must visit washington dc

Washington, D.C.   Travel Guide

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31 Best Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

Many of Washington, D.C.'s main attractions relate to its principal enterprise: politics. These include the  White House and the U.S. Capitol , of course, as well as monuments and historic sites dedicated to notable historical figures. The capital

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The Tidal Basin The Tidal Basin free

If you've never been to Washington, D.C. before, plan to spend some time along the Tidal Basin, an approximately 107-acre pond encircled by a 2.1-mile loop trail. Constructed to use the strong tides of the Potomac River to clear silt from the Washington Channel and to maintain steady water levels in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pools , it now also serves as the backdrop to some of D.C.'s best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to the city from Tokyo ) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts, and they attract hordes of visitors. The cherry blossoms typically hit peak bloom (defined as when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open) in March or April. The National Park Service website makes "bloom watch" updates on its website , where you can check the progress of the trees and see when peak bloom is expected for the year. You can follow the path that leads around the basin, but recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat. Paddleboats are available to rent from spring until fall for $28 to $40 per hour (depending on the day) for a four-passenger boat. You can pick up a paddle boat on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the boat dock near Maine Avenue.

Even if you don't make it to town for the cherry blossoms, you won't want to miss the three major memorials that can be found along the Tidal Basin's shores: the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . A memorial to Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason, also stands nearby.

The White House and the Washington Monument The White House and the Washington Monument free

Even if you're only in town for a short trip, visiting the Washington Monument and the White House – two marble symbols of the U.S. – is a must for any first-time D.C. visitor.

Standing just shy of 555 ½ feet, the Washington Monument was the tallest structure in the world at its completion in 1884. Nowadays, you can ride one of the monument's glass-encased elevators to the top observation deck to enjoy 360-degree views of the city, which invariably impress visitors. You can explore the attraction's exterior for free 24 hours a day, but National Park Service rangers are only available from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. to answer questions. The monument itself is open to visitors every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free timed-entry tickets can be reserved up to 30 days in advance via Recreation.gov . (There is a $1 nonrefundable service charge for each ticket.) Some same-day tickets are distributed daily on a first-come, first served basis. The ticket window opens at 8:45 a.m.; be prepared for a line. The Smithsonian Metro stop is closest to the monument. Visit the National Park Service's Washington Monument page for more information.

Lincoln Memorial Lincoln Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The best time to see this monument is after dark when it's illuminated. You'll still contend with crowds, but it will be worth it. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Although the Lincoln Memorial is just one of the District's many monuments, the larger-than-life Honest Abe is also among travelers' favorites. History buffs might enjoy reading Lincoln's  two famous speeches – the Second Inaugural Address and the Gettysburg Address – which are both etched into the memorial's north and south walls, respectively. Meanwhile, art history and architecture aficionados will enjoy admiring the building's striking design by Henry Bacon, complete with 38 Doric columns, 36 of which signify the states in the Union at the time Lincoln passed away.

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World War II Memorial World War II Memorial free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  While it's pretty during the day, the memorial is incomparable at night. Visit after sunset. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

The World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to the 16 million American military members who served during World War II, including the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the fight. A circle of 56 columns (representing the U.S. states and territories from the era) looks over the Rainbow Pool. At night, with lights shining, this memorial can be quite ethereal. The structure also has a wall of more than 4,000 gold stars – one for every 100 Americans who died in the conflict.

National Mall (The Mall) National Mall (The Mall) free

Stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building , the National Mall is a tree- and museum-lined grassy expanse that becomes the focal point of many tourists' DC sightseeing. And although it might look like an easy jaunt from one end to the other, from tip to tip it's about a 2.5-mile venture, so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some water. There are several different walking paths along the mall to choose from and you can stop and admire various monuments and memorials along the way, including the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. Many visitors find the National Mall a fantastic spot for kids to run around on the grass or for a picnic lunch (whether you bring supplies with you or grab a bite to eat from one of the food trucks that line up on Constitution Avenue, 17th Street and 14th Street).

Recent travelers say the National Mall – either toured by day and popping in museums and around memorials or toured by night and enjoying the sights by moonlight – is a quintessential DC experience. Many say the park rangers on-site to answer questions and direct visitors are very friendly and helpful as well.

Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials free

One of the most moving war memorials, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – or "the Wall," as it's commonly referred to – is a long black granite wall with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who perished during the Vietnam War emblazoned on its surface. Recent travelers said their visits to the site were heartbreaking but thought-provoking and powerful, adding that even the toughest of individuals will find it hard to not become emotional while reading the wall's names. If you're looking for a specific person, keep in mind that the soldiers' names are ordered by the date they died, not alphabetically. Also, reviewers recommend using the attraction's name books and visiting during the day when there's ample sunlight.

When you're wandering along the eastern side of the Mall, venture to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Paying tribute to the 1.5 million who served in "The Forgotten War," this privately funded site contains 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat. In a triangular area known as the Field of Service, soldier statues march toward an American flag. Next to the soldiers is a 164-foot-long granite wall that pays homage to the unnamed troops that fought in the Korean War. Another highlight of the memorial is the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil place for reflection. However, some past travelers cautioned that the memorial lacks signage, so younger visitors may not understand as much as those who lived through the war.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial free

Located on the northwest rim of the Tidal Basin , this 30-foot granite memorial pays homage to civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Everything from its address at 1964 Independence Ave. (a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed by Congress) to its design (which shows King emerging from a "mountain of despair," a reference to his "I Have a Dream" speech) are meant to reflect King's significant contribution to American history. What's more, this towering sculpture opened to the public in 2011, making it one of the newest memorials to open in the District. It is also the National Mall's first memorial dedicated to an African American.

Previous visitors raved about this memorial, adding that its powerful symbolism and beautiful design will give you chills. Plus, the sculpture's proximity to other memorials and monuments like the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial make it convenient to reach. However, some reviewers wished there was more information on King's life, legacy and commitment to nonviolence around the statue.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum free

Note: Beginning in 2018, the museum embarked on an ambitious, multiyear, multimillion-dollar effort to renovate and reimagine all of its exhibits and put 1,400 new objects on display. It's reopening galleries in stages, but the IMAX theater is closed. Check the website to see what's on display before you go.

Attracting millions of people each year, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum contains a trove of celebrated aircraft, including Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega 5B, the Apollo 11 Command Module, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and Wilbur and Orville Wright's 1903 Wright Flyer, among others. Exhibits include flight simulators, an IMAX theater and the Einstein Planetarium. And parents beware: The gift shop is huge, so get ready for pleas from your kids. 

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Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture free

U.S. News Insider Tip: When hunger strikes, don't miss the Southern comfort offerings at Sweet Home Cafe, including fried chicken, collard greens and fish po'boys. The food is surprisingly delicious for a museum eatery. – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Designed to replicate the three-tiered crowns found in Yoruban art from West Africa, with bronze-colored latticework accents that honor the ironwork of enslaved African Americans, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture opened on the National Mall in 2016. More than 40,000 artifacts are displayed inside, including photographs of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, boxing headgear and a robe used by Muhammad Ali, and a fedora once worn by Michael Jackson. Themed guided tours are offered on select dates. Additionally, museumgoers can download the attraction's free mobile app for audio stories about some of the museum's exhibits.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum United States Holocaust Memorial Museum free

You need to be in the right frame of mind to visit this sobering museum that focuses on the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through film footage, photographs and historical artifacts, it confronts subjects such as Hitler's rise to power, anti-Semitic propaganda and the horrors of the Final Solution. In addition to its permanent exhibition, "The Holocaust," the museum mounts several special exhibits. The facility also has a Hall of Witness, a three-story chamber beneath skylights; a Hall of Remembrance, a space with an eternal flame intended for individual reflection as well as public ceremonies; the Holocaust Survivors and Victims Resource Center; a library and a reading room.

Past travelers felt moved by this powerful museum but cautioned that its graphic collection is not ideal for younger children. (Indeed, the museum itself has age recommendations for its exhibits, signaling that some material may not be suitable for kids.) Many were especially impressed with its informative, thorough and respectful displays, adding that you can easily spend a few hours perusing its halls.

National Gallery of Art National Gallery of Art free

U.S. News Insider Tip: There are two things you won't want to miss here: the rooftop terrace, which affords panoramic views of the city and a photo op with a giant blue rooster, and the only Leonardo da Vinci oil painting on permanent exhibition in the U.S. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

If you're any kind of art connoisseur, you should make a stop at the National Gallery of Art. Composed of the East Building, which houses the gallery's more modern works (think: Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko), and the West Building, which contains the collection's older works (from Sandro Botticelli to Claude Monet), this museum has enough to fill an entire afternoon. Visitors often remark on the museum's large size and expansive collection. Pace yourself and maybe order a coffee, gelato or lunch at one of the gallery's five bars and cafes.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Even if you don't have time to catch a performance, head to the rooftop of the Kennedy Center to grab a drink and see an incredible sunset from the terrace. The on-site REACH art gallery and sculpture garden (free) are also fun to wander around. – Erin Evans

Many travelers highly recommend a visit to The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, built and named for America's beloved Camelot president. The Kennedy Center houses the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera and hosts numerous other dance, theater and musical performances throughout the year. Although ticket prices can run a bit high, you can take in a performance for free on the Millennium Stage. The Kennedy Center debuted a new permanent exhibit in 2022: Visitors can explore the free "Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy" immersive exhibit to learn about the relationship between Kennedy's presidency and the arts. The facility also includes the REACH, an indoor/outdoor complex comprising an art gallery, sculpture garden, classrooms and studios, lecture halls, a video wall and more interactive spaces.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History free

With a collection of more than 147 million items, this robust Smithsonian museum on the National Mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the museum's highlights include replicas of giant whales and other marine life in the Sant Ocean Hall. There's also a 2,000-pound, 52-foot model of a mega-tooth shark suspended above a dining area. In addition, you can venture to the Butterfly Pavilion for some fluttery fun with multicolored bugs. No stop at this museum would be complete without stopping by the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils – "Deep Time" exhibit features approximately 700 specimens, including Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops dinosaurs. Other permanent exhibits explore human evolution, ancient Egypt and geology, among other topics.

Although this museum is especially appealing to families, past visitors said there's something for everyone here. However, the property can get quite crowded on weekends, holidays and during the busy summer season, so consider arriving on a weekday or in the offseason to avoid crowds. Recent museumgoers also suggested saving some time for the Hope Diamond, which is on display in the geology exhibit.

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Washington National Cathedral Washington National Cathedral

U.S. News Insider Tip: Opt for a tour instead of exploring on your own, especially if you want to spot some of the cathedral's weirder gargoyles (like the famous Darth Vader). – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Construction first began on this massive cathedral – the sixth largest in the world – in 1907, but it wasn't actually completed until 1990. (Though work on the building continues, including extensive and ongoing repairs after an earthquake damaged the structure in 2011.) Designed in the Gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral sits surrounded by gardens, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral and peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, keeping a close eye out for gargoyles (there's one of Darth Vader!). Step inside to admire the building's intricate stained-glass windows.

Arlington National Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery free

Arlington National Cemetery sits in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The cemetery spans about 1 square mile and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 service members, veterans and their families. Visitors should be sure to spend some time viewing the Memorial Amphitheater, the John F. Kennedy Gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Additionally, finding the grave of a notable veteran, family member or friend proves to be a powerful experience, according to visitors. The cemetery also has a downloadable app available to help you pinpoint the location of a grave.

Previous travelers appreciate the trolley tour from Arlington National Cemetery Tours, but they warn that the excursion is a bit pricey at $19.50 for adults, $10.75 for children ages 4 to 12 and $15 for seniors ages 65 and older. (There are discounted prices for service members, veterans and their families.)

Planet Word Planet Word

The world's first voice-activated museum, Planet Word strives to provide an immersive language experience through multiple exhibits and interactive galleries. Its word-centric exhibits span three floors and explore such topics as how people learn to speak, words’ origins, the world’s diversity of languages, famous speeches (which visitors can recreate using teleprompters), songs (which you can deliver karaoke style), jokes and how advertising uses language to persuade consumers. It also has a library, of course, as well as recording booths for listening to others reflect on the power of words and for preserving your story. Its Lexicon Lane contains multiple "puzzle cases" with themed word puzzles that can be solved using various clues deposited around the room. The museum, which opened in 2020, also has a restaurant and a gift shop.

Visitors frequently enthuse about this museum with adjectives like "clever," "creative," "fascinating" and "innovative." Many say its well-executed interactive activities make it an especially engaging place for families. Plan on spending at least a couple hours here.

U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress free

Arguably the most magnificent building in Washington, the U.S. Capitol is where visitors go to witness politics in action. Inside, members of both houses of Congress debate and create national policy and law, while visitors explore the building's north and south wings and circular centerpiece: the Rotunda. This iconic hall houses paintings, frescoes and sculptures depicting famous scenes from American history, not to mention an iconic cast-iron dome added to the structure in 1868. Though some travelers express mixed reviews on whether the U.S. Capitol warrants the time and effort spent (both making reservations and going on the actual tour), most agree the site is well worth a visit.

If you're not that stoked about exploring the building's innards, consider taking a stroll outside of the building. It's located on the National Mall nearby the U.S. Botanic Garden and the National Air and Space Museum . The easiest way to reach the Capitol is via the Metro to the Capitol South or Federal Center SW stops (both on the Blue, Silver and Orange lines) or the Union Station stop (on the Red Line). Additionally, there are bike racks outside the Capital Visitor Center and Capital Bikeshare stations nearby. For more information, check out the official U.S. Capitol Visitor Center website .

National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For an exhilarating night out after a day at the museums, check out the nearby ax throwing bar Kraken Axes. Then, when you work up an appetite, one of the best places to eat in Chinatown is Reren Lamen & Bar. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

The National Portrait Gallery most notably houses images of every previous president, allowing visitors to reminisce about each political figure as they progress through the hall of portraits. The presidential portraits aren't alone, though, as the National Portrait Gallery also houses artistic renderings of notable American citizens ranging from sports figures to civil rights leaders. Moreover, the National Portrait Gallery only takes up half of the building and shares the space with the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This museum showcases rotating exhibits, which have previously exposed visitors to work created in response to the Vietnam War, glasswork, native women artists and more. The Smithsonian American Art Museum also operates a separate branch, the Renwick Gallery, devoted to contemporary craft and decorative arts.

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Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute free

More than 1,800 animals reside at the Smithsonian's 163-acre National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, from Asian elephants to cheetahs to sea lions. Look up every now and then as you stroll beneath the Orangutan Transport System (called the O Line): You may spot orangutans swinging along cables between steel towers. Or, if you're more intrigued by animals native to South America, head over to the Amazonia exhibit, home to creatures like titi monkeys and multiple frog species. The Great Cats exhibit features Sumatran tigers and African lions, among other feline predators. The zoo also has a playground and other attractions geared toward kids. If you time your visit for the holidays, swing by the zoo after dark for its ZooLights exhibition, when animal lanterns and lights bedazzle the park.

Recent visitors praised the zoo's pleasant surroundings and broad selection of species. Others warn future travelers to temper expectations: It's popular during the spring and summer seasons and there are long lines for (somewhat overpriced) food. Though some said the zoo could be more exciting and have a broader array of animals, keep in mind the more than 360 species are free to visit.

Union Market Union Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're visiting with a group of people, buy a few different dishes from the various stalls and enjoy a little self-guided food tour of the market's best offerings. – Erin Evans

A massive food hall and gathering place for locals and tourists alike, Union Market is a fun place to spend a morning, afternoon or evening. Anchoring the Union Market District in Northeast D.C., the warehouse-style building features a plethora of food stalls, restaurants, bars and shops. The building originally opened to the public as the Union Terminal Market in 1931 and has transformed over the years to become the bustling hub of food, drink and socializing it is today. Dining options include coffee bars, Korean-Mexican fusion food stalls, specialty charcuterie and cheese shops, chocolatiers, pizzerias, doughnut spots and more. There are several upscale restaurants nearby as well, such as St. Anselm and Masseria.

Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery free

The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery combine to comprise the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Opened in 1923, the Freer Gallery showcases American paintings from the late 19th century aesthetic movement, plus art from China, Egypt, India, Japan, Korea and the Islamic world. The Sackler Gallery opened in 1987 in the adjacent building, and it displays Thai earthenware, a Tibetan Buddhist shrine, Iranian artifacts and a host of rotating exhibits.

Past visitors particularly appreciated the Peacock Room, a gilded blue and gold room filled with frescoes of peacocks and pottery. The Sackler Gallery's underground exhibits also serve as a boon for sweltering tourists during the District’s hot summer months, which delighted recent travelers. The general consensus is that there are some remarkable works of art here.

Rock Creek Park Rock Creek Park free

A large urban park extending from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland border to the Potomac River, Rock Creek Park is a destination for an expansive array of outdoor activities. It has more than 32 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of horseback riding trails while bicyclists can use its paved trails and roads. It has a nine-hole golf course and tennis courts. Fishing and paddleboating on the Potomac River are additional options. The park also boasts plenty of built things to see, such as scenic bridges, fountains and statues.

In addition to its more than 1,750 acres of outdoor space, the park encompasses multiple noteworthy structures. The Nature Center features a book- and game-filled children's Discovery Room, displays of live turtles and snakes and an observation deck. It provides hiking information and serves as the starting point of the half-mile Woodland Trail. The Peirce Mill operated as a grist mill from 1829 to 1897, making the historical building the last one of its kind in the area. The Old Stone House, constructed around 1766, ranks as the oldest building on its original foundation in Washington D.C. Its former kitchen contains historical exhibits.

National Archives Museum National Archives Museum free

If you love history, you'll enjoy visiting this museum. A treasure trove of the United States' founding documents, the National Archives Museum is high on travelers' to-do lists and almost always has long entrance lines. But once you do get inside, you'll see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, along with one of the surviving copies of the Magna Carta. Other interactive and kid-friendly exhibits fill the museum, which is located off the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines. Conveniently, the museum is also a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours .

Though the museum welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., visitors are not permitted to enter after 5 p.m. A gift shop, cafe and restrooms are on-site. 

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9:30 Club 9:30 Club

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're attending a concert at this venue, plan to arrive early, as the line can stretch around the block for popular artists. And if possible, avoid using the coat check (unless you want to be stuck waiting in line for hours after the show).  – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

The 9:30 Club has often been heralded as one of the best live music venues in America. The iconic club began earning its accolades around the time it opened in 1980, though, and has hosted groups like Nirvana, R.E.M., Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fugazi and Public Enemy, among others. While the 9:30 Club relocated and expanded over time, the club is still small enough to feel intimate. Its location near the bustling U Street corridor means that travelers will have no shortage of options for a pre-show dinner or a post-show drink (the staple Ben's Chili Bowl is just a few blocks away). Alternatively, the 9:30 Club offers a small menu of quesadillas, nachos and tacos if you want to eat there.

Nationals Park Nationals Park

Nationals Park is home to the Washington Nationals, the city's Major League Baseball team. The stadium opened in March 2008; it's located in the popular Navy Yard neighborhood and seats 40,000-plus fans. Nats Park welcomes visitors and locals to see the games typically from March through October, so check the schedule to see if they're in town when you're visiting the city and buy tickets for a fun-filled afternoon or evening of baseball. There's not a bad seat in the stadium and there are plenty of concession options, including barbecue, tacos, sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, beer, cocktails and an outpost of the DC-famous Ben's Chili Bowl.

If the team isn't in town when you are, you can still check out the stadium on a two-hour tour (for $25). Tours are available on non-game days at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1 and 2:30 p.m. and take travelers to see the media box, the dugout, the bullpen and the visiting team's locker room.

United States Botanic Garden United States Botanic Garden free

Billed as a "living plant museum," the United States Botanic Garden features dozens of intriguing plants and flowers across its indoor conservatory and outdoor gardens. Colorful orchids, roses, irises and lilies, and rare and exotic plants are just a few examples of what you can see on a visit here. The area includes a conservatory, outdoor gardens and the Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens; there are pathways to walk through each of the sections to enjoy a self-guided tour of the flora. A fun fact to note: The garden was established in 1820 and it is the oldest continually operating public garden in the U.S.

Travelers say this is a lovely spot to wander through and see beautiful flowers and plants. Many say the orchid room (with 5,000-some orchids) is a showstopper and must-visit part of the garden.

National Building Museum National Building Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The permanent exhibits are a bit technical, but special exhibits are accessible (and often hands-on!) for everyone, regardless of their knowledge of architecture. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Washington boasts countless examples of iconic architecture, but the National Building Museum fittingly stands out from the rest. The gargantuan former Pension Building, which completed construction in 1887, once housed the United States Pension Bureau as well as a variety of political events like inaugural balls. In 1985, the building completed its transition into a museum, and it was officially renamed the National Building Museum in 1997. Currently, the museum showcases various interesting intersections of architecture and design throughout American history and culture via approximately 100,000 photos, 130,000 architectural drawing and prints, and more than 20,000 objects ranging from building materials to toys.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site Frederick Douglass National Historic Site free

Like other parts of the South, the Washington metropolitan area – which includes Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. – was once home to numerous plantations that profited off the labor of enslaved African Americans. To learn more about one of the region's most famous former slaves, visit the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in the district's Anacostia neighborhood.

