Not sure what to do in Washington DC at night?
As a longtime (nearly 20 years!) resident of the DMV (that’s DC-Maryland-Virginia), I can vouch that a nighttime visit to Washington DC at night does not disappoint! After moving into Washington DC from Northern Virginia, I now spend most weekends (and too many weeknights) exploring the well-known and lesser-known corners of Washington DC.
There is no shortage of fun things to do and see in Washington DC – museums, art galleries, monuments, and tours – during the day (for more information on daytime activities, check out the 9 Best Free Museums in Washington DC). But at 5 pm many of these attractions close for the day and give way to an entirely new experience at night.
And believe me when I say, a Washington DC summer night is significantly better than a Washington DC summer day if you’re looking to walk around the city and take in the sights. From monuments to sports to unique DC experiences, this insider’s guide will help you plan your perfect trip.
Washington DC At Night
There is something magical about exploring Washington DC at night – it’s as though the city transforms into an entirely new place – monuments are lit up, restaurants and bars come to life, and you get to experience a whole new city – and I can’t wait to share it with you!
37 BEST Things To Do In Washington DC At Night
Here are 37(!) of my favorite things to do in Washington DC at night to help you plan your evening. It also doesn’t matter what time of year it is, there is always something fun to do – I’ve also included some unique seasonal experiences that you can consider depending on the time of year you’re visiting.
Fun Things To Do In Washington DC With Friends
Planning a night on the town with friends? Be sure to do Washington DC right with these activities!
1. Unwind at the District Wharf
Just a few short years ago, the Washington DC Wharf was not someplace you wanted to be during the day, let alone at night – but wow, has this area undergone some major improvements making it one of my favorite places to go in Washington DC after a hard day’s work! The Wharf is home to the nation’s oldest continuously running open-air fish market…and now, several restaurants, hotels, and fun activities year-round. Because the activities change seasonally, be sure to check out the Wharf’s webpage to get a feel for what is going on during your visit.
I recommend you head down for a happy hour margarita (or two) and some guacamole at Mi Vida. From there, consider having dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar or, if seafood isn’t for you, Officina serves up delicious Italian-inspired food. But honestly, I haven’t been to a restaurant I didn’t like and there are lots of options!
2. Hang out in Adams Morgan
If you’re looking for nightlife, be sure to plan an evening in Adams Morgan during your visit. The neighborhood has many great restaurants and several bars with a nightclub atmosphere. For dinner and drinks, I recommend the Jack Rose Dining Saloon where they have a fantastic selection of whiskeys. In my opinion, Adams Morgan is a bit off the beaten path – Dupont Circle (Red Line) is the closest Metro station but a ridesharing service may be your best bet, especially if your visit takes you late into the night!
3. See a Show at Mr. Henry’s
Mr. Henry’s is a Capitol Hill staple dating back to the 1960s and an ideal spot to catch some fantastic music in Washington DC. Over the past five decades, Mr. Henry’s has hosted some noteworthy jazz and blues performers (many pictured on the restaurant’s walls) but perhaps most notable, it is where R&B artist Roberta Flack began her career – how neat! Mr. Henry’s generally has events Wednesday-Saturday – go for dinner and move upstairs for the show!
4. Get Some Laughs at a Comedy Club
Whenever my college friend comes to Washington DC for a visit, she always asks that we fit in a visit to a comedy show. For her last trip, we headed up to the Washington Improv Theatre for one of their Friday night shows and it did not disappoint! For $15 each we enjoyed good laughs and ended up in a great part of town to grab a bite and drink afterward – double-win! Other comedy clubs to check out in Washington DC include the DC Improve and the Comedy Spot.
5. Visit H Street NE
I’ve been visiting the H Street Corridor in NE Washington DC for nearly a decade, enjoying the restaurants and switching it up from my usual haunts. This particular neighborhood has been the focus of a revitalization effort that includes using streetcars (fun!) to provide free public transportation along the roughly 2 miles of H Street between Union Station and Oklahoma Avenue at Benning Road. Numerous restaurants and bars are accessible along H Street including one of my favorite British pubs, The Queen Vic – hop on the streetcar and head there for some bangers and mash!
It is important to note that the H Street Corridor is one of the places I generally will not go to alone in Washington DC at night. Be sure to have a friend or two and stay aware of your surroundings.
6. Get a Good Scare on a Guided Ghost Tour
Once you’ve finished your day checking out Washington DC’s documented history in museums, check out the spooky side of things with a ghost tour. Several guided ghost tours exist throughout the city and offer a peek into some of the stories and souls that still haunt this city.
One of my personal favorites is the Soul Strolls tour through Congressional Cemetery – I suppose it’s a bit obvious that ghosts would be hanging out in a cemetery and this cemetery is the final resting place of many politicians so you know there’s bound to be a scandal or two!
Similar ghost tours exist all over Washington DC and have themes ranging from alcohol-themed to family-friendly so if you’re looking for a twist on history, there’s likely to be one that appeals to you.
7. Grab a Drink at the Round Robin
One of my favorite things, when the sun starts setting earlier and earlier, is to cozy up at a nice bar and relax over a drink. Washington DC has no shortage of bar options regardless of your taste but my recommendation is the Round Robin, located in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. The Round Robin has been serving up drinks, including their famous Mint Julep, since 1847. Duck in on a cool winter evening, cozy up to the circular bar, and enjoy the atmosphere at this Washington DC landmark.
8. Test Out Your Trapeze Skills
Have you ever thought about running off to join the circus as a trapeze artist?!?! Yeah, me either but you can experience what it’s like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease at the Capitol City Circus School! I took a beginner’s course one evening and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had (especially since I am not fond of heights and have no upper body strength). The instructors are patient with all skill levels and do a great job walking you through the basics – I even managed to do a basic handoff with one of the instructors before class finished – yay me!
9. Enjoy a Fancy Cocktail at a Speakeasy
With so many neat alleyways tucked here and there, Washington DC has its share of speakeasies tucked away behind heavy-looking doors. These joints look the part, making you feel like you’ve been transported to another era. One of my favorites is Death and Co, where they serve up deliciously crafted cocktails, offering the perfect escape from reality after a long day.
10. Check out Live! At the Library
Every Thursday evening the Library of Congress is open late and visitors can relax as they wander through the Library’s exhibits and collections. In addition to seeing the beautiful architecture of the Main Reading Room, Live! At the Library events also regularly include special performances and interviews. Drinks and food are available for purchase and free timed-entry passes are required.
11. Experience Local Latin Culture in the Union Market District
Union Market is a fun, colorful marketplace full of local, boutique vendors selling delicious food and beautiful crafts. The market was renovated following a fire and reopened to now include over 40 vendors. Visitors to the Union Market District will also find La Cosecha, which features Latin cuisines and artists (and it’s a lot of fun to watch World Cup Soccer with a crowd!). If the market vibe isn’t your thing, the Union Market District is also home to more low-key, sit-down restaurants and bars.
Fun Things To Do In Washington DC For Families
Visiting Washington DC at night with your family? I’ve got you covered with these family-friendly activities.
12. Enjoy an Event at the Kennedy Center
A visit to Washington DC isn’t complete without an evening at the Kennedy Center, where you can find a variety of performing arts and cultural events year-round. The Kennedy Center includes three main halls, several smaller venues, and a rooftop terrace for a fantastic view up and down the Potomac River!
The Kennedy Center website is your best resource for planning and if you’re in the area around Christmas time, I highly recommend catching one of the numerous Christmas concerts – they really get you in the holiday spirit!
13. Catch a U.S. Marine Corps Band Parade at Barracks Row
Most evenings at sunset I can hear a trumpet playing Taps – a sound carried from Barracks Row, home of the Marine Corps Barracks, located in Southeast Washington DC. Just a few city blocks, Barracks Row is a rich historical district dating back to the early 1900s and is home to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Barracks Row is also really easy to get to via public transportation.
Although any time of year is good for visiting this part of Washington DC, Friday evenings during the summer are extra special because the U.S. Marine Corps Band parade takes place at the Marine Barracks (reservations required). Before the parade, Barracks Row offers several restaurant options such as Belga (Belgium), Ambar (Balkan), and Trattoria Alberto (Italian) to name a few – there is something for everyone!
14. See All the Things at the Mansion on O Street
I don’t know what you’re looking for but you’re sure to find something you never thought you’d see at the Mansion on O Street. This eclectic mansion combines four adjoining row houses into one very big, very confusing mansion where you can stay, play, and dine! The museum portion of the Mansion on O Street is open until 9 pm several nights a week and offers lots of fun for children of all ages. During our visit, we spent nearly 4 hours winding our way through themed rooms, discovering secret passageways, and exploring countless nooks and crannies to find all of the scavenger hunt artifacts – I was not successful – maybe you’ll have better luck!
15. See a Show at Historic Ford’s Theatre
Most famous for where President Abraham Lincoln was shot while watching Our American Cousin in 1865, Ford’s Theatre is a historical site and working theatre. The theatre, which has seen many uses including church, theatre, government office building, and museum, was restored to a functioning theatre in 1968 using photographs from the days immediately following Lincoln’s assassination.
A few years ago I saw a production of A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre. I loved the more intimate setting of the smaller theatre compared to larger venues, and there doesn’t seem to be a bad seat in the house. Ford’s Theatre is conveniently located in northwest Washington DC, easily accessible by Metro and close to restaurants. Be sure to check out the Ford’s Theatre website for information about upcoming shows and ticket purchases!
16. Nighttime tour of Monuments
If you don’t make time for anything else during your nighttime visit to Washington DC, make sure you squeeze in a tour of the monuments. Because several monuments are located on the west side of the city, the setting sun provides an amazing backdrop to these amazing landmarks and once the sun has set, the monuments are lit up to provide a whole new viewing experience. Several companies offer guided bus tours of monuments at night or you can upgrade to a customizable, private tour and focus on specific monuments and memorials.
17. Bike Tour of Monuments at Night
So a little cheating on my part but honestly, I like being active and joining in a guided bike tour to see the monuments is right up my alley! Similar to the bus tours above, these tours are generally done in groups to keep the price point reasonable for families but you can also upgrade to a customizable, private option.
18. Roast S’mores at Camp Wharf
Who doesn’t love warming themselves by the campfire on a cool evening – especially when s’mores are involved (I think I just drooled a bit)! Camp Wharf makes enjoying a warm, gooey s’more possible right here in Washington DC. Grab your s’mores supplies and a cup of warm apple cider from the vintage Airstream and roast to your heart’s content over the fire pit. Located at the District Wharf, Camp Wharf makes a great dessert option or post-ice skating snack!
19. Catch a Movie Under the Stars
If your visit brings you to the city during the warmer months, keep an eye out for outdoor movie screenings in public parks across the city. There are weekly offerings of family-friendly films with plenty of room to spread out a blanket, pack a picnic, and have a cheap night on the town. Your best bet for enjoying a movie under the stars is to check out the Georgetown Waterfront or Capitol Riverfront. And if it’s later in the summer, don’t forget to pack the bug spray!
20. Take in an Event at Capital One Arena
The Capital One Arena is one of Washington DC’s go-to venues for concerts, shows, and sporting events. Conveniently located in Chinatown, the arena is easy to get to via metro or on foot from many of the city’s other sites, making it a great place to cool down after a long day walking around Washington DC. Home to the Washington Capitals, the Washington Wizards, and the Georgetown Men’s Basketball team, there’s a good chance that you can catch a sporting event during the cooler months, and many of the offerings are appropriate for families!
21. Cheer on the Washington Nationals
What could be more American than watching a baseball game in Washington DC on a summer evening? Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals (Nats), is conveniently located near the Navy Yard. And if baseball isn’t your thing, the stadium hosts a variety of events throughout the year including concerts and food and drink festivals. The stadium is close to the metro, restaurants, bars, and other points of interest in the city – take me out to the ballgame!
22. Enjoy an Evening at the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront
Regardless of the season, the Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront area is another great place to experience Washington DC at night. The area sits on the Anacostia River and is home to, you guessed it, a former shipyard. The Capitol Riverfront area has undergone considerable renovations in recent years and now offers numerous family-friendly restaurants and attractions.
23. Cheer on the Local Futbol Teams
Maybe baseball is a bit too slow for you and basketball isn’t your thing either. Great news, DC has two soccer teams as well! DC United (men) and DC Spirit (women) play at Audi Field, just a couple of blocks from Nats Park. Most summer evenings you can catch a game, with the DC United playing more frequently than DC Spirit.
24. Take a Cruise on the Potomac Water Taxi
The Potomac Water Taxi is a fun way to see Washington DC at night from the water. With trips leaving from Georgetown and the Wharf, the water taxi offers a few different routes that include stops in both Virginia (Old Town Alexandria) and Maryland (National Harbor). Both of these destinations have great family-friendly activities and dining options – and honestly, the water taxi will probably get you to these locations faster than sitting in DC traffic!
25. Go Undercover at the Spy Museum
The Spy Museum offers a family-friendly and fun atmosphere to learn about the secret life of spies! When you enter the museum, you are assigned a spy persona and work your way through an undercover operation as you learn more about spy life. You’ll also see special exhibits including gadgets from some of the most famous spy movies.
Fun Things To Do In Washington DC For Couples
Planning a night on the town with that special someone? Make some memories with these Washington DC activities.
26. Get a Little Culture at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is regularly open until 7pm every day, making it a great nighttime activity for your visit to Washington DC. I love to swing in here after work and wander the galleries or just relax and people-watch in the large, enclosed courtyard (sometimes with a glass of wine).
The Gallery houses a collection of presidential portraits as well as portraits of other significant figures in our country’s history. The museum also hosts special exhibits on a rotating basis and hosts events such as lectures and guided tours so be sure to check out the website to see what will be available during your visit.
Located in the Chinatown area, the National Portrait Gallery is super accessible via the Metro and with several great restaurants in the area, the museum followed by dinner also makes a perfect date night activity!
27. Stroll the Georgetown Waterfront
If you’re headed to dinner in Georgetown, be sure to take a stroll along the Georgetown Waterfront. Nestled along the Potomac River, Georgetown Waterfront Park provides visitors with views of the Arlington skyline, the Kennedy Center, airplanes arriving and departing from National Airport, and one of the best views of sunsets in Washington DC – making it an especially romantic setting for a date! In addition to these fantastic views, the Georgetown Waterfront has access to seasonal activities including DC’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, kayak and canoe rentals at the Key Bridge Boathouse, water taxis, and dinner cruises.
28. Enjoy a Sunset at the Tidal Basin
Growing up in the midwest, I always got to enjoy beautiful sunsets and my favorite place to enjoy a great sunset in Washington DC is down at the Tidal Basin. The sun and sky reflect beautifully off the water, and the sinking sun lights up the Jefferson Memorial with beautiful reds and oranges. It’s a peaceful way to end your day!
29. Sip and Snack at the District Winery
There is no shortage of great drink date locations in Washington DC but one of my favorites is the District Winery, right on the waterfront. The open space and gorgeous water views make it a pleasant setting to unwind with a glass of wine and get to know someone. The District Winery also serves food so if you’re on a first date that’s going especially well, you can transition right into dinner! Oh, and if it goes really, really well, they even have a wedding venue!
30. Enjoy Art at a Phillips after 5 Event
Looking for a not-too-late date night activity? A Phillips After 5 Event may be for you! These special events take place at The Phillips Collection and include a variety of art, activities, and performances. Food and drinks are available for purchase or, since the venue is located in Dupont Circle, you can make a night of it and head to a restaurant in the area.
31. Take in a Concert or Show at the Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre is conveniently located in the heart of Washington DC, offers a variety of shows and concerts, is easily accessible by metro, and is near many restaurants and bars – making this a great venue for a date night! Some years ago we caught Dave Chappell delivering a standup routine. Our balcony seats allowed us a great view of the stage followed by a late dinner at Elephant and Castle just around the corner.
32. Spend a Romantic Evening in Dupont Circle
There is no shortage of fantastic dining opportunities around Washington DC and if you’re looking to take a special someone to someplace special, I recommend heading to Dupont Circle. There are also many good restaurants within walking distance of the metro (Red Line). My favorite is the Tabard Inn, with its cozy setting, delicious food, and big fireplace – it makes the perfect date night dinner. This area is also one of my favorite spots to walk around on winter nights, seeing the street lights and Christmas decorations – make a night of it!
33. Museum Special Events
One of my favorite things to do on weekday nights in Washington DC is to check out the evening events hosted by the museums across town. I’ve enjoyed exhibition openings at the art galleries, astronaut lectures at the Air and Space Museum, and a really fantastic talk by a couple of old-school senators at the National Archives. There is just something magical about grabbing dinner, a drink, and a bit of culture as you enjoy Washington DC!
To scope out nighttime events you can check the websites of individual museums – please note that many of these events are free but do require advanced registration. I recommend starting with the Smithsonian Institute website where you can easily filter for evening events across all the Smithsonian museums. Be sure to also look at the embassy, National Archives, and Washington Post sites as well!
Fun Seasonal Activities To Do In Washington DC
What time of year are you visiting Washington DC? Here are a few of my favorite seasonal nighttime activities across the city.
34. Enjoy an Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
If you find yourself in Washington DC during the winter and in the mood to strap on some ice skates, several ice rinks in town have you covered! Outdoor ice skating rinks are available at the Capitol Riverfront (Navy Yard), the District Wharf, Washington Harbor (Georgetown), and the National Mall. These locations offer general skating during the winter months so bundle up, grab the hot chocolate, and enjoy the evening!
35. Stroll through the Pageant of Peace/National Christmas Tree
One of my favorite Christmastime activities in Washington DC is taking a nighttime stroll to see the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace. Located on the Ellipse just south of the White House, the main tree, which was planted there in 1978, is festively decorated. But for me, the main attraction is the smaller trees representing each of the 50 states as well as the U.S. territories. These trees are adorned with ornaments made by children and represent unique aspects of each location. I love to grab a hot chocolate and stroll through every year!
36. Rent a Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard
Enjoying some time on the water is a great way to finish up a warm summer evening in Washington DC. The southern half of the city is bounded by the Anacostia and the Potomac Rivers, where several local boathouses rent out kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards – allowing you to have a different view of the city! Head over to the Ballpark Boathouse to enjoy a Paddle and Pour Tour with the District Winery or check out different sections of the Potomac River from the Key Bridge or Feltchers Boathouses. And for the quintessential DC experience, rent a paddleboat at the Tidal Basin to be in the middle of it all!
37. Stroll through the Zoolights Display at the National Zoo
If you happen to be visiting Washington DC in November or December, you should check out ZooLights at the National Zoo. On winter weekend evenings, the Zoo is lit with beautiful light displays along the walking paths. Tickets are required and are usually under $10 per person (parking is extra).
Where To Stay In Washington DC
Of course, there are many options when it comes to staying in Washington DC but for me, it’s all about location, location, location! I recommend you opt for something with easy access to public transportation and the sites you plan on seeing. Depending on your budget, here are a couple of options:
- Canopy by Hilton at the Wharf – we spent a girl’s weekend here to be close to restaurants as well as the Metro. The hotel is clean and the area is safe – plus the hotel has a nice bar (be sure to get the mac and cheese!) and the Praline Bakery, a delicious little pastry shop, is right next door. Try their Raspberry Pave, yum!
- The Willard Intercontinental – a truly historic hotel in Washington DC, the Willard is still a hotel of choice for visiting dignitaries and heads of state. The hotel has rooms and suites, dining options, and a spa on site. And, the Round Robin Bar is in the hotel!
FAQs
Can you walk at night in Washington DC?
Walking is one of my favorite ways to get around Washington DC any time of day! Keep in mind that as a major city, there are some areas you should avoid at night, especially if you are alone. As a local, I regularly walk around places like the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Dupont Circle at night. You can also easily get around Washington DC using busses, metro, rideshare, taxis, and rental bikes or scooters.
What Washington DC monuments should you see at night?
Perhaps you caught many of the monuments during the day but there is just something magical about seeing them all lit up at night – and you’re in luck because many of the memorials and monuments are open 24 hours. You really can’t go wrong visiting any of these sites under the moonlight!
What is open after 5pm in Washington DC?
Although you won’t find many of the museums open after 5pm, there are still many things to see and do in Washington DC. From theatres to music venues, there is no shortage of shows that start after 5pm and go well into the night. Restaurants offering endless cuisines are available (many do not even open until 5pm). And, of course, all of those fabulous monuments look even more amazing all lit up!
Is it safe to walk around the National Mall at night?
As a local, I walk around the National Mall at night regularly…often on the way back from a happy hour or dinner, and find it quite safe – many locals and tourists are still enjoying the sites of Washington DC. And because the Capitol Building is at the east end of the Mall, there is a steady police presence in the area should you feel in danger. As with any public space, you should take basic precautions such as being vigilant of your surroundings and securing your personal belongings.
Final Thoughts
With so many activities, events, restaurants, and sites, an evening trip to Washington DC is a special treat. These 37 items are just the tip of the iceberg for what the city has to offer and with so many options, you’re sure to have a memorable trip!