DC vs. Baltimore with Teens? Best Hotel/Neighborhood?

Question

Hi All,

Researching a December trip down to the Baltimore/DC area for NFL games. I also posted a similar thread over on the Baltimore page.

Will be traveling with a 13 and 15 year old and trying to decide whether to stay 1 night in each city or to base ourselves in DC 2 nights and just commute to the Ravens game from DC. 2 of us will be going to the Ravens and 2 will be exploring whatever city we are based in, so I was wondering if DC is better shall we base ourselves there the whole weekend. Besides the sporting events, we would want good shopping, good restaurants, fun places for sweets/desserts, teen friendly interactive museums/experiences, observation decks, rentable city scooters for exploring...

Also, for DC - looking for nicest hotel recommendations, preferably close to public transportation that would get us to Commanders Stadium. Price is flexible, just want something in a fun area with lots of things in walking distance, maybe some luxury, maybe renovated or new, a pool would be nice but not required. Something with some personality that might be Instagram worthy or trendy - cool design or amenities.

Thank you!

Answer

For a December trip with teens, DC generally offers more variety in terms of walkable neighborhoods, interactive museums, and attractions that appeal to all ages, while Baltimore is great for a specific experience like attending a Ravens game or visiting the Inner Harbor. Basing yourselves in DC for the whole weekend can simplify logistics, especially if only two of you are attending the Ravens game — you can drive or take a rideshare to the stadium (FedExField is about 30–40 minutes from downtown DC, depending on traffic).

Pros of staying in DC:

Access to numerous teen-friendly museums, like the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, and the International Spy Museum.
Lots of shopping options: CityCenterDC, Georgetown, and Union Market.
Fun dessert stops: ice cream shops like Thomas Sweet, Baked & Wired in Georgetown, or donuts from Astro Doughnuts.
Walkable neighborhoods and rentable scooters in areas like Downtown, Penn Quarter, and the National Mall.
Many Instagram-worthy hotels with trendy design and amenities.

Pros of staying in Baltimore:

Closer to Ravens game at FedExField if you plan to attend in Baltimore itself, though technically the stadium is in Landover, MD.
Inner Harbor has family-friendly attractions like the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.
Fewer options for teen-oriented interactive museums compared to DC.
Smaller area with walkable dining and entertainment, but less variety than DC.

Given your goals — mix of sports, teen-friendly activities, shopping, desserts, and Instagram-worthy experiences — DC is likely the better base. You can plan a half-day trip or just a long ride to the Ravens game if you want to split the group.

Recommended DC neighborhoods for your stay:

Penn Quarter / Chinatown: Central location, walkable, close to museums, restaurants, shopping, and metro access.
Dupont Circle: Trendy with lots of dining, boutique shopping, and historic architecture; great for Instagram shots.
Capitol Hill / Eastern Market: Beautiful historic area, walkable, with cafes, local shops, and metro access.
Georgetown: Picturesque, trendy, and walkable; lots of shops and waterfront paths, but slightly further from metro and downtown sights.

Hotel Recommendations (teen-friendly, trendy, Instagram-worthy, near public transport):

The Line Hotel DC: Located in Adams Morgan; renovated church, stylish interiors, good restaurants onsite, walkable neighborhood, trendy vibe.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco DC: Penn Quarter, boutique style, central for museums and dining, rooftop bar for views, family-friendly rooms.
Conrad Washington DC: Luxury, CityCenterDC location, modern design, pool available, near high-end shopping.
Hotel Hive: Micro-hotel near Foggy Bottom, quirky design, Instagram-friendly, central for metro access.

With this approach, two of you can head to the Ravens game while the others enjoy DC’s museums, shopping, and dessert stops, then regroup in the evening for dinner in walkable, vibrant neighborhoods. Renting scooters can add extra fun for teens, especially in areas like National Mall, Penn Quarter, and Georgetown.