At this historical site, you'll learn all about Frederick Douglass, who had been born into slavery in 1818 who fled from Maryland to New York City in 1838. After becoming a free man, Douglass devoted his life to speaking against slavery, producing abolitionist newspapers and writing about his experience as a slave. In 1872, Douglass and his then wife, Anna, moved to Washington, D.C. The couple moved into the house known as Cedar Hill in 1878. After the death of his first wife in 1882, Douglass married Helen Pitts in 1884 and continued to live in the house until his death in 1895.

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Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden free

The Hirshhorn Museum is a contemporary art museum that features eye-catching exhibits and hosts stimulating events. The museum states its mission is "to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences and ideas converge." Exhibits at this museum often rotate in but examples of art you might encounter include abstract paintings, interactive multimedia and text- and image-based art. The Hirshhorn Museum also hosts many family-friendly events and activities to immerse kids in the art world. Meanwhile, several outdoor galleries make up the sculpture garden, which sits across the street from the museum. (Note: The sculpture garden is currently closed for an ongoing revitalization. It is expected to reopen later in 2024 or in 2025.)

Recent visitors recommend stopping by the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to explore its modern art exhibits. Since it's free, it's easy to spend as much (or as little) time as you want inside. Several said they appreciated how often the exhibitions on display change, so there's always something new when they visit. Some noted though that if you're short on time, this is not a museum to prioritize seeing in D.C. as some of the other options are more interesting or engaging.

U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum U.S. National Arboretum and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum free

Note: Due to the discovery of boxwood blight, the arboretum has closed its Boxwood Collection and adjacent Perennials Collection in order to prevent spread of the disease. It is closed until further notice.

Located northeast of downtown Washington, D.C., the United States National Arboretum rewards its visitors with beautiful outdoor spaces. The arboretum's outdoor collections range from dogwoods to azaleas to magnolias, but none of the plants are the area's primary attraction. Instead, most travelers make the trek here for the National Capitol Columns and the bonsai collection. The National Capitol Columns were built in 1828, decorated the Capitol building until 1958 and found their way to the arboretum in the 1980s. Now, the columns serve as an excellent place to snap photos or enjoy a picnic. The area's bonsai trees sit in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, which boasts an astounding 300 miniature trees that staff members rotate through the museum's three pavilions and special exhibits gallery.

Heurich House Museum Heurich House Museum

German-American immigrant and brewing entrepreneur Christian Heurich built the mansion that now bears his name in the late 19th century. Now, its stands as both an example of Richardsonian Romanesque residential architecture as well a testament to the business-owner's legacy. (It also, appropriately enough, serves as the headquarters of the District of Columbia Brewers Guild, a nonprofit trade organization serving the city's craft brewing industry.) The museum aims to preserve the building, its grounds and its collections while demonstrating the relevance of Heurich's version of the American dream to the modern day.

Visitors typically find the tour guides highly knowledgeable and enjoy seeing the fine period furniture and the well-preserved, intricately decorated structure.

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25 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Written by Lana Law , Becca Blond , and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jun 7, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Whether you are marveling at its white marble monuments and memorials, learning about history in one of its free Smithsonian museums, or getting a feel for how locals live in one of its vibrant neighborhoods, Washington, D.C. emits a pulsating energy not found anywhere else in the U.S. The District of Colombia is a city you can explore dozens of times and have a completely different experience with each visit.

Designed by Pierre-Charles L'Enfant at the request of George Washington, America's capital city sits on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. It is located on land specifically set aside after the Revolutionary War to keep the federal government from being in a single state.

L'Enfant planned for D.C. to feel larger than life with its wide avenues, inspirational marble buildings, public squares, and a magnificent "public walk," the National Mall. The city is split into four quadrants: NW, NE, SW, and SE and its layout is a street grid intersected by avenues.

First-time visitors flock to its list of must-see attractions like the White House, Capitol Building, and museums, monuments, and memorials, perfectly spaced along its park-style National Mall. But beyond these famed attractions, you will find another DC. One ruled by locals and influenced by the host of long-term international residents, and filled with eclectic neighborhoods including U Street, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.

This is a city where you can eat your way across the world's food scene in the space of a few miles. It is also a city that boasts a world-class arts scene and outdoor experiences from paddleboarding on the Potomac River to walking or biking along the C&O Canal towpath.

If you can avoid visiting D.C. in the summer, do so. Besides being unpleasantly hot and humid, summers are when you'll see the biggest crowds. The best times to visit Washington are spring and autumn.

Plan your trip to the nation's capital with our list of the top attractions in Washington, D.C.

1. United States Capitol and Capitol Hill

2. the lincoln memorial, 3. the national mall and veterans memorials, 4. the white house, 5. the washington monument, 6. national air and space museum, 7. national museum of natural history, 8. national gallery of art, 9. library of congress, 10. national museum of african american history and culture, 11. united states holocaust memorial museum, 12. national museum of asian art (freer gallery of art and the arthur m. sackler gallery, 13. national museum of american history, 14. jefferson memorial and tidal basin, 15. the john f. kennedy center for the performing arts, 16. national zoological park, 17. national archives, 18. international spy museum, 19. arlington national cemetery, 20. washington national cathedral, 21. georgetown historic district, 22. smithsonian american art museum and national portrait gallery, 23. u.s. botanic garden, 24. u street corridor, 25. the wharf, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to washington, d.c., best time to visit washington, d.c..

Recognized around the world as a symbol of the United States, the Capitol is the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The huge dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, stands out above all other Washington buildings.

Like Washington itself, the building has grown over the years since the central portion was built between 1793 and 1812. The last addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the main façade where presidents take the oath. On the other side, a marble terrace offers beautiful views over the mall and the city.

The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the great cast-iron dome with a ceiling painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of scenes from American history on the walls. Beside it is the former Chamber of the House of Representatives , with statues of leading historical figures. The small Senate Rotunda leads into the beautifully restored Old Senate Chamber , where the Senate met until 1859, and the Supreme Court until 1935.

Tours can be reserved online and begin at the visitor center on the lower floor, where there is an interesting exhibition on the building's history. Free tours on weekday afternoons explore the ornate paintings on the walls and ceilings of the corridors in the Senate wing, designed by Brumidi between 1857 and 1859. To visit the Senate or House in session, you need to contact your Senator or Representative for a pass; foreign visitors can arrange visits through the visitor center.

East of the Capitol are the Supreme Court Building; the Library of Congress; and Folger Shakespeare Library, home of the world's largest collection of the printed works of William Shakespeare .

The Capitol Hill neighborhood extends southeast, with the lively Eastern Market, a farmers market with craft vendors, as well.

The Capitol is located at the east end of the National Mall. While on this side, you can combine it with a visit to the nearby United States Botanic Garden.

The best-loved of all Washington's memorials, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the far west end of the mall, separated from the Washington Monument by the Reflecting Pool. At its center is a 19-foot marble statue of a seated and pensive President Abraham Lincoln surrounded by 36 columns, one for each of the states that existed at the time of Lincoln's death.

This is the most famous work designed by noted sculptor Daniel Chester French. Jules Guerin painted the murals on the inside walls, showing important events in Lincoln's life.

Since its completion in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been the scene of several historic events . In 1939, when the all-white Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) refused to let celebrated African American singer Marian Anderson perform at a concert in nearby Constitution Hall, President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt arranged for her to give an open-air concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, attended by 75,000 people and broadcast to millions of radio listeners.

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I have a dream..." speech from the memorial steps in 1963, again making history here.

Visiting this and other Mall monuments is one of the favorite things to do in Washington, D.C. at night. The monuments are all lighted , and many, like the Lincoln Memorial, are open 24 hours. The statue of Lincoln is especially powerful lighted at night inside the darkened interior of the temple and framed by the floodlit white columns.

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle, NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Mall is a spacious swath of lawns and pools that form a wide greenbelt from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial , and it is the site of many of Washington's landmark buildings, monuments, memorials, and museums. Most prominent at its center point is the Washington Monument . This is the best place to get an overview of the entire area. It's a high point and allows you to see from one end of the Mall to the other.

War Memorials

On the north side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial . This poignant wall inscribed with the names of all American servicemen and women who lost their lives or are missing, is one of Washington's most visited memorials. Nearby are the Vietnam Women's Memorial , a bronze sculpture of three servicewomen helping a wounded soldier, and the Three Servicemen statue.

On the south side of the Lincoln Memorial is the Korean War Veterans Memorial , which contains 19 steel sculptures of soldiers.

At the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the World War II Memorial , a beautiful oval plaza with sculptures and water features.

The newest is the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial , dedicated in 2014, but this is located near the United States Botanic Garden, closer to the Capitol.

Not on the Mall, but also significant is the WWI Memorial , located in the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Ave NW.

Museums on the National Mall

At the center of the National Mall is the huge Washington Monument. Continuing east from the Washinton Monument, you'll find many of Washington's most important museums. This includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, The National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Asian Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and others. These museums are all free of charge but a couple require a reservation, which gives you a timed admission.

Events and Festivals

Along with providing a park for walking, running, and picnicking, the Mall is a place for celebrations and festivals. Best known of these is the annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks around the Washington Monument.

Also in July, the Smithsonian American Folk Life Festival fills the Mall with music, crafts, performances, storytelling, cultural programs, and food from various regions around the country. The Smithsonian Kite Festival is held here in late March or early April.

On summer evenings, you can often find military bands performing at venues along the Mall. The US Navy Band has concerts at the Capitol steps overlooking the Mall on Mondays and on Tuesdays at Navy Memorial. The US Air Force Band performs on the capitol steps on Tuesdays and at the Air Force Memorial on Fridays.

Location: Between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue, Washington, D.C.

The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States . The home of every president except George Washington, it was originally built by James Hoban in 1792, and after being burned down by British forces in 1814 was rebuilt in 1818.

Although tours of the interior that include the East, Blue, Green, and Red Rooms; the Ballroom; and the State Dining Room must be reserved well in advance through your Congressional office or embassy, every tourist to Washington will want to see this iconic building, at least from the outside.

The free White House Visitor Center , a short distance away, off 15th St. NW on Pennsylvania Avenue, has excellent interactive exhibits related to the White House and the presidential families. It includes furniture of past presidents, a model of the residence, historical changes, and videos with insights from presidents about their time living there.

The Ellipse , a 54-acre stretch of lawn stretching to Constitution Avenue, hosts summer concerts by the US Army Band. Next door to the White House is the elaborate 1833 Greek Revival Treasury Building and the 1871 Executive Office Building , one of the most striking old government buildings in Washington.

From Lafayette Square , one of the city's best-known, statues of Lafayette and others look over the White House.

If you're looking to grab lunch or dinner near the White House, the Old Ebbitt Grill is a wonderful and historic option. Established in 1856, this is a bit of a Washington institution and the city's oldest saloon. It's been frequented by politicians and famous entertainers, contributing to its colorful history. Although it's an upscale restaurant, tourists will feel comfortable here in street clothes, and the menu features plenty of casual fare.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/whho/index.htm

The 555-foot white shaft of the Washington Monument is a familiar icon of the National Mall, and a beautiful sight, especially when mirrored in the long Reflecting Pool at its foot. Construction of the obelisk to honor the nation's first president did not proceed smoothly. The plan was approved by Congress in 1783, but ground wasn't broken until 1848.

When the tower reached 156 feet in height in 1854, political wrangling and lack of funds stopped the project for several years, and the Civil War caused further interruption so that the tower was not capped until 1885, when it was finally completed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

You can still see the separate stages of its building through three changes in the color of its facing stones; inside are engraved stones from states, cities, foreign countries, individuals, and civic groups, many of them donors who helped in its private funding stages. You can take an elevator to the very top for aerial views over the mall and much of Washington. The base of the monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American Flags.

Address: 15th & Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the world's most popular museums, with a collection of history-making air and spacecraft that includes the original 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis , the first plane to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

More recent flight history is represented here by the Apollo 11 command module , part of the first manned lunar landing mission. Permanent and changing exhibitions illustrate the science, history, and technology of aviation and space flight, covering topics like the use of air power in both world wars, the space race, flight pioneers, and up-to-the-minute flight and space technology.

Many of the exhibits are interactive, and all contain actual historical objects, such as a moon rock you can touch. Not only do permanent exhibits illustrate the history, they also show the how and why of flight and space science, explaining how things fly, how jet engines work, and what keeps the International Space Station in orbit.

In addition to the exhibits, there is the Albert Einstein Planetarium , an IMAX theater, and the Public Observatory on the east terrace, where you can examine lunar craters and see planets and other astronomical features through telescopes. Flight simulators (fee charged) allow kids and adults to fly combat missions with aerial maneuvers like 360-degree barrel rolls or experience naval aviation in an F-18 Super Hornet.

The museum is also the home of the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, adjacent to Dulles Airport, and has even more historic aircraft and space exploration artifacts, including a Concorde and the space shuttle Discovery . You can watch from observation walkways through the hangars where experts are restoring historic aircraft.

The Air and Space Museum is undergoing an extensive makeover that will transform not only the arrangement of 23 galleries but also the way it interprets the history and science of flight. Some areas of the museum are currently closed.

Address: 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nasm.si.edu

One of the most popular things to do with children in Washington, the Museum of Natural History explores the natural world with permanent and changing exhibits to interest all ages. From the minute you walk in, you're greeted with enormous, eye-catching displays, beginning with the huge African elephant in the rotunda.

Favorite exhibits include the renowned Hope Diamond and the dazzling collection of gems and minerals around it, and Ocean Hall with its stunning underwater photography and replica of a 45-foot North Atlantic Right Whale.

Also popular is the National Fossil Hall with numerous skeletons, including a T. rex and other giants towering over you.

The Hall of Human Origins follows human evolution over six million years in response to a changing world. Children will especially like the interactive Discovery Room where they can touch and play with various artifacts.

Like most museums in Washington, the Museum of Natural History is free and does not require reservations . You can pop in at any time. This is a busy, fun, and loud museum, where families will feel right at home.

If you're hungry, you can grab a bite from one of the food trucks right outside.

Address: Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://www.si.edu/Museums/natural-history-museum

Housed in two separate buildings connected by a tunnel , the National Gallery of Art is one of the world's premier art museums and one of the most popular in the U.S. Based on the sizable collection of financier and later Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, its large and diverse collection includes masterpieces of European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.

Frequent temporary exhibitions add to this outstanding permanent collection to highlight arts from cultures around the world. Among the highlights is Ginevra de Benci, the only Da Vinci painting in any American museum. Others include works by major French Impressionists - Monet, Degas, and Renoir -- and other masterpieces by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Vermeer.

The newer East Wing features sculptures by Henry Moore, a mobile by Alexander Calder, and other modern works.

Between the East and West buildings is the Sculpture Garden , along with the lovely Pavilion Cafe. You can enjoy a meal while looking out over the garden, or wander through the artwork.

Free concerts are held at the National Gallery on Sunday evenings from fall through spring.

Address: 600 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.nga.gov

An underground passage with historical exhibits leads from the Capitol Building to one of Washington's little-known places to visit, the Library of Congress. It's the world's largest library , modeled on the Opera House in Paris. You can visit portions on your own, but free tours disclose even more of its beautiful interior.

Displayed here are one of the three surviving complete Gutenberg Bibles, an earlier hand-printed Bible, Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's personal library, and galleries filled with exhibits focusing on topics as varied as the musical careers of the Gershwin brothers and the work of editorial cartoonists and graphic artists.

Address: Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.aoc.gov/

Focusing on themes of history, culture, and community, the newest of the Smithsonian museums explores changing definitions of American citizenship and equality, at the same time highlighting African American culture and that of the entire African diaspora.

Various themes are covered in changing exhibits, which center on themes such as African American food traditions and chefs, the influence of African American sports stars on the breakdown of segregation, and African craftsmanship.

Historic artifacts on display include a section of the original Woolworth lunch counter that was the scene of the Greensboro, N.C. sit-in in 1960, and the aircraft known as the "Spirit of Tuskegee." In World War II, it was used to train African American airmen in the Army Air Forces, men whose work helped trigger the desegregation of the military.

Address: National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets

Official site: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

Near the Smithsonian museums, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum documents, studies, and interprets the history of the Holocaust with the dual purpose of memorializing the victims and helping the world to confront hatred and prevent genocide.

Permanent exhibits examine the rise of the Nazis and the Aryan ideology, the ghettos, key events such as Kristallnacht, the concentration camps, and the Nazi atrocities. An exhibit on Americans and the Holocaust examines US reaction to Nazis, the war, and genocide, while another features personal accounts by US soldiers and citizens who witnessed the evidence of Nazi atrocities.

The presentations draw on the enormous collections of more than 12,750 artifacts, 85,000 historical photographs, 9,000 oral history testimonies, as well as archival footage and records of survivors and their families. A visit to the museum is a sobering experience.

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.ushmm.org

Also part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the mall are the two museums that comprise the National Museum of Asian Art. These are the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery .

The Freer collection includes nearly 30,000 pieces of Asian artworks, including Buddhist sculptures and Persian manuscripts, one of the most extensive collections in the world. The Cosmic Buddha Vairochana is one of the most important pieces of the collection. The Freer also features 19th-century and early 20th-century American art, most notably a large collection of work by James McNeill Whistler.

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery , located adjacent to the National Museum of African Art, houses more than 1,000 pieces, including an extraordinary collection of Chinese jade and bronze, Chinese paintings and lacquerware, and ancient Near Eastern ceramics and metalware.

The design of the building means you enter the Sackler Gallery at ground level and descend to the lower floors to see the collections.

Right next door and definitely worth visiting, the National Museum of African Art displays thousands of objects representing diverse artistic styles throughout the African continent, including sculptures, masks, costumes, household objects, and ceramics. This museum is almost a mirror of the Sackler, with collections held in below-ground galleries.

These museums are free and do not require a timed admission reservation.

Official Site: https://asia.si.edu/

The National Museum of American History covers an extensive range of topics and is likely far more entertaining than you might expect. From treasured national historical artifacts like Thomas Jefferson's desk to rock icon Prince's guitar, you'll find a real mix of exhibits.

One of the most popular of the Smithsonian's many museums that line the mall, The National Museum of American History traces the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. since the Revolution. It displays important pieces of Americana, including, one of Edison's light bulbs, and the original flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words to The Star Spangled Banner .

But beyond these treasured national artifacts, exhibits also examine how people lived, what they ate, where they worked, how they played, what they wore, how they traveled, how they worshiped, and how they governed themselves.

Illustrating these multiple themes are artifacts that include everything from gowns, work by First Ladies, and Julia Child's complete kitchen to the Muppets and the actual ruby slippers Judy Garland wore in the film Wizard of Oz . With all the historical things to do in Washington D.C., you might think your family has had enough history. But this engaging museum houses some fascinating exhibits and artifacts of our collective past that will appeal to all ages.

Address: 14th Street NW at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://americanhistory.si.edu

The design for the domed white memorial to Thomas Jefferson, the third US president, is based on the Roman Pantheon, its low dome supported by 54 Ionic columns. Inside, appearing in a dramatic silhouette through the columns is a 19-foot statue of a standing Jefferson , and around are engraved excerpts of the Declaration of Independence and other writings.

The monument stands alone at the far end of the Tidal Pool, which reflects the monument on its surface, and all around the edge of the water are cherry trees, a gift from Japan. These are one of Washington's greatest attractions when they bloom each spring, surrounding the basin with a cloud of pink flowers and celebrated with the Cherry Blossom Festival .

Along the Cherry Tree Walk around the Tidal Basin, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial reflects twelve years of American History through four outdoor rooms. Each one is devoted to one of FDR's terms of office as he guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II. Unveiled in 2011, the 30-foot-high Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is the newest along the Tidal Basin.

In the summer, you can rent a paddle boat and head out on the Tidal Basin to enjoy the water and get fantastic views of the monument. The blue boats are located at a dock across from the monument, off Maine Ave SW, at Floral Park.

Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1971 and named in memory of President John F. Kennedy, the National Cultural Center overlooks the Potomac River in a state-of-the-art building designed by architect Edward Durell Stone. It is home to the National Symphony Orchestra, which hosts some of the world's greatest guest artists each year, and the Washington National Opera , one of the nation's leading opera companies.

Its three main stages and several smaller stages present over 2,200 performing arts shows and events each year, about 400 of which are free. These represent all types of music and theater, both classical and contemporary.

Joining the Los Angeles Music Center and Lincoln Center in New York as one of the three most important venues in the United States, the Kennedy Center is a major stop for visiting overseas opera, dance, and drama companies on tour.

Address: 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.kennedy-center.org

The National Zoo is the most popular of the Smithsonian attractions. It is one of the world's best zoos, not only for the quality of the experience but for its leadership in areas of animal care and sustainability.

Nearly 2,000 different animals, birds, and reptiles live in habitats replicating their natural environments as closely as possible. Of the several hundred species represented here, about a quarter are endangered.

