We’re here, we’re queer, we’re in our nation’s capital! Washington, D.C. has a thriving LGBTQ+ community and with 14% of the city’s population identifying as LGBTQ+, even recently earning the title of ‘the gayest city in America.’
Washington, D.C. is filled with queer history, activism, an amazing culinary scene; outdoor festivals and farmers markets; a thriving sapphic community, and tons of gay things to do!
Enjoy this full LGBTQ+ guide to Washington, D.C.!
[This post may contain affiliate links. If you use my links, I get a small percentage without costing you a thing. Thank you for using my links and supporting my blog! xoxo]
Washington, D.C.’s History of Queer Activism
Washington, D.C. has been a central hub of activism for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1960s, and pivotal in the queer community’s ongoing fight for civil rights.
Trailblazing LGBTQ+ groups such as the Mattachine Society of Washington (MSW), the Gay Liberation Front-DC, and the Gay Activists Alliance/DC paved the way for LGBTQ liberation with campaigns and protests in the 1960s and 70s.
Historic acts and campaigns include invading the American Psychiatric Association’s annual convention to protest the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder; campaigns against federally sanctioned discrimination in the civil service and military; pressing for the repeal of sodomy laws; and creating regional and national homophile organizations in order to continue and expand upon the fight for civil rights for LGBTQ+ citizens, many of which are still in existence today.
In recent years, D.C. has continued to lead the LGBTQ+ rights movement with landmark events such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2010 and ongoing efforts to support transgender rights and fight discrimination that we still face today.
The Best Time to Visit D.C
While D.C. is beautiful all year-round, springtime in Washington, D.C is a must-see. Every spring, Washington, D.C. transforms into a pink paradise; filled with cherry blossoms, cherry blossom decor, and cherry blossom themed events. It is STUNNING.
In 1912, over 3,000 cherry trees were gifted by the mayor of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. as a token of friendship between the two countries. Nowadays, over 18,000 cherry trees bloom throughout D.C., and to celebrate, the city hosts the National Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. The event is now known for being D.C.’s highlight event of the season!
National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is hosted each March at the Tidal Basin and spans four weeks throughout Washington, D.C. and neighboring communities in Maryland and Virginia.
The festival is packed with free entertainment, family-friendly activities, cherry-blossom-themed art installations, and plenty of delicious cherry blossom-infused food and drinks. We loved how D.C. really went full-force and embraced the theme, even down to the small details.
The best time to visit D.C.’s cherry blossoms changes every year. Typically the best time to go is the last week of March to the first week of April. Make sure to track the cherry blossom forecast to visit during peak season.
Washington, D.C.’s Gayborhoods
Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle is widely recognized as one of Washington, D.C.’s most prominent gayborhoods and has been known as a cultural and social hub for D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community since the 1970s. The neighborhood features a variety of queer-owned and queer-friendly bars, clubs, shops, and cafes such as JR’s Bar and Grill, Annie’s Paramount Steakhouse, and The Dirty Goose, to name a few.
While you’re in the area, I recommend checking out the Dupont Circle Fountain (one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic landmarks), snapping some pictures with the rainbow crosswalk, or doing a free self-guided LGBTQ+ walking tour.
Capitol Hill
Beyond its political landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress, Capitol Hill has also historically been a social and residential focal point for D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community, as well as the epicenter of queer activism.
Capitol Hill is home to the Human Rights Campaign headquarters, a pivotal organization in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights nationwide; Eastern Market, which is the oldest public market in the city and full of diverse vendors; and Barracks Row, which is lined with queer-friendly shops, restaurants, and bars.
While you’re in Capitol Hill, swing by Little District Books, a quaint bookshop with a mission of uplifting LGBTQ+ creators; grab a coffee or a cocktail at As You Are, a café-by-day and bar-by-night hotspot located in Eastern Market; or stop into Ted’s Bulletin for all-day brunch.
Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is known for being one of Washington, D.C.’s most eclectic and diverse neighborhoods, and has a booming cultural scene! With its blend of historic charm, artistic flair, and steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Adams Morgan is a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ life and culture in Washington, D.C.
The neighborhood’s streets are lined with colorful murals and a mix of independent shops, international restaurants, and lively nightlife venues, including A League of Her Own, a lesbian sports bar, and Duplex Diner, a community staple known for its queer events and drag brunch.
A significant landmark in the area is the Adams Morgan Heritage Trail, which tells the story of the neighborhood’s diverse heritage and how it became the inclusive, welcoming community that it is today. The Heritage Trail is a free, self-guided walking tour lined with informational markers that show details about notable events, businesses, and residents throughout Adams Morgan’s history. It’s worth taking the time to check out, even if you only have the chance to visit a few stops!
