There is something fascinating about watching people watch animals, especially while the animals watch the people. It is a continuous loop of curiosity.

As an added bonus, the National Zoo doesn’t charge for admission. This is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., founded in 1889. Here, one can see the innocent faces of grownups light up when they see a capybara or giant panda play with a volleyball.

Connecticut Avenue NW holds an oasis of wildlife in our great capital. There is something especially majestic about seeing earth’s most peculiar creations up close and personal.

You’ll see a lot of exotic animals there too.    

Adams Morgan is a magnet for Washingtonians of all personalities. Stroll through the historic beer-soaked sidewalks on any given night. As the sun sets, this is when it begins. One might hear slurred conversations about politics on the hill, the local sports teams, or the benefits of fiber in an all sesame seed diet.

People-watch the businessmen and would-be politicians after they get off from a long day of work, pushing memos with stick figure doodles on them. Being the expert sleuth that you are, you may get the inside scoop on the rumbling gears that keep the government afloat. Watch Tinder dates go poorly as someone talks about their Porsche convertible too often, then tries to high five an enraptured saxophonist belting out the saddest of blues.

One can also hear great music and experience a myriad of cultures.

Want to watch people outdoors? Then take a seat under the leafy canopy that is Meridian Hill Park (otherwise known as Malcolm X Park). Many have named this green space an oasis within the bustling U Street Corridor.

Enjoy water? There is a giant fountain that cascades down 13 tiered basins into a reflecting pool. Watch people look at their reflections in the pool, then get mad and splash water everywhere. Expect statues of Joan of Arc, James Buchanan, Dante, and Serenity. There are also great views of the city here.

The best time to people-watch at Meridian Hill Park is on any given Sunday in the summer. Expect drum circles with individuals sprawled out on blankets over the green expanse.

You will see risk takers balancing precariously above the ground, walking a tight rope that is fastened to trees. See eccentric citizens as they showcase their ability to hula-hoop. There are also dogs, and with dogs come dog owners, which many in the field of people-watching would argue are some of the most interesting people to watch.

This business was started by sisters Sophie and Katherine Kallinis in 2008. They gave up lucrative careers to pursue their passion of baking. It paid off. Now they have TV shows, books, and have opened cupcake shops in cities near and far.

Every day, without fail, a line loops around a brick building on the corner of Georgetown’s M and 33rd streets NW. The people here are all waiting for one thing: cupcakes. They wait, and wait, and wait despite the changing of the seasons.

Standing outside of Georgetown Cupcake is like watching adults trick or treating, except they all look slightly miserable and confused about their decisions in life. Many come from foreign states. They travel long distances to taste the illustrious and elusive cupcakes.

It is a fantastic place to watch how a sweet tooth can affect human behavior. 

This wax museum provides a unique atmosphere for people-watching. Here, one may choose to ogle and photograph their favorite celebrity or they can hang back and stand unflinchingly, pretending he or she is a celebrity mannequin as well.

It doesn’t matter if the celebrity doppelgangers aren’t the real thing. Many times, these copies are more pleasant to be around than the real deal.

George Washington looks on with a somber expression on his face. Teenage girls run by him screaming, “America’s Next Top Model!” and snap selfies with the Tyra Banks figurine, completely ignoring his presence. Abraham Lincoln gazes melancholically while an observer claims he looks nothing like Daniel Day Lewis.

Larry King stands with his hands resting on his hips. He never blinks when the tourists giggle at him. In fact, he never blinks as throngs and multitudes of onlookers surround him. Then he hiccups, wakes up from his open-eyed nap, and walks off.

Madame Tussauds is a very unique place for people-watching, whether they’re wax or not! 

During the summer months, watch people play the saxophone on the stage, while accomplished musicians breathe out intoxicating melodies. Spy on throngs of Washingtonians as they jockey for space on the grass so they can enjoy their mimosas. Walk around the serpentine sidewalk to see people of all kinds.

These grounds are expansive and green, looping around a fountain whose water doubles as an ice rink in the winter.  The terrain is filled with sculptures, one of which is a huge metallic tree and then something that looks like twisted orange pipe cleaners, except larger than life.

Watch the bigwigs of government rub elbows in this dining hall, which is open to the public. See how deals get done sometimes in a social setting and not behind closed office doors. Observe congressmen as they convince a group of tourists to switch places with them in the line for Jello. Watch lobbyists surround the fajita-making station, demanding more guacamole and corn—not flour—tortillas.

This cafeteria can be pretty crowded during lunch hours, but this is all the better for watching politicians on their respite from signing important government documents. No, this space won’t reveal scenes similar to those found in House of Cards, or The West Wing, or Veep. It is actually much better because you get pudding.

So, get out there and watch the bureaucrats of D.C. mingle with regular everyday citizens like you and me.   

At The Maine Avenue Fish Market, the salty air is punctuated by the frying of seafood. The smell is carried to your nose by the breezes rushing off the Potomac River. Here, you will find seafood markets selling the freshest of products.

Enjoy freshwater lobster shrimp, giant shrimp, head-on shrimp, jumbo shrimp, extra large shrimp, jumbo tiger shrimp, and medium shrimp.

Ever wanted to watch people haggling with fishmongers over the prices of live crabs? Observe visitors slurping down two dozen raw oysters with extra vinegar, and horseradish, and just the smallest smidgen of hot sauce. Hear stories by vendors of the many times they have been pinched. Wait in order to listen for what they do in retaliation.

There is no place quite like this in D.C., and it is a completely Washingtonian experience. It is impressive to see people from all walks of life enjoying the spoils of salt and sea.