Jessica Estrada

Washington, D.C. has a jazz scene that’s as rich as its history. This city has been home to legends like Duke Ellington, and the tradition is still alive and kicking. Step into one of D.C.’s jazz bars and you’re in for more than just a night of music—you’re diving into a piece of living history. Whether you’re tucked into a cozy corner of a dimly lit club or enjoying the energy of a lively lounge, these spots offer a taste of jazz that’s all about soul, improvisation and that unmistakable D.C. flavor. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in D.C. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

There’s a funny stereotype out there that Washingtonians are obsessed with steak. Read dispatches from yesteryear about our food scene and you’d think the only reason anyone dines out is to nosh on a massive tomahawk steak in a darkened booth. While this is probably based on the idea that everyone in D.C. is a stodgy Congressional staffer or member (although we’re sure they love their steak), this just isn’t the case—our the best restaurants in D.C., and the whole culinary scene, are so much more diverse than that. However, sometimes nothing hits like a succulent strip basted in butter and herbs. Carnivores will find plenty of satisfying options here. When putting together this list of the best places to eat steak in the District, we tried as much as possible to eschew chains for local spots; however, there are some excellent steakhouses that are part of chains that we’d be remiss not to mention. Read on for the 15 best places to eat steak in Washington, D.C. RECOMMENDED: The 15 best brunch spots in Washington, D.C.

When it comes to the best resorts for hitting the slopes this winter, snowboarders and skiers will look for similar features: good snow conditions, updated facilities, and beautiful views, to name a few. But snowboarders also tend to have a few unique preferences. For example, snowboarders often want to experience creative terrain with various jumps, rails, boxes and halfpipes. More expansive runs are also preferred over groomed slopes, with more space for wide turns down the mountain. It’s also more fun to go to a resort with a strong snowboard culture, where not the only snowboarder in the place.  All this to say, the best ski resorts in the U.S. aren’t necessarily the best places to go snowboarding. So we've rounded up the best destinations across the U.S. that novice to pro boarders from around the world flock to, from Vail, Colorado to Taos, New Mexico to Mammoth Mountain in California. If snowboarding is just one of the activities you plan for this season, check out our best winter vacation and family vacation ideas for other ideal destinations. 

Given this city’s strong focus on all things health and wellness, it only makes sense that L.A.’s best hotels too would jump on the bandwagon and offer their guests a slew of wholesome amenities. And we’re not just talking about the standard issue gym and hotel spa (although there are some pretty good ones): Some hotels go beyond that with things like wellness memberships, personalized retreats, sessions with nutritionists and much more. If you’re looking for an active mini vacation without ever leaving the city, here are five hotels that will help you elevate your wellbeing.

With a juice bar and a spin studio in seemingly every neighborhood, it’s very clear that Angelenos love all things wellness. And at its core, wellness is about taking really good care of yourself—mind, body and soul. If you’re looking to take your self-care regimen up a notch, we’ve rounded up eight spots that cover all the basics, including a chic massage parlor and a meditation sanctuary.

Los Angeles boasts an abundance of beautiful beaches. Marinas, on the other hand, are more of a rarity. Luckily, the few nearby marinas are surrounded by hotels that make for a fun waterfront staycation—because, let’s be real, no one wants to spend all day sailing and then have to trek through L.A. traffic to get back home. Plus, these hotels offer unique water amenities that you can’t find anywhere else (think jet ski rentals and dinner cruises on a yacht). From Redondo Beach to Marina del Rey, here are five marina-side hotels that are worth visiting whether you’re an avid sailor, love water activities or just want to enjoy the views.

Although spending the day eating the best brunch in DC or perusing through the best music stores in DC might be perfectly relaxing activities, there is something about a spa day that makes it one of the most comforting and best things to do in Washington, DC throughout the week. Enter the best spas in Washington, DC. Book yourself a massage, facial, manicure, scrub and more (or all of the above) and thank us later.

There is nothing that a well-made wiener—whether a chili-loaded frank or a sausage topped with mayo, relish, mustard and ketchup—can’t fix. Whether starving following a day spent visiting the best Washington DC attractions, hungover after a drinking session at the best bars in DC or simply in need of a pick-me-up following a night at the best jazz clubs in DC, the best hot dogs in DC will cure your ails. Trust us.

Do you spend your nights searching where to listen to live music in DC? Are you on a first name basis with the musicians that play at the best jazz clubs in DC? Take your love for rock, pop, R&B and soul to the next level when visiting the best music stores in DC. Whether looking to expand your vinyl collection, learn how to play a new instrument or find that record you heard at one of the best Washington, DC clubs, these local shops will entice every sort of music lover.

Although you might find some delectable Mexican fare when perusing the best food trucks in Washington, DC, it’s these Mexican restaurants in DC that offer residents the most authentic and delicious take on the cuisine. From exciting tacos to tasty nachos and burritos (with some tamales in-between), these spots will satisfy your cravings at any time of day. We suggest you head to the best craft beer bars in Washington, DC for a post-guacamole ale binge or, if you’re more of a pregame kind of Washingtonian, pick one of the  best happy hour deals in DC and down a cocktail or two before dinner.

Looking for the best free things to do in DC? How about a day spent at the most well regarded Washington, DC parks? Grab a to-go meal at one of the best restaurants in DC, pick up an iced latte at one of the best coffee shops in Washington, DC and spend your day relaxing, picnicking and getting some sun on lush green spaces. Whether solo or with kids, you’ll be sure to have an amazing time outdoors while enjoying some beautiful weather.

If you’re not a big fan of the heat, then maybe some cryotherapy at Next Health will be more your speed. You’ll strip down and step into a freezing cold chamber (we’re talking -150 degrees) for a few minutes. Stated benefits include more collagen production, chronic pain relief, better sleep, less anxiety, reduced inflammation and a good old endorphin release. The wellness hub’s menu is filled with many other self-care treatments including IV therapy, food sensitivity testing and, custom supplements.

Picture dancing in your best friend’s Northwest DC mansion, which just happens to boast flattering lighting and comfy, vintage seating—yes, seating—scattered about. That’s Eighteenth Street Lounge, which now features five rooms: The Main Room, The Gold Room, The Jazz Bar, The Studio Bar and Deck Bar. You’ll find a laid-back space and a welcoming vibe that keeps locals and visitors coming back. Those craving a salsa or reggae fix will be pleased by the occasional live band performance.

As soon as you enter this Georgetown spa, you immediately feel relaxed. The spot follows Feng Shui principles and infuses Chinese-inspired décor accents to evoke a harmonious, tranquil vibe. The Parisian facial (a deep pore cleansing treatment) is a favorite here and the massages are downright therapeutic—especially the signature hot stone massage, which promises to recharge you both mentally and physically.

Although Bluemercury is known as a beauty retailer, many of their boutiques actually offer spa services. The Georgetown and Dupont locations have two treatment rooms where guests can pop in for a quick treatment in-between shopping sprees. For a petite spa, the menu of treatments is actually pretty impressive and includes everything from brow styling and body waxing to massages and facials. We recommend the Fast Blast facial. It takes only 30 minutes and features cleansing, a glycolic peel and a vitamin oxygen blast.

Touted as the first LEED-certified spa in the world, this nature-inspired pampering haven is all green all the time, from its space to its organic products made with essential oils. In addition to its eco-friendly approach to relaxation, what makes this spot special is its Intentional Aromatherapy app that allows guests to blend their own massage oil for treatments such as the Nusta—a ridiculously relaxing experience that includes a body scrub (using your own personalized sugar scrub, no less), a shea butter wrap, a facial massage, a jasmine essential oil scalp treatment and an indulgent full-body massage.

Although hair care seems to be the focus at this DC spot, facials are actually the biggest crowd pleaser. Clients flock here for the spa’s acne program that includes in-spa treatments and a customized at-home regime. Regulars also love the all-inclusive celebrity glow package that allows them to pay for a block of time (45, 60 or 75 minutes) instead of just one treatment. It’s also one of the few spots in DC that helps beauty lovers achieve #browgoals with microblading.

