Washington, D.C.'s Social Scene:  Not Something You'd Want to Miss

Washington, D.C. has many things to see and do, and can keep you busy for days on end.  If you’re looking for an inexpensive vacation, you should see what Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Why you should visit

Washington, D.C. doesn’t only have a strong historical pull; it's also a place to meet people in a less-garish occasion.  Think about it: when people think about hooking up, Washington, D.C. is probably not the first location in their minds.  But that's where you're at an advantage because there are plenty of occasions and opportunities to meet up in D.C., provided you know exactly what you want.  It's a two-for-the-price-of-one trip – meet someone nice and learn about what made this country great at the same time.

Even the National Museum of American History can be a great place to meet other singles, provided they, like you, have a penchant for past events.  This museum is often the venue for many of the state's free concerts held during the summer months and you can have your fill of diverse musical styles from salsa to bluegrass. 

Other than that, check out the museum itself for its memorabilia.  From the Supreme Court documents that banned segregation to the ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in 'The Wizard of Oz', you'll find nearly everything here that has a cultural and historical significance to the country.

There are plenty of art museums you can check out in Washington, DC, although the two must-not-miss are the National Gallery and the Freer Gallery.  The National Gallery's West Wing houses many of the world's best art works, some of which date back to the 13th century.  If you have a taste for the abstract, check out the East Wing, which displays modern masterpieces in a building designed by the multi-awarded I.M Pei.

The Freer Gallery is a great place to get lost in with a fellow art fan if you both like art with Middle Eastern and Oriental flavors.  Marvel at the ceramics from Iran, silk paintings from China and magical amulets from Egypt.  Some of the pieces are 6,000 years old and even include Biblical manuscripts.

If you can spare more time for art, you can also check out the Corcoran Gallery of Art on 17th Street.  This houses some of the best artworks from renowned American artists such as Stuart and Cassatt but what will really move you are the more famous pieces done by masters such as Corot, Rodin, Renoir, Picasso and Monet.  In between art gazing, have brunch at Café des Artistes in the atrium.

And speaking of food… D.C. is a culinary world of wonders, served up from chic restaurants and alluring patio-style dining.  If you're looking for authentic out-of-this-world cuisine, you'll find it here – Burmese, Peruvian, Turkish, and Belgian are just a few of the things that will tickle your taste bud and give your adventure a boost.

And now on to the party…

If you have a more serious party side, D.C. has a lot in store for you.  For the more adventurous, snagging an invitation to an embassy party is a great way to find out how the powerful and the rich let their hair down.  But if you can't get in, don’t worry about it.  Washington D.C.’s hotels have some of the best entertainment around.  It's an eclectic mix of the famous and the infamous, composed mainly of politicians, celebrities and media personalities.

Check out the scene at bars like the Jefferson Hotel or the Helix Lounges.  Clubs and bars in Washington, D.C. are sleek and trendy and it shouldn’t be hard to find a local to chat up with or rub elbows with a celebrity or if you're really lucky, a supermodel.  If the dancing and the music won't wow you, the décor and interiors certainly will.

When to go

Washington is a busy place but it, too, has its low season and it usually begins from January to the middle of February.  If you don’t mind the huge crowds, come starting April until June or from September to October.  But if you want the friendliest prices for hotels, late February or March is the best time to visit or from early November until the middle of December.

If you’re looking to take a vacation where you can see history, visit many wonderful museums (where most are free), and have a great time, visit Washington, D.C.