By: Shahrzad Rasekh By: Shahrzad Rasekh | September 14, 2021 | Lifestyle
A woman poses in front of the Culture House
Washington, D.C. has so much to offer beyond politics. From its free museums to its innumerable parks and vibrant brunch scene, the city offers endless activities.
Tourists and residents alike can soak in the city and capture their experiences at these 10 most Instagram-worthy spots.
See also: 10 Most Exciting New Restaurants In The DC Area
3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW / Website
While a cathedral might seem like an odd choice for an Instagram post, rest assured this is no ordinary church. Sitting on 301 acres of well-manicured gardens, this Neo-Gothic church features impressive details including 112 gargoyles, 215 stained glass windows and cast bronze gates. Wander to the right of the church past the stone wall into Bishop’s Garden to enjoy the roses and a side view of the cathedral.
3501 New York Ave. NE / Website
Featuring lush gardens, the National Arboretum is perfect for outdoor photos. Beyond the flowers, the National Capitol Columns provide an impressive backdrop. These Corinthian columns, originally built for the East Portico in the Capitol Building in 1928, rest perfectly in proportion within the 20-acre Ellipse Meadow.
2468 Champlain St. NW / Website
Located inside a 110-year-old church in vibrant Adams Morgan, the Line Hotel features a plethora of photo-worthy spots. An oversized, slanted mirror resting in the interior stairway provides an eclectic background, and the No Goodbyes restaurant—which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner—is located in the former nave.
900 Ohio Dr. SW / Website
Contrary to what its name might suggest, the National Mall is not a shopping mall but rather a strip connecting many of the (free!) Smithsonian museums. The Lincoln Monument and the National Monument bookend the strip, along which you can find The National Gallery of Art and the Moongate Garden, among many others. The whole area is perfect for historical portraits and patriotic pics!
1500 Maine Ave. SW / Website
Built in the late 19th century, the Tidal Basin is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Mostly known as the best spot to admire the cherry blossoms in the springtime, it’s also a great place to admire sunsets. Golden hour, anyone?
See also: The 5 Best Salons in DC
916 G St. NW Suite C-1 / Website
Every aspect of this cafe and cocktail bar is instagrammable. From the neon sign to the decadent two to three person brunch boards, this Chinatown establishment is an influencer’s dream.
700 Delaware Ave. SW / Website
Located in Southwest DC, this gallery is “founded on the principle that art is a catalyst for change in the community.” Open for three hours on Saturday afternoons, the gallery constantly features new exhibitions. If you can’t make the tight time slot for the gallery, don’t fret! The exterior is the main attraction for the ‘gram, as every inch of the building is covered in colorful murals.
2650 Virginia Ave. NW / Website
This award-winning rooftop bar is noteworthy for its incredible views of the Potomac, Georgetown and even the Washington Monument. Located on top of the historic Watergate hotel, you can enjoy well-crafted cocktails, a lively ambiance, and 360 degrees of beautiful backgrounds.
16th St. NW &, W St. NW / Website
One of D.C.’s better kept secrets, this 12-acre park locally known as “Malcolm X Park” will make you forget you’re in a city. Built between 1912 and 1940, this park boasts impressive features including a 13-basin waterfall fountain and numerous statues.
606 Florida Ave. NW / Website
With its rattan lanterns, hanging wisteria and extensive cocktail menu, this adult treehouse is a true rooftop oasis. Enjoy a Mexican-inspired brunch or take over the dance floor at night with their mainly house and tech DJ sets!
Photography by: Sara Cottle / Unsplash