Whether during Pride or year-round, visitors and locals can embrace LGBTQ+ culture through queer-owned businesses, rich history, unparalleled performing arts and popular hangouts.
The nation’s capital is among the most diverse and welcoming cities in the world, home to the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ residents of any city in the U.S. Don't miss WorldPride in DC (May 17 – June 8, 2025), even more essential LGBTQ+ experiences and other only-in-DC adventures and itineraries.
Day 1
Morning
Take the Metro to the heart of Dupont Circle (the beloved "old gayborhood"), where DC’s LGBTQ+ community took root in the 1960s and '70s. Townhomes served as safe social spaces, the foundation for fledgling businesses and HQs for civil rights protestors and activists and DC’s first Pride celebration was even held here. For your first meal, head to 17th Street NW, which hosts yearly Pride celebrations and honors the neighborhood’s history year-round – including signature rainbow crosswalks.
Pick from a lineup of hearty brunch plates at Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, which has been open since 1948. The iconic spot is named after Annie Katinas Kaylor, a sister of the original founder, known for being an incredible server and ally.
Afternoon
Continue down 17th Street to explore more of the area and pass by other historic LGBTQ+ businesses like JR's and Floriana. This self-guided tour from Rainbow History Project provides some more detail on the people, places and organizations that shaped the neighborhood. You can also head to the Phillips Collection, whose exhibits often feature the work of queer artists, or Kramers to browse a robust LGBTQ+ section.
If you’re still stuffed from breakfast and just need an afternoon pick-me-up, check out LGBTQ+-owned coffee shops Three Fifty Bakery & Coffee Bar for a craft latte and pastry or Cafe Cino for an incredible drip inside a luscious plant shop.
Spend the rest of the afternoon in neighborhoods shaped by DC’s LGBTQ+ community. Head east to browse Logan Circle, where during the day, you'll find folks relaxing in green spaces and poking around the area's retail scene. Or, skip straight to Adams Morgan, where you can stop into Lost City Books, Miss Pixie’s or any of the vinyl shops and thrift stores along 18th Street NW before you head to dinner.
Evening
For an evening of comfort food and community, make a reservation at Her Diner, a queer and inclusive bar and restaurant on the edge of Adams Morgan.
Afterwards, enjoy a night out on the town at DC's LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Stay in this area and hit up A League of Her Own, Pitchers DC or the famed Madam's Organ. Take a 20-minute walk over to 14th Street where you'll find Crush and Bunker for dancing, plus Spark Social House (ages 18+ after 8 p.m.) for some non-alcoholic socializing.
If you liked the vibe in Logan Circle, get drinks at Logan Tavern and LGBTQ+-owned Jane Jane. You can also go dancing at favorites like Green Lantern and Number Nine.
If you're in town with the family or bars and clubs aren’t your scene, you’ll be sure to laugh until your sides hurt at LGBTQ+-owned Washington Improv Theater.
Day 2
Morning
DC loves a good brunch. If the timing is right, catch a beloved drag brunch at standout spots like Officina (Southwest/Wharf), Perry's (Adams Morgan), Nellie’s (U Street) and City Tap House (Dupont Circle). Even if there isn't a drag show that day, the everyday menus and vibes at these restaurants are stellar.
Afternoon
After brunch, have a low-key afternoon at one of the city's free museums. Hone in on queer artists' work at the stunning National Gallery of Art (and catch a glimpse of the National Mall if you haven't been) or head to the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) in Penn Quarter to see the work of icons like Andy Warhol and Mickalene Thomas. To get the full experience, book a tour with Art with Tosca.
If you have a few extra minutes, hang out in SAAM's picturesque Kogod Courtyard or visit the rooftop of the MLK Memorial Library for some light reading, sun and city views.
Evening
To finish out your itinerary, pick from any number of performing arts venues downtown for an exciting show. Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Ford’s Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company are all known for celebrating diverse stories and all three are within walking distance of each other.
Whether you dine before or after the performance, we recommend Mi Vida (Mexican) and Succotash Prime (Southern), two nearby restaurants in the LGBTQ+-owned KNEAD Hospitality Group portfolio.