One of the zoo's star attractions, the giant pandas left the zoo in late 2023 but they are coming back in late 2024. Other highlights include red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Asian elephants, cheetahs, white-naped cranes, and North Island brown kiwis. You can also watch otters play, or walk through the aviary to enjoy birds flying overhead.

In the Amazonia exhibit, you can glimpse the colorful underwater life of the Amazon, where one of the world's largest freshwater fish swims beneath a living tropical forest.

Along with the cheetahs at the Cheetah Conservation Station, you can see Grevy's zebras, dama gazelles, vultures, and red river hogs, and at the highly popular Elephant Trails, you can see the multigenerational herd and learn about the elephants' life at the zoo and in the wild.

Check the day's schedule for feeding times, demonstrations, educational games, and talks. As you might expect, this is one of Washington's favorite places to visit for children.

Although the zoo is free, you must book a timed entrance admission. You can book an entry time up to one hour before closing.

The zoo is north of downtown, quite a distance from the main attractions but you can easily take public transit. The closest metro stop is about a four-block walk from the entrance and a bus stop is right outside the zoo. Metro cards (SmarTrip) are good for trains and buses.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: http://nationalzoo.si.edu

The National Archives holds permanent records of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Columbia courts, and some federal agencies, as well as pre-World War I military service records for U.S. Army and Confederate veterans, and pre-1940 vessel and station logbooks for the U.S. Navy.

The records are open to researchers, and in the Rotunda, you can see the Declaration of Independence , Constitution , and Bill of Rights . Exhibition galleries feature a 1297 Magna Carta and a changing group of other historically significant documents. An exhibit, Rightfully Hers: American Women and the Vote, includes documents from the suffrage movement, and in other areas are interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages.

In front of the building is a large pond and fountains with benches around the edges for relaxing.

Address: 701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://museum.archives.gov

The place for 007 wannabes, the museum covers the techniques, technology, history, and contemporary role of espionage. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and throughout the building are actual examples of real espionage equipment (including a poison dart umbrella designed by the KGB), from declassified hardware and captured equipment to movie props used in the James Bond series.

Photographs, audio-visual programs, and special effects combine to give a picture of strategies and methods behind secret espionage missions. The collections include historic spy artifacts from the Revolution and Civil War, along with a wealth of ingeniously concealed and disguised cameras and weapons, even the famous Enigma cipher machine that broke the Nazi codes in World War II.

The top floor is dedicated to real-life spies Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanson, and John Walker, detailing the actual methods and tools they used to spy on the United States, with videos describing how spies were caught. The lower floor moves from fact to fiction, filled with information and actual props used in James Bond movies.

Highlighting these is the Aston Martin DB5 that first appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger , equipped with machine guns, oil jets, a dashboard radar screen, an ejector seat, tire slashers, a bulletproof shield, and a rotating license plate. The car actually inspired intelligence agencies to add similar features to their own vehicles.

Upon arrival, you are given your own spy mission, complete with a fake identity, cover story, and a card. As you progress through the exhibits you can use your identity card at terminals set up throughout the museum to get updates on your mission. This is completely optional but can be fun if you are looking for an interactive experience.

Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW; Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.spymuseum.org

On a hillside overlooking the city from across the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery is filled with memorials to American history and the men and women who were part of it. Its best-known landmarks are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , President John F. Kennedy's gravesite, and the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial depicting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II. The Welcome Center has maps, information (including the locations of specific graves), and exhibits telling the story of Arlington National Cemetery and its monuments.

Among these are memorials to nurses, Iran Rescue Mission casualties, and various battles and groups, including one at the graves of Lt. Cmdr. Roger B. Chaffee and Lt. Col. Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, who were killed in a fire aboard their Apollo spacecraft. Another commemorates the seven Challenger astronauts.

In a solemn and impressive ceremony, the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30. Although the cemetery is not right in the city, both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Metrorail system and Metrobus have stops close to the gate.

Official site: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

The English-style, Neo-Gothic National Cathedral, one of the world's largest cathedrals, took 83 years to build, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the Gothic building style and techniques, with flying buttresses and solid masonry construction of Indiana limestone. Throughout the cathedral are artistic details to see, from its stained-glass windows to the hand-embroidered kneelers that commemorate war heroes and historic events.

Special tours, reserved in advance, explore hidden parts of the building and its art; families should ask for the brochure Explore the Cathedral with Children for a scavenger hunt to find wrought-iron animals, tiny carvings, and gargoyles. Be sure to look for the gargoyle of Darth Vader high up on the northwest tower.

The cathedral is the burial place of President Woodrow Wilson and Helen Keller , and state funerals for Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford took place here. The top of the 300-foot central tower is the highest point in Washington.

The Bishop's Garden , on the south side of the cathedral, includes plants found in medieval gardens, plants mentioned in the Bible, and others native to the area, along with a fish pond. The 59-acre Cathedral Close, designed by the eminent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr in the early 20th century, is an urban oasis modeled on the walled grounds of medieval cathedrals.

Carillon recitals are held each Saturday at 12:30pm, and the peal bells are rung on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9pm and after Sunday services. On Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:30pm, a cathedral organist discusses the Great Organ here, followed by a mini-recital.

Address: Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues NW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: www.cathedral.org

The neighborhood from 27th to 37th Streets, between Rock Creek Park and K Street NW, is the city's oldest, with origins in the early 1700s, before Washington itself. Georgetown University , the nation's oldest Roman Catholic and Jesuit College, is located here.

Today, Georgetown's tidy streets of historic homes and its boutique shops, cafés, restaurants, and small museums make it a popular respite from lines at the mall attractions. The C&O Canal , the 184-mile waterway paralleling the Potomac River, begins here, and its towpath is a favorite place for walking and cycling.

Dumbarton Oaks is a 16-acre estate with formal gardens and a valuable Byzantine and Christian art collection. Federal period Dumbarton House features Federal-style furniture, paintings, textiles, silver, and ceramics, and is home to one of five original known copies of the Articles of Confederation.

Tudor Place is an early 19th-century mansion built by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter, and her husband. Items from George and Martha Washington's Mount Vernon home are shown here, and the Federal-period gardens contain plants and trees from the early 19th century. The Kreeger Museum displays a wide collection of art from the 1850s to the 1970s including paintings by Monet, Renoir, Sisley, Chagall, Gauguin, and Picasso.

If you're looking for places to eat in Washington or things to do at night, this is one of the places to visit. The neighborhood is filled with restaurants and cafes, along with live music venues.

The nearby Dupont Circle neighborhood is another great place to head for dining and nightlife. This area, east of Georgetown in the northwest corner of downtown Washington, is near several embassies and offers lovely outdoor spaces and a fantastic mix of restaurants.

You'll find excellent high-end dining, casual restaurants, and an assortment of different ethnic foods. Try Balos Estiatorio for something upper-end and Mediterranean, or head next door to Colada Shop for a laid-back atmosphere and tasty Cuban food. If you just want to relax, walk to Dupont Circle Fountain and kick back in a chair on the lawn.

Sharing the historic Old Patent Office Building with the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum holds one of the world's largest and most inclusive collections of American art, representing more than 7,000 artists from the colonial era to the present.

The collections record the wonder of artists capturing the beauty of American landscapes as the nation expanded westward, and the changing face of American cities and towns. Special collections represent works by more than 200 African American artists, collections of Latinex works, an outstanding array of contemporary American craft and folk arts.

The National Portrait Gallery focuses on famous Americans, from the time of the first colonies to present-day leaders and important public figures, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.

Address: 8th and G Streets NW, Washington, D.C.

Official sites:

• https://americanart.si.edu/art
• https://npg.si.edu/

At the foot of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Botanic Garden is an oasis of tropical gardens in the center of the city. Surrounded by outdoor gardens, the huge glasshouse is the hub of a museum of living plants. Permanent interior exhibits create environments for plants at home everywhere from the desert to rainforests, while outside is a showcase of plants that thrive in the Middle Atlantic states.

The greenhouse contains two courtyard gardens and 10 garden rooms, and the outside displays include a pollinator garden, rose garden, kitchen garden, and water garden. There's always something in bloom, and benches in the vast conservatory invite a stop to enjoy the fragrances and the lush green surroundings.

Address: 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.

Official site: https://www.usbg.gov/

D.C.'s U Street Corridor is one of the city's top historic neighborhoods and served as the epicenter of Black culture in America between 1862 and 1948. Designated a historic district in 1998, this neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings housing plenty of shops, restaurants, and theaters.

It is anchored by 14 th Street on its west side and the recently renovated Howard Theatre on its east end at the edge of the Shaw neighborhood. Constructed in 1910, this was the center of Black Broadway for the first half of the 20 th Century. It fell into decline but underwent a magnificent renovation and reopened a decade ago.

Duke Ellington was born in this neighborhood and a sculpture honoring the famed jazz musician can be seen at the intersection of Florida Ave and T Street. Also check out a concert at Lincoln Theatre , built in 1922, where Ellington and other jazz greats like Billie Holiday, Nat King, Cole, and Louis Armstrong all used to play.

U Street is known for its delicious food scene. Here you'll find the acclaimed Ben's Chili Bowl , which has served everyone from Anthony Bourdain to Barack Obama. Its restaurants span the globe, however. If you are craving authentic Ethiopian fare, head to "Little Ethiopia" on the east end of U Street.

With its second phase only completed in 2002, The Wharf is D.C.'s hottest new waterfront neighborhood, home to more than 80 restaurants and shops, an iconic fish market, four hotels, and a popular live music venue. Running along the Potomac River for one mile, the neighborhood was created as part of a larger development plan for what had been a neglected portion of the SW quadrant.

Just about a 10-minute walk from the National Mall, The Wharf's waterfront location provides a totally different vibe than the memorial and museum area. The Municipal Fish Market is the country's oldest continuously operating open-air fish market, originally opened in 1805. Until the redevelopment of The Wharf, it wasn't really on the tourist map anymore. Today it is buzzing with hungry travelers and locals alike, who come here to dine al fresco on fresh fish.

If you want to get out on the Potomac River yourself, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore. There are also seasonal water taxis running from The Wharf to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, across the river. Alexandria is known for its stately 18 th - and 19th-century buildings and brick streets. It's a great place to wander around for an afternoon. Water taxis also run to Georgetown.

Come evening, book a luxe riverboat dinner cruise on Potomac. These offer a wonderful way to relax after an action-packed day, and river sunsets can be phenomenal.

Official site: https://www.wharfdc.com/

Sightseeing by Day:

• Washington, D.C. has so many famous sites that it's difficult to keep track of all there is to see and do. One of the best ways to explore this city is on a classic Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour , seeing the sites from an open-top red bus and getting on and off wherever you choose.

Sightseeing by Public Transport

• The public transport system in Washington is excellent. You can buy a SmarTrip card at any metro stop, load it with money, and use it to ride the trains and buses and to pay for parking. If you aren't sure how to work the ticket machine, ask an attendant for help. Metro Central Station is the main hub for sightseeing.

Sightseeing by Night:

• At night, Washington is transformed as the floodlights are beamed up the monuments, giving them a completely different look from their daytime appearance. The Washington, D.C. Monuments by Moonlight Night Trolley Tour is a 2.5-hour guided tour that provides an easy way to see the city at night.

Sightseeing by Bicycle:

• Active travelers will enjoy the Washington D.C. Monuments Bike Tour to visit the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial on a three-hour ride. Hybrid bikes and the relatively level terrain make this suitable even for those who are not avid cyclists. As many places to visit have security checkpoints and do not allow backpacks, it is wise to carry as little as possible while touring.

Weather wise, the best time of year to travel to Washington, D.C. is between the months of March and May and September to November . You'll hit cherry blossom season (usually from late March to early April), ogle spectacular fall foliage (especially in October through November), and enjoy a long stretch of great weather free from frigid and sweltering temps.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit Close to Washington: If you have time to explore outside the city, there are many easy Day Trips from Washington, D.C ., and our page on Top-Rated Weekend Getaways from Washington D.C. can give you plenty of ideas for longer excursions.

Exploring Maryland : There are a number of tourist attractions in Maryland , including those in historic Annapolis and Baltimore with its lively harbor area. The state is also famous for its beaches and oceanfront resorts, many of which are within easy weekend reach from Washington. You can learn more about these on our page Top-Rated Resorts in Maryland.

Discovering Virginia : The District of Columbia lies between two states, and to its south, you can visit attractions in Virginia , including those in the capital city of Richmond . Or you could spend a weekend immersed in colonial history with the help of our page Top Tourist Attractions in Williamsburg & Easy Day Trips .

More on District of Columbia

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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14 Best Things to Do in Washington, DC

By Adele Chapin

There's the DC you see on C-SPAN footage and blaring cable news clips. Then there's DC that residents know, the livable city where you can spend a Saturday exploring indie boutiques, cool restaurants and breweries, and amazing concert venues. Your visit to America's capital city can include both sides of town, seeing awe-inspiring museums and memorials—or trying to find a presidential motorcade if you're a "West Wing" super fan. Next up, see a free concert at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, hear the birds chirp in one of The District's many parks (both wild and manicured), or even see the sights from the Potomac River on a water taxi. Need more ideas? Here's our list of the best things to do in Washington, DC, both on and off the beaten path.

Read our complete Washington, DC, destination guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

National Museum of African American History and Culture Arrow

It’s hard to imagine improving upon the grandeur of the historic National Mall , miles of greenery surrounded by world-class monuments and museums. But in September 2016, the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture did just that. This relatively new addition to an iconic landscape houses artifacts, photography, and other media that reflect African American culture and experiences. Here you’ll find Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal and silk lace and linen shawl, a bill of a sale for a young enslaved girl, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, photos capturing the participation of Black women during the Civil Rights Movement, and a collection of costumes from ‘The Wiz’. Given the scope and size of the space (85,000 square feet), this is best saved for a day when you have plenty of time to devote.

Ben’s Chili Bowl Arrow

You can’t miss Ben’s Chili Bowl. The restaurant’s bright red and yellow facade on the U Street Corridor proudly broadcasts itself as a Washington landmark. The institution is best known for its chili dogs and half-smokes—half-beef, half-pork smoked sausage smothered in chili—and has presided over U Street since it opened in 1958. Much has changed in 60 years: U Street has become a hipster hotspot and Ben’s has expanded to five other locations, including one inside Washington Reagan National Airport and another at Nationals Park . Former President Obama has been known to dine at Ben’s; his likeness graces a mural on the side of the building. Prepare yourself for an animated, if not downright rowdy, crowd. By day, the restaurant is a popular tourist destination—everyone is here to try a half-smoke—and by night it’s a perfect late-night spot to recover from an evening at one of U Street’s many bars.

Union Market Arrow

Washingtonians love spending their weekends at Union Market, in the industrial NoMa neighborhood, a sweeping space filled with local food vendors, restaurants, and shops. Union Market offers more than enough to meet anyone’s needs. Get fish and chips from The District Fishwife, eat Venezuelan at Arepa Zone, or go for Southern comfort food like étouffée from Puddin'. For a sit-down meal, try the Michelin-starred Masseria or St. Anselm, a perfect steakhouse from restaurateur Stephen Starr. For drinks, head up to Hi-Lawn, a rooftop bar and open-air eatery. Or hit mixologist Gina Chersevani's two outposts: the New York soda shop–inspired Buffalo & Bergen and carefree dive bar Last Call. And if you’re in the mood to explore Latin American culture, you’re in luck, thanks to the nearby 20,000-square-foot Latin market, La Cosecha.

Old Post Office Tower Arrow

This massive Romanesque Revival building completed in 1899 is covered with arches and turrets. It's a formidable presence on Pennsylvania Avenue, nicknamed America's Main Street. The building is now the grand home of the Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. (the tower entrance is at the back of the hotel next to Sushi Nakazawa). This is also DC's second tallest structure, according to the GSA, second only to the nation capital's most recognizable building: the Washington Monument. But the Old Post Office Tower is much lower-profile for the tourist hordes, which makes a visit here a cheat code for taking in a sweeping view of the Washington skyline. No tickets or reservations are needed for a trip to the 270-foot observation deck within the clock tower.

Phillips Collection Arrow

In a town full of museum after-hours parties, the Phillips Collection's monthly "Phillips After 5" is one of the longest-running events of its kind and still hits it out of the park. For example, a party celebrating an exhibit with French post-Impressionist artist Pierre Bonnard partners up with the Embassy of France to bring in a live band, snacks like spring vegetable galettes with edible flowers, and a floral arranging workshop.

Busboys & Poets Arrow

It’s hard not to be taken with Busboys and Poets, particularly if you have an affinity for cozying up with a compelling book and a steaming cup of coffee. Part restaurant, bookstore, and hub for driving social change, the establishment is eclectic and comfortable, outfitted with murals and art depicting activists and progressive movements. The crowd varies, based on time of day, event lineup, and what’s going on in the world when you visit. Weekend mornings can be lively, with folks tucking into a DC favorite brunch .

The Yards Park Arrow

If you're looking to hike and disappear into nature within the city limits, head to Rock Creek Park . But for an outdoor escape that combines showy landscape architecture with DC's peaceful Anacostia riverfront, check out the Yards Park. This very modern urban park is an anchor of the redeveloped Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, turning a former industrial space into a slice of greenery for residents and visitors to enjoy amidst the office towers—with amenities like a dog park and water features that little ones can splash around in during the summer. The futuristic Yards Park Bridge, a pedestrian bridge with striking, swirling steel supports that glows at night, tempts photographers to capture a unique angle. The bridge is located near the park's Canal Basin and Waterwall, a unique water feature where kids are invited to wade and play in the 11-inch deep water on hot days.

Eastern Market Arrow

Open since 1873, Eastern Market is a National Historic Landmark and a beloved local institution. Long before farmers markets cropped up in every neighborhood across the city, Eastern Market was the go-to place for fresh produce, meat, cheese, and baked goods—and still is. One can easily spend an afternoon wandering the stalls, which are packed with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, poultry, and flowers, as well as items like shaved ice snowballs, canned pickles, and Filipino food. If you’re really hungry, sit down for a meal at Market Lunch, a 46-year-old institution famous for its blueberry-buckwheat pancakes. On weekends, local artists sell handmade wood carvings, letterpress prints, soaps, and the like. A community staple for more than 140 years, Eastern Market offers a fascinating look into local life DC—beyond the buzzy new restaurants and the politics.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Arrow

The John F. Kennedy Center is a sight to behold, inside and out. Set on the banks of the Potomac River—between the Watergate Hotel and the Lincoln Memorial —this performing arts center is stately and iconic; it's the true monument to J.F.K. Edward Durrell Stone designed the modern marvel, whose halls are decorated with plush red carpets, enormous crystal chandeliers, and a bevy of state flags; its rooftop restaurant is a favorite place for Washingtonians to watch the sunset with a cocktail or coffee. The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera both call The Kennedy Center home. In September 2019, the Kennedy Center doubled down on its commitment to the arts with the opening of The REACH. Filled with intimate performance spaces and lecture halls, the expansion aims to create deeper connections between performers and audiences.

National Mall Arrow

Each year, millions of people come to see the monuments and memorials that dot the more than 1,000 acres of the National Mall, which is flanked at one end by the U.S. Capitol Building and at the other end by the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous “I Have a Dream" speech in 1963 (his own memorial is a half-mile away). At the center of the park, dubbed “America’s Front Yard," the Washington Monument honors the first U.S. president and the founding of American democracy. Though the National Mall stars in myriad movies and TV shows, it's far more awe-inspiring in real life. From the solemnity at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the stirring energy at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial, you’ll find that each monument or memorial has its own atmosphere. In other words: Prepare to feel all the feels.

Nationals Park Arrow

Nationals Park, home to the Washington Nationals, is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America; from the upper decks, you just might spy the top of the U.S. Capitol Building . While you’re cheering on the Nats, you can enjoy a burger from Shake Shack, brews from more than a dozen local breweries, or a half-smoke from Ben’s Chili Bowl , a local institution. Since it opened in 2008, the ballpark has become the glittering centerpiece of a revitalized Southeast Waterfront—so don't forget to check out the neighborhood while you're here.

Shop Made in DC Arrow

Shop Made is stocked with the work of the best artisans and makers from across Washington, DC, including prints, photography, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, toys, kitchen goods, clothing, and food. The boutique bursts with local pride, making it a perfect way to get to know the city while wandering around Georgetown. It also hosts regular events—like pottery painting sessions and calligraphy workshops—so be sure to check the website before your visit. The shop has been so successful, there are now six other locations throughout DC.

Rock Creek Park Arrow

Sprawling out across a whopping and wild 1,754 acres of public land, Rock Creek Park is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in DC Officially authorized in 1890, it was the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It has something for everyone: a Nature Center for explorers; running, biking, and hiking trails for fitness enthusiasts; equestrian, golf, and tennis centers for sports lovers; and picnic spots, historic forts, a 19th-century gristmill, and concert venues for everyone else. While the verdant grounds are a peaceful escape from urban life, it also offers a planetarium—the only planetarium in the National Park Service, in fact—and the Smithsonian National Zoo . Both are free.

