Stephanie Early Green

With Memorial Day in the rearview, summer has finally descended on the District. It’s not quite swampy yet for mosquitoes, but we’ve already had our first thunderstorms, and the oddly cold weather has abated and given way to that sweet steaminess that marks the warmest season here. It’s not quite dire enough to hide inside the shelter of air-conditioned buildings, so I’m doing all the outdoor dining I can handle before heat and bugs chase me inside.  Part of what makes me love this city is the sense of togetherness and community, which permeates the restaurant scene. We’re a city of curious people who celebrate diverse cultures and take pride in doing so. The best restaurants in D.C. evoke this feeling of home and are safe spaces for you to be yourself around the people you love—all of which is especially grounding in chaotic times. The new additions to this list offer homey atmospheres. They’re celebrations of cultural cuisine that double as really great spots to make new memories with your loved ones. They include one longtime favorite and one newcomer that feels like it's destined to become a beloved staple. This June, make it your mission to eat at restaurants that make you feel like you belong. Read on for the 21 best restaurants in Washington, D.C. right now. June 2025: In this latest update, which highlights the best D.C. restaurants this month, we have added Mélange Food, Inc. and El Tamarindo. This guide was updated by D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot. At Time Out, a

With the exception of peak cherry blossom bloom, summer is the District’s busiest season—once Memorial Day passes, we’re in the belly of the beast. Expect throngs of tourists crowding the Metro and packing museums.  Can you really blame them? May in D.C. is my favorite month of the summer; it’s not yet so sweltering that hiding inside is mandatory and there’s a certain breeziness that takes hold when the sun consistently shines and sets at 8pm. Signs of the season are everywhere: college seniors pack the monuments for portrait sessions and celebrations, parks are filled with picnickers, the outdoor patios are packed and there’s a buzz that washes the city with life. One thing about Washingtonians? We know how to take advantage when the seasons shift. May 2025: The best things to do this month in D.C. are all about getting out of the house and into the world. Mark this month by truly celebrating the people in it. This month includes the kickoff of a global celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of WorldPride DC 2025. May also means Passport DC, the annual showcase of global cultures that sees locals line up to tour embassies. Plus, who isn’t excited about the return of Jazz in the Garden? Don’t worry if smaller crowds are more your style. Exploration can happen on your own or with a friend or two at a show, an exhibit, or a vintage sale. Read on for the best things to do in Washington, D.C. right now.  D.C.-based writer Helen Carefoot updated this guide to reflect the

Living in D.C. is pretty amazing because there's always something happening, and our list of free things to do in D.C. is pretty long. Whether you're exploring the iconic Smithsonian museums, catching a glimpse of Abraham Lincoln's marble statue, or joining the festivities at Mardi Gras at The Wharf, D.C. is packed with endless opportunities to do, see, and enjoy. So, why spend your weekend dwelling on the state of the Union? Get out there and explore some sights. These are the best attractions in Washington, D.C. to kick things off. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington, D.C.

A tour of DC’s art museums may have you wondering whether the capital has more paintings or politicians. Heavyweights such as the National Gallery of Art, which houses masterpieces from Monet, Cezanne and Renoir, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum with its impressive collection of large-scale contemporary works, are among the best museums in DC, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Even better for culture lovers, most of the city’s major museums don’t charge admission, making an afternoon of art appreciation one of the most gratifying free things to do in DC.

Washingtonians aren’t exactly known for flamboyant style—something you realize after moving to DC—but that doesn’t mean we lack fashion sense. Vintage aficionados unearth unique finds in 14th St NW emporiums, including Dr. K Vintage for menswear, Junction for funky clothing and accessories, and Blues Hard Goods for retro denim. If you're looking to revitalize your wardrobe, Ginger Root Design's tailoring service is renowned across town and the store also carries locally designed jewelry and accessories for men and women. Redeem is the place to go for edgy international designers. But there’s much more to prime shopping in DC than clothing. The city is strong on bookstores that offer more than the latest bestsellers—Kramerbooks also contains one of the city’s best coffee shops. If you’re looking to round out your vinyl collection, head to Adams Morgan for Crooked Beat Records and Smash Records.