What the Locals Do in Washington, D.C.

If you want to "go native" and get a sense for D.C. as the locals know it, try these experiences.

Happy Hour on the Hill

At 6 pm on a weekday evening, bars in D.C. are hopping like a Saturday night. The happy-hour culture here is strong, as government employees, lawyers, and other city workers unwind or network over half-price beers, well drinks, and pub grub. For the quintessential D.C. happy-hour experience, throw on something business casual and head to the Hill—no one will know you're not a congressional staffer.

Shop at an Outdoor Market

Instead of sleeping in on a Saturday morning, grab your trusty canvas bag and a wad of cash and head to one of D.C.'s outdoor markets. The best-known venue, Eastern Market on Capitol Hill, underwent a modernization and restoration project after a devastating fire in 2007, and the building is gorgeous. It is the place to buy a quick meal or picnic ingredients and mingle with residents. On weekends there are craft, flea, and produce markets. The Dupont Circle farmers' market and Georgetown flea market are also popular with residents.

Dine on Ethiopian Food

The District's many Ethiopian expats have introduced the community to their unique African cooking. The best restaurants, such as Etete, are in the U Street neighborhood. Meat and vegetarian dishes are ladled onto a large round of spongy injera bread, and diners eat with their hands, ripping off pieces of bread to scoop up the delectable stews. Using your hands instead of utensils adds to the sensual appeal of this cuisine.

Go for a Bike Ride

Your typical Mall-and-monuments tourist may not know that D.C. is home to several great bike trails. The Capitol Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Trail are popular routes between D.C. and Maryland. For hard-core bikers, the Custis Trail in Arlington links D.C. to the 45-mi Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) trail in Virginia, while the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) towpath runs for nearly 185 mi between D.C and western Maryland. On a warm, sunny day, expect to find the paths bustling with cyclists, rollerbladers, and strollers.

Hang Out on U Street

You won't find many tourists in the U Street neighborhood, and many locals have only recently discovered the area. During the day, browse through the unique boutiques that line 14th and U streets NW, or read the Washington CityPaper at one of the many cafés. In the evening, select from trendy or ethnic restaurants, hang out at a local bar like the Chi Cha Lounge, or catch live music at the 9:30 Club or Bohemian Caverns.

Catch a Flick

A typical date night's dinner and a movie gets a little more exciting in D.C. In July and August locals head to the Mall for Screen on the Green, which shows classic films alfresco.

Several movie halls around the city play host to Filmfest DC (www.filmfestdc.org), an increasingly popular April festival boasting an always-eclectic collection of works from amateur and professional filmmakers worldwide.