I got to experience a few different sides of D.C., from Georgetown and Alexandria to the Smithsonian museums outside of the Mall. The city’s history is impossible to escape, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. D.C. also knows how to balance all that history with good food, lively waterfronts and some spectacular views.

Georgetown: Lobster Rolls & Fireworks

Brands that are too fancy for me to know about? Check. A plethora of food choices that made my head spin? Check. A grand university within walking distance? Check. An Apple Store? Also, check. Being from the Bay Area, Georgetown’s resemblance to downtown Palo Alto made it feel like home.

Georgetown was probably the easiest place to fall in love with immediately. Its waterfront is beautiful, especially when the sun starts to go down and the reflections begin to stretch across the Potomac. The whole area has a relaxed, almost vacation-like atmosphere.

Don’t let the calm waterfront fool you. As you head up toward all the shops, you will see a sea of cars alongside an even bigger sea of people. On the Fourth of July, hundreds, if not thousands, of people gathered to watch the spectacular fireworks show over the Potomac. Since it was the 250th anniversary, patriotism was rushing through our veins, which may or may not have led to some “USA, USA” chants.

The food scene in Georgetown was on another level. I had a really tough time choosing where to eat, so I didn’t. First, I indulged in one of the best lobster rolls I have ever had. I then dashed to YELLOW to enjoy a wood-fired chicken pita. As any rational person would do, I decided that dessert wasn’t my next move, a whole pizza was. Yeah, I went a little crazy that day, and my stomach protested to no end. I did end up getting that dessert anyway.

Off the Mall: Pandas, Space Exploration & Contemporary Craft

The National Mall gets most of the attention, understandably, but some of my favorite Smithsonian experiences were off the Mall.

The National Zoo was a great change of pace. There is just way too much to see there. My personal favorites were the lion and panda exhibits. I don’t know what it is about pandas, but their happiness is infectious. All of a sudden, the traffic, buildings, and monuments disappear, and the focus is entirely on an orangutan itching its armpits.

Then came the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which is home to an incredible collection of aircraft and spacecraft, but seeing the Concorde and the Space Shuttle Discovery in person is something else. You really cannot understand how massive these spacecrafts are until you are standing next to them. The Hazy Center is unbelievable, and you don’t have to be an aerophile to be in awe.

One of the Smithsonian’s best-kept secrets is the Renwick Gallery. The exhibits featured highly creative installations that felt more “immersive art experience” than “museum.” And, naturally, there was a cow made entirely out of butter. Not something you see on your average Tuesday.

Alexandria: Old Town & More Airplanes

Alexandria offered a completely different atmosphere. Old Town the historic buildings, brick sidewalks and charming streets. You could spend an afternoon walking around without any plan. Hell, I entered a kitchenware store and spent nearly an hour there. Free coffee, though, and a damn good one too.

As I strolled around, I found a field near the river where I could watch airplanes take off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The planes flew so closely that every takeoff was an event, something that was strangely thrilling each and every time one went by.

Navy Yard & The Wharf: The Modern D.C.

Instead of old brick buildings and government landmarks, Navy Yard had a newer, more urban atmosphere–which, oddly enough, was a refreshing sight.

The real highlight, though, was Albi.

The meal was exceptional. Every course felt carefully considered, and the food was full of flavor without becoming overwhelming. It was easily one of the best meals of the trip, if not the best. Yes, it was a very memorable meal. Yes, it was also a very memorable bill. But sometimes you have to accept that an excellent meal is going to leave a lasting impression in more ways than one.

Still, Albi delivered. It was the kind of restaurant that makes an evening feel like an occasion, even if the original plan was simply to get dinner.

Not far away, the Wharf offered a similarly modern, waterfront-focused atmosphere. I mostly walked through to burn off that Albi, but the area was picturesque, lively and especially pleasant at night, when the lights reflected off the water and restaurants began to fill up.

More Than Just Monuments

Washington, D.C., is more than monuments and museums. It is lobster rolls, fireworks, space shuttles, and waterfront walks. There is always more to explore, and, most importantly, another meal to squeeze in.