The Spice Suite Arrow

This Takoma-area specialty shop is as eclectic, warm, and creative as its entrepreneurial founder, Angel Gregorio. Step in, and you might feel like you’re in the self-taught cook, mother, and activist’s own kitchen. At any given time, you’ll be able to select from more than 75 different food products and 23 kitchen accessories to outfit your own cooking space. The store is filled with glass jars whose labels read of interesting blends, including black cardamom, as well as red curry from Zanzibar.

Attucks Adams: “U Street: The Art & Soul of Black Broadway” Arrow

Tim Wright, the owner of Attucks Adams, is the host of this tour that dives into why U Street earned its nickname of Black Broadway, complete with a 40-song playlist you'll hear as you walk. It's an inside look at this vibrant neighborhood: the story begins back in 1867 with the founding of Howard University and covers up until the go-go music scene of today. The tour often spans small groups, and you'll definitely want to reserve a spot. Howard Theatre, the grand, circa-1910 building where jazz great Duke Ellington once played, is a fitting starting point. The overarching theme of the U Street tour hits home how Black people had to recreate the institutions they were locked out due to racism and segregation, be that musical institutions or legal institutions and beyond. Tour stops include the site of Washington Conservatory of Music and School of Expression, Ben's Chili Bowl, the site of the Waxie Maxie Record Store, and the section of the neighborhood known as Little Ethiopia.

Potomac Water Taxi Arrow

Why get stuck in gridlock or Metro delays when you could glide serenely along DC's Potomac River to your next vacation stop, with gorgeous views along the way? The Potomac Water Taxi connects Washington's bustling new Wharf development to three different locations: Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, and National Harbor in Maryland. These bright yellow boats depart throughout the day and are an easy, non-committal way to drift along seeing the sights (instead of booking a dinner cruise, for example). Two routes (Alexandria to Georgetown and the Wharf to Georgetown) offer an accompanying audio tour if you download the City Experiences App. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the ride.

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

25 Best Things To Do In Washington DC: The Ultimate Bucket List

October 20, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Washington DC then you’ve come to the right place. The United States of America’s capital city is full of amazing activities and sites. Because it is the nation’s capital, you can expect it to be fairly busy, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

Planning your trip to Washington DC last minute?

Hotels and tours sell out fast! Make sure to book in advance to ensure availability. Here are our top picks for Washington DC:

Top Experiences And Tours To Book In Advance:

• Monuments By Moonlight Tour (Our pick!)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Easy to get around)
• Gourmet Dining Cruise (Can choose brunch or dinner)
• Capital Wheel Entry Ticket (Save time in line)

Best Places To Stay In Washington DC:

• The Architec t (Our choice for location)
• Citizen M Washington DC Capito l (Hip and modern)
• Glover Park Hotel Georgetown (four stars)
• Hotel Washington (Panoramic views!)

All throughout the year politicians live in the city, tourists come to see the many Washington DC attractions, and of course, people live there year-round. If you go in the fall, you’ll get to see the fall foliage surrounding the monuments. In the spring, people come from all over the world to see the Cherry Blossom Festival. In the winter, the city comes alive with twinkling lights and holiday spirit. The summer months are probably the busiest months to explore activities in Washington DC, even though it can be pretty hot.

Some of the best things to do in Washington DC are the many museums. Most of the museums in DC are free and part of the Smithsonian group of museums. There are also monuments, memorials, historic homes and buildings, and so much more. No matter what you are interested in, there are definitely fun things to do in DC that you’ll love. So, let’s take a look at 25 of the best things to do in Washington DC to make the ultimate bucket list! Don’t forget to check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Washington DC to plan your visit!

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you want to see as much of the city as possible, then you absolutely need to do a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour . The great thing about a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is that you can use it as public transportation almost. The bus follows a loop around the city, and as long as you have a pass, you can catch the bus at any point along its route. You can also stop at any point on the route as well.

As you drive around the city, you’ll see all the sites. You’ll also have an experienced tour guide accompanying you. They’ll make sure to tell you about the different stopping points, major sites, and more as you pass by. They are also typically DC locals, so they’re great resources for pretty much any question you might have about Washington DC. You won’t regret getting passes for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours through DC.

Book Here: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Go Inside The Washington Monument

Not many people know that you can actually go inside the Washington Monument. The tall obelisk is actually hollow inside. When you walk into the lobby of the monument you’ll see beautiful stone walls and a statue of George Washington. You can choose to take the elevator or walk the 897 steps to the top. On the 490 foot level of the monument, there is a small museum.

Inside the small museum, you’ll see information about the building of the monument. The top floor and observation deck is located at 500 feet, just above the museum. From the observation deck, on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. It is free to go to the observation deck, but you’ll need to reserve timed-entry tickets ahead of time. So if this is something you’re interested in doing, make sure to plan ahead.

This is one of our favorite Fun Kids Activities In DC!

Walk Around The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool At Sunset

There are several reflecting pools in Washington DC, but the largest is the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. One of the best things to do in Washington DC is to walk around the reflecting pool as the sunsets. The pool is located on the National Mall and is by the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The reflecting pool has been an iconic part of the National Mall since it was installed in 1923.

We like to experience the reflecting pool at sunset for a few different reasons. Typically most of the tourists have left the area for the day by then. So you’ll often find that at sunset it is much quieter and very peaceful. The way the reflecting pool is positioned also means that as the sunsets you get a real show. You can see the sunset in the reflection of the pool and set behind the Washington Monument. Sunset at the reflecting pool is one of the must-do things in Washington DC.

The National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is one of our absolute favorite free things to do in Washington DC. It is part of the Smithsonian collection of museums in DC. The Smithsonian museums are all free to visit daily, and the National Portrait Gallery is one of the best ones. One of the things we love about it is the stunning courtyard. It features a stunning glass ceiling, a cafe with tables and chairs, art, and live trees and plants. It’s a great place to relax after looking at all of the amazing art on display in the museum.

Throughout the rest of the gallery, you’ll see some beautiful pieces of art. They are all portraits, many of them of famous Americans. In fact, you’ll find a portrait uniquely painted of each President and First lady. They are all done in different art styles, and most of the artists are personally chosen by the President and First Lady. You’ll also see classic examples of portraiture throughout art history. From classic portraits, early photographs, and more. It’s a really cool way to see how different time periods have captured the human spirit.

Visit Ford’s Theater

One of the most interesting places to visit in Washington DC is Ford’s Theater. The theater is a historic site, known for the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated . The President’s Box, where the assassination happened, is closed to the public to protect it from damage. But you can view the box when you tour the theater. There is also a museum that focuses on the history of the theater and gives more details on the assassination of President Lincoln.

Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a historic talk by a National Park Ranger in the theater. They are offered year-round, along with self-guided tours. In the spring and summer months, there is also a 30-minute play that is performed on the theater’s stage. It tells the story of the assassination through the eyes of the theater workers that night. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington DC, especially if you are interested in the history of President Lincoln.

Book Here: Ford Theater and Lincoln Assassination Tour

Go On A Tour Of The Monuments At Night

If you’re looking for things to do in DC at night, then we suggest going on a guided tour of the monuments at night. There are several companies that offer trolley tours and bus tours of the monuments at night . The tours typically last about two and a half hours. You’ll meet the trolley or bus at a designated spot and from there you’ll see some of the most famous monuments all lit up at night.

Some of the stops included on the tour are FDR Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. Along the way, you’ll have an experienced tour guide who will tell you about the history of each of the monuments. There are even tours where you can learn about the ghost stories and some of the creepier aspects of the cities history. It’s one of the best activities in Washington DC.

Book Here: Monuments at Night Tour

Stroll The Streets Of Georgetown

There are tons of free things to do in Washington DC, like walking the streets of Georgetown . The beautiful cobblestone streets are full of charming shops, restaurants, some of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

You’ll find a mixture of high-end shops, local boutiques, and more mainstream popular shops to peruse. If you’re looking for restaurants in Washington DC to try, this is one of the best areas in the city to find some amazing restaurants . This is truly one of the best places to stay in Washington DC!

When you step off of the main street that runs through Georgetown , there is a charming historic neighborhood. There are cobblestone sidewalks and streets, colorful row homes and brownstones, and even a river. It’s an incredibly charming area of Washington DC that not many people think to explore off of the main street. That’s what makes it one of the best

Book Here: Georgetown Tour

See The White House

You can’t go to Washington DC without seeing the White House. The White House is known as America’s Home and is where the President of the United States lives. You’ll be able to easily see the White House from the street on NW Pennsylvania Avenue. The view will be from behind the black wrought iron fence and you’ll also see the expansive lawn in front of the house.

If you want to tour the inside of the White House, you’ll need some advance planning. To tour the inside, you need to send a request for a public tour through your congressman. The request needs to be made at least three months in advance and be warned that spots for the public tours fill up fast. The tours themselves are free and run daily but at various times.

Jefferson Memorial And Tidal Basin

One of the most popular monuments in DC is the Jefferson Memorial. The large open-air structure is designed in a Greek Pantheon style, which was a favorite architectural style of Jefferson. Inside the memorial, there is a domed room with tall ceilings. The inside is made entirely of marble and has carved images and quotes famously attributed to Jefferson. There is also a large bronze statue of Jefferson in the middle.

Outside, all around the memorial is a beautifully landscaped area. It sits on the south side of the Tidal Basin and there is a park area that has a green lawn and shady trees. The Jefferson Memorial is also where many of the famous Washington DC Cherry Blossoms are planted. During the Cherry Blossom Festival that is held yearly, the pink blooms of the trees create a beautiful view all around the white marble memorial building.

Book Here: Cherry Blossom Tour

National Museum Of African American History And Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is one of the newest Smithsonian museums to open in Washington DC. It opened in September of 2016 and since has been one of the most popular museums in Washington DC to visit. Because it is so popular, you’ll need to plan your trip in advance. Because it is a Smithsonian museum, it is free to enter. However, you’ll need to get reserve timed-entry tickets well in advance. You can get the tickets up to 30 days in advance or through a third party, go on a walking tour and see the museum as well.

Inside the museum, you’ll follow a path that leads you through the history of black people in the United States. It starts with the honest history of the transatlantic slave trade and how that shaped the history of America and black people. From there, you’ll learn about the history of black people during the 1800s and the Civil War and into the Civil Rights Movement of the early 20th century.

Towards the end of the museum tour, there are exhibits on the culture of black people in America. You’ll learn about famous black musicians, artists, authors, actors, and more. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington DC and is a great way to learn about black history in America.

Book Here: National Museum of African American History and Culture Tour

Museum Of Natural History

Another incredibly popular Smithsonian museum in Washington DC is the Museum of Natural History . The massive museum is one of the best free things to do in Washington DC. You can easily spend hours looking at the thousands of items on display from the museum’s over 145 million specimen collection. There are three floors of exhibits all detailing the natural history of the world.

You’ll get to see dinosaur skeletons, million-year-old fossils, and life-size replicas of long-extinct animals. There is also a permanent exhibit detailing the practices and rituals of ancient Egypt. Another permanent exhibit that is super popular is the museum’s collection of gemstones and minerals. There you’ll see huge rubies, examples of volcanic rock, and even pieces of meteorites from outer space. It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Washington DC.

Book Here: Museum of Natural History Tour

National Botanical Gardens

The National Botanical Gardens is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the US. It was originally established in 1820 and is technically a garden. The main purpose of the museum is to show the importance of plant life to all mankind. The gardens are free to enter and there is also a large conservatory on the property. It is also open daily from dawn until dusk, even on weekends and holidays.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll find several different types of gardens. There is a Rose Garden, a Pollinator Garden, and even a Kitchen Garden. The grounds also feature the First Ladies Water Garden, which is dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States. Inside the conservatory, there are exotic plants and plants that only grow in warm environments like cacti.

Tudor Place Historic House

One of the best things to do in Washington DC is a visit to the Tudor Place Historic House. Tudor Place was the home of the granddaughter of Martha Washington, and step-grandaughter of George Washington, Martha Curtis Peter. The house is a classic Federal-style, which was an incredibly popular architectural design in early America. It is actually the only home in Washington DC that still has direct links to the country’s first President and First Lady.

The historic home was built in 1805 and until 1983 was the private family home for generations of Peters. The final private owner of the home wanted it to become a house museum on his passing, and in 1988 it opened to the public as just that. Now you can tour the home and see how it would have looked throughout its over 200-year life. You’ll learn about the Peter family, the enslaved people that once worked and lived there, and see how the lives of the people who called it home changed along with the rest of the country.

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Washington DC with kids. The museum is massive and features five floors of permanent and temporary exhibits. When you first enter the museum, you’ll be given a brief to participate in a top-secret mission. As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll encounter interactive areas that help you complete your mission. These different interactive areas coincide with the different aspects of the field of espionage.

In the museum, you’ll learn about early espionage and what that looked like all the way up to more modern ideas of what a spy does. You’ll get to see examples of spy technology throughout history and learn why espionage is an important part of every country’s defense system. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington DC with kids because the interactive exhibits are super fun. They’ll love going from exhibit to exhibit, where they’ll learn cool stuff while also pretending to be spies.

Book Here: International Spy Museum Tour

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is actually in Virginia, but it’s still one of the best things to do near Washington DC. It’s not very far away, however. In fact, it’s just across the Potomac River from DC and you can see the city from the cemetery. The cemetery was land that was originally owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. However, the US government bought it during the Civil War to serve as a burial place for fallen soldiers.

Ever since the cemetery has served as the cemetery for soldiers who have died in war and other conflicts. There are even several Revolutionary Soldiers who were later reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery. To many, being buried in the cemetery is a great honor and it has become a place for people to pay their respects to all fallen soldiers. It is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb is actually a crypt that holds the remains of unidentified soldiers who died in WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Every year, the President and First Lady come to the tomb on Veteran’s Day where a memorial service is held to honor all the servicemen and women who have died protecting the nation. It is a solemn and beautiful place and it’s one of the best things to do near Washington DC.

Book Here: Arlington National Cemetery Tour

Dumbarton Oaks

If you’re in Georgetown, we highly suggest stopping to spend some time at Dumbarton Oaks. Dumbarton Oaks was once a private estate. The historic estate is now the home of a research library, beautiful gardens, and an extensive art collection. The museum is open daily, but the schedule can vary. There is a small fee to enter and you’ll need to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance if you plan to visit.

Throughout the month, on certain days of the week, they offer guided tours based on one of the aspects of the museum. You can take a tour of the estate’s most prominent architectural features, tour the gardens, or get a guided tour of the museum’s highlights. The estate has a permanent and extensive collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. There are also still pieces of the owner of the home’s original art collection. It’s one of the coolest Washington DC attractions.

U.S. National Arboretum

The U.S. National Arboretum is one of the coolest places to visit in Washington DC. It’s been open since 1927 and aims to teach people about the native plant life that is found in the United States. The park is over 400 acres and there are also over 9 miles of winding roads and trails throughout the park.

On the grounds, there are tons of different gardens, planned forests, educational buildings. If you want a bit of break from city activities or are looking for fun things to do in Washington DC with kids, the National Arboretum is a great option. You could easily spend hours exploring the quiet and beautiful scenery.

Stroll The Gardens Of The Smithsonian Castle

The Smithsonian Castle is actually named the Smithsonian Institution Building and is where you’ll find the Smithsonian Visitor Center. The castle was built in 1855 and is one of the prettiest historic buildings in DC. Outside of the castle, there is an extensive garden area that is free to explore and walk through. The garden is located between the castle and Independence Avenue. It’s actually a newer feature of the castle grounds as it was opened in 1987.

The pathway through the garden is made of beautiful brick that is wide enough for several people to walk down. Along the pathway, there are also benches where you can sit and admire the beauty of the garden. The centerpiece of the garden is the Parterre, which is a French-style decorative garden. It features bright and colorful foliage that the landscapers change out seasonally. So no matter what time of year you visit, the gardens of the Smithsonian Castle are one of the most romantic things to do in Washington DC.

Go On A Segway Tour

One way to see all the best Washington DC attractions in a short amount of time is to go on a segway tour through the city. If you’ve never ridden a segway before, don’t worry. Before you begin your tour through the city, you’ll spend 30 minutes learning how to ride a segway and practicing. Once you feel comfortable navigating around on your segway, you’ll start your tour of Washington DC.

The tour typically lasts about two hours and you’ll see almost every major site in the city. Your first stop is the White House, and from there you’ll see sites like the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the US Capitol. It’s also one of the best things to do in Washington DC with kids. They’ll love riding around on the segways and seeing the city.

Book Here: Washington DC Segway Tour

United States Holocaust Museum

The United States Holocaust Museum opened in 1993 and has been a poignant and popular museum ever since. It’s one of the best things to do in Washington DC. The museum is free to enter, but you’ll need to plan your visit in advance. You can get a timed entry ticket up to 30 days in advance, and time slots fill up quickly.

At the entrance to the museum, you’ll be given a card with the name of a real-life holocaust victim. As you go through the museum, you’ll follow in the footsteps of the victims. From the rise of Hitler, the start of the ghettos, and the journey to the concentration camps. At the end of your journey through the museum, you’ll learn the fate of the person whose card you were given when you first entered. It’s a sad museum, but it’s an incredibly important piece of history to learn about and honor.

National Air And Space Museum

The National Air and Space Museum is one of the coolest Washington DC attractions. It is part of the Smithsonian collection of museums, so it’s free to enter. The museum has been open since 1976 and is in one of the Smithsonian flagship buildings. There are two floors of activities, all centered around America’s flight and space history.

It’s also one of the best things to do in Washington DC with kids. There is a virtual reality interactive exhibit where you can experience a real-life flight simulation and feel what it’s like to do a 360-degree barrel roll. The museum also has different planes throughout history, the Hubble telescope, and a timeline of the space race. At different times during the day, there are also science experiments and other hands-on activities that are great for kids.

The Lincoln Memorial

Just two years after Lincoln’s assassination, Congress incorporated the Lincoln Monument Association to plan the building of the memorial building. However, it took several decades for construction to start on the memorial and it wasn’t finished in 1920. It was not dedicated until 1922. Despite the enormous amount of time it took to be completed, it’s one of the most iconic monuments in Washington DC.

The memorial was modeled after the Pantheon in Greece and is 190 feet long and 99 feet tall. It is made of beautiful Colorado Yule marble. Inside the memorial, there is a large marble statue of Lincoln seated, placed high above visitors in the center of the chamber. There are murals painted on the wall depicting various stages of Lincoln’s life and carved quotes attributed to Lincoln.

The Renwick Gallery

If you’re looking for one of the coolest places to visit in Washington DC, you should go to the Renwick Gallery. The gallery is a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. In this branch, you’ll be able to see a large collection of contemporary and decorative arts. Because it is a Smithsonian museum, it is free to enter.

Inside the museum, there are a few permanent exhibits and they also have revolving exhibits as well. On the first floor of the gallery is where the revolving exhibits are typically placed. They change about twice a year and are usually from up-and-coming artists. On the second floor, the gallery usually has works by more famous artists on display. All of the artwork is by American artists. The Renwick Gallery is easily one of the best free things to do in Washington DC.

National Museum Of The American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is one of the best things to do in Washington DC. It is another amazing museum in the Smithsonian museum’s complex, which means it is free to enter. It’s truly one of the best free things to do in Washington DC. In the museum, there are several floors that feature a wide range of both permanent and temporary exhibits.

While you explore the museum, you’ll learn about the honest history of Native Americans in America. You’ll see how they lived before European settlers arrived, learn the devastating impacts European settlers had on the Native American nations, and more. The museum also highlights the different cultures and beliefs of the various Native American nations. Depending on when you visit, you may also be able to see a live performance of a dance, song, or other culturally significant performance on one of the museum’s many stages.

The National Archives Museum

One of the must-do things in Washington DC is the National Archives Museum. The National Archives Museum is where some of the most important documents in American history are held and displayed. You might recognize the museum from National Treasure . Nicholas Cage and his crew of mystery solvers steal the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives Museum where it is on display.

In the rotunda of the museum, you’ll be able to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. All three documents are locked in glass cases to protect them from damage, and of course rogue treasure hunters like Nicholas Cage. Throughout the museum, you’ll also get to see other important documents and historical records that pertain to the United States of America. It’s easily one of the coolest activities in Washington DC.

Where To Eat In Washington DC

Founding farmers.

If you are looking for a great restaurant in Washington DC, we highly suggest trying Founding Farmers. It is just three blocks away from the White House, which means it’s in a perfect location. Stop by and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner while you sightsee. They have Bourbon Battered French Toast, Avocado Toast, Salmon Bites, and other burgers and sandwiches.

For a more fine dining experience in DC, head to The Dabney. The Dabney uses high-quality ingredients in its seasonal menu. Reservations aren’t required, but this is a popular restaurant, so they are highly suggested. Sit down for dinner and try menu items like their Maryland Blue Crab, Chesapeake Rockfish, and a dessert of Toasted Benne Ice Cream. While you are in town, consider checking out some of the best Black-Owned Restaurants In DC!

