Washington, DC, is no stranger to making history. From its towering monuments to its politically active LGBTQ+ communities, the US capital is a city of power, protest, and pride. And come May, DC will play host to WorldPride 2025, ensuring an eye-opening celebration of love, resilience, and community that Trump can watch from his White House window.
Oliver Hall spends a few days exploring the city’s queer hotspots, historic landmarks, and culinary gems to uncover what keeps this capital pumping.
First Impressions: The Weight Of History
When you work in LGBTQ media, you tend to be surrounded by dramatic reactions, so when Trump won his second presidency, I underplayed it in my mind. But stepping off the train in Washington, it all felt so much more real.
Steeped in America’s deep political history, you have Lincoln’s imposing statue staring out at the Washington Monument and beyond to the Capitol Building. That same Capitol that, on January 6, 2021, was attacked by Trump-worshipping vigilantes and conspiracy theorists. It sits majestically at the centre of the National Mall, flanked by the epic Smithsonian museums charting America’s checkered history, triumphs, and progress. And it hits me just what that moment must have been like for Washington residents who could see the insurrection from their offices, apartments, and hotel rooms. In a city where democracy and the presidency are paramount, at a time when COVID-19 vaccines were just beginning to be rolled out—providing a light at the end of a dark pandemic tunnel—it must have felt like Armageddon!
Across multiple unrelated conversations, numerous DC democrats tell me they haven’t watched the news since the election result. Saying they can’t face it after being completely shocked by the election outcome. None of that feels dramatic or over the top, in this city history’s weight and a President’s power feel more mighty than ever.
Checking In: Luxury With a View
To experience DC at its finest, I stayed at the JW Marriott (marriott.com), perched on Pennsylvania Avenue, just steps from the White House and National Mall. The room offered a breathtaking view of the Washington Monument, illuminated against the night sky as I entered for the first time. During my visit, the hotel hosted the International LGBT Leaders Conference, ensuring the lobby was a constant hub of energy and excitement. There’s something comforting about sipping a glass of wine in the hotel’s 1331 Bar & Grill, knowing that you’re surrounded by the queer leaders shaping our future!
Night One: A Gay Old-Time
Adams Morgan is one of DC’s most eclectic neighbourhoods, known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse communities. Dinner at Hank’s Oyster Bar (hanksoysterbar.com), a lesbian-owned favourite, set the tone for the evening with its classy cocktails and celebratory bistro ambience. While oysters aren’t typically my thing, I had to try the Hog Island-style oysters, which are drenched in white wine, butter, shallots, garlic, and parmesan before being barbecued with a drop of Tabasco. Verdict? Divine!
From there, it was time to dive into DC’s gay nightlife. While Pitchers (@pitchersdc) and A League of Her Own (@alohodc) are must-visit bars for queer women and sports fans, my guide wants me to see The Little Gay Pub (@thelittlegaypub), a cosy, welcoming spot with the feel of a traditional English pub. This venue is small but packed with friendly faces and personality—and yes, its Instagram-famous opulent bathrooms (@royal_flush_lpg) live up to the hype, featuring a gold ruler welded into the sink (in case anything needs to be flopped out and measured)!
The night didn’t end there. DC locals are keen to share their story and most importantly to them, their career trajectory. Following a work-hard, play-hard ethic, some new friends took me on to the Green Lantern (greenlanterndc.com), a lively, no-frills club, and somehow managed to get my shirt off on the dance floor—something I never do, but that night the energy just felt right! It’s 4am when I arrive back at the JW, making for an unforgettable first night (and second-day hangover).
Day Two: The Whitehouse and The Wharf
After recovering with the JW’s magnificent breakfast spread, I set out to explore Black Lives Matter Plaza, a two-block-long pedestrian section of 16th Street NW that offers one of the best views of the White House. Here, a group had gathered, dancing to Motown classics while holding signs that read: ‘Stop Hating Each Other Because You Disagree’.
I then headed to The People’s House (thepeopleshouse.org), a new interactive museum dedicated to the history of the White House. While I was initially disappointed that public tours of the White House were no longer available, The People’s House made up for it with state-of-the-art replicas of iconic rooms, including a fully recreated Oval Office. An attendant tells me that artwork in The People’s House will immediately be removed when a new president has it taken down in the White House, to ensure the two mirror each other exactly.
For lunch, I embraced the festive spirit at Urban Roast (urbanroastdc.com), a seasonal hotspot decked out in over-the-top holiday decor for the likes of Valentine’s, Halloween and Christmas. The flights of martinis and hot chocolates only enhance this ‘influencer’s dream’, which makes it a popular spot – so be sure to book.
Dinner at Mi Vida (mividamexico.com), located at The Wharf, turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. Run by the gay-owned Knead Hospitality & Design (kneadhd.com), Mi Vida serves up modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on bold, fresh flavours. The Salmon En Salsa De Pina stole the show—it was the best thing I ate in DC! The elevated level of service and the restaurant’s innovative layout convinced me I would happily dine in any of Knead’s ambitiously expanding list of restaurants.
