Head Out on a Capital Ride in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is a city everyone everywhere knows. If nothing else, they’re aware it’s the capital of the United States and home to both the White House and the Congress.
But Washington, D.C., is so much more than just the political heart of America. The city is also a fascinating riding destination, with historical landmarks galore, excellent restaurants both classic and modern, and countless museums and parks—and, of course, excellent riding roads within a short distance.
Already the 1789 U.S. Constitution called for establishing a federal district at the mouth of the Potomac River, the creation of which was approved the following year. Washington was officially founded in 1791 and formed into the District of Columbia in 1801.
The original iteration of D.C. also swallowed the nearby Georgetown and Alexandria. The latter was returned to Virginia in 1846, while Georgetown is today one of D.C.’s hip shopping neighborhoods.
As for the rest of Washington, D.C.’s, history, well… It’s American history. As the seat of the U.S. government, the city is part of every major event our country has been involved in.
Maybe I should point out the year 1812 as a special occasion, since that’s when the British burned down the city. Or at least they tried—a storm forced the Redcoats to retreat within 24 hours, and most of the damage was quickly repaired.
Today, D.C. is nominally a separate entity, but it might as well be one city within the surrounding tri-state area, due to close public transport connections and employment.
The most famous landmark of Washington, D.C., is—of course—the White House. The home of the President of the U.S., its significance for both historical and current events can’t be overstated.
But if it’s historical sights you’re after, you can’t do much better than Washington. To begin with, you should stroll through the National Mall to see the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool, the Lincoln Memorial, and memorials to various past wars.
I recommend walking through the National Mall from east to west. You can then easily cross the bridge from the Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington National Cemetery to pay your respects to the fallen.
There are many more historically important places in the city, too, such as the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. You’ll also find museums upon museums, from big ones like the Smithsonian museums to smaller but still interesting sites, such as the Old Stone House, the oldest D.C. structure on its original foundation.
If you or your pillion rider like shopping, head on over to CityCenterDC or the M Street in Georgetown to find cool stores, boutiques, and galleries. I recommend checking out the Wharf, though. Not only is it a fun waterside area with many restaurants and little shops, but it also houses my personal favorite, the Municipal Fish Market.
Riders looking to stretch their legs can head over to Rock Creek Park. Here you’ll find multiple walking trails, a golf course, and tennis courts, alongside Civil War fortifications, colonial houses, and more.
Finally, you shouldn’t forget the surrounding area, where the most significant thing to see is George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Spend some time exploring the region’s cities that have fused into D.C., like Alexandria, Arlington, and Bethesda.
Yet, the best thing about our capital city is that I’ve only touched on the biggest and most famous sights and attractions. There’s so much more to see, so make sure to point your front wheel to Washington, D.C.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- National Mall
- Smithsonian Museums
- The Wharf
- Rock Creek Park
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Nearby Roads
US 50 stretches through Washington, offering you two different ways to tackle this cross-country highway. Heading east, US 50 will take you to Ocean City, MD, and its beaches; westward, you’ll ride through rural Virginia before arriving in the West Virginia mountains.
Another ride you could do is to take SR 210 south from Alexandria down to Potomac Heights. There, you can hop onto (the slightly dilapidated) SR 224 for a relaxing if bumpy ride to the area’s pretty Potomac River parks.
If you’re up for a longer cruise, Front Royal, VA, is only about an hour away from Washington. Here you’ll find the northern terminus of Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park, which eventually joins the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Recommended Lodging
Morrison-Clark Inn
There’s plenty of history in Washington, D.C., and a stay at the Morrison Clark Inn puts you right in the middle of it. Only a few minutes’ walk from the White House, the hotel is located in a Victorian mansion built in 1864 that’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
The rooms are large and well-appointed, coming with all modern comforts despite Morrison-Clark’s historical vibe. With its central location, the hotel is close to D.C.’s many restaurants, but you can also dine at the on-site American restaurant.
For motorcyclists, however, the most important thing is that Morrison-Clark offers private (separately paid) parking. Parking space is a precious commodity in D.C., after all. The per-day fee isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s affordable compared to most other hotels in the city.
Food & Dining
Washington, D.C., is a true melting pot of culinary traditions from all over the globe. That’s fantastic news for foodies, as you can find whatever you desire, from red-blooded American burgers to exotic foreign cuisines and fascinating fusion dishes.
- Old Ebbitt Grill: The oldest (or at least oldest recorded) saloon in Washington stands by the White House and has served many of our presidents. Its breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus include American classics, alongside excellent pastas and oysters. Find it at 675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C.
- Del Mar: Located on the Wharf, this upscale restaurant is pretty pricey—but the first-class Spanish seafood dishes are worth one night of splurging. Find it at 791 Wharf St, Washington, D.C.
- Love, Makoto: If you like any type of Japanese food, Love, Makoto will serve it to you. This establishment hosts fast-casual Asian restaurants with a Japanese steakhouse, a sushi bar, and an izakaya bar in one place, allowing you to choose your favorite. Find it at 200 Massachusetts Ave, Ste 150, Washington, D.C.
Best Time to Travel
You should plan your motorcycling trip to Washington, D.C., some time in the spring between April and June. At this time of year, you’ll encounter mild temperatures, you can see the city’s famous cherry blossoms, and you’ll find plenty of public events. You’ll also encounter smaller crowds, though you should still book accommodations well in advance.
Summer is good for visiting, too, as long as you’re prepared for hot and humid weather. This is also when the tourist hordes are at their largest.