Zaytinya is a popular Mediterranean restaurant near the Smithsonian museums that is delicious and reasonably priced. They serve lunch and dinner and a wide variety of Mediterranean dishes. Start your meal with a plate of Hommus or an Artisinal Cheese Pikilia. For your entree, you may like the Kebab Platter, Octopus Santorini, Spanakorizo, or Falafel Durum. Finish your meal with coffee and Greek Cheesecake or Turkish Coffee Chocolate Cake.

This is truly one of the best things to do in Washington DC at night!

Where To Stay In Washington DC

Moxy washington dc.

The Moxy Washington DC is a relatively new hotel in DC. It is located near several major Metro Stations, Chinatown, Logan Circle, and the White House. You’ll be centrally located in this trendy but reasonably priced hotel.

They have a variety of different room options to fit every budget. It’s an especially popular hotel stay for young solo travelers and couples. It comes with fewer frills than many nearby hotels, but it is a fresh and fun hotel that is near some of the best Washington DC activities.

Click Here To Check Rates: Booking.com

The Eaton DC is a great option for travelers with a more eco-friendly frame of mind. The hotel is eco-certified, which means it uses all-natural and organic products. From the sheets to the snacks and beverages in the mini-bar, everything is chosen with eco-consciousness in mind.

On top of that, the rooms are designed to feel like home away from home. They are full of curated furniture and decor that feels cozy and not so much like a hotel room. They even come with personal record players and a selection of vinyl records. It is also centrally located near the White House, the National Gallery of Art, and the Smithsonian Museums.

The St. Regis Washington DC

For a more luxurious stay in Washington DC, we love the St. Regis Hotel. The St. Regis is definitely higher in price, but it is truly a beautiful hotel. It has been welcoming guests to Washington DC for over a century. World leaders, Hollywood icons, foreign dignitaries, and everyone in between have spent some time at the St. Regis.

There are luxury suites, smaller guest rooms, fine dining restaurants, and luxurious amenities as well. Because it is a luxury experience, you can expect to spend, at the least, about $400 a night. However, if you are celebrating or simply wanting to enjoy Washington DC like a Hollywood starlet, you can’t go wrong staying at the St. Regis.

Washington DC is one of our favorite cities to visit. Because it’s the nation’s capital, you’ll find tons of things to do in Washington DC. From the amazing museums, beautiful monuments, and fun tours, DC is a fun place to visit! Have you ever been to Washington DC? If so, what was your favorite Washington DC activity? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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68 Best & Fun Things To Do In Washington, DC

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: September 23, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

You’re probably familiar with Washington, DC as the capital of the United States, and it’s true that you can find all sorts of historically and culturally significant sights within it.

From museums to war memorials to government buildings, it’s definitely the headquarters of the nation.

There are other parts to the city, however.

It’s home to everything from quirky little shops and boutiques to sprawling wilderness reserves filled with waterfalls and hundred-year-old oak trees.

It’s much more diverse than you might think!

Are you wondering what to do in Washington, DC?

Are you hoping to explore all of your options and not just the ones most commonly featured in travel guides?

Here are 68 of the best things to do in DC.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a booking through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

1. National Mall

National Mall

The first stop that you’ll want to make in Washington, DC is the National Mall .

You’ve already seen it depicted in hundreds of films, shows, plays, postcards and art prints, so it’s time to gaze at its majesty in real life.

The long, grassy slopes are home to dozens of iconic U.S. institutions.

The White House is the most famous, but the Washington Monument is the tallest, and the Smithsonian Museums are the largest in terms of square footage.

The domed top of the U.S. Capitol Building can be seen in the hazy distance of the east.

The Lincoln Memorial is at the opposite end on the west.

Other attractions include statues, museums, memorials, art galleries, botanical gardens and more.

In the summer, cherry blossom trees bloom over ponds and reflecting pools.

In the winter, snow piles up on the lawns.

The National Mall is one of the major points of interest in the United States.

Forget the boundaries of the District of Columbia; it’s iconic for the entire country as a whole.

You’ll definitely want to cross it off your bucket list when you’re in the area!

Check details, prices and reviews here.

Address: Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States

2. Library of Congress

Library of Congress

With more than 167 million items, the Library of Congress is the second-largest library in the world.

Its shelves hold everything from rare, fragile books to contemporary recordings for popular music.

It also boasts maps, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, murals, news reels, sheet music and just about everything else that a seeker of knowledge could want.

The library has three buildings in total, and each one showcases breathtaking architecture that’s just as incredible as the materials within.

The most famous is probably the Thomas Jefferson Building with its ornate, golden-toned central reading room, but all of them are worth a visit.

Special events are often held at the library as well.

For example, one of the buildings has a performance theater; another has an auditorium for live musical performances; another has television and motion picture rooms.

Did we mention that everything is free?

Not only is the Library of Congress one of the best things to do in Washington, DC, but it’s also budget-friendly.

You could entertain yourself for hours without paying a dime.

In terms of tourist attractions, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Address:  10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20540, United States

3. Eastern Market

Eastern Market

The fruits are fresh. The flowers are fragrant.

The jewelry stands glitter in the sun; the woodworking stalls are always abuzz with the sounds of power tools.

Welcome to the Eastern Market !

Spilling out of an old brick building as a hybrid indoor/outdoor shopping space, the Eastern Market is one of the oldest of its kind in Washington, DC.

It’s open every day of the week except Monday, and it offers a constant rotation of farmers, florists, artists, butchers, blacksmiths, jewelers, booksellers and more.

If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab everything from warm flatbreads to shaved ice cups topped with homemade syrups and candies.

If you want to support small businesses, you can shop for shawls, necklaces, quilts, picture frames, seaglass gems and other goodies.

There are even specialty services available for things like leather working and shoe making!

The Eastern Market is one of the most fun things to do in Washington, DC.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here, and it’ll probably be cheaper than a retail outlet.

Bring your bag and get ready to shop!

Address:  225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States

4. Ford’s Theatre

Ford’s Theatre

The show must go on.

Despite being the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Ford’s Theatre is still open today, and it’s still bringing plays, musicals, speeches, comedy shows and other live events to the residents of Washington, DC.

The venue is small and cozy.

It retains a lot of its original decor from the 1800s, including red carpets and golden railings in front of the balcony seats.

It has a kind of throwback atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’re stepping back in time to the days of top hats and narrow-waisted gowns.

If you’re a history buff, you should also know about the museum located beneath the theater.

It’s the best place in the city to learn about Lincoln, and it’s home to one-of-a-kind relics like the bloodstained pillow used during Lincoln’s final moments.

There’s no shortage of famous places in Washington, DC, but Ford’s Theatre manages to stand out from the rest with both its vintage charm and its utterly unique backstory.

Quite literally, you can’t get this experience anywhere else.

Address:  511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

5. Washington Harbour

Washington Harbour

Shop in the spring. Boat in the summer.

Bike in the fall. Ice skate in the winter.

Washington Harbour offers activities for every season, so in addition to being a fun, lively place in general, it’s also a destination that will welcome vacationers at any time of year.

The views of the river are phenomenal, and you can enjoy them in many ways, including a rented canoe or jet ski right there on the water.

If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, you can take a walking, biking or eating tour of the local hot spots, or you can simply wander on your own until the sizzle of fresh catfish tempts you into a seafood joint.

There’s shopping. There’s dining.

Hotels are all along the shoreline if you need accommodation.

Theaters, galleries, lounges and performance venues are always close at hand for entertainment.

Considered the “premiere waterfront destination of DC,” Washington Harbour is one of the best places to visit for travelers who want a fun and exciting time in the area.

Come here after you’ve had your fill of quiet museums and memorials.

Let loose and have a blast!

Address:  3000-3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

6. Heurich House Museum

Heurich House Museum

You can be forgiven for assuming that the Heurich House Museum is some grand palace built for long-forgotten aristocracy.

Its Victorian-style architecture includes stone archways, wide windows, spire-topped towers and all of the stairs and alcoves that you’d expect from a gothic building.

The truth, however, is that the Heurich House Museum was built by a European immigrant in the 1890s.

He ran a successful brewery a few miles away, and he wanted a taste of home in Washington, DC.

The brewery went out of business after the man died, but thanks to careful preservation by his descendants, the house survived.

It stands today as a tribute to turn-of-the-century living in Washington, DC.

Its first few floors have all of their original rooms and furnishings, including boudoirs, parlors, fireplaces, spiral staircases, servant’s quarters and more.

Tours are available every weekday.

Consider a trip to the Heurich House Museum if you’re looking for fun and unusual things to do in Washington, DC.

You’d never expect a piece of centuries-old gothic architecture to be sitting in the middle of a busy metropolis, but that’s exactly why it’s a must visit!

Address:  1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

7. National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art

Hailed as “the nation’s museum,” the National Gallery of Art is considered one of the best in the United States, and it’s located right in the heart of Washington, DC.

It’s actually comprised of two buildings: East and West.

The East Building is made with pink marble and a sharp, almost geometric flair that includes things like open rooftop terraces and sky-lit atrium galleries.

By contrast, the West Building has white columns in a neoclassical architectural style reminiscent of ancient Greece, so it harks back to the past even as its cousin looks to the future.

The interiors are just as impressive as the exteriors.

Dozens of art collections include paintings, portraits, sculptures and busts from all around the world.

The works of many famous artists can be found here.

A trip to the National Gallery of Art is one of the top things to do in Washington, DC.

Not only will you be stunned by the scale and scope of its exhibitions, but you’ll also be moved by the immerse amount of meaning that the gallery holds for the United States of America.

Address:  Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States

8. Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve hurled yourself down a mountain while strapped to a narrow cord strung between two trees.

Fortunately, this is just one of the experiences that you can have at Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park , so you can cross it off your bucket list as soon as you visit Washington, DC!

Activities include everything from ziplining to clambering across rope bridges and airborne obstacle courses.

You can test your nerves on the Tarzan Swings; you can goof around with the kids on a Treetop Discovery Journey.

There’s even something called a “Monkey Drop” if you’re really feeling brave.

It’s okay if you’re a beginner.

There are instructors who will walk you through the basics and show you how to have fun while staying safe.

Youngsters are also welcome as long as they meet certain guidelines, so this can be a family outing.

You won’t find a lot of ziplining opportunities in Washington, DC, but if you’re willing to leave the city, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park isn’t that far.

You could be there in less than an hour if the traffic is light.

Sign up for an adventure today, and you could be flying through the treetops as early as this weekend!

Address:  7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153, United States

9. Capitol Hill Books

Capitol Hill Books

Bookstores are nothing new in Washington, DC, which might just be one of the most well-read cities in the world.

However, Capitol Hill Books is unique in a number of ways.

For starters, it’s completely unpretentious.

It sells used and battered books in a cluttered space with little direction but lots of wobbly stacks, and most of the goods have been so deeply discounted that they’re practically free.

The store’s founder is a retired WWII veteran who barks at millennials for using words like “totally” and “whatever.”

Despite this, he’s actually quite fond of his good-for-nothing customers, and he sold the store to four of his favorite regulars in 2016.

The new owners have been faithful to the spirit of the original store, so they haven’t changed much.

You can still find handwritten signs banning smartphones and the foreign language section stacked up in the bathroom.

One thing that’s changed has been the upgrade to electronic cash registers after years of the founder writing receipts by hand and complaining about it the entire time.

Are you looking for quirky, off-beat ways to have fun in DC?

Hit up Capitol Hill Books.

Just make sure that you don’t use any dang slang!

Address:  657 C St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States

10. Thip Khao

If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll be absolutely dazzled by Washington, DC.

Its streets are packed with dining options that range from Michelin-star restaurants to cheap food trucks and hole-in-the-wall grub hubs.

The hard part won’t be finding a place to eat; it’ll be choosing between all of the places to eat!

Thip Khao is just one of the city’s many restaurants, but it stands out from the crowd for its daringly unique menu.

It’s dedicated to Lao cuisine, and dishes include things like goat curry and fried duck head.

There are also blood sausages, fire ant eggs, cured pork bellies and alligator tails served with mint and green apple.

These dishes might sound extreme to a first-timer, but there’s a reason why locals and tourists both go crazy for Thip Khao.

If you’re willing to expand your horizons, you can have an amazingly exotic culinary experience without even leaving the streets of DC.

Take a deep breath.

Get over your fear of fermented fish chili rice.

It’s time to push yourself out of your comfort zone with Thip Khao, one of the coolest, boldest and tastiest restaurants in the city.

Address:  3462 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States

11. Old Town Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley Tour

There are so many tourist attractions in Washington, DC, that it can feel like an impossible task to visit them all.

Your best chance at success is utilizing an Old Town Trolley Tour .

As a “hop-on, hop-off” tour, the Old Town Trolley Tour will allow you to explore the city at your leisure even as you enjoy the convenience of having informative guides and chauffeurs.

If you see a store, restaurant or landmark that interests you, just disembark at one of the tour’s 17 designated bus stops around DC.

When you’re ready to resume the trip, hop on the next bus and keep going.

The tour will take you to all of the best places to go in the city, including the world-famous National Mall.

You’ll also have the opportunity to experience a water taxi on the Potomac River.

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Washington DC, consider a hop-on, hop-off experience with an Old Town Trolley Tour.

It can be a great way to kick off your trip and see the bounty spread before you as a visitor.

Address:  50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

12. National Arboretum

National Arboretum

With flowers, ferns, trees, shrubs, succulents and as far as the eye can see, the National Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US .

It’s also one of the most colorful.

From the tidy, well-trimmed bonsai collections to the overgrown willow trees hanging over fields of wildflowers, every inch of this arboretum will dazzle the eye.

Walking trails will lead you through gardens and groves.

Art collections will greet you in between statues, fountains and reflecting pools.

Tourist attractions include everything from arbor houses to nature museums.

There are other things to see, too, that don’t involve the natural world.

For example, the National Capitol Columns stand in an open field as a tribute to American history.

Are you looking to escape the grind of Washington, DC?

Are you a fan of nature, culture, beauty, history or all of the above?

The National Arboretum is a must see destination, so you’ll definitely want to make time for it when you’re near the capital.

Address:  3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

13. CityCenterDC

CityCenterDC

Covering more than five blocks, CityCenterDC is a “mixed-use development” located in the heart of downtown.

In simple terms, this means that it’s a gigantic commercial and retail space where you can find shops, parks, restaurants, hotels, offices and condos all contained within a single area.

If this sounds like a busy place, you’re absolutely right!

While CityCenterDC is a must see for folks who enjoy the thrumming energy of a modern urban landscape, it isn’t for the faint of heart.

There are always crowds, and there are always miles and miles of traffic.

If the bustle is part of the appeal, however, you’ll love the liveliness of CityCenterDC.

You can’t walk two steps without seeing another shop or another cafe.

You could spend hours within these five blocks alone; you don’t even need to venture further into downtown to have a good time.

If you aren’t afraid of bumping elbows with strangers, CityCenterDC is among the top tourist places of Washington, DC.

It’ll put you right on top of the beating pulse of the city, and you can’t ask for more from a vacation destination.

Address:  825 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

14. The Pentagon

The Pentagon

You might be surprised to learn that the Pentagon allows visitors, but it’s actually one of the biggest Washington DC attractions for political-minded folks who want to see where the action happens.

Guided tours are available on weekdays from 10 AM – 4 PM.

They’ll take you through some of the front rooms and offices as well as the Hall of Heroes where you can view Medal of Honor recipients.

There are also informative displays about all four branches of the military along with photos, relics and memorabilia from the conflicts of the past.

Keep in mind that tours have to be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, and you’ll need a government-issued photo ID to enter.

They don’t let just anyone pass through the front doors.

As long as you meet the criteria, however, it can be a rare and exciting treat to visit the Pentagon.

It can also make for a great story back home.

You can honestly tell your friends that you’ve walked the same halls as presidents, princes, dignitaries and more!

Address:  Washington, DC 22202, United States

15. National Zoo

National Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

The National Zoo is a staple of Washington, DC for more reasons than one, so if you’re an animal or nature lover spending time in the city, it’s definitely a place to put on your to-do list.

The first reason to visit is because of the sheer range of animals within the zoo.

More than 2,000 animals call it home, including a family of giant pandas.

If it jumps, flies, crawls, stalks, slithers or rolls around in bamboo, it can probably be found here.

Another great thing about the zoo is that it hosts a wide variety of events and activities for visitors.

From “Woo at the Zoo” on Valentine’s Day to “Boo at the Zoo” during Halloween, there’s always something fun to do.

Last but not least, the zoo is free.

Yes, you read that right!

You can stroll right up to the gates tomorrow morning and gain entry without paying a dime.

It’s open every day of the year except Christmas, and it never charges admission.

Are you tempted by the National Zoo yet?

Are you ready to see all of the amazing creatures and enjoy all of the fun activities?

It’s located right on the National Mall of Washington, DC, so you can’t miss it!

Address:  3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

16. International Spy Museum

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum is a mix of fun and factual.

As its name suggests, it’s dedicated to the art of espionage, and many exhibits revolve around real-life spies and their history, technology and methodology.

On the flip side, a lot of stuff to do at the International Spy Museum is just plain cool.

There are trivia games and movie nights; there are interactive spy missions where the whole family can play at being James Bond.

Speaking of James Bond, he gets some attention, too.

Fictional spies aren’t overlooked.

The museum recognizes the role that they’ve played in public interest about the field.

If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do in Washington, DC, consider a stop by the International Spy Museum.

It’s one of the only museums of its kind in the entire world, so in addition to being a DC standout, it’s also a rare treat for those who like their martinis shaken and not stirred.

Address:  700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

17. Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan

If you’re a fan of the funky, you won’t want to miss Adams Morgan .

This vibrant neighborhood has colorful houses lined up like ducks in a row alongside shops, cafes, bars, bistros, lounges, clubs and many other entertainment venues.

You can sing karaoke until 3 AM; you can follow trails of graffiti to community art projects.

Every weekend, this neighborhood transforms into a mini-city of its very own.

Another great thing about Adams Morgan is its diversity.

Just walking down the street can take you on a journey around the world, especially if you’re a foodie.

You can dine on all kinds of pizzas, noodles, pastas, empanadas and gyros.

Go shopping at the thrift stores.

Take in live music at the pubs and taverns.

Eat until you’re stuffed at the outdoor restaurants of every flavor.

Adams Morgan is one of the best places for entertainment in Washington, DC.

It’s a must do if you like the nightlife scene, but even if you’re an older or calmer kind of traveler, you can find ample ways to have fun in a neighborhood like this.

18. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Located in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery is a few minutes south of Washington, DC, but it’s worth the side trip.

You’ve probably heard of it before.

It’s one of the oldest and most esteemed military cemeteries in the world.

The land was originally owned by George Washington’s grandson.

It passed through various hands, including Robert E. Lee’s wife, until it became the property of the U.S. government.

Today, it’s used as the final resting place for soldiers dating all of the way back to the Civil War.

The grounds are beautiful, especially when the leaves change colors in the fall.

Elaborate statues, fountains, headstones and memorial buildings are dotted across the hills.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the most popular places to visit in the cemetery, but there are many others.

If you’re wondering what to do in Washington DC, put some gas in the car and hop across state lines to Virginia.

Arlington National Cemetery is a must do.

Address: Entrance at Arlington Memorial Bridge, Arlington, VA 22211, United States

19. Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

The Capital One Arena is one of the major points of interest of Washington, DC.

It’s even been credited with the revitalization of its neighborhood.

You don’t have to sit through a history lesson to enjoy the arena for what it is, however.

It’s an awesome place!

Home to everyone from the Washington Wizards to the Washington Capitals, it hosts sporting events of all kinds, including basketball, hockey and even wrestling.

It’s also been used for concerts, festivals, horse shows, family events and ice skating performances.

If you want to see Disney on Ice while in DC, this is where you’ll go.

Amenities include a lounge, salon, food court and commercial retail space.

You’ll find lots of well-known shopping brands here.

To put it simply, everything that you need for a good vacation is right here in the Capital One Arena.

There’s entertainment; there’s food and drink; there’s a place to get your hair cut or your nails clipped.

What more could you ask for from an arena?

Address:  601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

20. Odyssey Dinner Cruise

Odyssey Dinner Cruise

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase a three-hour tour?

Thankfully, this isn’t Gilligan’s Island.

It’s the Odyssey Dinner Cruise .

Setting off from the Potomac River, the Odyssey Dinner Cruise will take you on a journey through some of the top travel destinations of Washington, DC.

You’ll pass by towering monuments and memorials; you’ll drift along shorelines dotted with fountains, statues, museums, naval piers and other points of interest.

Befitting a dinner cruise, a three-course meal is served with every trip.

You’ll enjoy tableside service along with classical music in a sophisticated setting.

When you’re done with your food, you’ll have the option of cutting a rug on the dance hall.

If you’re wondering what to do in DC, you don’t have to limit yourself to a small list of attractions.

