Where to stay in Washington
Dupont Circle is the historic gayborhood, with JR.'s on 17th Street, and most of the other bars are now a few blocks east around Logan Circle, 14th Street, U Street and Shaw. Capital Pride is in June, Mid-Atlantic Leather takes over MLK weekend in January, and the 17th Street High Heel Race is in late October.
Same-sex couples have been able to marry in DC since March 3, 2010. Metrorail runs until 2 am on Friday and Saturday nights and until midnight the rest of the week, and the last train from each station leaves earlier than that, so check it before a late night out.
Hotels and guesthouses
Eaton DC
K Street NW, downtown (1201 K St)
A boutique hotel with a literary cocktail bar (Allegory), a rooftop bar and music venue (Wild Days), a wellness studio and free coworking for guests. Its Pride Suite, unveiled in 2025, is decorated with photos from the Washington Blade's archive. Logan Circle and the 14th Street bars are within walking distance.
Official site for Eaton DCChecked Oct 2026Report a change to Eaton DC
Lyle DC
New Hampshire Ave NW, Dupont Circle
A hotel in an Art Deco building in the middle of Dupont Circle, with Lyle's Restaurant & Bar on the corner for breakfast, brunch and drinks. It calls itself family- and pet-friendly, and Lonely Planet's 2025 LGBTIQ+ guide to DC recommends it as the place to stay for Dupont. JR.'s is a few blocks away.
Official site for Lyle DCChecked Oct 2026Report a change to Lyle DC
Hotel Zena
14th St NW, Thomas Circle
A 191-room, art-filled Viceroy hotel at the bottom of the 14th Street corridor, with Figleaf Bar & Lounge (Mediterranean food) and the seasonal Hedy's Rooftop on the 14th floor. It hosts LGBTQ+ social nights, including Pride welcome socials and a Go Gay DC night in July 2026.
Official site for Hotel ZenaChecked Oct 2026Report a change to Hotel Zena
Plan around these
17th Street High Heel Race (39th)
Washington, DC · Oct 27, 2026
Drag queens race down 17th Street NW in heels near Dupont Circle, 6–10 pm, hosted by the Mayor's office.
Plan the tripThe big gay Halloween weekends of 2026 for 17th Street High Heel Race (39th)
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington: The Holiday Show
Washington, DC · Dec 5–13, 2026
At the Lincoln Theatre on U Street: Dec 5 and 12 at 3 and 8 pm, Dec 13 at 5 pm. The 3 pm shows and Sunday's show have ASL interpretation.
Report a change to Gay Men's Chorus of Washington: The Holiday Show
Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend
Washington, DC · Jan 15–18, 2027
The East Coast's big leather weekend over MLK weekend.
Capital Pride
Washington, DC · Jun 12–13, 2027
DC's parade on Saturday, Jun 12 and the festival on Sunday, Jun 13.
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Listings checked against official sites in 2025–26. Policies and prices change, so confirm before you book. We don't take money from hotels.