Plan a musical journey through the nation’s capital and its record shops, music venues, museums and music-centric hotels.
No matter your genre preference – you can be super into jazz, want to explore go-go, rock a punk-inspired get-up or strive to be the ultimate Swiftie – DC offers a range of musical experiences that can take your visit to the next level. We’ve built out a music-focused itinerary that will allow you to maximize your time, from browsing records to learning musical history to taking in an epic show at one of DC’s many venues and concert halls.
Note: The order of the itinerary below is based on proximity and convenience. Make sure to check the upcoming schedules at DC’s music venues as you plan your trip. Fortunately, the city is walkable and easily traversable by Metro, Uber or taxi.
Day 1
Daytime
You’re likely to always be in search of a cool new (or used) LP if you’re in DC to check out the music scene. There are lots of record stores in the city; two longtime standouts are Smash! Records in Adams Morgan and Som Records on 14th Street NW. Take an afternoon walk and scope out the awesome selection in both (they’re only 15-20 minutes from each other).
Nighttime
At the forefront of the city’s music scene since its inception, attending a show at 9:30 Club is a must to enjoy the full DC experience. Since moving to its current location in 1996, world famous acts like Bob Dylan, The Beastie Boys and Radiohead have graced its stage. The calendar always includes a righteous mix of established acts, emerging stars and indie darlings.
Where to Stay
Located inside a former neoclassical church, The Line DC is home to the Half Moon Radio broadcast; its stylish digs make for an ideal stay for a music fan. The Omni Shoreham Hotel is a part of music history: The Beatles stayed there when they were in DC for their first full live concert on American soil.
Day 2
Daytime
Over in Brightwood Park, you can add to your jazz, soul, R&B, funk and go-go collection with a visit to Home Rule Records. Expect heavy drums to be blaring from the speaker. Home Rule also hosts a music festival and record fair each year.
Don’t skip the National Portrait Gallery, where, sprinkled throughout its special and permanent exhibits, you will find legends of American music and the country’s various cultural stages.
Nighttime
Check out a show at a venue with deep DC roots: Black Cat is a 14th Street institution for both rising and established independent artists, its brick façade concealing one of the best soundstages in the city; Blues Alley in Georgetown is a jazz supper club founded in 1965 with a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. While it’s only been open a few years, the 6,000-seat mecca that is The Anthem has already molded memories for thousands of concertgoers at The Wharf (you can also check out acts at the nearby Union Stage and Pearl Street Warehouse).
Where to Stay
Your musical journey can continue with the amenities at Eaton DC. In-room turntables, R&B yoga, a rooftop music venue and sound healing experiences are all available at one of DC’s coolest hotels.
Day 3
Daytime
Secure timed passes to the marvel of a museum that is the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The Culture Galleries will be of particular interest to music fans; standout artifacts include Chuck Berry’s Cadillac and Parliament Funkadelic’s Mothership (both found in Musical Crossroads). After this dose of musical history, head over to the Shaw neighborhood and pay a visit to DC’s newest record store, Decibel Music.
Nighttime
Shaw is also home to the historic Howard Theatre, a hub for jazz musicians during DC’s “Black Broadway” days. Now, the building is home to a state-of-the-art venue that hosts a full spectrum of performers throughout the year. In contrast to one of the city’s oldest venues, there’s the Atlantis, the District’s newest, 450-capacity concert hall located adjacent to the 9:30 Club and opened in style by local rocker Dave Grohl.
Where to Stay
Conclude the evening with a stay at Yours Truly DC, perhaps DC’s most music-centric hotel. Upon request, you’ll be granted an in-room music library and record player, meaning you can listen to the LPs you’ve picked during your trip.
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