If you’re looking for an indoor activity to keep you occupied while the temps are sweltering this summer, hop in the car and swing by the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Northwest DC.
The former home of 20th-century businesswoman and socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, the Hillwood Estate offers something for everyone, and it’s truly one of my favorite lesser-known spots in a city full of incredible museums and historic homes. If you haven’t yet had a chance to explore the property in person, this season is a wonderful time to do so. The guide below will ensure that you make the most of your visit!
Check Out the Mansion
I recommend first wandering through the gilded mansion where Post once resided and taking in its incredible interiors. There are plenty of photo opps along the way, but Post’s former bedroom, with its intricate canopy bed, is probably my favorite room within the home. The interiors certainly put today’s fast furniture and decor to shame!
Enjoy an Exhibit
While the mansion’s interiors remain the same year-round, Hillwood also hosts a variety of rotating exhibits pertaining to fashion and the arts, which means there’s something new to explore on site every few months. “Interwoven: A Tradition of Textiles” currently runs through Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Relax in the Garden
Hillwood also boasts sprawling gardens – 13 acres, to be exact. If the temps are more manageable, be sure to carve out time for a stroll through the Japanese-style garden or pack a picnic to enjoy elsewhere on the grounds. You’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the countryside, when in reality, you’re just minutes from downtown DC.
Dine at the Café
Hillwood offers an informal café, where you can grab a quick drink or snack, as well as a sit-down restaurant, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine or indulge in a full lunch, there’s something for every visitor.
Shop for Souvenirs
The Hillwood gift shop, located within the visitors center, is truly top-notch. Stocked with goodies for children and adults alike, it’s certainly worth a browse at the end of your visit. You’ll find beautiful trinkets for the home and garden; puzzles, games, and books; as well as wearable accessories and so much more.
About the Author
Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Follow her on Instagram @sarahlyon9.
