--- title: "7 Ways to Experience Washington DC like a Local ..." description: "Hains Point Park; Ben’s Chili Bowl; Day Trip to Georgetown; Night Walk in Adams Morgan; Supreme Court Café; More ..." url: "https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/ways-to-experience-washington-dc-like-a-local/" category: "travel" last_updated: "2026-06-02" --- # 7 Ways to Experience Washington DC like a Local ... There are so many exciting things to see and do in our nation’s capital that you may be surprised at the simple ways to experience Washington DC like a local. The many tourist staples draw huge crowds all year long. Thousands of people travel to the see places pictured on postcards. The next time you are in the area and want to see something a little different, consider these seven ways to experience Washington DC like a local. ## 1. Hains Point Park ![Hains Point Park](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130117_4337_514x299.jpg) One of my most favorite ways to experience Washington DC is to visit Hains Point. This understated park has a special place in the heart of nearly every DC native, especially this one! Here you can watch the locals fish or spot Virginia across the water. If you want a nice, quiet, green space to relax after a little sightseeing then check out Hains Point. ## 2. Ben’s Chili Bowl ![Ben’s Chili Bowl](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130208_0727_600x450.jpg) Ben’s Chili Bowl is a must visit destination for nearly every Washingtonian. Ben's is so well known for its delicious chili that it has been featured on numerous television shows as a food destination! The chili is delicious but Ben’s also has some of the best burgers and hot dogs I have ever tasted. Believe it or not, there are a few vegetarian options! ## 3. Day Trip to Georgetown ![Day Trip to Georgetown](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130239_3236_600x450.jpg) I love the architecture of old buildings. Georgetown is filled with historical homes, small shops, and schools … and tons of other things to see during the day. Walk along “M” street and check out the many local stores and ethnic restaurants, or walk along the Georgetown Waterfront. ## 4. Night Walk in Adams Morgan ![Night Walk in Adams Morgan](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130339_9032_600x400.jpg) Adams Morgan is a lively place, particularly at night! When I’m in the mood to try some out-of-this-world ethnic food or entertainment, I head to Adams Morgan. This neighborhood is filled with lots of very cool small businesses. It also has a cosmopolitan feeling that I love! Adams Morgan has everything from used bookstores to great little greasy spoon restaurants and live music! ## 5. Supreme Court Café ![Supreme Court Café](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130426_8913_600x400.jpg) The Supreme Court is filled with beautiful sculptures. It is also filled with the delicious smells of the Supreme Court Café. I love this simple little indoor eatery. It has a great menu and affordable prices. There is a line to get in but it moves pretty quickly. Grab your meal at a table and get ready for some interesting people watching! You might spot a politician or two. ## 6. Taste of DC ![Taste of DC](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/2013/10/27130452_0328_600x410.jpg) One of the best ways to experience DC is to indulge in the good food among tons of people – and people watch a little, if you can. The annual Taste of DC is perfect for this. People come from all over to check out the numerous food stations and live music. The atmosphere is electric! I look forward to this event every year! ## 7. Paddle Boat _ If you are in Washington DC when the weather is nice and cool, try a paddle-boat ride! The boats are docked close to the Jefferson memorial. Take a paddle-boat out on the water and enjoy the scenery or race your friends. This is a nice lazy afternoon activity. There really is no one right way to experience a new city except maybe as a cautious, well-informed traveler. Suggestions from local folks can be invaluable nuggets of information to carry with you. Have you experienced a city like a local? Do you have any tips? Please, share! **Source:** dc.about.com_, _benschilibowl.com_, _washington.org_, _washington.org_, [supremecourt.gov.uk](https://goo.gl/FAE9Ti), _thetasteofdc.org_, [tidalbasinpaddleboats.com](https://boatingindc.com/tidal-basin/) ## Related Posts - [9 of the Worlds Coolest Observation Decks ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/of-the-worlds-coolest-observation-decks/) - [9 Incredible Places to Visit in Malaysia ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/incredible-places-to-visit-in-malaysia/) - [11 Best Christmas Markets in Britain ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/best-christmas-markets-in-britain/) - [circular quay bakery](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/splendid-things-to-do-in-sydney/) - [7 Interesting US Lighthouses You Should Visit ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/interesting-us-lighthouses-you-should-visit/) - [educate yourself online](https://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/wonderful-places-to-educate-yourself-online-for-free/) - [7 Breathtaking and Inspiring Places to Visit in Is...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/breathtaking-and-inspiring-places-to-visit-in-israel/) - [9 Reasons to Visit Paris This Winter That You Will...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/reasons-to-visit-paris-this-winter-that-you-will-love/) - [7 Quirky and Odd Destinations for UK Day Trips ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/quirky-and-odd-destinations-for-uk-day-trips/) - [7 Best German Christmas Markets ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/best-german-christmas-markets/) - [7 Awesome Ways to Travel on a Budget ...](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/awesome-ways-to-travel-on-a-budget/) - [7 Free Things to do in Any City ...](https://allwomenstalk.com/7-free-things-to-do-in-any-city/) ## Site Information - [Main page](https://allwomenstalk.com) - [Contact us](https://allwomenstalk.com/contact.html) - [HTML article](https://travel.allwomenstalk.com/ways-to-experience-washington-dc-like-a-local/)