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Washington, D.C., may call to mind marble columns and impassioned debates, but scratch the surface and you’ll uncover a community thriving on accessibility, diversity, and purpose-driven experiences. Marissa Strang knows this better than most. Born and raised in the District, she spent years in a buttoned-up marketing gig before stepping away in 2022 to launch The Marissa Daily, a travel platform for anyone who’s ever felt priced—or profiled—out of exploring the world. “D.C. proves that wellness can be both budget-friendly and authentic—it’s about who you meet, not what you spend,” she says. That blend of openness and affordability shapes how Strang sees and talks about her city to out-of-towners. Below, Strang shares her go-to itinerary for a wellness weekend in D.C., highlighting markets, cultural studios, and nonalcoholic cocktail lounges that just might make you rethink the city’s reputation—no congressional pass required.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
D.C. is home to three major airports (Reagan National, Dulles, and BWI), and it’s well-connected to the Northeast corridor by Amtrak if you prefer rail. Once there, the Metro and bus lines are straightforward and affordable, while Capital Bikeshare stations offer easy, short-distance rentals. Much of downtown is walkable, though a rideshare is just an app tap away if you need to zip across town. The bottom line? D.C.’s accessibility and well-thought-out transit options make it a cinch for first-timers to navigate.
Visit washington.org to start planning.