See everything at once through an Odyssey Dinner Cruise, and enjoy some buttered scallops in citrus sauce while you’re at it!

Address:  580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

21. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

If you’re looking for unusual tourist spots in Washington, DC, consider the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens .

They’re captivatingly beautiful, but they’re definitely not your average park!

What sets them apart is their water-based plant life.

They offer several species that are quite rare for the region, including waterlilies, lotus blossoms and water hyacinths.

Some of these plants are located within Kenilworth Marsh, the only remaining tidal marsh in DC.

Another source of entertainment is the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival.

It’s a two-day event held at the park, and it offers games, tours, dances, cultural lessons, fashion shows, wildlife experiences and more.

If you’ve ever admired the beauty of a floating heart or the hidden meaning of a lotus flower, you’ll definitely want to check out the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

It’s a must do for nature enthusiasts in general, but it’s particularly special for folks who like to explore little-known places and find hidden gems during their vacations.

Address:  1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, United States

22. Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a small and beautiful sanctuary located off the coast of Washington, DC.

It’s only accessible through a pedestrian bridge, and cars and bikes aren’t allowed.

You have to explore with nothing but your own two feet.

If you’re up for the walking, however, it’s a top 10 destination in terms of scenery.

There are hills and fields; there are shaded tree canopies; there are babbling brooks.

It’s a great place to relieve some stress by lying back on the grass and staring at the beautiful blue sky.

There are also wilder, denser places where serious hikers can test their mettle.

If you venture deeply enough into the trees, you might hear the call of Washington’s birds or the slither of its snakes.

Do you want to go off the grid for awhile?

Check out Theodore Roosevelt Island.

It isn’t one of the glamorous tourist places of the region, but it’s one of the best things to do in DC if you don’t mind loping it on foot.

Address: George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, VA 22211, United States

23. National Museum of Natural History

National Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History is another place that you’ve probably seen in a lot of movies, but we’re here to tell you that reality is even better than fiction.

Its amazing collections have to be seen to be believed!

The first thing that you’ll notice is a gigantic elephant roaring at the center of a large, open-air rotunda.

From there, you can choose a direction and explore art galleries, fossil halls, meteorite collections, butterfly gardens and more.

There’s a Hall of Bones. There’s an Insect Zoo. The Hope Diamond is here.

Whether you’re into astronomy, oceanography, paleontology, meteorology or any other type of natural history, you can probably find some kind of display for it.

Run by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Natural History lives up to its reputation and then some.

It’s one of those rare places to visit that manages to combine education and entertainment, so even as you’re having fun, you’ll be trying new things and learning new facts.

Address:  10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States

24. Argentta Spa at the Watergate

Argentta Spa

If bottomless mimosas are your thing, you’ll love a luxurious afternoon at the Argentta Spa .

It’s found within the Watergate Hotel, but you don’t have to be a guest to sign up for a massage, manicure or mud mask.

Feel free to pamper yourself regardless of where you’re staying in the city.

Amenities include a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steamroom.

Beauty services range from basic facials to elaborate Icelandic moonflower scrubs.

If you’re over 21, you can enjoy drinks with just about everything, including cocktails during cuticle treatments and wine after rooftop yoga classes.

If you’re looking to treat yourself while in Washington, DC, it’s hard to beat the “luxe living” of the Argentta Spa.

You’ll feel like a whole new person when you step out of a lavender-infused saltwater bath.

Additionally, if you get too lazy and relaxed to move, you can just book a room at the hotel and extend your stay!

Address:  2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

25. DC Improv Comedy Club

DC Improv Comedy Club

This subterranean comedy club has an awesome atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else in Washington, DC.

As you might expect from an underground building, it features a lot of dark walls and dimly-lit alcoves, but it gets filled with so much laughter that it never feels gloomy.

Instead, there’s a warm, almost cozy atmosphere as the comedians take the stage.

They’re close enough to reach out and touch.

As a member of the audience, you’ll be able to eat and drink while they perform, so everything has a very casual feeling.

Shows are hosted every week.

Special events include classes in improv, sketch and stand-up comedy.

If you’re traveling for work, you can even rent the venue for fun and unique team-building exercises.

Maybe you’re spending time with colleagues.

Maybe you need a cool place for a date tonight.

No matter what the occasion, the DC Improv Comedy Club will be a side-splitting spot!

Address:  1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

26. Culture House

Culture House

You can’t miss the Culture House .

Literally, you can’t miss it.

Its bright colors can be seen from miles away, especially since most of the surrounding neighborhood was demolished years ago.

The Culture House was only spared from the bulldozer because it used to belong to the Friendship Baptist Congregation, an African-American institution that supported low-income families and provided them with fun, creative ways to express themselves.

The Culture House has gone through various owners since then, but its mission remains the same.

Every inch of the place has been hand-painted or graffiti-sprayed with various types of artistry.

From cartoons to abstract swirls to elaborate “in memoriam” murals, it’s basically a living, ever-evolving work of art.

There are other reasons to visit the Culture House besides gawking at the walls, too.

Many artists use the space for showings and exhibitions.

Its psychedelic interior is also popular with musicians.

If you want some non-touristy things to do in Washington, DC, the Culture House is decidedly off the beaten path.

It’s a wonderfully unique place, and it’ll make for a wonderfully unique visit as well.

Address:  700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

27. Cascading Waterfall

Cascading Waterfall

You’ve never seen a waterfall quite like this.

Located within Meridian Hill Park , it’s a man-made art installation that sends water flowing down a series of 13 stone steps.

Like its name suggests, it’s a beautiful cascade, and many people think that it represents the perfect harmony between man and nature.

When you’re done with the waterfall, there are other cool places to see in the park as well.

There are statues and fountains; there are monuments for war heroes.

One of the most famous is a heavy bronze recreation of Joan of Arc on a horse.

The sword in her hand has been stolen and re-stolen multiple times over the years; sometimes, the thieves leave flowers or other tokens behind.

When visiting the statue, you never know if you’re going to see the sword or not.

Do you want to experience the great outdoors without having to leave the urban terrain of Washington, DC?

Stop by the Cascading Waterfall at Meridian Hill Park.

It’s a nice place to get a respite from the city while still being conveniently cocooned within it.

Address:  16th St NW &, W St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

28. The Chocolate House DC

The Chocolate House

If you just felt a little shiver of excitement at the name “ Chocolate House ,” this is the tourist attraction for you!

Offering hundreds of bars, breads, truffles, crisps and bites made by world-class artisans, the Chocolate House DC is a luxury boutique and tasting room for chocoholics of all types.

You can munch on everything from chocolate peanut brittle squares to orange-infused dark chocolate fudge bombs.

You can also indulge yourself with wines, soaps, blankets and other care package goods to complement the cocoa.

As for activities, you’ll have your choice of classes, workshops and cooking events.

You can learn how to roll truffles; you can sample various types of gourmet chocolate under the tutelage of an expert.

The schedule varies.

Your sweet tooth will definitely get a workout at the Chocolate House DC.

Are you ready to treat yourself to some amazing desserts made by high-quality chocolatiers?

Get your taste buds to the Chocolate House!

Address:  1904 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

29. United States Botanic Garden

United States Botanic Garden

With all of its vintage theaters and gleaming government buildings, you might not expect Washington, DC to have a lot of greenery.

However, the United States Botanic Garden would prove you wrong.

It’s a natural oasis in the middle of an urban landscape, and it’s hands-down one of the best places to visit in the city.

Flowers bloom in every shape and shade that you can imagine.

Gardens are arranged by theme, so one might have rare and endangered species while another is focused on jungle, desert or tropical plants.

There’s a canopy for looking at the trees and flowers from a top view.

There are trails and courtyards if you want to walk, talk, sit or just breathe deeply among the orchids.

You don’t have to be a botanist to appreciate a large and impressive house of botany.

If you want to escape the high-rise buildings of Washington, DC for awhile, stop by the tranquil spring that is the United States Botanic Garden.

Address:  100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

30. Monumental Helicopters

Monumental Helicopters

It’s always fun to see a city from the sky.

It can get a little complicated in DC, however, because of the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) imposed on all of those important government buildings.

If you want to experience aerial views, you’ll need to book a helicopter tour with a company that has been approved for FRZ flights.

Monumental Helicopters is that company.

They have FRZ access, and while they can’t exactly fly you over the White House, they can get you closer than many of their competitors.

They can also take you on show-stopping journeys to other Washington DC attractions.

They offer a variety of tours out of Baltimore and Annapolis that also incorporate some of DC’s nearby hot spots.

If you’ve always wanted to fly alongside the seagulls in Chesapeake Bay, this is your chance!

It’s unfortunate that you can’t take a real helicopter tour of Washington, DC, but with companies like Monumental Helicopters, at least you can experience something close to one.

Just make sure to call ahead and book early.

They provide such an in-demand service that they’re often swamped with requests.

Address:  7505 General Aviation Dr #100, Fort Meade, MD 20755, United States

31. Smithsonian Institution Building

Smithsonian Institution Building

Don’t be fooled by the name “ Smithsonian Institution Building .”

While it might sound like a boring collection of offices and cubicles, it’s actually a medieval-style castle!

It was built with red sandstone over the course of 1849 – 1855 in a combination of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture.

The architects picked this style deliberately because they wanted it to stand out from the white marble and granite of other DC buildings.

The towers rise to a staggering 145 feet.

The windows are curved and arched alongside turrets and other medieval staples.

Inside, there are parlors, galleries, libraries, chapels and great halls.

There’s even a crypt for the tomb of James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Intuition.

Washington, DC might be full of cool buildings, but the Smithsonian Institution Building is one of the top choices to visit.

How many chances will you get to see a genuine castle?

Rather than backpacking through Europe or Asia, just hop on over to DC.

Address:  1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States

32. Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill

Old Ebbitt Grill is another vintage building in the DC area, though it isn’t quite as vintage as a medieval castle.

However, it does date back to the mid-1850s, and it went through several lives as a boarding house and a saloon before finally settling on its identity as a tavern.

The dining room shines with polished woods and red, brown and gold accents.

The menu offers old classics like steak and eggs as well as more contemporary dishes like oysters and scallops.

For dessert, you can try some of the famous peach cobbler or the mouthwatering brown butter chocolate chip cookies; for a drink, you can sip white wines, bourbon whiskies, rum cocktails and tequilas with salty glasses.

The service is impeccable. The menu is delicious. The decor is fun and retro.

Why wouldn’t you stop at Old Ebbitt Grill when you’re feeling peckish in Washington, DC?

Address:  675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States

33. The Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street / Rain0975 / flickr

The Mansion on O Street isn’t actually a mansion.

It’s a series of brownstones connected by cluttered rooms, creaky staircases, secret doors, winding passageways and floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with everything from rare books to antique dining sets.

It’s partly a museum, partly a junk shop and wholly a place where you can have fun in Washington DC.

With more than 100 rooms in total, you’ll have your work cut out for you when it comes to exploring the labyrinth.

You might enter this weekend and not emerge until next weekend.

It’s that complex.

Once you embrace a perpetual feeling of being lost, however, you’ll have a blast.

There are all kinds of odds and ends to appreciate as you wander from room to room, and special events include tours, treasure hunts, musical performances, book readings and more.

A lot of the goods are on sale, too, so you can take home some of the world’s weirdest souvenirs.

Consider a trip to the Mansion on O Street if you’re looking for fun things to do that aren’t in your typical travel guide.

It might be one of the lesser-known options for Washington DC attractions, but considering its strange, secretive nature, that’s rather fitting!

Address:  2020 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

34. U Street

Once hailed as the “Black Broadway,” U Street spent years as a cultural hub for African-Americans in Washington, DC.

It’s become more gentrified as of late, but you can still find important works of art, music, fashion and culture preserved here, and you can still grab an awesome slice of Ethiopian dessert.

Attractions include the work of notable black architects like the Prince Hall Masonic Temple and the Thurgood Marshall Center.

There’s also the Lincoln Theatre, a historic performance venue for legends like Duke Ellington, and the Bohemian Caverns, a jazz club that dates all of the way back to the 1920s.

After you’ve enjoyed a show, grab some dinner at Ben Chili’s Bowl or smoke a cigarette at the U Street Music Hall.

If you’re in the area in the spring, see if you can catch the annual Washington DC Funk Parade.

U Street is an important touchstone for the African-American community in the District of Columbia.

It’s also a place of good vibes, great festivities and as much soul food as you can eat.

If you’re looking for fun vacation spots, make sure to mark U Street on your map!

Check out this mouth-watering U Street food tour.

35. The Capital Wheel

The Capital Wheel

Have you noticed that Washington, DC doesn’t have a lot of skyscrapers?

It’s deliberate on the part of city officials.

It also means that attractions like the Capital Wheel really stand out.

Rising more than 170 feet from the land and water below, the Capital Wheel is a gigantic Ferris wheel that overlooks everything from the Washington Monument to the Potomac River.

It has such amazing views, in fact, that you can see Virginia and Maryland from the very top gondola.

As for the gondolas themselves, they’re both enclosed and climate-controlled, so you’ll never have to worry about bad weather ruining your visit.

You can just sit back and watch the raindrops streaking across the glass as you slowly ascend into the clouds.

If you’re traveling to the city in winter, you can also catch spectacular light shows that transform each gondola into an LED extravaganza.

You aren’t afraid of heights, right?

So climb aboard the Capital Wheel and look at Washington, DC the way that few tourists ever do.

You’ll treasure the memory for the rest of your life.

Address:  141 American Way, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, United States

36. Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park

Take a deep breath in crisp, clear air when you visit Rock Creek Park .

It’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Washington, DC, and thanks to careful conservation efforts by the community, it’s also one of the best sites for escaping the smog of the city.

Water glides over the rocks in cold, clear streams.

Ferns and flowers hide all kinds of wildlife, including several species that aren’t commonly found in other parts of the state.

Nature trails are everywhere, and they’ll take you over hills, through trees, across foot bridges and down inlaid steps.

Available activities include everything from horseback riding to sightseeing at old-fashioned grist mills.

Do you need a break from the lights and noises of the big city?

Rejuvenate yourself by spending some time at Rock Creek Park.

Whether you’re going for an all-day hike or just an afternoon picnic in the park, it’ll soothe your soul to be surrounded by natural beauty on all sides.

Address: 3545 Williamsburg Ln NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

37. Georgetown

You can’t talk about Washington, DC without mentioning Georgetown .

It’s one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city, and if you play your cards right, it can also be one of the most fun.

The secret lies in making a game plan.

Georgetown is a lively neighborhood filled with colorful houses dotting cobblestone roads and shopfronts, so there are lots of things to see and do.

If you don’t want to miss out on anything awesome, you’ll need to know where to go and what to visit.

Are you hungry?

Take a food tour of the many cafes, bistros, bakeries and restaurants.

Do you enjoy nightlife?

Hit up the bars, pubs and taverns with their live music and never-ending taps.

Sightseeing is another popular activity in Georgetown.

The architecture is very Instagram-worthy, so whether you’re looking at snow-topped patios or fall foliage scattered on the streets, you’ll definitely want to whip out your camera and document it.

Georgetown is one of the major places of interest in Washington, DC.

If nothing else, it’s worth exploring just to say that you’ve been there!

Explore Georgetown with this walking food tour.

38. Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

Located within the National Museum of the American Indian, this cafe is one of the only ones in the country that serves exclusively Native American food.

It’s a great place to expand your culinary horizons while also supporting the indigenous populations of Washington, DC!

Menu items range from “bison burgers” to “yellow corn tacos served with goat meat and plantains.”

An open kitchen will allow you to watch your meal being prepared over fire pits and cedar-covered grills.

There’s a bit of a food court atmosphere to the cafe since it offers dishes from multiple Native American tribes.

You can even order a sample platter if you want to try different ones.

On slow days, the cooks will chat with you about the history of their skills and dishes.

The Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe is one of the best ways to spend your money in Washington, DC.

It gets its ingredients from tribal co-ops; it supports a museum dedicated to its people.

Most importantly, it serves Native American food that’s awesome and authentic, so you can feel good about your lunchtime choices when you eat here.

Address:  Independence Ave SW & 4th Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20024, United States

39. Sculpture Garden

Sculpture Garden

Part of the National Gallery of Art, the Sculpture Garden has an amazing collection of outdoor artwork that ranges from the aesthetically pleasing to the mind-bendingly weird.

You could spend a whole day just wandering the trails and looking at all of the goods.

Graft is a tree made entirely out of silver.

Spider is a gigantic, eight-legged bronze piece that looms over visitors.

Thinker on a Rock is a quirky take on the old classic with a ponderous rabbit in place of a human.

Chair Transformation Number 20B is a series of melted blue chairs that have been stacked on top of one another.

When you’re finished with the sculptures, venture into the gallery and look at the paintings, or hop on the ice skating rink that opens every year from December to March.

You can also grab a bite to eat at the pavilion cafe or shop for souvenirs at the museum gift shop.

For fun times with crazy, creative artwork, check out the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art.

You won’t regret it!

Address:  Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408, United States

40. National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum

Another museum in the Smithsonian collection, the National Postal Museum is dedicated to the long and surprisingly interesting history of the U.S. postal system.

There’s a lot more to know about the Pony Express than you might think!

Exhibitions include letters, stamps, uniforms, decals, flags and vintage postal tools like printing presses and perforation machines.

Displays include multiple recreations of life-sized, turn-of-the-century transportation.

Wagons and stagecoaches line the floor; an “air mail” plane hangs from the ceiling.

You can even climb inside postal rail cars on a gigantic train.

Another cool thing about the museum is that it’s located at the former site of Washington’s central post office.

From 1914 to 1986, it was genuinely in use by the locals.

If you’re visiting Washington, DC to learn more about its historical significance to the United States, you’ll want to make time for the National Postal Museum.

It’s a unique destination for a unique time in the past, so it’s a must see for history buffs everywhere.

Address:  2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

41. Penn Quarter

Penn Quarter

Do you have some free time tonight?

Hit up Penn Quarter .

It’s a neighborhood that never sleeps, so it doesn’t matter if you’re looking for midday shopping or late-night drinking; you’ll always find open doors here.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company puts on the best shows from the Bard.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares space with the National Portrait Gallery and the Marian Koshland Science Museum.

The Capital One Arena is close by for sports fans, and the J. Edgar Hoover Building is just a stone’s throw away for the politically minded.

There are other, lesser-known attractions as well.

For example, there are many bars and restaurants to cater to the frequent foot traffic of tourists, and there are a number of stores for shopaholics.

With its endless variety of events and activities, Penn Quarter is one of the most fun things to do in DC.

It’s especially nice for night owls who are looking for a good time.

You don’t have to retreat to your hotel just because the sun goes down!

Visit Penn Quarter instead and enjoy yourself until the sun rises again.

42. Catacombs of Washington, DC

Catacombs of Washington, DC / Lawrence OP / flickr

Hidden beneath the city of Washington, DC is a series of underground tunnels that are designed to mimic the religious catacombs of the Middle Ages.

They’re only 100 years old, so they’re quite young by catacomb standards, but their cracked stone walls and curving, dimly-lit passageways will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook of some kind.

Holy artwork covers the walls.

Shrines, tombs, altars and chapels can be explored at your leisure.

The skeleton of an eight-year-old martyr will watch over you as you venture from room to room.

Tour guides are available if you’re worried about getting lost forever among the ghostly graves of religious icons.

Otherwise, you can explore this subterranean complex on your own; it’s located beneath the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America .

The Catacombs of Washington DC are one of the coolest sites to see in the city.

They aren’t as well-known as other tourist attractions in the city, but that just means that you won’t have to battle large crowds underground.

You can creep through the tombs in a hushed silence that befits the setting.

Address:  1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States

43. Greenbelt Park

Greenbelt Park

Though it’s located in Maryland, Greenbelt Park is just a half-hour from downtown DC, so it isn’t a chore to take a drive there.

In fact, the drive itself can become a tourist attraction when the weather is nice.

The leaves turn gold in the fall; the tulips and dandelions blossom in the spring.

It’s quite scenic!

The main attraction, however, is definitely Greenbelt Park.

This woodsy wilderness is one of the top spots in Washington for hikers, campers, climbers and other outdoor enthusiasts.

There are off-grid locations if you like to get rugged, or you can stick to the reserved camping areas to enjoy amenities like picnic grounds and public bathrooms.

There are also a variety of trails for folks of every skill level, so whether you’re an experienced backpacker looking for a challenging route or a complete beginner who just wants to take a leisurely stroll through nature, there’s a pathway that will suit you.

Are you looking for fun places to go in Washington, DC?

Greenbelt Park doesn’t technically fit the bill, but if you’re willing to cheat on the District of Columbia with the state of Maryland, your sneakiness will be rewarded.

Address:  6565 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770, United States

44. Nationals Park

Nationals Park

Home of the Washington Nationals, this ballpark mixes a classic, old-school stadium aesthetic with contemporary features and amenities.

For example, while it has grandstand seats surrounding a nostalgic green diamond, it’s also the first eco-friendly, LEED-certified stadium in the nation.

