Welcome to Washington — with its iconic monuments, vast museums, and memorials, DC is the place to be. The hub of the U.S. government thrums with an electric current of drama, and grandeur: it is, after all, a veritable hotbed of power and politics, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty to do, especially if staggering around the corridors of power isn’t to your liking.
For the best Halal vacation to DC, here are the top 5 things to do in the city:
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Often referred to as the museum mile, the 2-mile-long park snaking through the capital is home to DC’s acclaimed Smithsonian museums, most of which are entirely free to enter. Pop by the National Air & Space Museum to ogle at Neil Armstrong’s spacesuit and the world’s very first plane, the 1903 Wright Flyer, or mosey on over to the National Museum of American History to see the original “Star-Spangled Banner”, Darwin’s pigeons and snap a selfie with real Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street!
Definitely one of the top things to do in Washington!
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Slow down with a trip to Washington’s oldest neighborhood, Georgetown. Take a leisurely stroll around its charming, cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning federal architecture that makes this little borough one of the top things to do in Washington.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, Simply Banh Mi makes some of the best Halal food in Washington. Not so far along is the city’s most prominent mosque, the Grand Mosque of Washington DC, which is definitely worth paying respects to.
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Secluded bike trails, idyllic kayaking, and picture-perfect views — The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is one of the top things to do in Washington. The best time to make this one of your Washington visiting places is during the summer when the canal is open for boat rides.
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A short jaunt from the capital lies the famed Great Fall Park. Located right along the banks of the Potomac River, this small, picturesque site is the perfect place to escape from the press and push of the city.
Hike past roaring waterfalls, along steep clifftops, or indulge your inner adrenaline junkie with some white water rafting — your trip will be better for having visited one of Washington’s fun places.
Note: This is on the outskirts of the city, and there aren’t any Mosques or Halal restaurants nearby so be sure to plan accordingly! You can grab some Halal meals from The Halal Guys, DCG, or the Charcoal Town Shawarma before embarking on your journey.
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This beautiful, 446-acre property is a lush, verdant patchwork quilt of gardens and exhibits that’s open to the public all year round.
From imposing Japanese maples to itty-bitty Chinese bonsai, the arboretum boasts a stunning collection of plants from all over the world. Small wonder that it’s one of Washington’s top attractions.
There’s plenty of Halal restaurant options nearby, but we recommend the Sakina Halal grill for kabobs like you’ve never had before — it’s among the best Washington Halal restaurants out there.
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And that’s all for our list of the top things to do in Washington! What about you? Do you spot any of your favorites on this list?
For more destination ideas, check out our travel blog to find locations of halal restaurants and mosques near you.