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
While we were in D.C., we stayed at the Westin Washington, D.C. City Center and loved its convenient location in the heart of the city. The hotel’s location provided easy access to major attractions like the White House, the National Mall, and many nearby museums and monuments. It’s also a more affordable option.
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, here are a few more options:
- Riggs Washington, D.C. (luxury, French-inspired boutique hotel converted from the historic Riggs National Bank)
- Hotel Hive (D.C.’s first micro hotel within walking distance to local museums. Pet-friendly and super trendy)
- The Poppy Georgetown (located in the historic East Village neighborhood of Georgetown, Washington D.C. and a short stroll from Dupont Circle Metro Station)
LGBTQ-Friendly Restaurants in D.C.
- Ted’s Bulletin (all-day brunch spot)
- Three Fifty Bakery & Cafe (queer-owned bakery & coffee bar)
- Colada Shop (Caribbean-inspired breakfast)
- Immigrant Food (world flavors with an advocacy-focused mission)
- Ambar Capitol Hill (unlimited Balkan dining)
- Red Bear Brewing (queer-owned brewery)
Gay Things to Do in Washington. D.C.
- Explore DC’s gayborhood, Dupont Circle
- Stop by the Dupont Circle Fountain
- Take a walk down Dupont Circle’s rainbow crosswalk (located at 17th Street & Dupont Circle)
- Go on a self-guided LGBTQ+ walking tour of Dupont Circle, organized by the Rainbow History Project
- Visit one of the many local gay bars or nightclubs (see below)
- Walk through P Street Beach, the park where DC’s first Pride event was hosted in 1972 (23rd and P Streets, NW)
- Browse through DC’s only queer bookstore, Little District Books
- Do a queer women history tour with A Tour of Her Own
- Take photos with the Love Mural and Stars and Bars Mural in Blagden Alley (44 Blagden Alley)
- Attend the National Cherry Blossom Festival
- Shop through Eastern Market
- Visit the National Mall and Monuments
- Explore the Wharf
- Enjoy sunset dining on the Potomac with Nautiste’s private yacht experiences
Gay Bars and Clubs in Washington, D.C.
- Red Bear Brewing Co (queer-owned brewery)
- JR’s Bar & Grill (gay bar & restaurant with weekly events and popular show-tunes singalongs)
- The Dirty Goose (craft cocktails & energetic nightlife)
- Larry’s Lounge (queer neighborhood pub with a dog-friendly patio)
- Number Nine (two story, indoor-outdoor lounge & video bar)
- Trade (gay dive bar)
- Green Lantern (gay lounge with special events, live dancers, & ‘80s nights)
- Uproar (bear bar, lounge, & restaurant)
- Pitchers (gay sports bar)
- Nellie’s Sports Bar (gay sports pub with games on TV, drag events, & poker nights)
- The Fireplace (gay dive bar)
- Freddie’s Beach Bar (LGBTQ+ bar & restaurant with weekend buffet brunch)
- The Little Gay Pub (cozy gay pub with outdoor seating)
- Shakers (neighborhood bar with weekly events)
- Kiki (LGBTQ+ dance bar with outdoor seating)
Lesbian Bars in Washington, D.C.
- As You Are (LGBTQIA cafe, bar, and dance club)
- A League of Her Own (lesbian sports bar with a dance floor and monthly events)
- Republic Restoratives (lesbian-owned distillery)
WorldPride is coming to Washington, D.C. in 2025!
WorldPride is a global LGBTQ+ festival hosted by InterPride, with host cities selected via bid votes—much like the Olympics!
WorldPride in Washington, D.C. is scheduled to take place from May 22 to June 8, 2025, with festivities spanning multiple iconic locations across the city, including the National Mall, Dupont Circle, and the historic U Street Corridor. WorldPride D.C. 2025 includes a welcoming ceremony at one of D.C.’s state-of-the-art sports arenas, a massive parade on June 7 through the heart of D.C., the Capital Cup LGBT sports festival, D.C. Black Pride, and multiple concerts and live performances by renowned celebrities and performers throughout the week-long celebration of equality and LGBTQ+ culture.
The mission of the event is to promote visibility and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues on an international level while also bringing together members of our global LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
2025 will be the second time having a U.S.-based host city in the event’s history (the first was NYC in 2019).
See you at WorldPride 2025!!
If you enjoyed this article, check out my other queer itineraries!
No Comments