The Beach DC Dining Traveler
To be a kid again!

There’s an exhibition in Washington, DC capturing everyone’s imagination (and Instagram accounts).  It’s called The Beach at the National Building Museum.  Imagine 10,000 translucent balls in the middle of the refined marble structure of the museum. Imagine feeling like a kid again jumping around this oasis of imagination.  That’s “The Beach!”

The Scene at The Beach DC
The Scene at The Beach DC

The Scene:  I arrived to The Beach DC on a Tuesday morning at 10:15am (exhibition opens at 10am).  There was already a short line of people eager to enter the exhibition.  Upon entering, the first thing you see are dozens of strollers “parked” on the side and dozens of children wildly jumping into “The Beach.”  The space is bright white, lined with beach chairs and umbrellas, which contrast the classic marble beams and rich wood details of the National Building Museum.

The Beach DC Dining Traveler
To be a kid again!

Local vibe: I love that The Beach DC has special times in which local residents can go for free.  There are designated dates for each ward (see special dates here).  Another local touch is the Union Kitchen snack bar.  Union Kitchen is a local food incubator where local business owners can produce food products.  The snack bar is filled with local and sustainable treats such as chocolates, fruit snacks, handmade peanut butter cups, and even kombucha.  Craving more Union Kitchen treats?  Visit their Union Kitchen Grocery for locally made goodies.

The Beach DC Union Kitchen Stand
Snacks from Union Kitchen

My experience:  Upon arrival, I fueled up with delicious fruit treats of Go Chews and Capital Kombucha.  After all, I needed the energy to brave a sea of screaming kids.  I took off my shoes, took a deep breath, and plunged into “The Beach DC.”  I immediately felt like a kid again jumping around the sea of white balls.  Kids and adults alike were having a blast.  Tip: screaming kids not your thing?  Get a ticket for The Beach After Dark.

Union Kitchen The Beach DC snacks
My snacks made with love in Washington, DC

The verdict:  If you want to feel like a kid again and swim among good vibes, The Beach DC is the place for you.  Practical tips: buy your tickets  ahead of time ($16 adult, free for children 2 and under, $8 for children 3-13), arrive early, and wear comfortable clothes as you’re going to be jumping around.

The Dining Traveler tips on what to do nearby: Get some fresh air at the Sculpture Garden, lunch at Mitsitam Cafe, or dinner at Zengo.

The Beach DC National Building Museum
View from Above at The Beach DC

6 COMMENTS

Comments are closed.