Visitor's guide to Washington, D.C.

The UAC Visitor Guide: Navigating the Gym and Fueling Up at the Best Coffee Bars and Restaurants

Welcome to Washington, DC! We’re excited to see you!

You might have a few questions about the gym, so we’ll answer some of the most common! Urban Athletic Club is located in Shaw, DC’s hottest neighborhood, bridging the gap between Downtown Washington and the real DC! 

Whether you’re here for work or vacation, our Visitor Guide provides recommendations to help make your visit unique!

First, the gym! 

  • You can find our programming here. We post our weekly preview on Saturdays. 
  • The class schedule is here. Our class size is 6-12 people; there’s always room for one more!
  • Amenities?
    • Towel Service
    • Private Showers
    • WIFI
  • Parking and transportation
    • Paid street parking is available.
    • Giant Food (at 8th and O St) offers 90-minute free parking with a purchase.
    • Metro: Urban Athletic Club is 2 blocks from the Shaw/Convention Center Metro (Yellow/Green line). 

Now, to make your visit complete, here are some helpful resources.

Coffee

The closest traditional coffee bar is La Colombe in Blagden Alley, just one block from UAC. Union Kitchen Grocery is on the corner if you need a quick fix. Here’s our list of the best coffee bars near Shaw. 

Breakfast

On the go? Try a breakfast sandwich from Union Kitchen Grocery. Our favorite is the Bacon, Egg, and Avocado!

Have time for a sit-down? Then Unconventional Diner is closest (and it even has a Michelin Star!). Our favorite is Commissary in Logan Circle. Prefer smoothies? Hit up South Block, also in Logan Circle. 

Dinner

DC is (now) a foodie city. You have many great options, from The Dabney (make reservations!) and Tiger Fork in Blagden Alley to Convivial and Chaplins near O Street Market.

Want to visit a DC icon? Head to Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street. You might need to perform 200 burpees to justify the calories, but it’s worth it!

Rooftop

DC’s building height limit means every rooftop has a great view. Some of our favorites are at The Line DC (Adams Morgan) and Vue at The Hotel Washington (downtown). 

The Visitor Guide Map

Visitor Guide