The best things to do in Washington

16 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 16 places · showing the latest additions first

Known as the "Club of the Presidents," Washington Golf & Country Club is the ninth oldest country club in the United States and the oldest…

3017 N Glebe Rd (Arlington)

Known as the "Club of the Presidents," Washington Golf & Country Club is the ninth oldest country club in the United States and the oldest golf club in the Washington metropolitan area, pairing a storied history with golf, tennis, swim, and dive programs.

From the Washington newsletter, September 4, 2026

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The Avalon Theatre

Entertainment

DC’s historic home for indie and international film, The Avalon Theatre is rolling a one week run of Hadestown: The Musical, Christopher…

5612 Connecticut Ave NW

DC’s historic home for indie and international film, The Avalon Theatre is rolling a one week run of Hadestown: The Musical, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and the new Mary Oliver documentary, plus thoughtful series like French Cinémathèque and Science on Screen. Your group chat will thank you.

From the Washington newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Tucked deep in the woods, Rock Creek Park Golf is the rare DC course that actually feels quiet. Play a relaxed front-nine twice for 18 or…

6100 16th St NW

Tucked deep in the woods, Rock Creek Park Golf is the rare DC course that actually feels quiet. Play a relaxed front-nine twice for 18 or sneak in the 5-hole loop, then hit the free putting green and grab a cold beer, chips, and a lesson at the GolfDC Academy.

From the Washington newsletter, September 8, 2026

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playDCgolf

Entertainment

From quick 9s to full 18s across the historic East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek, PlayDCgolf brings tee times, driving ranges, mini…

972 Ohio Dr SW

From quick 9s to full 18s across the historic East Potomac, Langston, and Rock Creek, PlayDCgolf brings tee times, driving ranges, mini golf, foot golf, and lessons through The Academy. Community golf where every dollar stays in the courses... line up a round this week.

From the Washington newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Swap the scroll for Suns Cinema - Theater & Bar, where a cozy bar meets a screen full of cult, documentary, and art-house treasures. This…

3107 Mt Pleasant St NW

Swap the scroll for Suns Cinema - Theater & Bar, where a cozy bar meets a screen full of cult, documentary, and art-house treasures. This week’s vibe leans El Topo, A Girl Is A Gun, The Little Sister, and more deep cuts... bring curiosity and a buddy.

From the Washington newsletter, August 27, 2026

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DC Mural Tour

Entertainment

DC Mural Tour turns a stroll through NoMa, Union Market, and Adams Morgan into an art-world download, with guide Jason Bowers sharing…

1222 1st St NE

DC Mural Tour turns a stroll through NoMa, Union Market, and Adams Morgan into an art-world download, with guide Jason Bowers sharing insider stories from DC Walls and the artists who painted the city. Want color therapy with actual context, plus 20-ish murals per route? Rally a crew for a private walk this week.

From the Washington newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Miracle Theatre

Entertainment

Miracle Theatre mixes second-run films with live performances in a former vaudeville theater, so one week it’s The Incredibles or The Right…

535 8th St SE

Miracle Theatre mixes second-run films with live performances in a former vaudeville theater, so one week it’s The Incredibles or The Right Stuff, the next it’s DC Moth StorySLAMs and touring musicians. A cozy, character-packed alternative to the megaplex, plus you can even rent it for private movie parties.

From the Alexandria newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Puttery

Entertainment

Lively venue featuring a bar and mini-golf courses with a few holes each, and drinks served on the course.

800 F St NW

Lively venue featuring a bar and mini-golf courses with a few holes each, and drinks served on the course.

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LOVE mural

Entertainment

Whether you’re stretching your legs after rush hour or scouting your next neighborhood photo, Love Mural is Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s ongoing…

44 Blagden Alley NW

Whether you’re stretching your legs after rush hour or scouting your next neighborhood photo, Love Mural is Lisa Marie Thalhammer’s ongoing public art series across the region. Follow the LOVE Mural Tour and its Mural Map to turn an ordinary errand into a mini art hunt.

From the Washington newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

807 V St NW

Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.

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5 Wits Arlington

Entertainment

Turn your crew night into a full-on caper at 5 Wits Arlington, where you dive into cinematic sets with reactive lights, sound, and puzzles…

4238 Wilson Blvd (Arlington)

Turn your crew night into a full-on caper at 5 Wits Arlington, where you dive into cinematic sets with reactive lights, sound, and puzzles that adapt to your team. Tackle Drago’s Castle, Espionage, or Tomb, chase hidden secrets, and argue about which ending you unlocked.

From the Arlington newsletter, September 17, 2026

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Somos DR in DC

Entertainment

If your neighborhood walks need a little color jolt, Somos DR in DC delivers with a striking Dominican community mural on 14th Street by…

1616 14th St NW

If your neighborhood walks need a little color jolt, Somos DR in DC delivers with a striking Dominican community mural on 14th Street by Angurria, honoring icons like Casilda Luna and Daniel Bueno. Quick stop, big pride, and a good reminder that DC’s story is beautifully multilingual.

From the Washington newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Built in 1939 with rolling hills and back nine Anacostia views, Langston Golf Course & Driving Range pairs a classic DC track with modern…

2600 Benning Rd NE

Built in 1939 with rolling hills and back nine Anacostia views, Langston Golf Course & Driving Range pairs a classic DC track with modern Toptracer stalls that actually help your swing. Finish at Melva’s Kitchen for all day breakfast or fried fish, you earned it.

From the Waldorf newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Upscale entertainment destination with bowling, craft food & cocktails, plus lively arcades.

320 23rd St S (Arlington)

Upscale entertainment destination with bowling, craft food & cocktails, plus lively arcades.

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Watermelon House

Entertainment

Watermelon House is a bright, cheerful watermelon mural on a D.C. row house, a quick mood boost with a backstory about turning a bad…

1112 Q St NW

C. row house, a quick mood boost with a backstory about turning a bad situation into something good. Snap a pic next time you stroll by and tag them for a chance to be featured, because locals deserve the playful spotlight too.

From the Washington newsletter, September 14, 2026

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