It’s not always easy living in DC. It’s a fantastic city. But sometimes it can feel stressful, expensive, humid, freezing, crowded and just plain frustrating. We’ve all had our days when we’re exhausted by the cost of living, annoyed with tourists, and angered by traffic. You may have wondered if it’s time to leave DC. Luckily there are some things in DC that are amazing, no matter what. These 13 will make you remember why you love Washington DC.

  1. Cherry Blossom Season

Flickr/dancingnomad3 Yes, it’s overrun with tourists. But it is so hard to deny the incredible beauty that overtakes DC every spring.

  1. The Meridian Hill Drum Circle

Flickr/Mike Maguire DC can be a hard place. But every Sunday, people from all walks of life come together to dance, practice yoga, sing and be together at Meridian Hill Park. It’s a 40 year tradition that is sure to lift your spirits!

  1. The Pandas at the Zoo

Flickr/iheartpandas We admit. We’re panda crazy here. You can see these cuddly, playful bears any day of the week for free at the zoo!

  1. Changing of the Guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Flickr/OakleyOriginals This might be over the bridge in Arlington but it’s iconic DC. It’s guaranteed to make you a little misty eyed and so proud to be part of the city and the country.

  1. Local Coffee

Yelp/Alan L. No Starbucks for Washingtonians! Nothing beats a local cup of joe. They can make a rushed morning feel so much better.

  1. Local Beer

YelpRobin V. Similarly, it’s best to unwind after a stressful day with one of DC’s many, delicious craft beers.

  1. The First Snow Day of the Year

Flickr/erin m Snows days in DC are the absolute best! The city shuts down, there’s no honking horns or tourists milling about. There’s just beautiful snow and a day off! Because let’s be honest, snow always means a day off!

  1. The Holiday Season

Flickr/Ted Eytan Sometime quite magical happens in DC every winter. The streets light up with holiday decor and the whole district feels just a little bit warmer (even if it’s freezing).

  1. A Clutch Washington Sports Team Win

Flickr/Keith Allison It doesn’t matter if it’s the Redskins, the Capitals, the Wizards or the Nationals. Every now and then, one of our teams come through with a huge win that makes us almost feel like we’ll make it through the playoffs this year.

  1. Your Favorite Low Key Spot

Flickr/Bill Walsh Whether it’s a deli or a diner or a pizza place, every Washingtonian has their go-to hole in the wall shop that serves the best food!

  1. Sunrise Over The Memorials

Flickr/Lukas Schlagenhauf If you can’t fall back asleep one morning, get out of bed, get a cup of coffee and head to the Mall. Find a spot on the steps of the Lincoln and watch the sun light up the city. It will make your day unbelievable.

  1. The Monuments at Night

Flickr/MBandman If you’re not a morning person and DC is driving you crazy, then wait until the sun goes down. There is absolutely nothing like seeing the monuments lit up at night.

  1. Remembering the DC is Home

Flickr/Phil Roeder DC is not a perfect place. It doesn’t have everything figured out. But it’s a city full of passion and arts and culture and restaurants and diversity. It’s a city that millions of people from all over the world get to visit. And it’s one we get to call home.

Are you feeling the love for DC yet? In case you can’t tell, DC is the best and everyone should live here.

Flickr/dancingnomad3

Yes, it’s overrun with tourists. But it is so hard to deny the incredible beauty that overtakes DC every spring.

Flickr/Mike Maguire

DC can be a hard place. But every Sunday, people from all walks of life come together to dance, practice yoga, sing and be together at Meridian Hill Park. It’s a 40 year tradition that is sure to lift your spirits!

Flickr/iheartpandas

We admit. We’re panda crazy here. You can see these cuddly, playful bears any day of the week for free at the zoo!

Flickr/OakleyOriginals

This might be over the bridge in Arlington but it’s iconic DC. It’s guaranteed to make you a little misty eyed and so proud to be part of the city and the country.

Yelp/Alan L.

No Starbucks for Washingtonians! Nothing beats a local cup of joe. They can make a rushed morning feel so much better.

YelpRobin V.

Similarly, it’s best to unwind after a stressful day with one of DC’s many, delicious craft beers.

Flickr/erin m

Snows days in DC are the absolute best! The city shuts down, there’s no honking horns or tourists milling about. There’s just beautiful snow and a day off! Because let’s be honest, snow always means a day off!

Flickr/Ted Eytan

Sometime quite magical happens in DC every winter. The streets light up with holiday decor and the whole district feels just a little bit warmer (even if it’s freezing).

Flickr/Keith Allison

It doesn’t matter if it’s the Redskins, the Capitals, the Wizards or the Nationals. Every now and then, one of our teams come through with a huge win that makes us almost feel like we’ll make it through the playoffs this year.

Flickr/Bill Walsh

Whether it’s a deli or a diner or a pizza place, every Washingtonian has their go-to hole in the wall shop that serves the best food!

Flickr/Lukas Schlagenhauf

If you can’t fall back asleep one morning, get out of bed, get a cup of coffee and head to the Mall. Find a spot on the steps of the Lincoln and watch the sun light up the city. It will make your day unbelievable.

Flickr/MBandman

If you’re not a morning person and DC is driving you crazy, then wait until the sun goes down. There is absolutely nothing like seeing the monuments lit up at night.

Flickr/Phil Roeder

DC is not a perfect place. It doesn’t have everything figured out. But it’s a city full of passion and arts and culture and restaurants and diversity. It’s a city that millions of people from all over the world get to visit. And it’s one we get to call home.

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