If we’re lucky enough to have our health, most of us are dealing with cabin fever during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are still some options for getting out of the house in a safe and responsible way. So if you happen to be in the city, make sure you’re symptom-free, grab your mask and hand sanitizer, and follow this easy Washington, DC travel itinerary that works in the time of COVID.
10:00 am: Enjoy Nature in the City
Start the day by taking in some nature in the morning before it gets too hot outside. I recommend Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, a National Park Service site in Southeast DC and the U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast. You might as well hit them both since they are only about a ten-minute drive apart. Both are beautiful outdoor spaces to stroll along and appreciate nature. Just make sure you check their websites before you go so you have up-to-date information about their modified hours. (Read my previous blog post about these and other natural escapes in DC.)
12:30 pm: Lunch and Shopping in Georgetown
Next, head across town to the neighborhood of Georgetown. Georgetown is the perfect place to do some shopping at a variety of different stores. One of my favorites is the clean beauty boutique, Take Care, that has great products, but also a calm and relaxing ambience as far as its decor. (Read my previous post here about clean beauty options in Washington, DC.)
After working up an appetite shopping, sit down for lunch al fresco. I just discovered Bar Boteco, a pop-up Brazilian restaurant located at the Sandbox, an outdoor lounge and dining area. The food was amazing, especially the garlic lemon shrimp, or Camarao ao alho e oleo, and the place made me feel like I was in the Caribbean on vacation. Piña colada and everything.
3:00 pm: Immersive Art
Take a break from the heat at Artechouse, an interactive art and technology experience. I’ve seen a couple of exhibits here and both were fun, immersive experiences that blended technology with Japanese art. General tickets are $24 and visits are booked on the half hour. Even though it’s indoors, staff check your temperature before you enter, make sure groups of visitors are limited by number, are wearing masks at all times, and stay socially distanced. Hand sanitizer is also available throughout the building.
4:00 pm: The Southwest Waterfront
From Artechouse, you can walk or drive over to The Wharf for an afternoon drink and snack and a walk by the water. You can check out the Maine Avenue Fish Market, the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the country and walk along the Wharf’s boardwalk.
6:00 pm: Dinner al Fresco
For dinner, there are plenty of outdoor seating options. I recently went to Gravitas, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ivy City, Northeast DC. You can make a reservation specifically for the Conservatory, which is the rooftop bar and lounge with a view, or stick to their regular outdoor seating. I went for DC Restaurant Week because this place is usually very pricey with a tasting menu only. The food was amazing.
If Gravitas sounds too rich for your blood or you just want another type of food, there are many outdoor dining options across the entire city.
Let me know in the comments if you have or would like to try out this itinerary. Also, make sure to watch the YouTube video below where I bring you along on this itinerary!
If you liked this, check these out:
App-Guided City Tours with AmazingCo: Mystery Picnic in Washington, DC
8 Ways to Escape to Nature in Washington, DC
A Complete Guide to Christmas in Washington DC
We Need Statehood: Your Guide to Washington DC Statehood Murals
Pin it for later:
