Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a city brimming with history, power, and beauty. From iconic landmarks like the majestic Capitol Building and the Washington Monument to the serene splendor of the National Mall, there's something awe-inspiring at every turn. The city pulsates with political energy, as policymakers and leaders converge to shape the nation's destiny. Museums such as the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art offer a captivating journey through American culture and innovation. The diverse neighborhoods, bustling streets, and eclectic culinary scene create a tapestry of experiences that make Washington DC an exciting destination for your girls' trip.
We’ve curated a short-list of moderately priced boutique hotels perfect for your next girls’ weekend.
Note: some of the boutique hotels we recommend have a nightly amenities fee for some awesome extras included in your stay. Be sure to read about what’s included to take full advantage!
This chic and vibrant hotel in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers the perfect mix of style, culture, and community. Indulge in beautifully designed rooms, savor delicious farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and unwind with craft cocktails at the rooftop bar. Explore the city's iconic landmarks, museums, and lively neighborhoods right at your doorstep. With wellness programming, inspiring events, and a welcoming atmosphere, Eaton DC is the ultimate destination for a fun and empowering girls' getaway.
Situated in the fashionable Logan Circle neighborhood, the Viceroy Washington DC offers a contemporary and sophisticated setting for a girls' getaway. The hotel boasts well-appointed rooms and suites with sleek decor, a rooftop pool with a vibrant lounge area, a fitness center, and an inviting lobby bar and outdoor patio. Guests can also enjoy the hotel's convenient location near trendy boutiques and popular dining options.
Welcome to Yotel Washington DC, where futuristic design meets comfort and convenience. This trendy hotel offers compact yet well-equipped rooms perfect for urban adventurers seeking a unique stay. Located in the heart of the city, it provides easy access to iconic landmarks like the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. Unwind on the rooftop pool and lounge with stunning views of DC's skyline, or indulge in delectable bites at the on-site restaurant. Yotel's tech-savvy amenities and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal choice for a memorable and hassle-free experience in the nation's capital.
We’re not gonna lie, trying to recommend a great place to eat in a large metropolitan area is like trying to hit a moving target. Where you stay and the activities you have planned often dictate where you will end up eating.
Most often when planning our weekends away, we put in a little time looking for nearby places that match our taste. Rather than give you a long list of places that might not be right for you, we’re giving you our favorite local search links to help you get started.
Every spring, Washington, D.C. transforms into one of the most beautiful cities in the world thanks to its iconic cherry blossoms. Centered around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, thousands of delicate pink‑and‑white blooms frame monuments, water views, and memorials, creating a truly unforgettable setting. The cherry trees were originally a 1912 gift from Japan, symbolizing friendship and renewal, and they remain one of D.C.’s most cherished traditions.
The National Park Service (NPS) tracks the bloom closely each year so check their website to learn when peak bloom will occur. Peak bloom is defined as the moment when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees are open. Once it begins, the blossoms typically last about 7–10 days, weather permitting.
While blossoms appear throughout the city, these spots are especially stunning:
The bloom is celebrated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a weeks long event in March – April. Events include cultural performances, kite festivals, outdoor concerts, and the signature parade, all adding energy and fun to a spring girls getaway.
The National Mall is the symbolic heart of Washington, D.C., a wide, open stretch of green space running from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with some of the country’s most famous monuments, memorials, and museums. Often called “America’s Front Yard,” it’s where history, culture, and everyday life intersect in a way that feels both powerful and surprisingly relaxing.
The best part of the National Mall is that everything is free, outdoors, and walkable, perfect for wandering, chatting, and stopping whenever something catches your eye. Don’t‑miss highlights include:
The National Mall is open 24 hours a day, but it truly shines during early mornings (quiet, cooler, and perfect for photos) and evenings and sunset (monuments glow, crowds thin, and the atmosphere feels almost magical).
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum complex, made up of 21 museums and the National Zoo, with 11 museums located directly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. One of the best parts for a girls weekend? Admission is free to all Smithsonian museums, making it easy to pop in, wander, and leave whenever you’re ready, no guilt, no pressure! Most museums are open every day except December 25, and because so many are clustered together, it’s easy to mix museums with monument walks, coffee breaks, and lunch plans.
