Editor’s note: The 2023 AAP National Conference & Exhibition will take place from Oct. 20-24 in Washington, D.C. For coverage, visit https://bit.ly/AAPNationalConference2023 and follow @AAPNews on Facebook and at twitter.com/AAPNews.
Part of the fun of attending the National Conference is exploring the host city. And there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this year’s destination — Washington, D.C.
You could check out travel sites or talk with colleagues to get ideas on where to eat and sightsee. But we’ve done the work for you by consulting the experts — AAP staff and members who live in the D.C. area. Here are some of their favorite places and hidden gems in our nation’s capital.
One of my favorite spots is Gravelly Point, a park in Arlington, Va., along the river. It’s great to enjoy a walk or picnic in the park and see planes flying above right before they land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (aka DCA).
Some of my favorite places to “get away” in D.C. are the extensive running/biking paved trails and the hiking trails, especially in Rock Creek Park. You can run/bike past the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center. Upper Beach Drive, which runs through Rock Creek Park, is closed to cars and is also great for running/walking/biking. One of my favorite hiking trails is the Boulder Bridge Loop (3.1 miles), once frequented by President Teddy Roosevelt, which starts from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium. Download the free Hiking Project app to help you navigate the trails.
Top of the Gate, the Watergate Hotel’s rooftop bar, has sweeping views of Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Va. History buffs shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the site of a scandal that took down a president. Dumbarton Oaks, the grounds of a Georgetown estate, are a beautiful escape from D.C.’s busy urban surroundings and uniquely Washington.
I recommend any of José Andrés’ restaurants, like Jaleo, 480 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C., or Oyamel, 401 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C., and anything from Knead Hospitality + Design. I can specifically speak to the quality of Succotash and Mi Vida (both have several locations).
Busboys and Poets is a restaurant (with a lot of vegan/vegetarian options), bar, bookstore and community gathering place with several locations. The original location is at 14th and V (2021 14th St., NW) in Washington, D.C. Kramers Books is an independent bookstore with a restaurant inside at 1517 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is home to some great outdoor markets where you can find lots of great local bites and goodies. The Eastern Market neighborhood adjacent to Capitol Hill at 225 Seventh St. SE, hosts a large outdoor market with many food and arts vendors each weekend. Dupont Circle also has a great farmers market each Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 1600 20th St. NW. If you want somewhere quieter to get away, check out the Georgetown Waterfront. It’s a peaceful riverwalk with great views of the Potomac River, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Watergate Hotel. From here, you can enjoy Georgetown’s countless restaurants, bars, cafes and even rent a kayak to take out and explore the river and Roosevelt Island.
Following are other recommendations from AAP staff.
Attractions
Alexandria, Va., is a historical city across the river with lots of restaurants and shops.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, at 1411 W Street SE, is the home of leading abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Schedule a tour to learn more about the life of this towering historical figure and the important movement to end slavery and build a more perfect union.
Great Falls Park boasts extraordinary hiking on both the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Potomac River.
International Spy Museum, at 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, D.C., is interactive and fun. It’s best to buy tickets ahead of time.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, America’s performing arts center at 2700 F. St. NW, always features a great show, and the building itself is a sight to behold.
Restaurants/bars
Chaplin’s is a renowned ramen house and cocktail bar in a really unique space at 1501 9th St. NW.
CR NoMa is one of the best-kept secrets, even among D.C. locals. Located at 140 M St. NE, it’s a great spot for pastrami, shakshuka, shawarma and flatbread pizza.
L’Annexe is a chic cocktail bar at 2917 M St. NW in Georgetown with romantic ambience and top-notch drinks.
Lapis is a modern Afghan restaurant at 1847 Columbia Rd NW in D.C.’s eclectic Adams Morgan neighborhood. The food and drinks are phenomenal, and the atmosphere is both festive and cozy.
Service Bar, at 926 U St. NW, has a delicious fried chicken sandwich and great cocktails.
Tatte Bakery and Cafe has several locations where you can grab a delicious coffee and a light bite to eat. There’s one a few blocks away from the convention center at 1090 I St. NW.
The Red Hen, at 1822 First St. NW in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, serves fresh, handmade pastas.
Thip Khao is a Columbia Heights restaurant at 3462 14th St. NW that serves up amazing Laotian food that is sure to please.
Union Market District in Northeast D.C. is home to several restaurants and bars. The market itself hosts several eateries from virtually every cuisine you could dream of, including a rooftop lawn to eat your food and take in the views of the neighborhood.
Zeppelin is a restaurant and bar that specializes in sushi, Japanese charcoal-grilled yakitori and really fun cocktails. It’s located at 1544 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