While it sells hotdogs and peanuts, it also offers ribs, lobster rolls, kielbasa, bao bao and Korean fried chicken.

Baseball is the biggest sport for Nationals Park , but if your trip coincides with hockey season, you might also be able to catch a NHL game.

You can also keep your eyes peeled for concerts, papal masses, political rallies and other big events.

Tours are available with and without appointments, so that’s another possibility for killing some time while you’re on vacation.

If you’re headed to DC this week, check out the schedule for Nationals Park.

You never know when something cool will be going on, and with any luck, you’ll get the chance to take your family out to a ballgame in true American style.

Address:  1500 S Capitol St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States

45. Madame Tussauds Washington DC

Madame Tussauds Washington DC

The wax statues of Madame Tussauds are known throughout the world.

However, it must be said that the Washington DC location is even better than the ones found in Hollywood or Las Vegas.

You won’t believe some of the famous faces on display here!

The Presidents Gallery has wax figures of all 45 U.S. presidents.

The Glamour Room has everyone from Beyonce to Michael Jackson.

The Civil Rights Room gets serious with Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Sports Gallery goes right back to the humor with its renditions of Babe Ruth, Tiger Woods and Evander Holyfield.

If you’re curious about the creation process of these wax dolls, there’s also a “Behind the Scenes” room where you can learn some of the secrets of the trade.

Otherwise, feel free to explore the museum at your leisure and poke at all of the frozen celebrity smiles.

Unlike other museums, visitors at Madame Tussauds are allowed to freely interact with the exhibits, and funny selfies are both accepted and encouraged.

Are you tired of the usual Washington DC attractions?

Do you want something that’s totally weird and off-the-wall?

Madame Tussauds has you covered.

Just make sure that your camera roll is ready!

Address:  1001 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

46. Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Garden / Ron Cogswell / flickr

Put together by a rich heiress with a taste for high art and culture, the Hillwood Estate is filled with things like tapestries, portraits, ornaments, flowers, tea sets and porcelain goods.

It’s a collection that spans the globe, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC if you enjoy delicate beauty.

The Hillwood Estate is technically known as a “decorative arts museum.”

However, it’ll offer a much different experience than your standard museum.

You’ll start with a trip through a Japanese zen garden.

A set of sliding doors will open into the estate, and a tour guide will escort you through everything from the French Porcelain Room to Russian Sacred Arts Room.

If you like the House of Romanov, they have an entire suite dedicated to them; items on display include a stunning collection of Faberge eggs.

There’s also an entire exhibit dedicated to the jewelry and fashion of pre-industrial England.

When you’re done with the exhibitions, hit up the on-site cafe for tea and sandwiches, or check out the souvenir shop filled with books, artwork, stationery and other delicately charming goods.

There’s a lot to see at the Hillwood Estate.

You’ll wish that you had more than one pair of eyes.

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Washington, DC, however, you won’t want to miss it!

Address:  4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

47. Union Station

Union Station

This Union Station is one of the oldest railway stations in the world, and for a long time, it was also one of the biggest.

Millions of people visited it every year to take trains and buses to Boston , Baltimore , New York and more.

Today, Union Station is still a thriving hub for transportation, but it’s also been modernized for the convenience of the contemporary traveler.

There are shops and food courts; there are beauty services and bike repairers; there are tour guide companies of every possible type.

Previous businesses have included bookstores, barber shops, post offices and even a mortuary.

Union Station is the kind of place that you’ll want to visit at least once.

It might not be what immediately comes to mind when you think about Washington DC attractions, but it’s worth putting on your itinerary.

Visiting DC without a trip to Union Station is like visiting NYC without a trip to Fifth Avenue.

48. Chinatown

In its heyday, the Chinatown of Washington, DC was one of the most prominent in the United States.

It’s suffered a lot of gentrification since then, and only a fraction of its original population remains, but it’s still a great place to get some dumplings.

Many of the businesses in the area are family-owned by Chinese immigrants.

There are restaurants, clothing shops, laundromats, video stores, general stores and more.

If you don’t know where to start, try the Washington DC Chinatown Community Cultural Center.

In addition to offering practical things like maps, they also host a variety of classes and festivities that celebrate China, so they can help gain a deeper understanding of the culture even as you partake in its food and festivities.

DC’s Chinatown might lack its original glory, but it’s still one of the best places to visit in the region.

Grab your chopsticks and loosen your belt!

The orange chicken is waiting!

Address: Bounded by G H, 5th, and 8th Sts., Washington, DC, United States

49. Tidal Basin

Tidal Basin

Are you looking for romantic places to visit in Washington, DC?

Take your sweetheart to the Tidal Basin .

It’s such a gentle, beautiful location that it isn’t at all uncommon to see lovers picnicking along the shore, renting out a paddleboat for two or just holding hands as they walk under shaded tree groves.

The most popular time to visit is during March – April when the cherry blossom trees come into bloom.

They provide rare and spectacular sightseeing opportunities that only last a couple of weeks before they’re gone, so they’re quite special.

If you miss the blossoms, however, don’t fret!

There are other places of interest throughout the basin.

For example, it’s located near the National Mall, so you can hit up all of the major monuments and memorials of DC with your special someone by your side.

Another option is to rent the aforementioned paddleboats and spend an afternoon on the water; they’re available every season except winter.

Put on some nice clothes. Spritz yourself with your favorite fragrance.

It’s time for date night in Washington, DC, and the Tidal Basin is waiting.

Address: E Basin Drive NW Ohio Drive NW, Washington, DC 20003, United States

50. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

You don’t have to be religious to appreciate this basilica.

Its towering domes look like something out of a renaissance painting from the 1800s, and the height of its bell tower puts it among the largest Catholic churches in the world.

The interior is just as grandiose as the exterior.

There are almost 100 shrines to the Virgin Mary alone, and they’re complemented by murals, mosaics, statues, roses and other beautiful and meaningful ornaments.

Elaborate altars are available for praying.

A crypt holds valuable relics like Pope Paul VI’s coronation tiara.

Surprisingly, the basilica is still open for everyday worship.

While other basilicas might be jealously-guarded historical sites, this one is free and open to the public, and it welcomes visitors of every age, gender, race and faith.

If you find yourself near the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception while visiting Washington, DC, consider going inside for awhile.

It’s okay if you’re a sinner. Mary won’t judge.

Address:  400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States

51. East Potomac Park

East Potomac Park

East Potomac Park is one of the best things to do in Washington DC.

It’s also one of the lesser-known tourist attractions.

When you put these two facts together, you’ll realize that you have the opportunity to experience a great place in the city without the usual crowds.

Outdoor amenities include a golf course, a public swimming pool and an entire series of athletic fields for tennis, soccer, rugby and football.

You can also go walking, jogging, driving, biking, skating and fishing along the various trails and piers.

In the spring, the cherry blossoms scatter pink petals on the sidewalks.

In the winter, snow covers the ground and turns everything into a winter wonderland.

Swing by East Potomac Park if you want to experience natural beauty in Washington, DC.

It isn’t all condos and traffic!

There are sedate, serene places as well, and they’re worth a stroll under the trees.

Address:  Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

52. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Holding more than 2,200 events each year, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of the top destinations for art and culture in Washington DC.

It’s home to multiple venues, including theaters, concert halls and opera houses, and they’ve collectively welcomed millions of visitors since their foundation.

Do you like ballet?

Buy a ticket for the Nutcracker.

Are you a fan of classical music?

Check out shows by the National Symphony Orchestra or the Washington National Opera; they both call this location home.

Other events include plays, musicals, chamber concerts and more.

There are lectures and workshops for adults; there are educational games and activities for the little ones.

Many of these things are free, so if you’re wondering what to do in the city when you’re on a budget, it might behoove you to get a little culture.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a place that truly lives up to its name.

It’s a multicultural, multidisciplinary hub where there’s always something new and exciting going on.

Whether you’re visiting this weekend or next year, you can just look at the schedule and pick an event!

Address:  2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, United States

53. Oki Bowl

OKI bowl at Georgetown

Do you dream of sushi? Do you live for late-night ramen?

Oki Bowl serves authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC, and the only thing that outdoes the menu is the decor.

Dozens of mismatched lanterns hang from the ceiling.

The floor has black-and-white squares while the walls are covered in rainbow posters and oddly-shaped shelves crammed with toys and trinkets.

Even the bathrooms have eye-popping designs.

They’re painted with glowing blacklit landscapes that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a neon nightclub or maybe a futuristic anime.

They’re so cool that their lines are always a mile long because people take so many pictures during their potty breaks!

Oki Bowl is a fun place to grab a bite to eat in Washington, DC.

If you find yourself craving some miso soup while you’re in the city, make the trek here.

It’s worth it.

Address:  1608 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

54. Rockefeller Mansion

Rockefeller Mansion

Located in a remote wilderness preserve and surrounded on all sides by leafy, privacy-giving hardwood trees, the Rockefeller Mansion is such a large and grandiose estate that it actually has two separate mailing addresses.

It was built in the 1920s and purchased a few decades later by U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller.

It’s a real house, so it isn’t a tourist attraction that you can just walk up to and admire.

You’ll have to keep your distance.

If you love architecture, however, or if you enjoy finding treasures at the end of long hikes, it might be worth a side trip to see the Rockefeller Mansion.

You can snap a few photos from afar, and you can marvel at the fresh air and natural woodlands that surround the estate.

Washington, DC has very charming landscapes when you’re willing to venture out of downtown, and the Rockefeller Mansion is proof of that.

55. National Geographic Museum

National Geographic Museum

You know National Geographic.

Everyone knows National Geographic.

But were you aware that it’s also a museum in Washington, DC?

Filled with fun things to see and do, this interactive educational center will be a treat for the whole family.

Kids will love the games and activities that range from fossil digs to 3D movies about volcanoes and supernovas.

Teens will appreciate the scattered remains of shipwrecks and the larger-than-life taxidermy models of forgotten beasts.

Adults will enjoy learning something new about ancient civilizations from Peru, Greece and Machu Picchu.

There are special events hosted by the museum as well.

Whether it’s attending a class or exploring an exhibit after-hours, you can find plenty of neat things on the schedule.

The National Geographic Museum is one of the top things to do in Washington DC.

If you’ve ever flipped through the magazine at the dentist’s office, do yourself a favor and check out what it can really do with your undivided attention.

Address:  1145 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States

56. Victura Park

Victura Park

Another great place to get away from it all in Washington, DC, Victura Park is a lovely little landscape that overlooks both Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Potomac River.

It’s located on the back lawns of the Kennedy Center, but you don’t have to be a patron to enjoy the park.

You can just waltz in, spread your picnic blanket on the grass and enjoy the scenery.

Another option is buying your lunch from the outdoor pop-up and wine garden.

In true “pop-up” style, the menu is ever-changing, so this week’s dishes might not be next week’s dishes.

There are occasionally guest chefs who host events and classes.

If you do want to check out the Kennedy Center, it’s just a few steps away in a large, geometrically-cut building.

It isn’t free like the park, so you’ll need to buy a ticket, but it’s worth it.

If the lights and crowds of Washington, DC are starting to get to you, consider slowing down for awhile with Victura Park.

It’s one of those lovely, low-key places to see that can recharge your batteries for the rest of your vacation.

Address: 2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20566, United States

57. Skydive Capitol City

Skydive Capitol City

Did you know that you can cross “skydiving” off your bucket list when you visit DC?

You can’t jump off the Washington Monument or anything, but if you’re willing to take a short drive outside of the city, you can go nuts in the wide open fields of Virginia.

Skydive Capitol City is one of the best companies for it.

The owners actually hold Guinness World Records for their tandem skydiving, and all together, the staff has jumped out of planes more than 10,000 times.

You can take lessons or go tandem with an instructor if you’re a beginner.

You can also sign up for a freefall if you’re a licensed skydiver just looking to get your fix while you’re away from home.

All things considered, Skydive Capitol City can provide unforgettable memories while you’re in the area.

You’ll never feel more alive than when you’re risking death, so if you have the nerve, sign up for a skydiving session and get to work on that bucket list!

Address: Warrenton Airpark, 9272 Green Meadows Rd., Warrenton, VA 20187, United States

58. Lucky Strike

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Rainy days are a bummer during vacations.

Fortunately, when you’re visiting Washington, DC, you don’t have to let them stop you from having a grand old time!

Lucky Strike is just one indoor attraction in the DC area, but it’s so cool and creative that it deserves special attention.

As you might have guessed from the name, it’s primarily a bowling alley, and it offers more than a dozen state-of-the-art lanes equipped with lights, chimes and digital scoreboards.

But the fun doesn’t stop there.

You can play arcade games; you can sign up for a game of laser tag; you can hit the dance floor.

There are special events like Silent Disco Night.

There are exotic foods and tasty cocktails.

All in all, Lucky Strikes is one of the better attractions in Washington, DC, and it can be visited anytime.

It isn’t dependent on good weather.

If you’re wondering what to see in the city on a rainy day, put on your bowling shoes and come here!

Address:  701 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States

59. Tudor Place

Tudor Place / DC Gardens / flickr

Six generations of George Washington’s family lived and died within Tudor Place .

Originally built in the 1700s by the same architect who created the Capitol Building, it spent more than 100 years as the estate where the Washingtons lived, married, worked, retired and died.

Today, Tudor Place has been converted into a museum, and visitors can explore the property like they’re a long-lost relative.

The inside of the house has charmingly vintage furnishings; the outside has everything from gardens to carriage houses to elaborate, labyrinth-style hedges.

There’s even a bomb shelter!

It was built during the Cold War, and it’s open to the public as a fascinating relic that peeks into the past of an emotionally-charged era.

Tudor Place is one of the last remaining estates from the colonial period of Washington, DC.

If you’re a history buff, it’s a top 5 destination within the city.

It doesn’t get more historical than the silverware that was actually used by George Washington’s kin.

Address:  1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

60. J. Edgar Hoover Building

J. Edgar Hoover Building

You might know the J. Edgar Hoover Building as the headquarters of the FBI.

It’s another place that you wouldn’t expect to welcome visitors, but as long as you’re a U.S. citizen who books an advanced tour and complies with the “restricted items” list, you can indeed walk the halls of this venerable institution.

The tours are self-guided, so you’ll need to be comfortable on your own.

You can look at different articles, artifacts and multimedia exhibits as you move along the permitted areas.

All of the materials that you’ll see are dedicated to the history and legacy of the FBI.

It’s done some important work for the country, and those efforts are on full display here.

If you’ll be traveling to Washington, DC, make time for the J. Edgar Hoover Building.

It’s a rare opportunity to peek behind the curtain of a powerful organization, and with all of its stories and mementos, it’s also one of the best places to visit to learn about U.S. history.

Address:  935 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20535, United States

61. Gadsby’s

Gadsby’s

There are two locations called “ Gadsby’s .”

They’re at the same place and operated by the same people, but to avoid confusion, let’s look at them separately.

The first location is Gadsby’s Tavern.

It’s a complete throwback to the 18th century right down the period costumes worn by the waiters, so if you want dinner and a show, this is a fine place to get it.

The second location is Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

Operating out of a restored version of the original building, it offers exhibits, workshops, classes and other educational events and activities for those who are interested in the colonial era.

The two Gadsby’s can make for quite the evening, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to visit both.

The original businesses were favorites of a whole host of important people, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, so you won’t want to miss a chance to walk in their presidential footsteps.

Address:  134 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314, United States

62. DC Dragon Boat Club

DC Dragon Boat Club

The DC Dragon Boat Club creates a weekly spectacle on the Potomac River, and after you’ve seen them splashing around for awhile, you’ll be itching to join the fun.

Practice sessions are for developing their rowing and paddling skills.

Races are for getting their adrenaline going as they compete against each other for bragging rights and the occasional cash prize.

Annual events include the DC Dragon Boat Festival, the Independence Dragon Boat Regatta and the Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge.

One of the nicest things about the Dragon Boat Club is that they’re always open to newbies.

Even if you’re just a curious first-timer who’s never paddled a day in your life, they’ll welcome you to their practice sessions.

They’ll even provide the lifejacket!

Maybe you want to try something new.

Maybe you’re a pro racer looking to get back into the game.

Either way, the DC Dragon Boat Club can provide an exhilarating afternoon on the water, so don’t hesitate to hop down the riverbank and join them.

Address:  975 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

63. National Museum of Health and Medicine

National Museum of Health and Medicine

The National Museum of Health and Medicine is run by the U.S. government, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at its exhibitions.

Rather than being the dull, drone-like museum of school field trips, it’s a fun and dynamic place that disguises its lessons so cleverly that your kids will be begging to come back.

Organs are displayed in glass jars.

Hairballs are behind glass cases after being pulled from human stomachs.

Rare and vintage medical tool are everywhere; some are replicas, and others are rusted originals.

You can also see one-of-a-kind relics like the bullet that was pulled from Abraham Lincoln’s skull.

It still has trace amounts of brain matter on it.

If you’re seeking Washington DC attractions that offer something a little different than usual, try the National Museum of Health and Medicine.

It’s a nice mix of informative and educational, and whether you’re traveling with kids, colleagues, dates, spouses or no one at all, you can have a great time here.

Address:  2500 Linden Ln, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States

64. Adventure Park

Adventure Park USA

The wind whips through your hair.

The straps dig into your chest.

You’re moving so fast that your cheeks are wobbling on your face, and you’re pretty sure that you left your stomach several stories beneath you.

Say hello to Adventure Park !

Located about an hour north of Washington, DC, Adventure Park is an outdoor recreation area that offers ziplines, roller coasters, rope courses, archery ranges, laser shows, hay rides, arcade games, mini-golf courses and much, much more.

There’s so much to see and do that your legs won’t be able to carry you to it all.

They’ll give out before you can finish.

Other amenities include a smokehouse restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat and an outdoor activity center where you can play with everything from excavators to genuine tomahawks.

Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in DC.

Technically speaking, it might fall outside of city limits, but it’s still close enough for a side trip.

The whole family can pack into the car and make a day of it!

Address:  11113 W Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD 21770, United States

65. National Archives Museum

National Archives Museum

Are you a bookworm? Are you a history buff?

Do you love pouring over handwritten papers and sepia-toned scrolls in the pursuit of historical knowledge?

Maybe you just enjoy the smell of old books.

No matter why you’re considering a visit to the National Archives Museum , you should know that it’s worth the trip.

More than three billion records call it home.

That’s billions with a “B.”

Its most famous documents are the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, but there are plenty of others, including the Bill of Rights, the Magna Carta, the Louisiana Purchase and the Emancipation Proclamation.

When your eyes get tired from all of the reading, you can take a stroll through the large, neoclassical building and soak in the details of its artwork and architecture.

There are also various educational rooms filled with things like telegrams and video recordings for further review.

The National Archives Museum is more than just a museum.

It’s a piece of history that can be explored at will.

If you’re at all interested in the foundation of the United States, you won’t want to miss this place when you’re visiting Washington, DC.

Address:  701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, United States

66. Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is one of the oldest neighborhoods in DC.

It’s also one of the most centrally located if you’re looking to pack a lot of tourist attractions into a busy schedule.

Like the name suggests, the Capitol Building is less than a mile away.

The Senate, the House of Congress and the Supreme Court Building are all within walking distance.

You can also find lesser-known locales like the Washington Navy Yard and the Congressional Cemetery nearby.

Flea markets and farmer’s markets crop up every weekend.

In the summer, musicians play in the parks; in the winter, there’s sledding down the actual Capitol Hill.

You can also enjoy yourself just by taking a scenic stroll around the rowhouses.

Capitol Hill looks exactly like what you’d expect from a neighborhood in Washington, DC, and it can be oddly satisfying to realize that.

No matter how you choose to spend your time on Capitol Hill, you’re sure to love it.

There’s a reason why it’s such an enduring community in the city.

Once you’ve seen what it has to offer, it’ll be hard to say goodbye.

67. Haunted Halcyon House

Haunted Halcyon House / AgnosticPreachersKid at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA

At first glance, the Haunted Halcyon House looks like any other stately building located in the upper-class regions of Georgetown.

It isn’t until you learn about its sordid past that you realize the twisted depths of its legacy.

For starters, the Haunted Halcyon House has gone through dozens of owners since 1787, and nearly all of them have reported strange tidings around the house.

There are also grisly rumors about runaway slaves that have perished in the basement and widows who have gone mad with grief and hung themselves from the rafters.

One confirmable fact is that the Haunted Halcyon House was owned by the death-obsessed Albert Clemens in the 19th century.

A cousin to Mark Twain, Clemens believed that he could somehow stave off the Grim Reaper by making a series of bizarre, inexplicable changes to the home, including stairs that lead to nowhere and trap doors that are just waiting for unsuspecting victims.

You can view the Haunted Halcyon House as part of many “ghost tours” in Washington, DC, or you can simply visit it as a one-time attraction.

The choice is yours. The spookiness will always be there.

Address: 3400 Prospect Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

68. Monuments by Moonlight DC Night Tour

End your vacation with the Monuments by Moonlight DC Night Tour .

