One of the best things about this being my second summer in Washington, D.C. is that I am well accustomed to the city and all it has to offer. Rather than learning how to navigate the Metro or adjust to the incredibly high humidity, I can spend my time exploring new sites and restaurants. And since I did all of the primary tourist spots last summer, living like a local has been my goal for this summer. Tiktok, Instagram, and Google are my best friend when searching for new spots, but it is the following apps that have truly opened D.C. up for me!
1. Ballpark
A top favorite summer D.C. activity of mine is attending a Nationals baseball game. What I love about the MLB Ballpark app is that it has a schedule of the games, allows you to save your favorite teams, and includes information about deals. Additionally, by signing up for an account, you are able to get $5 box office tickets in the hour or so before the game!
2. Citymapper
If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that I am incredibly directionally challenged. Google Maps is probably my most used app, and it takes me a long time to have routes memorized anywhere I live. What I love about Citymapper is that it provides incredibly accurate information about Metro and bus routes, which is helpful in a city like D.C.. Although the navigation for walking is not great, it is my go-to when comparing modes of transportation.
3. OpenTable
Locating the best restaurants in DC is one challenge, but ensuring you have a table is completely another. 99% of the restaurants in the city use OpenTable for their reservations, and as a planner, this is amazing for me. I love using the app to research places to go (you can save them for later if you like), and then booking it right then and there. It automatically adds the reservation to your Google Calendar, and you can make updates and changes in the app easily. A necessity if you will be spending any amount of time eating in D.C.
4. Sweetgreen
This app recommendation is for a very niche audience, but definitely deserved recognization on the list. As a vegetarian, I struggle with fast food restaurants, as there typically aren't many options for me to choose from. For this reason, Sweetgreen is one of my go-to places for when I want something quick to eat. I highly recommend their app because of the newly launched rewards program. By completing challenges, you get discounts on your salads and bowls, saving you a ton of money. I have been able to get about 2 or 3 salads for free or half-off by just making 1 purchase every once in a while. Definitely download if you want a healthy, quick takeout meal option.
5. The Nudge
Finding activities and places to visit in a new city can be incredibly overwhelming, and so The Nudge has been a great asset for me personally. I am signed up for their text notifications and have the app, which allows me to research curated and reviewed activities around the city easily. It is so nice to have recommendations sent to me, and I particularly like the categories that are built into the app. Pairing this with my favorite D.C. Tiktokers has ensured I don't miss any fun or exciting events!
6. Uber
I am a major fan of walking or utilizing public transportation, so I don't use this app often. But it is, without a doubt, a necessary one to have downloaded. D.C. is prone to intense humidity and temperatures, as well as summer thunderstorms. Additionally, not all parts of the city are easily reachable, especially in the evenings. I prefer Uber to Lyft here in D.C., only because there are always Ubers available (and you can call local cabs with the app as well). Have this app on hand just in case!
7. Whole Foods
Although I am a dedicated Trader Joe's shopper, Whole Foods is much closer to my summer housing, and so I occasionally pop by for one or two items. Since my family has Amazon Prime, I use the app to save deals ahead of time, and to scan the barcode to activate them at the self-checkout. Your e-receipts additionally save on the app, which is great for reducing paper waste and being able to locate them easier later on. Definitely a must for Whole Foods shoppers.
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