The destination for a girls’ trip needs to check a few boxes. Exciting cultural activities. Acclaimed cuisine. A vibrant nightlife scene. Relaxing spas. Plenty of shopping. Most important, though, you want a city with the potential to surprise. And for many, that’s Washington, D.C.
We’re not talking about the D.C. of your middle-school field-trip memories here. Beyond its world-famous (and free!) museums and monuments, the D.C. we love is a thriving cityscape filled with creative residents, beautiful neighborhoods, iconic hotels, and top-tier restaurants and bars. Here are some of our top spots to help you map out an itinerary.
Book your rooms at…
Relax by the fireplace-flanked rooftop pool at the Rosewood in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown before drinks and bites at the hotel’s attached restaurant, CUT by Wolfgang Puck. Or for a wellness-oriented trip, consider the InterContinental Washington D.C., which boasts sweeping waterfront views of the Potomac River and a full spa (pre-dinner party peel facials, anyone?). The opulent Riggs Hotel, meanwhile, is a gem for history lovers. It’s housed in a former circa-1891 bank in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, just steps from the National Mall, and includes a French brasserie and a European bar in the building’s original vault. And Hotel Zena is perhaps especially apropos for celebrations of female friendship, with art installations and decor honoring powerful women—plus a cabana-lined rooftop pool.
Savor your meals at…
For dinner, try Lapis in Adams Morgan, a modern Afghan bistro serving up homestyle meals like kofta, dumplings, and qabuli palow. (Pro tip: Its brunch is just as delicious.) Meanwhile, The Duck & The Peach in Capitol Hill pairs breezy Californian ambience with traditional American flavor, making it another great spot for either dinner (their rotisserie chicken is legendary) or brunch (don’t miss the apple pancakes and chorizo Benedict).
The interior of Osteria Mozza in Georgetown—tall ceilings, palm-canopied solarium, leather banquette-lined seating areas—is perfect for a group picture, yes, but the food is even more eye-catching (and mouthwatering). Handmade pasta, fire-grilled meats and seafood, and antipasti (three words: full mozzarella bar) make the place a must-try. For a classic French brasserie experience, you can make a reservation at Le Diplomate in Logan Circle. Its European architecture is complete with an orangerie that can seat up to 40 people, while its dinner (start with the French onion soup and steak tartare) and brunch (the pastry basket is a must) menus are beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Go out on the town at…
Dacha Beer Garden in Navy Yard offers a laid-back evening of sipping German, Belgian, and American-style beers outdoors. Or serenade each other at Ginza Karaoke & Rooftop Lounge in Capitol Hill, where you can commandeer a private room and enjoy drink service as you work your way through all your favorite girl-group catalogs. For a unique, upscale experience, make reservations at Barmini: The bartenders at this cocktail lab hand-craft more than 100 varied and imaginative drinks using jaw-dropping gastronomic techniques. And then there’s Cana, in nightlife epicenter Adams Morgan, for Brazilian cuisine, drinks (hello, caipirinhas), and music.
Shop your way through…
An endless array of clothing stores line the red-brick sidewalks of Georgetown on your way to Cady’s Alley, a three-street development of high-end design retailers. Then stop by Take Care, a women-owned celebration of natural skincare and beauty items, plus beloved buccal facials and microcurrent treatments. Swing through Capitol Hill to pick up your next favorite read at women-owned East City Bookshop, a multi-floor space with a well-curated selection—it may even be hosting an author event while you’re there! And gather the gals to create a custom keepsake of your time together at Jenni Bick in Dupont Circle, where you can personalize journals and stationery items.
Explore the city with…
If you lead a crew of oenophiles, book a tasting and tour at District Winery in Navy Yard, where you’ll get an exclusive look at the production process before gathering at the bar for wine tasting. For a fresh perspective on the national monuments, book a boat ride down the Potomac with City Cruises. If you prefer hands-on activities, head to Union Market to flex your creativity at two neighboring women-owned shops: District Candle Lab, to craft custom candles—do we smell a signature girls’-trip scent?—and Fawne, to create your own jewelry at its charm bar. And if you’re after a mode of transport that’s at once novel and nostalgic, take a Trolley Tour through the famous neighborhoods and major sites of the city.
