Living so close to D.C. is amazing. However, I often do not take advantage of it as much as I should. Sometimes, I forget that it's even there! Coming back from college and having so much spare time can leave you feeling lazy as you do not have the same schedule you once did.

Taking advantage of where you live can make a big difference in your summer! To everyone in the Northern Virginia area, I highly recommend taking a day, or even a few hours to explore the great city we are blessed to live near! You might surprise yourself and find your new favorite summer activity! Happy exploring!

1. Visit the new Wharf!

The Wharf is the newly reconstructed area of D.C. where the fish market is. It is full of trendy restaurants, shops, and there’s swings on the pier! What’s not to love?

2. F Street

This area is known for Capital One Arena, but is also home to great shopping if you’re not a fan of malls (like me)! It is close to the White House so you can get those touristy pictures and get your shopping in!

3. 14th Street

A trendy area that has Instagram-able restaurants (if you’re into that kind of thing), also great second-hand stores!

4. Eastern Market

This cute little marketplace has stalls open on weekends selling anything from jewelry to art!

5. Georgetown

Basically a beautiful waterfront area with a college campus and great shopping! Also, world-famous cupcakes!

6. Jazz in the Sculpture Garden

Every Friday night there are free concerts in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. The music includes Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Blues, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more. It is a great way to be immersed in a cultural experience without having to pay!

7. Food trucks

Food trucks are a fun way to inexpensively eat in D.C.! On a (not too hot) day it can be nice to eat outside with a blanket and picnic with your friends!

8. Old Town Alexandria

One of my favorite places just outside D.C., great place for nightlife with a beautiful waterfront. It’s charm is unbeatable as many of the homes are restored originals and this area is filled with history!

9. Gravelly Point

Many people enjoy watching planes take off and land in this park as they fly right overhead from Reagan National Airport.

10. The Smithsonian National Zoo

Woodley Park is a great neighborhood to explore and houses the Smithsonian National Zoo which is always a crowd favorite!