Writer’s Travel Guide to Washington, DC: Best Writing Spots!

I can’t believe I just recently visited my country’s capital for the first time. Had I known how many great writing spots and inspiration it holds, I likely would have taken a writing retreat to Washington, D.C. much sooner.

But better late than never, and although I did a lot more sightseeing than writing in Washington, D.C., I was (as always) constantly on the lookout for places to stop and write.

Whether you love writing in places with historical ties, beautiful architecture, world class museums, art or nature, Washington, D.C. has it all.

Here are some of those writing spots, along with some of the places I found most inspiring. I hope this post will inspire you to take a solo writing retreat to the American capital city: Washington, D.C.

Where to Write: Washington, D.C.

National Gallery of Art Café

This gorgeous café is in a stunning space, with gorgeous architecture and a centerpiece fountain in the middle.

If you don’t mind noise and crowds (people watching can be inspiring!) then you’ll likely enjoy taking here to write in between exploring this museum’s extensive collection of art.

Emissary

If you love lavender flavored drinks (I’m obsessed), they have lavender syrup that they can add to most drinks. (I had it in my matcha latte—highly recommend.) In addition to coffees and teas, they also serve alcoholic drinks too.

There are two locations in Dupont Circle. I visited both, and both are cozy places to write. The location on P Street is bigger, and while I was there most of the people were quietly working away on their laptops: the best company for writers who like to work in peace.

Café Georgetown

The printed lattes are pretty cool, and you can choose which design to get printed on top of your latte. Beyond that, it was cozy spots inside to write in addition to outdoor seating, and there is a small but trendy bar in the back for evening writers.

Georgetown University

Located in Georgetown, a neighborhood just a short walk or metro ride away from the National Mall, this university has an incredibly beautiful campus.

Find a bench on Copley Lawn or Healy Lawn and admire the beautiful architecture of Healy Hall.

Busboys and Poets

When I saw the name of this restaurant/café on my Google Maps, I immediately guessed correctly that it would be a great writing spot.

It holds a small bookstore in addition to the spacious restaurant and coffeeshop, so you can be surrounded by books as you fuel up on food and drinks while writing. Lots of vegan options too, and it hosts events such as open mics.

Kramers

Another book café I came across was Kramers, located in Dupont Circle. This independent bookstore sold amazing books, and I got one that I’ve been searching quite some time for (Drive Your Plows Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk).

In the back, you’ll find the café, and it’s a great spot to write after browsing the books.

Where to Take a Writing Break: Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Museums

I didn’t realize this, but the famous Smithsonian Museum is made up of several different museum buildings. Most are located along the National Mall, so it’s easy to move between them.

I personally love going to museums when I need inspiration because it’s so easy to get writing ideas. Don’t believe me? Go to a museum and find one. See how easily it will come to you!

[P.S. Check out my free travel-inspired writing prompt for this month; it’s inspired by my love of musuems!]

Capitol Hill Books

This used bookstore is located not far from the National Mall, and it’s a great place to get some quiet and find peace among old books.

And I don’t know about you, but being surrounded by books always makes me feel inspired to write my own!

Also, there are a few armchairs throughout, so those could even be a writing spot during your time in D.C., as long as it’s a short writing session. You don’t want to get in the way of book browsers!

Roosevelt Memorial

This was my favorite memorial in Washington, D.C., and although I didn’t have much time for it, I was struck by how many amazing writing spots it held.

If you love nature, and writing in nature, you’ll agree with me.

The combination of powerful quotes from Roosevelt inscribed in stone and the soundtrack of powerful waterfalls captivated me so much that I was late for timed entry museum ticket. (By the way, you need these timed tickets to enter during Covid, so book those in advance.)

I could have spent hours here, and with lots of tree shaded benches, it would have been an amazing place to write. But even though I didn’t have much time for writing, it was a beautiful place to take a break from the day.

Dumbarton Oaks

If you want wilder nature writing spots in Washington, D.C., this park is for you. Normally, city parks are perfectly manicured and maintained. That’s what I was expecting from Dumbarton Oaks, especially in such a wealthy area. But I was pleasantly surprised with its appearance.

It felt as though I was hiking in a hilly forest in the middle of nowhere, rather than within walking distance of the main attractions of the nation’s capital.

I found some logs and benches to sit on near a creek, and this made for a great place to write in my journal and soak in the nature.

If you’d like a break from your writing spot in a café in Georgetown, this is a great place to go.

Where to Stay: Washington, D.C.

Generator Hotel

One of the places I stayed was at the Generator Hotel, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

The staff were super friendly, it’s in a great location (Dupont Circle) and the place is filled with great writing spots.

Whether you’re on a budget and stay in a dorm room, or have more of a budget and choose a private room, you’ll have a desk in the room to write on.

The lobby has lots of seating options to write too, whether at one of the tables, the café, or in one of the little rooms with bean bags.

And there’s a terrace on the second floor where you can write. If it’s warm, take a writing break in the pool!

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So, there it is! The best places in Washington, D.C. (that I found) for writing spots, writing breaks and a dose of inspiration.

Have you been to Washington, D.C.? Do you have a favorite writing spot there?

If you haven’t, which one of these writing spots are you most eager to try?

Let me know in the comments below!