Appreciating DC and finding things to do for free (mostly)

Written by Parker
3 min read
Travels on
Table of contents

When traveling, we get to appreciate parts of cities that we may overlook if we were to live in them. Walking our dog, Niko, down The National Mall or on a trail through Rock Creek Park makes any day brighter.

Sunset after a rainstorm over the Lincoln Memorial
Sunset after a rainstorm over the Lincoln Memorial

Watching the sunset over the Lincoln Memorial is a mesmerizing, awe-inspiring experience. The soft yellow lights flicker on to illuminate the memorial as the sun dips below the horizon and casts a cool pink and purple glow across the sky. It feels like being in a painting. Just watch out for the gnats(?) (or no-see-ums as we call them in Florida 🧑‍🌾) nearing the Reflecting Pool, especially if you recently got a little rained on by the crazy DC weather! Regardless, we were just so happy to be present.

Niko is happy to people watch out of the rain on the National Mall
Niko is happy to people watch out of the rain on the National Mall

Out and about during the work day

Working on music while traveling can be stressful, it feels like I’m somehow missing out on seeing or doing something in the city (like it’s even going anywhere lol)… but it’s mainly because I know we’re only in DC for a month. Composing while cooped up in the Airbnb can be draining. What’s nice is to walk to any of several nearby coffee shops with my Sam and work outside: people-watching, city-appreciating, and laughing with my best friend. Moments like these keep me inspired and feeling present, and make me appreciate the free, or easy, things to do in D.C.

Over the past few weeks here we’ve tried out a few coffee shops. This is our running list, for now, in no particular order. They’ve all been great, but stay tuned for some more in-depth reviews and a handy coffee / remote work guide 😉☕.

After work in the afternoons

It feels wild to get off work and just walk or take a very short bus ride to some of the nation’s most renowned museums. Most of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums close by 5pm, so making it to many of the more popular ones can be tough if you’re working right up to the end of the day. There are quite a few that stay open until 7pm and 7:30pm though — which is perfect during the summer when the sun sets late and you want to beat the heat.