When I last visited Washington, twenty years ago The Wharf was a neglected area on the Southwest Waterfront that few tourists would include on an itinerary. Now I eat dinner with a dazzling view of a boat parade that thousands of locals have gathered to see, and after dinner, I am just steps away from the show I am off to see at the Arena Stage theatre (arenastage.org). With Broadway, just a 3.5-hour Amtrak ride North, Arena Stage attracts an impressive programme of touring shows and helps round out The Wharf as an entertainment hub for an exciting night out.
After seeing the fantastic play, Data, I cap off the night with a cocktail at Moonraker (pendry.com), a stunning rooftop bar perched atop the Pendry Hotel. With views over The Wharf and the Potomac River, it was the perfect spot to toast to an enlightening day.
Day Three: Dupont Circle & Georgetown
No queer trip to DC is complete without a visit to Dupont Circle, the city’s historic “Gaybourhood”. I started the morning with a self-guided walking tour curated by the Rainbow History Project (which you can download from rainbowhistory.org). This took me past iconic sites like Barbie Pond on Q Street, a privately owned (nativity-like) public art display featuring an ever-changing scene of Barbie dolls with an interpretable meaning being it.
That morning, the Dupont Circle Farmers Market (widely regarded as the best in the city), is pumping with locals grabbing artisanal cheeses, homemade pastries, and healthy juices. I restrain myself however for I have plenty of eating coming my way in DC’s most attractive suburb, Georgetown.
The Georgetown Food Tour (dcmetrofoodtours.com), a 3.5-hour culinary adventure through this picturesque neighbourhood, teaches you about Georgetown’s history through a foodie frame. We pass by notable spots like Jackie Kennedy’s beautiful house, Martin’s Tavern (where JFK proposed) and learn bout tiny spit houses (often erected by warring neighbours), on our way to try a variety of small plates from some of Georgetown’s very best restaurants. Highlights include:
- Il Canale – A cozy Italian trattoria serving up mascarpone gnocchi and marinara meatballs (ilcanale.com).
- Bodega – A lively Spanish tapas bar where we indulged in patatas bravas and dates wrapped in bacon (bodegadc.com).
- El Centro – A festive Mexican eatery offering zesty chicken tortilla soup and Chesapeake Bay enchiladas filled with crab and prawns (elcentrodf.com).
I stroll away happily stuffed and clutching a ticket to the hottest show in town!
Blues Alley Jazz Club (bluesalley.com) is a DC institution and everyone is impressed when I mention I have a booking that night because they are pretty hard to get. I catch a festive show from guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli, but the Blues Alley is really all about the venue, which the New York Times described as America’s “finest jazz and supper club.” This intimate space attracts a wealth of critically acclaimed award-winning musicians – in fact, I can’t see a performer on their line-up who hasn’t been nominated for at least one Grammy. Throw in a couple of DC’s finest craft beers and I have a thoroughly enjoyable evening surrounded by music royalty.
I have a final nightcap checking out the drag shows at nearby bar KiKi (@dcwannahaveakiki). It reminds me that there is so much drag talent in America that RuPaul could and probably will cast another 25 seasons of Drag Race!
Day Four: H Street & The National Mall
I started my final day in DC on a Big Bus Tour (bigbustours.com) to explore the city’s legendary Smithsonian museums – my favourite was the Air & Space that takes us through man’s first successful plane flights and rocket launches into space with priceless original crafts surrounding you. As my time is limited, I jump on a highlights tour, given by one of the museum’s longest-serving staff, followed by the jaw-dropping ‘Dark Universe’ show at their Planetarium – voiced by Neil deGrasse Tyson, no less!
Of the city’s many iconic landmarks, the Lincoln Memorial’s stoic presence is my favourite, as it stares austerely across at the Capitol with the lifelike Vietnam Veterans Memorial nestled at its steps. The Big Bus Tour’s commentary offers insights into smaller details you might miss, like the statue of Albert Einstein, which’s just begging to be a selfie setting.
For my final meal in DC, I dined at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse (anniesparamountdc.com), a beloved LGBTQ+ institution with over 75 years of history. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of gay men reuniting for the festive season. This institution feels like the queer beating heart of DC where found-families gather and enjoy each other. The key lime pie, with its delightfully homemade uneven crust, was the perfect sweet finale to a thought-provoking and heart-warming day.
Final Thoughts
I have no doubt that as a WorldPride host, Washington, DC, will seamlessly blend history, activism, and celebration. Whether you are exploring the monuments of the National Mall, diving into LGBTQ+ nightlife, or indulging in world-class dining, there’s something for everyone.
At a time when those in power might seek to oppress us, this event will be a powerful reminder of our strength, resilience and unity.
For more information, visit washington.org and follow @VisitWashingtonDC on socials. #Only1DC
United Airlines is our official WorldPride airline partner, making your Pride dreams take flight! Don’t miss a moment of the festivities – book your flights now at united.com
