20 D.C. area locations perfect for introverts, mapped

By Michelle Goldchain@goldchainam Apr 5, 2017, 11:42am EDT

View as Map

By Michelle Goldchain@goldchainam Apr 5, 2017, 11:42am EDT

Photo via Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

Being alone doesn't have to be a bad thing. Sometimes, the best way to relax is by retreating to isolated locations. Especially in a city, finding an escape from the noise and the people can be a beneficial activity if interested in getting some rest and relaxation.

For introverts, Curbed has created the following map with locations that are sure to bring a moment of relief and—most importantly—silence. The map points have been listed geographically, from the most northwest to the most southeast.

Any locations you'd recommend including? Let Curbed know by leaving a comment.

Read More

Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

U.S. Botanic Garden

For a moment of solitary relaxation, head over to the U.S. Botanic Garden. This is one of the oldest continually operating botanic gardens in North America. Inside, there are rare and endangered plants as well as roses, orchids, and fruit. For more information on what exhibits to expect, check out the U.S. Botanic Garden website here.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

Visit Website

Also featured in:

U.S. National Arboretum

With 446 acres to spare, the National Arboretum has more than enough space for relaxing in solitude. Here, there is a variety of foliage, a 390-year-old bonsai tree that survived an atomic bomb, and even the columns that originally supported the old East Portico of the Capitol building.

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Tryst at the Phillips

Trying to find a quiet spot for reading a book? Check out the Tryst coffee shop at the Phillips Collection, the nation's first museum of modern art. After getting a coffee, consider wandering around the museum for a stimulating artsy experience.

A post shared by Tryst at the Phillips (@trystphillipsdc) on Jan 19, 2017 at 9:38am PST

1600 21st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The 12 Best Covert Coffee Spots in D.C.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Behold, one of Washington, D.C.'s most secluded areas. Expect few people, a lack of distractions, and quietude. If any cyclists are looking for a new place to explore, you'll have to leave your bike at home. No bicycles and no cars are permitted.

Open in Google Maps

Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037

Visit Website

Washington National Cathedral

You don't have to be religious to love the quiet calmness that churches bring. The building, itself, also offers a quirky addition: a Darth Vader sculpture on the west tower. The National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the U.S.

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Gorgeous mosaics await at this Catholic church. The Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the United States and North America, one of the ten largest churches in the world, and the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited this church.

Open in Google Maps

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Visit Website

Georgetown Waterfront Park

Get yourself a wonderful view of the Potomac River from this waterfront. At night, introverts will be able to enjoy the twinkling lights from the Kennedy Center and the surrounding buildings.

33rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Fletcher's Boathouse

In comparison to the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown, this boathouse is supposed to be less crowded. Here, nab yourself a kayak and explore the river. Visitors can also rent paddle-boards and canoes.

Open in Google Maps

4940 Canal Rd., Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

The Capital Wheel at the National Harbor

The National Harbor is a great location with restaurants, retail, and even a beach worth enjoying. What might appeal to introverts the most, though, is the Capital Wheel. The line can sometimes be long, but worth it for a few quiet moments in the ferris wheel with a great view included.

Open in Google Maps

165 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Rock Creek Park

Get away from it all by visiting Rock Creek Park, one of America's largest and oldest city parks. Not sure where to go? Here are three trails worth venturing to.

Beach Dr NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

This scenic National Park is worth a visit if interested in seeing rare waterlilies and lotuses. This is also the only remaining tidal marsh in Washington, D.C.

1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20019

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Library Of Congress Main Reading Room

In April 1800, the Library of Congress was established. Today, it's a perfect spot for reading and enjoying a moment of silence. The library officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the U.S.

Open in Google Maps

101 Independence Ave. SE Thomas Jefferson Bldg, LJ 100, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Introverts, it's okay to go to performances alone. Also, every day, there are free performances at the Millennium Stage with no tickets required. Win win.

Open in Google Maps

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

Visit Website

Anacostia Park

Relax by the water, exercise at the fitness station, or even go skating at the skating pavilion. There's so much to do at Anacostia Park, and it's all at no cost.

Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Alexandria Waterfront

If the Georgetown waterfront isn't enough, the Alexandria waterfront is worth a trip. There are also a variety of retail and restaurant options nearby on King Street. If interested in art, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is also a venue worth checking out due to the variety of artists and mediums showcased.

1200 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Enid A. Haupt Garden

This 4.2-acre space was designed to be a modern representation of American Victorian gardens. Still looking for other green spaces? Here are some others worth a visit.

1050 Lenfant Plz SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

This indoor-outdoor courtyard is located inside the National Portrait Gallery. The undulating glassy ceiling and fauna create a tranquil, unique setting for reading and relaxing by oneself.

Open in Google Maps

800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Visit Website

David Brown Planetarium

This planetarium is perfect for feeling at one with the universe, while gazing at the stars and the planets.

A post shared by Ben (@benjaminwy) on Aug 2, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT

Open in Google Maps

Quincy Street, Arlington, VA

Visit Website

Hope Floats

At Hope Floats, introverts will be able to relax through infrared saunas and sensory deprivation tank chambers. This is perfect for those who may not want to be massaged, but do want to find a relaxation method that offers a moment of meditation and relaxation.

A post shared by Jason Smith (@jasonstix) on Jan 4, 2017 at 4:05pm PST

Open in Google Maps

4709 Chase Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Atlas Performing Arts Center

Grab yourself a ticket to a performance at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Here, one doesn't have to worry about trying to strike up conversations with others; the performers are the only ones that need to worry about what to say anyway. To see what to expect from upcoming performances, check out the calendar here.

