Upscale Experiences:
Willard InterContinental – Peacock Alley Tea (Washington, DC)
Indulge in a luxurious experience with their signature afternoon tea featuring a three-tiered stand of savory bites, pastries, and scones. Afternoon tea takes place Thursdays to Sundays, with two seatings available at noon and 2:30 p.m.
Waldorf Astoria – Peacock Alley Tea (Washington, DC)
Just like the Willard Intercontinental location, this experience offers the same afternoon tea menu Thursdays to Sundays, with two seatings available at noon and 2:30 p.m. However, through June 2026 they will be serving their cherry blossom tea experience. Both Peacock Alley locations are extremely elegant and shout out to our server who provided an extra special treat for my 5 year old during our tea experience!
Ritz Carlton – Santé (Virginia)
The Ritz Carlton at Pentagon City offers a truly exceptional afternoon tea experience at Santé, and their child-friendly teddy bear tea is a standout! Juliet and Summer were absolutely thrilled with every item on the charming three-tiered platter. Offering a choice of juice or hot chocolate, it caters perfectly to little ones. They also went above and beyond to make Summer’s birthday feel extra special! The added bonus of taking home a cuddly teddy bear made it an unforgettable occasion. Honestly, I can’t recommend this enough, even for families with toddlers!
St. Regis Washington, DC (Washington, DC)
Experience the refined elegance of afternoon tea at the St. Regis DC, elevated by the breathtaking beauty of the city’s cherry blossoms. During this special season, the hotel lobby is adorned with exquisite decorations, enhancing the already luxurious ambiance. Pam and her daughter savored a delightful afternoon here, especially captivated by the artistry of the beautifully decorated treats. It’s a truly memorable experience, particularly when the city is in full bloom.
Ritz-Carlton – Quadrant (Washington, DC)
Ritz Carlton – Entyse (Virginia)
Rosewood – Cut DC (Washington, DC)
Salamander (Washington, DC)
Hay Adams – The Lafayette (Washington, DC)
Four Seasons Hotel – Seasons (Washington, DC)
Charming Tea Rooms & Experiences:
Lady Camellia (Alexandria, VA)
With the new tea room opened on the waterfront in old town Alexandria, this is the perfect spot to host a family friendly afternoon tea experience. They offer a dedicated children’s tea with kid-sized portions and delightful treats like mini sandwiches and cupcakes. This location is open Tuesday through Sunday, so there are more opportunities to spoil your kids!
Tea Around Town DC (Washington, DC)
Although I haven’t had the pleasure of trying it myself in DC, I remember learning about the original experience in NYC and was delighted to discover it has come to our city. The key takeaway, from what I’ve heard, is that this is truly about the overall experience and the accompanying views. It sounds like a wonderfully different way to enjoy both high tea and the sights of Washington DC simultaneously.
The Mansion on O Street (Washington, DC)
Zinnia (Silver Spring, MD)
American Girl Doll Store (Tysons, VA)
Neighborhood Tea Nooks:
Sometimes, a relaxed outing with the kids calls for a cozy spot where everyone can unwind with a warm drink and a tasty treat – no need for fancy reservations or hushed tones! This section highlights our favorite neighborhood tea nooks in DC, the kind of places where little ones (and grown-ups!) can settle in comfortably for a casual break. Think kid-friendly vibes, a yummy selection of teas (and maybe some kid-approved alternatives!), and delicious bites that everyone will enjoy. It’s all the fun of a tea outing without the posh – and that’s perfectly okay when you’ve got little ones in tow.
Teaism – Multiple locations (Washington, DC)
Valley Brook (Washington, DC)
Ching Ching CHA (Washington, DC)
Ladurée (Washington, DC)
Calabash Tea and Tonic (Washington, DC)
Tea Time on a Dime??
Transform your living room into a whimsical wonderland for a tea party your little ones will never forget! Forget fancy finger sandwiches and cucumber canapés. Instead, whip up their favorite treats or snacks like mini grilled cheese sandwiches, cut into fun shapes, or colorful fruit skewers. Let them unleash their creativity by dressing up in tiaras, boas, or even superhero costumes. Don’t forget to bring the fun! Read a story about magical tea parties or play a round of “I Spy” with tea-themed clues.
