Lay new eyes on the nation’s capital before America’s 250th year wraps. Washington DC has long been known for its free museums and monuments and power dinners and people. But come to be delighted by the District’s indie hotel scene, vibey neighborhoods and beautiful green spaces for getting out in nature too.
Departing from: Tampa International (TPA)
Flight duration: Roughly 2 hours 20 minutes
Nonstop flights: Year round
Airlines: American, United, Frontier, Southwest
Where To Stay
Steps from the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, Hotel Washington originally opened its doors in 1918 and beckons with residential-style rooms with direct views of the Washington Monument. Sip a cocktail at VUE Rooftop while taking in the city’s iconic skyline. Located in Penn Quarter within the former Riggs National Bank, Riggs Washington DC swaps Presidential Suites for First Lady Suites, dedicated to the unsung women who helped define American history behind the scenes. The property has a stylish bar, Silver Lyan, within the former bank vault.Stay with a neighborhood spin in Dupont Circle at Lyle DC, with community programming that mixes locals and guests like Mahjong and walking club meetups.
Where To Eat
Mix it up when dining in the District at long-standing institutions and buzz-worthy newcomers. Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street has lured the crowds for “chili half-smokes” since 1958 and is still going strong (regulars order them “all the way,” drenched in mustard, white onions and the cult favorite beef chili). Power diners wheel and deal over raw bar platters and steak frites just steps from The White House at Old Ebbitt Grill, the city’s oldest saloon. On The Wharf with tables overlooking the Potomac River, Fish Shop is a sunset favorite known for sustainable, mid-Atlantic seafood dishes like Maryland crab crumpets, North Carolina tuna and Virginia clams. New to Logan Circle in 2026, Katsumi is the city’s hottest table for sushi and Japanese small plates a la tempura rock shrimp and A5 Wagyu carpaccio.
What To Do
Bring the kids to admire giant pandas at the free Smithsonian National Zoo. See the original Declaration of Independence and ponder the fragile state of the nation at the National Archives. Then break from politics someplace green at Rock Creek Park–twice the size of Central Park with miles of hiking and biking trails to explore.
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