Situated just a brisk walk away from the White House, Skin Alchemy is a welcome respite from all of the hustle and bustle of the nation’s capital. Even if you can’t carve out an entire afternoon of pampering, the spa is close enough to all the action that beauty-obsessed political power players can just swing by on their lunch break for a massage (deep tissue, hot stone, Swedish) or treat themselves to a cold laser anti-aging facial (that ends with a soothing face and hand and feet massage to boot) and return to the office with firmer and glowier skin in just 50 minutes. Other services of note include waxing, eyelash extensions, spray tanning and teeth whitening.

Technically, this spot isn’t in DC (it’s actually in Middleburg, Virginia), but it’s so spectacular it warrants a full-on spa getaway. Escape DC and retreat to this luxe hotel for a day (or five) for some major pampering. A variety of facials, massages and body treatments are on the menu but, for the ultimate Salamander experience, go with one of the spa’s core rituals: clearing, awaken, grounding and balance. Each is designed to heal and energize with body exfoliations, scalp treatments, restorative massages and more. When you’re not in the treatment room, chill out in the aromatic steam room, take a dip in the heated infinity pool or just relax in a poolside cabana. Now that’s what we call a spa-cation.

If you’re all natural or the highway, head to Old Town Alexandria’s chic 4,000-square foot spa—home to five Vicente Wolf-designed treatment rooms awash in blue and gray tones that match the hotel’s West Coast vibe—which uses only organic, paraben-free products. Although all of the treatments here are heavenly, the decadent caviar dreams facial is by far the star of the show leaving your skin looking and feeling youthful. After your treatment, spend the rest of your spa day chilling in the relaxation room or in one the eucalyptus steam rooms.

Hot dogs aren’t the first things to comes to mind when thinking of Shake Shack. But the fast food burger chain actually started off as a hot dog cart in New York City’s Madison Square Park, which explains their expertise in making delicious wieners. The Shack-cago dog proves to be the biggest crowd-pleaser, featuring an all-natural Vienna beef sausage topped with a medley of yummy condiments including relish, onion, cucumber, pickle, tomato and mustard. Pair it with a side of crispy crinkle cut fries and we promise you won’t be disappointed. 

This recently opened Shaw neighborhood spot is already making a name for itself with all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free sausages cooked on a wood fire grill. You can create your own half-smoke and top it with things like bacon, meat chili, sauerkraut, picked relish, BBQ and so much more. Then complete the meal with tater tots or mac and cheese bites on the side and funnel cakes and milkshakes for dessert. 

Housed in a former naval hospital on Capitol Hill, this restaurant’s chill and historic vibe (think exposed bricks and Civil War imagery) pairs nicely with the Louisiana-inspired fare such as chef David Guas’ Smoked Douille Dog. The delicious frank stars an Andouille sausage drenched in Creole mustard and sweet onion marmalade all sandwiched in-between a pillowy potato roll.

It’s been almost 25 years since Bergamot Station made its initial splash in L.A.’s art scene, but the space continues to reinvent itself. “It doesn’t lose its vibrancy, it just matures,” says Wayne Blank, who founded the Santa Monica complex, which now has more than 40 art galleries inside. “Our artists get younger, so we stay in tune and in step with what’s happening.” Here’s a look at Blank’s top four gallery recommendations and why you should visit them. 1. Robert Berman B7 Gallery“Dennis Mukai: Abrasive Affirmations,” Feb 18–Mar 25Berman’s gallery was one of the first to move into Bergamot and rotates exhibitions of work by midcareer and established artists. Next up are nine works by L.A. artist Dennis Mukai. “An exploration of double entendres” is how he describes these lifelike paintings, which he creates by carefully sandpapering away dark paint to reveal the white plaster surface underneath. 2. Peter Fetterman“UNSEEN: Silhouettes and Shadows,” through Feb 25This gallery is an ode to the art of photography, boasting an impressive inventory of 20th-century humanist and documentary photographs. This season the gallery shines a spotlight on silhouettes and shadows with its collection of more than 80 never-before-exhibited photographs by various artists. The black-and-white images beautifully play with light to evoke feelings of intimacy, nostalgia and wonder. 3. Latin American MastersRecent Works by José Alberto Marchi, Feb 4–Mar 18The gallery showcases contemporary Latin