This is our list of must‑Visit Smithsonian Museums:
National Air and Space Museum
One of the most popular museums on the Mall, this museum showcases iconic artifacts like historic aircraft and space exploration exhibits. Free timed‑entry passes are required, so this one benefits from a little planning.
National Museum of Natural History
A guaranteed crowd‑pleaser with dinosaurs, ocean life, ancient cultures, and the famous Hope Diamond. It’s one of the most visited museums in the world and easy to enjoy even if you only have an hour.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Powerful, moving, and beautifully designed, this museum explores Black history and culture in America. Free timed‑entry passes are required, and it’s worth planning ahead if this is a priority for your group.
Smithsonian American Art Museum & National Portrait Gallery
Located together (and open later than most museums), this is a perfect afternoon or early‑evening stop. Portraits of cultural icons and rotating exhibitions make it especially fun and accessible.
While often grouped with the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Art is not technically part of the Smithsonian Institution, but it is free and located on the National Mall. With two buildings (classical and modern), a sculpture garden, and an underground tunnel between wings, it’s a favorite for art‑loving groups.
How to Do the Smithsonian Without Burnout
The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. is one of the most powerful and recognizable symbols of the American people and our government. It is the meeting place of the U.S. Congress (home to both the House of Representatives and the Senate) and at the same time, it’s a welcoming place for visitors to learn about American democracy in action.
While the Capitol is a working office building, it’s also designed for visitors. The experience begins at the Capitol Visitor Center, where guests can explore exhibitions, learn the building’s history, and join guided tours led by professional tour guides, all completely free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to book a timed‑entry tour pass (though reservations are recommended, not required). Same‑day passes may be available, especially if you arrive early.
Tours take you through some of the Capitol’s most impressive spaces while explaining how Congress works, making it both informative and surprisingly engaging, even for first‑time visitors. If your group enjoys deeper storytelling, the Capitol also offers specialty tours that focus on specific themes. Some example are: “Votes for Women” highlighting the women who fought for voting rights and “Heroes of Civil Rights” focusing on key figures and moments in the struggle for equality.
One of the most unique experiences is visiting the House or Senate Visitor Galleries, which are open when each chamber is in session. House of Representatives Gallery passes must be requested through the office of your U.S. Representative
Senate Gallery passes must be requested through the office of one of your U.S. Senators. This is a great option if you want to see democracy unfolding in real time, quietly observing from above as debates and votes happen on the floor.
The Capitol Grounds also include several must‑see landmarks that are easy to combine into a single afternoon:
Girls‑weekend tip: Schedule a morning Capitol tour, then walk to the Library of Congress and Botanic Garden before heading to lunch on Capitol Hill.
CityCenterDC is the perfect destination to spend the day soaking up one of the most stylish outdoor spaces in downtown DC. Spanning the blocks between 9th and 11th Streets NW, this vibrant district offers more than 40 curated shops, many exclusive to the District, along with award‑winning restaurants ideal for mid‑shopping cocktails or dinner together. Don’t miss Palmer Alley, one of DC’s most Instagrammable spots, where the group can snap photos under the seasonal art installations before diving back into the high‑end boutiques. With its sleek design and luxe atmosphere, CityCenterDC makes an excellent girls’ shopping destination.
Known as one of the best shopping districts in the U.S., the bustling intersection of M Street and Wisconsin Avenue is the perfect place to spend the day browsing, strolling, and discovering new favorites together. Boutique‑lined streets stretch out in every direction, offering more than 450 high‑end retailers, independent shops, chic cafés, and inviting restaurants. Set within charming 18th‑century brick buildings, the area blends historic character with modern style, just perfect for a girls’ shopping adventure.
The Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall make a perfect stop when looking to shop for something meaningful and unique. Each museum features its own curated Museum Shop filled with items inspired by the collections. Think jewelry, accessories, apparel, books, home décor, games, and specialty pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or a special memento of your trip together, these shops offer beautifully designed, museum‑inspired treasures that turn a girls’ outing into something truly memorable.
For those of you looking for a fun night out on your girls’ getaway, we’ve got your back. Whether it’s dancing the night away or girl talk over delicious cocktails, we’ve got options. We’ll help you find the right fit with our favorite local search links below.
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