Over on Instagram the other week I asked what your favorite DC summer activities are and you guys really delivered. Right now my summer travel plans are going to Tennessee for the Fourth of July and at the end of August, I’ll fly back to Buffalo for my high school friend’s wedding before meeting up with my family in San Diego and going to Disneyland. And I’m trying to squeeze in a NYC weekend jaunt up to visit college friends.
Aside from that, I’m staying in DC this summer and ready to make the most of it! I’m stocking up on anti-humidity and anti-frizz hair sprays as we speak. You’d think I’d be used to it by now but it always takes a little adjusting.
Let’s stop my rambling and get to your list of favorite things to do in DC during the summer!
Starting with the #1 most popular DC summer activity… *drumroll*
Jazz in the Garden
So many of you responded with Jazz in the Garden! And I don’t blame you – what’s not to love? Sangria, snacks, friends, and, of course, jazz. Pack up a bag filled with cheese, crackers or be fancy and make these delicious Mediterranean bruschetta tartines with whipped jalapeño feta. They sound fancy but I promise are easy to prep!
My personal favorite part of Jazz in the Garden has to be the people watching though. Get there early though to claim a spot in the shade!
Truckeroo
Probably one of my favorite DC summer traditions. When I was in college and interned near Farragut Square, I loved trying out the variety of food trucks. If you look back through my blog archives circa 2012, I had a series called “Food Truck Fridays.” The Hill doesn’t get a ton of food trucks so I love going to Truckeroo to get my food truck fix. Get all the dates for Truckeroo here (the next one is June 28th) and get your daily food truck fix here.
Union Market Drive-In
Every summer growing up, my family and I would go to the drive-in movies a few times to catch the latest Disney movie. 8-year-old me got such a kick out of walking around in public in my PJs getting popcorn to bring back to the car.
When my nostalgia kicks in, I love that Union Market does drive-in movie nights! Though don’t worry, I’m not going to be running around in my PJs. The next movie night is July 5th and it’s A League of Their Own, if I wasn’t going to be out of town I would totally go!
Stroll Around Eastern Market/Dupont Farmers Market
Strolling around a farmer’s market on a weekend is my favorite. Going around and picking up fresh veggies and greens to make a fresh summer meal is heaven…. okay, I’m officially an adult. Getting breakfast at the shop inside Eastern Market is on my bucket list!
Virginia Wineries
Escaping DC to the wineries is a must in the summertime. My favorite winery is Stone Tower but I also am a fan of the Winery at Bull Run. Do you have a favorite winery?
Nats Games
Walking from Lincoln Park to Lincoln Memorial in the Evening
Early Morning Walks in the Arboretum
Go to Museums + Library (for the AC!)
Yards Park Concerts + Free Workouts
Every Friday night, Yards Park over in the Capitol Riverfront area throws a free concert! Yards Park also holds free (the best word ever) dance workouts on Wednesdays. Who’s in?!
Al Fresco Dining
My favorite spots to dine al fresco in DC: Cactus Cantina (the best Tex-Mex in DC), 7th Hill Pizza in Eastern Market (get their nutella dessert calzone, Ben Wyatt would approve), and Le Dip (because their mac ‘n cheese is 😍). Where are your favorite spots for summer al fresco dining?