurants popping up everywhere around the metro. I recommend skipping the common chains and trying something new.
Founding Farmers is a really popular farm-to-table restaurant which offers an eclectic menu of fresh local fare sure to please everyone in your party. Plenty of vegetarian options here including the most delicious butternut squash ravioli I’ve ever tasted. The flagship location is located just blocks from The White House. We stopped here for lunch after a long day exploring museums & historical sites and we were not disappointed!
Il Canale which I mentioned above is the only restaurant in the city to be honored by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce and the National Institute of Tourism. Another interesting trendy choice is GCDC, a luxury grilled cheese cafe located a few blocks from the White House. Prices are a bit steep, although the sandwich options are pretty unique and the tomato soup is delicious!
A few other foodie choices in the Capitol Hill area
- Unconventional Diner: A modern twist on classic diner fare.
- Rasika: Upscale Indian fare in a modern setting.
- Acqua Al 2: The 2nd location of an Italian restaurant which originally opened in Florence in 1978.
12. Tour Capitol Hill
Touring historic Capitol Hill was one of my favorite experiences thus far. The tour includes a narrated walk through the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. It’s really quite beautiful and the murals are extraordinary. Separate passes are required to view the Senate and House (more details on the website). Walk up passes are available, or better yet, you can reserve in advance to ensure your spot (a must during the busy holiday season).
Besides being the major symbol of American democracy, the building itself is an architectural wonder. I was in total awe of the beautiful paintings, grand architecture, and incredible fresco on the rotunda ceiling. The Statuary Hall is particularly impressive with its’ impressive collection of 100 statues of notable figures.
13. See the monuments both day and night
Seeing the gorgeous monuments by day and night should be one of your top priorities on your first visit. In person, they are just so much more monumental and inspiring than you could ever imagine. Despite the cold conditions, winter is actually a great time to take a self guided monument tour.
No crowds, easy to take unobstructed photos, and you definitely won’t overheat: it’s a win-win situation for sure! I’ve seen them both in the summer and winter and I definitely prefer exploring in peace, bundled up of course!
The total distance between the US Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial is about 2 miles. You will follow a gravel path through The National Mall with signs pointing you in the right direction, with additional detours to various sites of interest. Plan for at least 2 hours, more depending on how much time you spend at each monument. The entire course is beautiful with amazing architecture in every direction and the grand Smithsonian museums lining each side.
Metered and garage parking available. We conveniently walked from the Capitol Hill hotel, a wonderful budget friendly property near all attractions. It was so easy to walk right outside the hotel and have all these wonderful museums and historical landmarks at our fingertips. This is now our hotel of choice on any visit. Of course, if you do not feel like putting in a bunch of miles, there are numerous tour options available.
14. Browse through endless treasures at Capitol Hill Books
Capitol Hill Books is a 3 level local shop filled to the brim with used books. This place really is a treasure for any book lovers who love quirky and old fashioned shops. Seriously, you can spend hours in here simply browsing the floor-to-ceiling collection. I have found lots of unique books here. Best of all are the cute funny little signs posted all over the place (take time to explore and read all the hilarious post its!).
This bookshop is located right near the Eastern Market, so you can swing by after picking up a few souvenirs (so many talented artists attend this market!). The shop has been going strong since 1991, changing owners on several occasions, yet still as popular as ever with loyal locals. It’s not too often that we see these charming bookshops anymore, so I recommend taking a look while a few are still hanging around.
Address: 657 C St SE
