Beyond museums and monuments

Let’s say you’ve already done the usual Washington, D.C., museums and monuments—or they’re just not your thing—and you’re looking to unwind with unique, grown-up entertainment during the AVMA Convention 2025 and 40th World Veterinary Association Congress, taking place July 18-22. From rooftop cocktails with awesome views to kayaking the Potomac River like a local, here’s your guide to D.C.’s less-trodden paths. Just be sure to check venue schedules or book water rentals early for groups.

Rooftop revelry

D.C.’s steamy summers fade to breezy evenings—perfect for rooftop cocktails with a view.

Some favorites include:

• Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel (2650 Virginia Ave. NW) where patrons can enjoy 360-degree views featuring the Kennedy Center, the Potomac, the Washington Monument, and the rest of the D.C. skyline.

• Whiskey Charlie (975 7th St. SW) also sits near the Potomac and is just down the way from The Anthem, where Meghan Trainor will be headlining this year's AVMA and World Veterinary Association Congress Concert on July 20. Whiskey Charlie’s sunset panorama pairs perfectly with their bourbon flights.
• The Vue Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Washington (515 15th St. NW) is a popular spot. As Conde Nast Traveler put it, “To get better White House views, you'd have to schedule a tour with your Member of Congress.” Vue’s cocktail menu often leans into playful, politically inspired themes, such as the Under Review, a tequila-based cocktail with strawberries and jalapeno that is described as “Sweet on arrival, but the heat builds—like a last-minute policy decision.”

Nightlife beats

Historically known as D.C.’s “Black Broadway,” the U Street Corridor heats up at night with multiple bars and concert venues as well as underground dance clubs and unique eateries. A bonus is that it’s located less than a mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Well-known music venues include the 9:30 Club (815 V St. NW), featuring rock and indie shows. You’ll need to check out the calendar for current events, but artists featured this past year have run the gamut from retro (Franz Ferdinand) to soon-to-be-classic (The Black Keys) to currently trending (Johnnyswim). “The Taylor Party: Taylor Swift Night” is happening on July 18 for any Swifties who will be in town.

If you’re feeling classy, hit jazz joints like U Street’s Jojo Restaurant and Bar (1518 U St. NW) anytime Wednesday through Sunday.

The Howard Theatre (620 T Street NW) was once known for hosting legends such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Today, the refurbished space offers an eclectic array of artists. After a $29 million renovation, the theatre reopened in 2012 and has featured artists such as The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Bad Brains, and Smokey Robinson.

For group barhopping, the Adams Morgan area, centered on the happening nightlife scene around 18th Street, is a go-to hot spot that includes fun places such as Madam’s Organ (2461 18th St. NW). It’s billed as the place “where the beautiful people go to get ugly,” and where you can catch live blues music.

Looking to the downtown area, the Hamilton (600 14th St. NW) provides an eclectic experience located just steps from the White House. It features an impressive, main-level bar and restaurant, plus an  intimate concert venue downstairs—not literally a speakeasy, but with that kind of vibe.

Waterfront adventures

Water excursions are always a refreshing summertime pursuit. Possibilities include the following options:

• Tidal Basin paddle boating (1501 Maine Ave. SW) offers low-key fun near the Jefferson and MLK Jr. memorials, with birdwatching as a bonus. Renters can take a paddle boat out for an hour at a time but should make a reservation first.

• The Wharf Boathouse (710 Wharf St. SW) offers group kayaking and paddle board rentals, plus dining at waterfront restaurants such as Del Mar or La Vie. There’s even a water jitney for quick transportation across the channel, from Ferry Between Recreation Pier to East Potomac Park that is a free service open to the public.
• Bladensburg Waterfront Park (4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg, Maryland) may be located just outside D.C., but is well worth the trek. The facilities offer kayak and canoe rentals for three to four hours at a time and presents a more challenging paddle into the District area.
• The DC Monuments by Moonlight Cruise, offered by Capitol River Cruises, is a 45-minute narrated cruise departing hourly from Georgetown’s Washington Harbour (31st and K St. NW.) Enjoy the sights with a cash bar and no exertion needed.

Georgetown gems

After working up a sweat on the water, step back in time by visiting some historical sites in the Georgetown neighborhood. With its upscale shops, boutiques, and restaurants, Georgetown always offers a classic D.C. experience.

It’s tantalizing to imagine the lives of people who lived within Georgetown’s often-ornate historical mansions and townhouses.

One such location is Tudor Place (1644 31st St. NW), which preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington and offers a unique glimpse into American history through the lives of the enslaved and free people who lived and labored there.

Another option is Dumbarton Oaks (1703 32nd St. NW), where diplomats once hashed out the idea of the United Nations over tea. Now a museum located among a 16-acre oasis of gardens and terraced vistas, it’s perfect for history buffs and garden lovers alike.

Jeanne Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of a consulting firm based in Baltimore.