Washington, DC is known for monuments, museums, and politics. It’s also one of the country’s most important cities for Black culture and entrepreneurship, and the wellness scene reflects that.
The next time you spend a weekend in the District and the vibrant neighborhoods across the border in Virginia and Maryland, consider building in more restorative moments. This isn’t a schedule, it’s a menu. Pick what fits your pace, mix and match, and spend your dollars where they matter. Whether you’re solo-tripping, visiting family, or traveling with friends, add a few of these to your DMV itinerary for a well-balanced weekend.
Start Your Stay
The Potomac Hotel. Looking for luxury? Sheila Johnson founded and stayed on as a minority owner of this waterfront property, a short walk from the National Mall and The Wharf. Book a room, then add a spa visit without leaving the building.
Wellspring Manor & Spa. A boutique, seven-acre retreat in Upper Marlboro, MD with five guest suites, a full-service spa, and a gallery dedicated to Black artists. Ideal for a quiet overnight escape just outside the city.
Eat Well
Llamas’ Corner. Start the morning with a cup of organic specialty coffee or boba tea at this cozy Black-owned cafe.
NuVegan Café. This affordable cafe has locations in the D, M, and the V. Find vegan alternatives to classic favorites like tenders, crab cakes and curry dishes.
Turning Natural Juice Bar. A local spot bringing vegan options to neighborhoods that were historically overlooked. Its cold-pressed juices have names like “Green Latifah.” Grab and go from one of their three locations.
Marion Barry Avenue Market & Cafe. Stock up on snacks or dig into delicious cafe eateries, all while supporting fundraising for local food systems.
Grounded Cafe. Part of Anacostia’s Grounded, a plant shop, cafe, and wellness studio under one roof. Grab a beverage, then stay for a class or browse the shop.
Reset and Glow
Paris Alexander Day Spa. A boutique spa in Dupont Circle known for facials. Owner Paris Alexander has been called the “Godmother of Facials” for her decades of work with Black skin. A great pick for skincare lovers.
Peel Haus. A Capitol Hill med spa offering HydraFacials, chemical peels, and microneedling with an inclusive, skin-of-color focus, ideal for a skin consultation during your weekend.
Manifest Station DC. A holistic wellness and massage practice offering modalities like hot basalt stones, dry brushing lymphatic drainage, and herbal hydrotherapy.
Move Your Body
FOUR Pilates. A Black and woman-owned studio offering classes across all experience levels. A must for the Pilates crowd.
Sweat DC. Co-founded by Gerard Burley, with workouts that feel like a party, complete with club lighting and great music.
Glow Studio DC. Not your everyday dance fitness classes. Sweat without it feeling like a workout in a dark studio complete with glow lights, a high-energy playlist and instructors that know how to build your confidence.
Rice Market. Does shopping count toward your daily step goal? If it does, we’d recommend spending it at this curated boutique and market with specialty ceramics, bottles of wine and the items you’d adorn your dream kitchen with.
Quiet Your Mind
Grounded Wellness Studio. Grounded is on this list twice because it’s truly so multifaceted. Experience yoga, Reiki, pilates, sound baths, or breath work classes at this cozy shop.
Synergy & Serenity. A Dupont Circle center offering meditation, yoga, sound baths, and art therapy, plus crystals and sage to take home. It’s BIPOC and woman-owned. Perfect to start or close out your trip.