Originally written by Lynda Krisowaty, Associate Director, Evidence & Implementation, AMCHP, in collaboration with a select group of conference planning committee members in March 2025. Updated by The Local Experience Conference Planning Sub-Committee members in February 2026.
Experiencing DC Like a Local: Things to Do
While you may already be familiar with some of DC’s iconic monuments and museums, the city also offers many other unique ways to explore and experience its rich history, gastronomy, and culture. In this blog, we share a list of hidden gems and lesser-known activities, including local AMCHP staffer recommendations – marked with a stars!
Before Starting Your Read: Plan Your Outings with Everyone in Mind
Washington, DC, is known for its walkability, but everyone’s needs vary. Consider your group when making dinner reservations or planning outings. Some other things to keep in mind:
- Sidewalk Conditions & Distance: Some areas may have cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, or longer distances between destinations.
- Entrances & Seating: Restaurants and attractions may have steps at the entrance or limited space for mobility devices. Websites like Google Maps and Yelp often include details about whether a place can accommodate mobility devices. Although it is best to call ahead to make sure places can meet the needs of your group.
- Helpful Apps: Tools like WheelMap and AccessNow provide user-submitted reviews on locations’ features and ease of access for those with varying needs or mobility devices.
Museums
Washington, DC, boasts a rich array of museums, many of which provide services to ensure all visitors can fully engage with their exhibits. Here are some resources to make sure that everyone can explore the great museums that DC has to offer:
- Smithsonian Institution: All Smithsonian museums offer features to support visitors’ needs. Learn more here.
- National Gallery of Art: The Gallery provides services to enhance your visit. Learn more here.
- U.S. Capitol Visitor Center: Tours are designed to accommodate all guests. More details can be found here.
- Planet Word MetroOrange/Blue/Silver Lines – McPherson Square, or Red Line – Metro Center
- National Museum of Women in the Arts MetroRed or Orange/Blue/Silver Lines – Metro Center
- Go-Go Museum MetroGreen Line – Anacostia
- Anacostia Community Museum
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- National Museum of the American Indian
- Hillwood Estate
- Proper Shortcode Usage is: [tooltips keyword='wordpress' content = 'hello, wp']or[tooltips content = 'hello, wp']wordpress[/tooltips]MetroOrange/Blue/Silver or Green/Yellow to L’Enfant Plaza
- National Building Museum MetroRed to Judiciary Square
Outdoors
- National Arboretum
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens MetroOrange Line – Deanwood stop, about a 15 min walk
- Rock Creek Park
- Dumbarton Oaks (garden and museum)
- Anacostia Park (walking, fishing, and biking) MetroGreen Line – Anacostia
- Roosevelt Island
- The Wharf MetroGreen to Waterfront or Orange/Blue/Silver or Green/Yellow to L’Enfant Plaza
Cultural Activities
- Dupont Underground MetroRed Line – Dupont Circle
- Culture House
- DC Murals
- ARTECHOUSE DC
- DC Murals in NoMa MetroRed Line – NoMa/Gallaudet
- Mansion on O Street MetroRed Line – Dupont Circle
- The Big Chair Landmark MetroGreen Line – Anacostia
Historical Sites
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- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site MetroGreen Line – Anacostia
- Guide to Indigenous DC Self-Guided Tour
- African American Heritage Trail
- Congressional Cemetery MetroOrange/Blue/Silver Lines – Potomac Ave
Events
Experiencing DC Like a Local: Places to Eat & Drink
DC is home to over 2,500 restaurants, offering an incredible variety of cuisines and dining experiences—from hidden gems and cozy neighborhood spots to Michelin-starred establishments. No matter your taste or budget, there’s something for everyone! Below is a curated list of restaurants near the conference venue, along with some AMCHP staff favorites from across the city. Please note, DC loves a reservation! Be sure to check ahead of time to see if you need one. – Look for stars (stars) to read local AMCHP staffer recommendations!
Near the Conference Venue
All locations are within a 15-minute walk of the conference venue.
Local Coffee or Tea Shops & Bakeries
- Dua Coffee
- Swing’s Coffee
- Nino’s Bakery
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- Teaism
- Compass Coffee
- Dolcezza
- Seylou
Sit-Down
- Busboys and Poets
- Boqueria
- Dirty Habit
- Sfoglina
- Zaytinya
- Succotash
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- Oyamel
- Jaleo
- Founding Farmers and Distillers
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- Urban Roast
- Unconventional Diner
- Chercher
- Supra
- Nina May
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- The Dabney
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- Baan Siam
- El Rinconcito Café
- Kinship
- Cranes
- L’Ardente
Fast Casual or Takeout
- Chaia Tacos
- HipCityVeg
- Little Beet
- Love, Makoto
- Momiji
Staff Recommendations Across the City
Bakery
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- Yerevan
- Elle
- Saku Saku Flakerie
- Little Food Studio
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Sit-Down
- Martha Dear
- Gemini
- Anju
- DLeña
- Little Cocos
- Purple Patch
- Cielo Rojo
- Tapori
- Daru
- Tonari
- Moon Rabbit
- James
- Cane
- Immigrant food
- Lapis
- Thip Khao
- Hiraya
- The Green Zone
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Fast, Casual, & Food Halls
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- Joia Burger
- Hedzole
- Mitsitam Native Food Café
- Union Market
- La Cosecha Food Hall
- Eastern Market
- Western Market
- Ben’s Chili Bowl
- Try mumbo sauce! (At any Chinese carry-out restaurant)
Upscale
- Tail Up Goat
- Rooster and Owl
- Pascual
- Vera Cocina
- Dogon
- Maydan
- Albi
- Elmina
- Ceibo
Vegan
- DC Vegan
- PLANTA Cocina
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- Pow Pow
- Elizabeth’s
- Nuvegan Cafe
- Sticky Fingers
- Fancy Radish
- Life Alive
With Vegan Options
- Fava Pot
- Shouk
- Busboys and Poets
- Cielo Rojo
- VEGZ
- Mita
- Chaia Tacos
- Fruitive
- Oyster Oyster
- Rasika
- Spice 6
- Falafel Inc
- Habesha
- Ethiopic
- Chercher
Gluten Free or with Gluten Free Options
- Fruitive
- Toastique
- A Baked Joint
- Little Beet
- Ella’s Wood Fired Kitchen
- DC Vegan
- RPM Italian
- Arepa Zone
- SeoulSpice
- HipCityVeg
- Busboys and Poets
- Rise Bakery
- Sweet Crimes
- Arepa Zone
- DC Dosa
- Taqueria al Lado
- Yardbird
- Lapis
- The Salt Line
- The Royal
- Bartaco
- The Smith
- GCDC Grilled Cheese bar
- DLeña
- Across the Pond
- Doi Moi
- Chaia Tacos
