Are You an Night Owl in DC? Check Out Night Time Activities in DC Now
One of the top late-night activities in DC is visiting the Kennedy Center to catch one of its performances – from theatre and opera performances, ballet classes, comedy acts and much more.
1. Visit a Bar
Any DC traveler looking for an upscale cocktail, a cold one or just something simple should visit at least one bar during their visit to DC. With some of the best bars in America available here, it is sure that there is one suitable for any taste or style imaginable!
If you’re looking to have some evening fun at a bar, consider going on an historic pub crawl tour. Not only will you learn how drinking helped form the city itself but you’ll also have an opportunity to sample local beers!
U Street Corridor is always bustling, especially at night! Here you’ll find many bars with some of the finest music around!
2. Go Ice Skating
Experience DC like never before this winter at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden’s Ice Rink! Open daily through March 5, this spectacular attraction combines art and skating amid large sculptures for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
This rink, located between 7th and 9th Streets along Constitution Avenue NW on the National Mall is a popular meeting point for both locals and visitors. Furthermore, it hosts various celebrations throughout the season.
This 11,800-square-foot ice rink on the water boasts breathtaking views of the Potomac River, Kennedy Center, and Roosevelt Island – perfect for families! Plus it regularly offers discounted admission on Tuesday, College Night events, and Saturday morning cartoon skates – making this an enjoyable place for skating families alike!
3. Take a Moonlit Tour of the National Mall
Experience Washington DC monuments illuminated after dark on a private tour of the National Mall with us! A night tour is sure to leave an indelible mark!
On this tour you will have the chance to visit iconic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and more. Plus, take some beautiful night pictures of these iconic landmarks!
This tour is one of the top nighttime attractions in D.C. You will get to view both the Capitol Building and White House from various perspectives during this tour.
4. Try an Escape Room
Escape rooms offer an entertaining way for friends and families alike to spend an enjoyable evening together. Resembling movie set rooms, these immersive experiences offer puzzles and clues you must solve within an hour to complete them successfully.
Escape Rooms can also provide a fun and interactive way to bring together a group. By encouraging teamwork and stimulating competitive spirit among members of your group, Escape Rooms provide an engaging way for people to unify in one shared experience.
There are a handful of escape rooms in DC, and each is designed to immerse you in another world with different themes and eye-catching design features. From superhero games to mystery adventures, these DC escape rooms will keep you engaged for hours on end!
5. Visit the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is an exciting destination for art and history enthusiasts. Situated in the historic Old Patent Office Building, this museum houses 17 galleries that display portraits of American leaders and other historical figures.
The museum also houses an art gallery to showcase American art community. This gallery hosts paintings and sculptures by some of today’s acclaimed artists.
One of the best things to do at night in the National Portrait Gallery is take a guided tour with one of their knowledgeable tour guides. Your guide can share more about its history while showing some of the finest works in their collection.
National Gallery Nights events at the museum offer live music, light food and drinks – an evening experience with something for everyone!
6. Take a Ghost Tour
Washington DC is famous for its historic landmarks and grandiose buildings, but many visitors may be unaware of its dark past. Discover what lies underneath monuments and grand buildings through an expertly guided ghost tour in DC.
Discover a lesser-known side to DC on this adults-only ghost tour, which takes visitors through several historical sites. Here, visitors will hear tales of witches, betrayal and murder that take place throughout D.C.
Take a stroll through Georgetown and listen to tales of supernatural happenings and true crime on this ghost tour, featuring a special souvenir in store at its conclusion! Additionally, see The Exorcist steps, Oak Hill Cemetery and more on this exciting excursion!
7. Visit a Museum
DC museums that stay open late make for an entertaining night out, offering everything from guided tours to musical performances and more! Late-night visits provide many options for museum enthusiasts.
The National Gallery of Art makes for an enjoyable evening out, particularly during spring. Not only can visitors see beautiful art but this museum hosts various events like an annual beer festival which showcases local craft breweries.
The Library of Congress is another popular destination for after-hours entertainment, offering performances, workshops and discussions each Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. These free public events welcome anyone.
8. Go on a Nighttime Tour of the Monuments
No matter if you are visiting Washington DC as a tourist or living here for any length of time, make sure that you set aside enough time to visit some of its monuments. These iconic structures stand as visual markers and tell important tales from our nation’s past.
At night, seeing monuments offers another magical chance to appreciate their beauty and meaning. Their lights become even more striking while crowds are much thinner – offering another stunning experience!
Are you looking for an immersive night tour experience without crowds of monuments to explore? Join a Monuments by Moonlight tour. These tours explore eight monuments which light up at night!
9. Go on a Nighttime Tour of the National Mall
One of the best ways to experience the National Mall is with a nighttime tour. You’ll get to witness iconic spots such as Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and others all illuminated under new light.
Make the most of your photography experience without being hindered by other tourists! Many tour companies provide evening tours of the National Mall.
Most paths and walkways are lit, however you should use extra caution in the Tidal Basin area where its waterfront can become dim at night. Be wary of homeless individuals.
10. Go on a Nighttime Tour of the National Mall
Visit the National Mall after dark to experience a different side of DC – you’ll get to witness its monuments and government buildings lit up beautifully against the darkness.
One effective way of exploring DC at nighttime is with a nighttime tour. Your guide will introduce you to all the landmarks while imparting their history.
Nighttime tours in your area provide plenty of sightseeing and fun activities, while others are more focused on being less crowded than daytime ones.