Open in Google Maps

1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

© 2023 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Link copied to the clipboard.

U.S. Botanic Garden

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

For a moment of solitary relaxation, head over to the U.S. Botanic Garden. This is one of the oldest continually operating botanic gardens in North America. Inside, there are rare and endangered plants as well as roses, orchids, and fruit. For more information on what exhibits to expect, check out the U.S. Botanic Garden website here.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, D.C. 20024

Visit Website

U.S. National Arboretum

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

With 446 acres to spare, the National Arboretum has more than enough space for relaxing in solitude. Here, there is a variety of foliage, a 390-year-old bonsai tree that survived an atomic bomb, and even the columns that originally supported the old East Portico of the Capitol building.

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website

Tryst at the Phillips

1600 21st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Trying to find a quiet spot for reading a book? Check out the Tryst coffee shop at the Phillips Collection, the nation's first museum of modern art. After getting a coffee, consider wandering around the museum for a stimulating artsy experience.

A post shared by Tryst at the Phillips (@trystphillipsdc) on Jan 19, 2017 at 9:38am PST

1600 21st St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037

Behold, one of Washington, D.C.'s most secluded areas. Expect few people, a lack of distractions, and quietude. If any cyclists are looking for a new place to explore, you'll have to leave your bike at home. No bicycles and no cars are permitted.

Open in Google Maps

Analostan Island, Washington, D.C. 20037

Visit Website

Washington National Cathedral

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

You don't have to be religious to love the quiet calmness that churches bring. The building, itself, also offers a quirky addition: a Darth Vader sculpture on the west tower. The National Cathedral is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the U.S.

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20016

Visit Website

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Gorgeous mosaics await at this Catholic church. The Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the United States and North America, one of the ten largest churches in the world, and the tallest habitable building in Washington, D.C. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited this church.

Open in Google Maps

400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20017

Visit Website

Georgetown Waterfront Park

33rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Get yourself a wonderful view of the Potomac River from this waterfront. At night, introverts will be able to enjoy the twinkling lights from the Kennedy Center and the surrounding buildings.

33rd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Fletcher's Boathouse

4940 Canal Rd., Washington, D.C. 20007

In comparison to the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown, this boathouse is supposed to be less crowded. Here, nab yourself a kayak and explore the river. Visitors can also rent paddle-boards and canoes.

Open in Google Maps

4940 Canal Rd., Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

The Capital Wheel at the National Harbor

165 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

The National Harbor is a great location with restaurants, retail, and even a beach worth enjoying. What might appeal to introverts the most, though, is the Capital Wheel. The line can sometimes be long, but worth it for a few quiet moments in the ferris wheel with a great view included.

Open in Google Maps

165 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Rock Creek Park

Beach Dr NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

Get away from it all by visiting Rock Creek Park, one of America's largest and oldest city parks. Not sure where to go? Here are three trails worth venturing to.

Beach Dr NW, Washington, D.C. 20015

Visit Website

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20019

This scenic National Park is worth a visit if interested in seeing rare waterlilies and lotuses. This is also the only remaining tidal marsh in Washington, D.C.

1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 20019

Visit Website

Library Of Congress Main Reading Room

101 Independence Ave. SE Thomas Jefferson Bldg, LJ 100, Washington, D.C. 20001

In April 1800, the Library of Congress was established. Today, it's a perfect spot for reading and enjoying a moment of silence. The library officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the U.S.

Open in Google Maps

101 Independence Ave. SE Thomas Jefferson Bldg, LJ 100, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

Introverts, it's okay to go to performances alone. Also, every day, there are free performances at the Millennium Stage with no tickets required. Win win.

Open in Google Maps

2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566

Visit Website

Anacostia Park

Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

Relax by the water, exercise at the fitness station, or even go skating at the skating pavilion. There's so much to do at Anacostia Park, and it's all at no cost.

Anacostia Dr SE, Washington, D.C. 20020

Visit Website

Alexandria Waterfront

1200 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

If the Georgetown waterfront isn't enough, the Alexandria waterfront is worth a trip. There are also a variety of retail and restaurant options nearby on King Street. If interested in art, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is also a venue worth checking out due to the variety of artists and mediums showcased.

1200 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314

Visit Website

Enid A. Haupt Garden

1050 Lenfant Plz SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

This 4.2-acre space was designed to be a modern representation of American Victorian gardens. Still looking for other green spaces? Here are some others worth a visit.

1050 Lenfant Plz SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

Visit Website

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

This indoor-outdoor courtyard is located inside the National Portrait Gallery. The undulating glassy ceiling and fauna create a tranquil, unique setting for reading and relaxing by oneself.

Open in Google Maps

800 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Visit Website

David Brown Planetarium

Quincy Street, Arlington, VA

This planetarium is perfect for feeling at one with the universe, while gazing at the stars and the planets.

A post shared by Ben (@benjaminwy) on Aug 2, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT

Open in Google Maps

Quincy Street, Arlington, VA

Visit Website

Hope Floats

4709 Chase Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

At Hope Floats, introverts will be able to relax through infrared saunas and sensory deprivation tank chambers. This is perfect for those who may not want to be massaged, but do want to find a relaxation method that offers a moment of meditation and relaxation.

A post shared by Jason Smith (@jasonstix) on Jan 4, 2017 at 4:05pm PST

Open in Google Maps

4709 Chase Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

Visit Website

Atlas Performing Arts Center

1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Grab yourself a ticket to a performance at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Here, one doesn't have to worry about trying to strike up conversations with others; the performers are the only ones that need to worry about what to say anyway. To see what to expect from upcoming performances, check out the calendar here.

Open in Google Maps

1333 H St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Visit Website