Summer nights in DC are made for rooftop moments—the kind that begin with a glowing sunset and end under a blanket of stars. At The Collective, you don’t have to leave home to enjoy some of the best views in the city. With expansive rooftop spaces, you’ve got a front-row seat to skyline sunsets and stargazing sessions that rival any scenic lookout.
Whether you’re a seasoned astronomy buff or just looking for a relaxing evening escape, your rooftop is the perfect place to wind down, look up, and enjoy the night sky.
Take in the Skyline from Your Rooftop
Our rooftop offers sweeping views from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. It’s the perfect spot to bring a blanket, sip your favorite drink, and unwind as the city lights begin to glow. Want to elevate the experience? Here are a few ideas:
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Arrive before sunset to catch the golden hour. It’s perfect for photos—and for soaking in those last rays of sunlight.
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Host a mini picnic. Grab takeout from a neighborhood favorite or bring a few snacks and enjoy dinner with a view.
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Invite your neighbors. Rooftop nights are a great way to connect with others in the community.
Stargazing Made Easy
Even in a bustling city like DC, you can spot stars, planets, and constellations—especially from a well-positioned rooftop like ours. Here’s how to get started:
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Download a stargazing app like SkyView, Star Walk, or Stellarium. These tools help you identify constellations and planets in real time.
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Look for summer constellations like Scorpius, Cygnus, and Lyra, which are easiest to spot this time of year.
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Time it right. The darker the sky, the better the view—aim for rooftop time after 9:00 PM or closer to the new moon, when light pollution is lowest.
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Use your eyes. You don’t need a telescope to enjoy it—a pair of binoculars can reveal moon craters and star clusters, but even a relaxed, unaided gaze can be rewarding.
DC Astronomy Events to Check Out
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the rooftop, DC has some stellar events to offer this June and July:
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Pop-Up Stargazing at the National Air and Space Museum
Wednesday, June 18 | 8:30–10:00 PM
Join Smithsonian staff and local astronomers just outside the museum on the National Mall. They’ll provide telescopes and help you explore the night sky, all for free. It’s an easy, fun way to deepen your appreciation of the cosmos. -
Planetarium Shows at Rock Creek Park
Every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday until 6/29/25
Head to the Rock Creek Park Nature Center for guided astronomy shows in their planetarium. Learn about constellations, stars, and planetary movement—then take your new knowledge back to the rooftop and see what you can spot on your own.
Mark Your Sky Calendar
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Strawberry Moon – June 11
The full moon will rise low and golden on the horizon—a perfect photo opp from The Collective rooftop. -
New Moon – June 25
This is your best shot for dark skies, ideal for spotting faint stars and maybe even a glimpse of the Milky Way.
Your Summer, Your Sky, Your Rooftop
At The Collective, the rooftop isn’t just a feature—it’s your personal escape. Whether you’re relaxing solo under the stars, inviting friends for a skyline hangout, or getting inspired by the universe above, it’s the perfect place to slow down and look up.
Ready to experience the summer sky like never before? Grab a blanket, pick your night, and head to the rooftop—your next unforgettable moment is just an elevator ride away.
