clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Photo via Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

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

View as Map

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

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Bob Stovall

U.S. National Arboretum

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

Tryst at the Phillips

Copy Link
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.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Daderot

Washington National Cathedral

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/S. E. Brendel

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

Georgetown Waterfront Park

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

Fletcher's Boathouse

Copy Link
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.
Photo via TrailVoice

The Capital Wheel at the National Harbor

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

Rock Creek Park

Copy Link
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.
Photo via John Bense

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Zhong Ping

Library Of Congress Main Reading Room

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tom

Anacostia Park

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tim Evanson

Alexandria Waterfront

Copy Link
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.
Photo via ehpien

Enid A. Haupt Garden

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Heather Harvey

Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard

Copy Link
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.
Photo via NCinDC

David Brown Planetarium

Copy Link
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

Hope Floats

Copy Link
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

Atlas Performing Arts Center

Copy Link
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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones

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.
Photo via Bob Stovall

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

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.

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Daderot

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/S. E. Brendel

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/AgnosticPreachersKid

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.
Photo via TrailVoice

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/MamaGeek

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.
Photo via John Bense

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.
Photo via Zhong Ping

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Carol M. Highsmith

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tom

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Tim Evanson

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.
Photo via ehpien

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.
Photo via Heather Harvey

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.
Photo via NCinDC

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

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

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.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones