Beyond the Hill: Making the most of DO Day in Washington, D.C.

Spring is right around the corner, which means DO Day is almost here. Each year, the AOA brings osteopathic physicians and medical students to Washington, D.C., for an unmatched opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills and help shape the future of healthcare. 

The in-person DO Day conference will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 25 and 26. The AOA will also host a virtual policy conference on March 21 and 22.

At DO Day, your days will be filled with meaningful conversations with lawmakers and colleagues, but your time in D.C. doesn’t have to end there. To help make the most of your visit to the nation’s capital, we asked DOs and AOA staff to share their favorite spots around the city, and we’ve gathered those recommendations to help you plan out the iconic sights and local go-to’s worth exploring between meetings.

To me, Washington, D.C., is the greatest treasure trove of American history in the country. On my visits there, I’ve been awestruck by the iconic pieces of our past that can be found throughout the city. At the Smithsonian National Museum of American History alone, visitors can see George Washington’s uniform, the original Star-Spangled Banner and even Abraham Lincoln’s top hat.

Still, the National Archives is my “must-visit” stop in D.C. Seeing the Declaration of Independence with your own eyes is breathtaking, and viewing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights up close is a powerful reminder of the principles on which the United States was founded and the shared responsibility we have to live up to them.

Below are additional recommendations from my colleagues: 

Aerial Petty, DO, family medicine health policy research fellow 

Washington, D.C., is so magical! A few of my favorite places to visit are the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and the National Gallery of Art. 

During my health policy fellowship, my policy center arranged a Juneteenth visit to the NMAAHC. It was my first visit, and I only wish I had more time to explore that day. It’s an amazing educational experience but can also be an emotional one as well. On the day that I visited, I was able to learn more about the historical meaning of Juneteenth. 

When one of my co-residents came to visit me in D.C., she had one request: to go to the National Gallery. Not only is it free, but it’s also full of so many gorgeous pieces of art. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here, and it’s a well-spent afternoon.

Selena Raines, DO, family medicine physician and Army veteran 

I love D.C., and on most trips, I jump on the Red Line to visit the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. If I have some additional time between meetings on the Hill, I pop over to the United States Botanic Garden. I also love to see the National Mall at night, with all the monuments and buildings lit up.

Ernst Lamothe, AOA director of public relations & social media 

My favorite place to visit in Washington, D.C., is the Smithsonian National Museum of American History (NMAH). It’s one of those places that puts everything into perspective. Walking through the exhibits is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come as a country and how much individual voices and leadership matter in shaping the future.

Sean Neal, AOA vice president of advocacy and political affairs 

Outside of the usual museums and monuments, I’d recommend seeing the cherry blossoms and visiting Arlington National Cemetery. 

The cherry blossoms are truly time-sensitive; you have to catch them in the right few-week window, and during DO Day, they’ll be at or very near peak bloom, which makes the Tidal Basin one of the most beautiful places in the city. It’s something visitors can only experience at that specific time of year, which makes it notably special.  

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery is powerful to witness. Like the cherry blossoms, it’s time-sensitive in the sense that you have to be there at the right moment to witness it. The cemetery is relatively close to the host hotel in Virginia, making it an easy area to visit.

More to see & do 

Restaurants 

• Ben’s Chili Bowl (recommended by Alexis Cates, DO)
• Busboys and Poets (recommended by Arvia)
• Chicken + Whiskey (recommended by Timothy Thompson, OMS III)
• Georgetown Cupcake (recommended by Dr. Cates)
• Silver Diner (recommended by Amber Kaitlyn Shirley, DO)
• VUE Rooftop (recommended by Dr. Petty)

Sightseeing 

• Georgetown waterfront and shopping (recommended by Dr. Cates)
• International Spy Museum (recommended by Dr. Petty and Neal)
• Library of Congress (recommended by Dr. Petty)
• Lincoln Memorial (recommended by Rose Raymond, AOA director of content)
• Old Town Alexandria (recommended by Dr. Petty and Arvia)
• Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum (recommended by Dr. Shirley) 
• Washington Monument (recommended by Raymond)
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial (recommended by Raymond)

See, eat & explore

While you’re in Washington, D.C., we encourage you to take advantage of everything the city has to offer: landmarks, museums, restaurants and, of course, advocacy opportunities. Do you have a must-see spot or go-to restaurant of your own? Share your recommendations in the comments below and help future DO Day attendees make the most of their time in the nation’s capital! 

DO Day will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 25 and 26. A virtual component will also be available on March 21 and 22. To find more information or to register, please visit the DO Day website. See you there!

Related reading:

5 ways to get involved in advocacy as a medical student

My DO Day 2025 experience: Advocating for Medicare physician payments, THCGME and Medicaid access