It’s finally here! Summer has graced us with its presence, bringing longer days, more sunshine, beach vacations, delicious cocktails, and summer Fridays. So to help you make the most of your summer, we compiled all the best and fun-filled activities to make the ultimate D.C. summer bucket list. Whether you’re looking for a short getaway, some water sports, or special summer D.C. events, we’ve got it here:
1. Take in drinks and a view at one of the beautiful rooftops
The weather is warming up, and we’re officially nearing rooftop bar season. Needless to say, we’re loving it, especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views and the perfect excuse to grab a drink with some friends!
2. Indulge in a booze cruise near D.C.
The weather is warming up, and summer is sailing its way in! What better way to celebrate summer’s return than on the water with a drink in hand? Thankfully, the Potomac River offers Washingtonians and tourists alike the chance to do just that. Whether you’re looking for a tropical vibe, a more upscale affair to take in the sights or to try your hand as a pirate at sea, D.C. has the perfect booze cruise for you!
3. Enjoy Jazz in the Garden
D.C.’s favorite concert series Jazz in the Garden continues! Every Friday night through August 9, the National Gallery of Art hosts an outdoor concert in its Sculpture Garden. Featuring a range of jazz, bluegrass, and Afro-Cuban music, attendees can enjoy the weather, tunes, and gorgeous views.
You can register to attend by noon exactly one week before each concert.
4. Par-take in a fun-filled round of mini golf
Fun for all ages, mini golf is always a hole-in-one! Luckily, the D.C.-area has a variety of options, from the beloved chain Swingers to Tyson Corner’s Perch Putt, and from the classic East Potomac Mini Golf to the Puttery, grab a drink and putt away!
5. Bounce through this immersive experience, Bubble Planet
This multi-sensory experience is floating into D.C. this summer–and is the perfect way to beat the heat! Enter a surreal experience where things as you know them look and feel larger than life. The immersive experience is brought together through a mix of VR technology, beautiful set design, and interactive props, perfect for getting away on a hot day.
6. Vacation at one of these nearby villages that feel right out of a storybook
Washingtonians love to grind, but city life can be exhausting at times. When you seek respite in a small, quaint, charming town outside of the city, these pretty villages near D.C. (organized from closest to furthest) will make you forget just how close you are to the hustle and bustle of the city. Learn more here.
7. Relax to the sounds of classical music by candlelight
The Fever Originals Candlelight series is the perfect way to unwind. You can lose yourself in classical renditions of your favorite tunes amid soft candlelight. With multiple genres and musical themes to choose from, there’s bound to be a concert that’s perfect for you!
- Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites
- Candlelight: Bridgerton on Strings
- Candlelight: Tribute to Beyoncé
- Candlelight: From Bach to Beatles
- Candlelight: Best of Hip Hop
8. Watch a movie outdoors
What’s better than a free outdoor movie?! Just outside of D.C. at National Harbor, May 4 kicks off the beginning of its Movies on the Potomac series. Fun for all ages, every 6 p.m. on Sunday features a family-friendly film, while couples and adults can come for Thursday’s 7 p.m. date night showings. Find a full calendar listing of films here.
9. Grab a beach read from one of D.C.’s independent bookstores
Summer is a great time to catch up on some reading: traveling for a vacation, relaxing on the beach, stuck inside on a rainy day, or sitting outside with coffee or a cocktail. No matter the occasion, D.C. is brimming with independent bookstores for you to visit, so you can find your next book while supporting a local business! Learn more here.
10. Check out the Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival has returned to the National Mall this year and will run from July 2nd through 7th– featuring a long list of fun vendors, activities, and informative exhibits.
Presented by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage in partnership with the National Park Service, this year the free festival focuses on the ‘Indigenous Voices of the Americas’ and celebrates the National Museum of the American Indian.
11. Cool down with an iced coffee from one of these delightful D.C. coffee shops
Whether you need a pre-work pick-me-up to get you through the day, or you want to kick off a summer weekend right with a holt of caffeine, coffee is a crucial part of many people’s days! So if you’re looking to cool down with an iced coffee this morning, check out one of these great D.C. coffee shops! Learn more here.
12. Visit the Smithsonian National Zoo
Credit: Ann Gutowski, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Now that we’ve got the news that Giant Pandas are heading back to the Smithsonian National Zoo, all of D.C. is so excited to get to meet our new black and white fuzzy friends, but the truth is there is so much to see at the zoo aside from the Panda exhibit!
If you decide to go now, you’ll have the benefit of avoiding the inevitable rush of crowds at the zoo once the Pandas arrive – this way you get to enjoy the full zoo now, and then can wait some time to visit the Pandas once the crowds have calmed down.
13. Head to the waterfront and try some paddle sports
With the Potomac River in our backyard, paddle sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are very popular in the DMV area. Since this summer is going to be a hot one, we have gathered places where you can give these sports a try and explore the Potomac River! Learn more here.
14. Beat the heat with local ice cream
Temperatures are soaring and ice cream is still a tried and true way to beat the heat! Luckily, D.C. has a variety of local shops and chains to help you do so! Learn more here.
15. Explore one of D.C.’s beautiful gardens
D.C. is a vibrant city but still filled with beautiful places where you can admire nature and stop and smell the roses — literally! From mansion grounds to botanic gardens, these beautiful blooms are a breathtaking escape from city life. Learn more here.
16. Indulge in some of D.C.’s finest foods at Summer Restaurant Week
Washingtonians absolutely love Summer Restaurant Week! With hard-to-beat prices, Washingtonians are offered the chance to dine in (or out!) at some of D.C.’s best restaurants and taste some special and limited-time recipes. Restaurant Week was happening from August 18-24th.
17. Explore this dopamine-inducing interactive exhibit, Dopamine Land
Head over to one of the happiest exhibits in D.C. this summer, Dopamine Land, for an experience that strays into the euphoric. A multi-sensory exhibit offers 10 interactive, themed rooms with a bubble ball pit, CBD soda, and try oxygen aromatherapy.
18. Treat yourself to dinner on the waterfront
We’ll take dinner with a side of beautiful views, please! These waterfront restaurants give you delicious meals with summer vibes! Learn more here.
19. Take a short trip to one of the top 10 waterparks in the country
Just slightly over 2-hours from D.C. is the monstrous outdoor waterpark, Water Country USA in Williamsburg, Virginia. Every water slide, game, and splashing activity you could imagine exists at this park. From a 23,000-square-foot pool to the Jet Scream slide designed only for the brave of heart. Learn more here.
20. Relax at one of these dog-friendly beer gardens where you can hangout with your pupper
We know how much Washingtonians love their dogs! Luckily, there are many restaurants and beer gardens that will let you bring your furry companion with you for a drink out or a bite to eat. Learn more here.
21. Get out of the city for a refreshing dip outdoors
Looking to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors? Why not embrace the warm weather with a hike followed by a dip at one of these outdoor swimming spots?! Some can even allow for kayaking! All located just a short drive from D.C., these spots are worth the trip. Learn more here, or here!
22. Take a hike–literally!
Washington, D.C., may be a city, but it boasts a number of beautiful places in and around the District proper that are just as great for exploring the wilderness! Secret D.C. has come up with some of the most stunning trails for hiking in and around D.C. to help you do just that. Learn more here.
23. Attend D.C.’s Broccoli City Festival
This year’s Broccoli City Festival—being held August 8th and August 9th— and while the lineup has yet to be announced, last year, it included heavy hitters like Megan Thee Stallion and Amaarae, so we’re looking forward to who will be performing this year.
Broccoli City Festival has been occurring in Washington, D.C., since 2013 to benefit and inspire local youth and communities to create a “racially equitable” world and aid the D.C. community.
24. Enjoy America’s pastime at a Washington Nationals game
Baseball! A hot dog, some peanuts, and cheering on the home team is a classic summer activity that never fails to be fun — win or lose! Learn more here.