It’ll provide a beautiful and slightly surreal look at some of the most unforgettable sights in the city, so if you want to leave a lasting impression of Washington, DC in your memory, this is the way to do it.

Like its name suggests, the Monuments by Moonlight tour is done entirely at night.

The “moon” part may or may not happen depending on the weather, but even if it stays hidden behind the clouds, you can still enjoy the tour.

Since so much of the city is made with white marble, including the dome of the Capitol Building, it has a natural nighttime glow.

Other stops on the tour include the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Memorial and the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to fun and interesting stories from a local tour guide; it’s the kind of stuff that you would never get from a travel brochure.

It’s hard to say goodbye to an amazing city like Washington, DC, but this tour can give you one last hurrah before you go.

It’ll be an amazing experience that you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.

Start Planning Your Trip To Washington, DC

These are a few of the most fun things to do in Washington, DC.

Whether you’re interested in art, food, history, culture, government or just beautiful views of cherry blossom trees over the water, this is a city that you won’t want to miss!

Ultimate Washington DC Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in DC

• In the City / North America / USA / Washington DC

Visiting Washington DC? Here is a bucket list to help you plan your trip!

Washington, D.C. has the distinct honor of being the nation’s capital. There is evidence of power and politics all over the city. Look no further than the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, all of which are located here. If you want to see government in action, you’ve come to the right place. Many government buildings offer tours. But it’s not all business. D.C has a really lively art, music, and food scene.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

− − Content Menu

• Tourist Attractions (1-18)
• Monuments + Memorials + Historic Sites (19-46)
• Museums (47-73)
• The Outdoors + Urban Parks (74-86)
• Shows + Venues (87-93)
• Shopping + Food (94-101)
• Map of Washington DC Attractions
• More Things to Do in DC (Seasonal)
• Essential Tips for First Timers

Planning Checklist

101 things to do in washington dc bucket list.

There are tons of museums and memorials for you to explore and many of them are free. You could spend days exploring the Smithsonian museums alone. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many different venues where you can see a live show. Below is a list of our favorite things to do in DC.

Tourist Attractions

Basilica of the national shrine of the immaculate conception.

It’s the largest Christian church in the U.S. and in North America and the second-largest church in the world.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Learn about US currency and see how millions of dollars are printed.

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor

See views of the Potomac River from 180 feet above.

Carousel at National Harbor

Americana-themed carousel with a children’s playground & picnic tables, right by the Capital Wheel. (currently closed)

Chinatown Arch

A traditional Chinese gate constructed in 1986.

Dumbarton Oaks

(Georgetown) See pre-Colombian and Byzantine art and artifacts and the mansion gardens.

Embassy Row

See ornate buildings for each foreign embassy.

“The Exorcist” Steps

(Georgetown) Cool to see if you’re in the area. Free to visit!

Federal Bureau of Investigation Tour

(Penn Quarter) Be sure to contact your congressional representative to be cleared first.

Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

(Brookland) Take a stroll through the grotto and gardens.

Library of Congress

(Capitol Hill) Has great views of DC.

Riverboat Tour on the Potomac River

You can do a dinner cruise too.

Smithsonian Institution Building

(aka the Castle) + Enid A. Haupt Garden

The Pentagon Tour

Must  make reservations  at least 14 days in advance.

Tudor Place

Part of Martha Washington’s family’s estate.

Union Station

Great architecture, several shops and restaurants. You can also take the free circle bus at the station to the Mall.

The Washington Harbour

Grab a coffee and walk by the waterfront.

Washington National Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington – Woodrow Wilson’s Marble Tomb and Helen Keller’s Ashes.

Monuments + Memorials + Historic Sites

Arlington memorial bridge.

A bridge connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery

(Arlington) Be sure to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

(NPS)  This house was once the headquarters of the National Women’s Party.

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

(NPS)  Home to the first African American to document the history of African Americans.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C & O Canal)

Lots of events throughout the year within the park.

Congressional Cemetery

(NPS)  Established in 1807. Walk through both local and national history.

Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site

(NPS)  The actual gun used by Boothe is on display in the basement museum.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

(NPS)  Open air memorial of FDR, located between the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Memorials.

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

(NPS)  Tours are available by reservations. We suggest you make the reservation before visiting.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

(NPS)  Memorial of those served in the Korean War. Don’t miss the lief size statues of soldiers.

Lincoln Memorial + Reflecting Pool

(NPS)  A must-see in D.C. Enjoy a break on the steps as you look out at the Reflecting Pool.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac

(NPS)  Small memorial and green space.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

(NPS)  Take a night tour and learn about MLK Jr.

Mary Mcleod Bethune Council House

(NPS)  House is open for tours from 10am – 2pm, Thursday through Saturday.

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Located by section of the Pentagon where the plane hit.

National Mall

(NPS)  About 2 mi, stretch by most of the monuments and memorials.

Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site

(NPS)  Six presidential funeral processions had traversed this area.

President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home

Where he lived and worked for over a quarter of his presidency.

President Woodrow Wilson House

Well preserved home, reservations are recommended for house tour.

Senate and House Office Buildings

You need your government STAR ID to enter.

Supreme Court

Walk around the public areas and take in the sheer magnitude of the marble hallways.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

(NPS)  There is a museum below the memorial.

The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center / Capitol Tour

Be sure to book your tour time online before visiting.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

(NPS)  Located right by the Lincoln Memorial.

Washington Monument

(NPS)  Tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck.

World War I Memorial

(NPS)  Located in Pershing Park.

World War II Memorial

(NPS)  A grand monument steps away from the Washington Monument.

White House + President’s Park

(NPS)  White House Visitors Center

See More: Your Complete List of 400+ National Park Units in the US

Arts and Industries Building

(Smithsonian) Interior is closed, but you can appreciate the architecture and explore the area around the building. (temporarily closed)

Dea Museum and Visitors Center

(Arlington) Go see their bong collection.

Folger Shakespeare Library

(Capitol Hill) Catch a play at the small stage inside the library.

Freer Gallery of Art / Freer and Sackler Galleries

Part of the National Museum of Asian Art. Don’t forget to check out the Peacock Room.

The Fridge DC

Art gallery specializing in street art –  murals are in the alley behind the oyster shop on 8th St SE.

Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Check out the world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative art, all curated by Post Cereal heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

( Smithsonian) A short walk from the Capitol, eclectic statues and art exhibits.

International Spy Museum

Very informative and interactive museum. Great for both kids and adults alike.

The Mansion On O Street

Get tickets online to save $5.

The National Archives Building

See the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.

National BUILDING Museum

Learn about architecture, design, engineering, and more.

The National Gallery of Art + Sculpture Garden

See sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, Kusama, and more.

National Geographic Society – Grosvenor Auditorium / Museum

Tons of photographs on display, as well as rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions and explorations.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

(Smithsonian) This museum is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.

National Museum of African Art

(Smithsonian) Small, yet captivating, African art collection from various African countries.

The National Museum of American History

Anything and everything American. We really liked seeing flag that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.

National Museum of the American Indian

Exhibits are grouped by tribe.

The National Museum of WOmen in the Arts

See the contributions of women in the arts, through permanent and rotating exhibits. They also have several events throughout the year.

National Portrait Gallery

The presidential portraits are located on the second floor.

The National Postal Museum

The volume of stamps on display is enormous! Cool to see, especially if you’re a collector.

Learn about the first amendment and importance and evolution of a free press.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Open until 7pm, which is later than most Smithsonian museums.

Renwick Gallery

Also part of American Art Museum but at a different location.

Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM)

(2 locations) One in DC + Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center aka Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

National Museum of Natural History

(Smithsonian) Awesome collection of very rare, real dinosaur fossils.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Free admission, don’t miss the giant pandas!

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

There’s also a room where you can listen to audio recordings of survivors telling their stories.

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

The Outdoors + Urban Parks

Anacostia river.

Kayaking, SUP, and even hydro-biking.

Constitution Gardens

(NPS)  Several quiet walking paths and pleasant gardens.

Georgetown Waterfront Park

Calmer and much more quieter part of the city.

Gravelly Point

Great place to see planes take off.

Great Falls Park

(NPS)  The entrance fee is $20 per car.

LAFAYETTE Square

(Downtown) Ideal spot for a good view of the White House.

Meridian Hill Park

Great to visit in the spring and summer when the fountains are on.

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

(NPS)  Easy walk for kids to enjoy nature.

Tidal Basin

Paddle boating.

Theodore Roosevelt Island

(NPS)  Enjoy nature and the great statue of Theodore Roosevelt.

United States National Arboretum

More locals go here and bigger than the Botanic Garden – free for visitors.

United States Botanic Garden

Very pretty, especially during Christmas time.

The Yards Park

(Navy Yard) Lots of restaurants by the park and various kid-friendly activities throughout the year.

Shows + Venues

9:30 club →.

Standing room only!

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater

Not a bad seat in the house! Great, high quality productions and performances.

Capital One Arena →

The Wizards and Capitals both play here.

Madams Organ

Come for a speciality drink at their quirky bar and see the interesting decor.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts →

(Foggy Bottom) Catch a free concert.

Warner THeatre →

See a perforamnce in this historic theatre.

Nationals Park →

Washington Nationals Baseball Game

Shopping + Food

Brewery tours at port city brewery.

Tour is $12  and includes a flight of 6 6 oz tasting pours, DC Brau Brewing Company (free brewery tours on Sat), Atlas Brew Works (free brewery tours on Saturdays, 100% solar powered), Capital City Brewing / Cap City (give tours upon request, or you can do a brewery tours through a third party).

The Bullpen at Half Street Fairgrounds

Live music, cheap drinks. Where most of National fans gather.

Capitol Hill Books

(Capital Hill) Used bookstore.

Eastern Market

Local food, fresh product and meat.

The Fish Market

Oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the US. Southeast Fish Market / Maine Avenue Fish Market.

Georgetown Flea Market

Fun place to browse for random trinkets and gifts.

(Georgetown) Several boutiques to peruse and restaurants to try.

Union Market

One of the best food halls in America by  Bon Appetit .

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Washington DC

Map of Washington DC

Seasonal + Special Events

Capital fringe fest.

(July) Fringe theatre, music, art, dance.

Filmfest DC

(April/May) See independentand international films.

H Street Festival

(Fall) 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas for musical performances, art, poetry, and more.

Ice Skating at the National Gallery of Art

(Winter) Skate rentals are available for just $4.

Jazz in the Garden

Every Friday at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art 5:30-8:30.

National CHerry Blossom Festival

(Spring) One of the prettiest places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S.

First Friday Dupont Galleries

Calling all art lovers! Stroll through these galleries for free on First Fridays.

See More: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the US

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors

The best time to visit dc.

Visiting DC in the spring is great because the weather is really pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-fifties to the mid-seventies. I’ve always loved going there in the fall when the temperatures are milder as are the number of tourists. If you can’t get away then though and want to travel in the summer, be prepared for the heat – it ranges in the mid to high 80’s but has been known to creep even higher on occasion.

The city was once a swamp and though it looks a lot different than it used to, if you come in the summer, be prepared for the humidity! The winters can be unpredictable and brutal (ice, snow, sleet) but hotels tend to be a little cheaper in the winter because this is the off-season.

In DC, the locals call the train the Metro. If you say Subway, people will think you’re looking for the fast-food restaurant. Oh, and when you’re on the Metro, stay to the right and let people pass on your left. Otherwise, you may be in for some aggravated locals.

Lines are referred to by color: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Look for tall brown columns with a large “M” identifying the station entrances. Colored stripes around the column show which lines serve the station. Train service is from 5 am on Weekdays to 12 am and 7 am on Weekends to 12 am. The city is in the midst of upgrading the system and we rode on several brand new railcars while we were in town.

To use the train, purchase a SmarTrip® card. It’s $2 to purchase a card and is rechargeable so don’t throw it away after you use it; keep on reloading it. You can use it for the bus (most of which are $2 per ride) and  the Metro  will help you plan the most efficient route and also tell you exactly how much it will cost.

If you can avoid having to drive into do DC, do just that. We recommend using public transportation (WMATA) whenever possible. Most locals use a combination of the bus, train, walking or a bike. It can be really busy in the morning and evenings when people are going to work but using public transportation can save you time and a headache because you won’t have to hunt for parking. There are 91 stations located in Virginia, Maryland and DC.

Best Places to Stay in Washington DC

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Find a great deal on DC hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Washington DC travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

More Resources

• Lonely Planet Washington DC
• StreetSmart Washington DC Pocket Map
• Official Guide to the Smithsonian

Are we missing anything? What would be at the top of your Washington DC Bucket List?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Caroline + Erin

They are entrepreneurs and creatives who are good at finding adventure, both big and small, everywhere they go. The two have made a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth telling, and side splitting laughter. Both value being able to spend time getting to know a place but understand that life doesn’t always allow one to really settle into a place. So, they’ve honed the art of traveling fast and seeing and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville, North Carolina and spend as much time as possible in the mountains.

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This Post Has 5 Comments

Washington DC is such a fun city to explore. I love how many different things there are to do, and how many museums are free.

THANK YOU for mentioning the “stand on the left, walk on the right” rule of thumb. Not many blogs mention it and it’s very important in this area.

Thanks, Shannon! We agree!

Thanks, Yolanda!

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The best museums in Washington, D.C. to visit year round

Art, sculptures, spy mobiles and famous slippers—the world's history and treasures are on display at the best museums in D.C.

Photograph: Shutterstock

History buffs, art enthusiasts and people simply interested in America's past need to look no further than the best museums in D.C. The nation's capital has much to offer in the way of cultural institutions, many of which are free to enjoy, we might add. You'll find most of them within walking distance to one another, if not a short ride or drive away. Washington, D.C.'s best museums are housed in some of the country's most remarkable buildings. So, if what's inside doesn't pique your interest, marveling at the architecture will keep you busy for many hours.

Visiting the best museums in D.C. can get a bit overwhelming, but we're here to guide you to the galleries and spaces you can't miss—whether you're into modern art, pop culture, African American history or old nuclear missiles. Trust us, there's something for you. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best  things to do in Washington, D.C. 🏛️ The best  Washington, D.C. attractions 🍴 The best  restaurants in D.C. right now 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in Washington, D.C .

This guide was written by Washington, D.C . locals.   At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best museums in D.C.

1.  national museum of african american history and culture.

• Things to do

The most iconic museum in D.C., the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has eight floors of fascinating historical exhibits. Here, you’ll find tributes to historical figures, moments, and events that have shaped America’s past and present day. You’d actually need a number of days to fully explore everything here, but you can still get a mighty lot done in a few hours (with a stop at the lovely Sweet Home Café for lunch). 

2.  National Museum of Asian Art

The National Museum of Asian Art is an incredibly thoughtfully put together group of exhibits to help visitors learn about Asian history in the US and beyond. From Chinese and Japanese contemporary art to artifacts from Ancient Egypt, this museum is a central hub for the Asian community and more in D.C. You can book self-guided visits, virtual tours or onsite tours, and there are kid-friendly days and tours too. 

3.  National Museum of the American Indian

Dedicated to America’s colonized and historically abused Indigenous people, the National Museum of the American Indian joined the Mall in 2004, bringing with it significant Native American artifacts and a renowned cafeteria. (The Mitsitam Native Foods Café offers a stunning collection of dishes inspired by Indigenous cuisines.)

The building is as much a part of the message as the exhibits. The details are extraordinary: dramatic, Kasota limestone-clad undulating walls resemble a wind-carved mesa. The museum’s main entrance plaza plots the star configurations on November 28, 1989, when federal legislation was introduced to create the museum. The museum is also curated with art in various mediums from a diverse assortment of Indigenous American nations. Artwork includes film, photography, pottery, textiles, woodworking, and much more. 

4.  Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

• Art and design

This spectacular, aggressively modern cylindrical building enlivens the predominantly neoclassical architecture lining the Mall. The structure, which was completed in 1974, was meant to house self-made Wall Street millionaire Joseph Hirshhorn’s collection of 20th-century paintings and sculptures. The museum now presents art in a range of media, including works on paper, painting, installation, photography, sculpture, digital and video art. The museum has housed some of the most-hyped visiting exhibitions on earth, from Ai Weiwei’s "Trace" to Kusama’s "Infinity Mirrors."   

5.  National Museum of African Art

This museum ’s entrance pavilion lies across the amazing Enid Haupt Garden, directly across from its twin, the Sackler. The museum opened in 1987, and its primary focus is ancient and contemporary work from sub-Saharan Africa. The museum draws visitors into different aspects of African art and culture. The rich ceremonial garb and textiles, including blankets made in Mali and embroidered hunters’ shirts, are a must-see.  

6.  Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Renwick's informal motto might be "go big or go home." The museum is popular for its interactive exhibits and large-scale modern art pieces. Perhaps best known for its blockbuster, much-Instagrammed exhibits, 2015's "Wonder" and 2018's "No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man," this Smithsonian museum celebrates craft and design in the digital age. Other notable exhibits have included the quirky “Murder Is Her Hobby,” a collection of gruesome doll houses used to help detectives solve crime scenes. 

7.  National Air and Space Museum

Air and Space tops visitors’ to-do list, year in, year out. In the central Milestones of Flight Hall, towering U.S. Pershing-II and Soviet SS-20 nuclear missiles stand next to the popular moon rock station, where visitors can see a lunar sample acquired on the 1972 Apollo 17 mission. The 1903 Wright Flyer—the first piloted craft to maintain controlled, sustained flight (if only for a few seconds)—and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St Louis are both suspended here. Carve out three to four hours and don't miss the test model of the Hubble Space Telescope, which is currently orbiting in space, taking snapshots of the universe. 

8.  National Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is iconic on the Mall. The museum boasts longtime favorites like the Hope Diamond, which has drawn crowds for over sixty years, and state-of-the-art exhibits like the Hall of North American Mammals. The recently renovated Hall of Fossils is a must-see— visitors may feel as if they've traveled back in time. But don't worry, these dinosaurs don't bite.  Dinosaur fossils are posed interacting with each other, even engaged in life-and-death battles.

9.  United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

This three-floor museum contains more than 900 artifacts and four theaters showing archival footage and survivor testimony from the Holocaust. Themes such as the murder of the disabled, Nazi eugenics and resistance, and Jewish resistance all present a chronological history of the event.

The objects and symbols make powerful impressions: thousands of camp victims’ shoes piled in a heap personalize the losses. While the main exhibition is suitable for children of 11 and over only, a specially designed children’s exhibition, “Daniel’s Story,” at ground level, is presented to children of eight and over and teaches about the Holocaust through the story of one boy. Guests should consider reserving their tickets beforehand since wait lines can be long. 

10.  Smithsonian American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum take up two sides of the same interconnected building. Among the most notable portraits are Gilbert Stuart’s seminal “Lansdowne” portrait of George Washington and Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn. The Portrait Gallery houses the only complete collection of U.S. Presidents' portraits, while the American Art Museum houses prominent works by American artists, including Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keefe.

Unlike many other museums in the area, the dual museums also include an open, airy courtyard—the perfect place to rest, eat lunch, read a book, or splash your feet in the flowing water fountains.

11.  National Gallery of Art

• National Mall

Comprising two separate buildings connected by a trippy underground moving walkway, the National Gallery of Art is a world-class museum with artwork from around the globe.

The West Building highlights European and American art from the 13th to the early 20th centuries, as well as Spanish, Dutch, Flemish, French and German works from the 17th century. Don't miss Leonardo da Vinci’s almond-eyed portrait of Ginevra de’ Benci, the artist's only work in the Western Hemisphere.

The East Building represents more current work, including a skylit atrium that houses a 32-foot-long still mobile by Alexander Calder. Stroll through the sculpture garden, a six-acre square across 7th Street that includes a Louise Bourgeois 10-foot bronze spider and a pyramid by Sol LeWitt. Free timed entry passes are required.

12.  National Museum of Women in the Arts

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) houses a collection of more than 4,500 works by more than 1,000 women from the 16th century to the present. Highlights of the permanent exhibit include Frida Kahlo’s defiant 1937 Self-Portrait Dedicated to Leon Trotsky , as well as works by Elisabetta Sirani, Alma Woodsey Thomas and Barbara Hepworth. There are also special collections of 17th-century botanical prints by Maria Sibylla Merian and works by British and Irish women silversmiths from the 17th to 19th centuries. The museum hosts free community days every other week, on the first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month.

13.  Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is perhaps the most obscure of the Smithsonian’s offerings. A museum devoted to postal history and philately (stamp collecting) may sound like a hard sell, but there’s a trove of interactive and entertaining exhibits housed within the skeleton of what was once the enormous D.C. City Post Office. Check out the permanent exhibit “Systems at Work,” which recreates the journey of letters, magazines, parcels and other mail from sender to recipient. Pick out stamps from around the globe to start your own stamp collection. Write and ship a postcard directly from the museum. And go to the downstairs level of the museum to explore how mail has traveled across the country on trains, planes, and carriages.

14.  National Museum of American History

The continuing transformation of the National Museum of American History has led to several renovations that highlight some of America's most beloved artifacts. Floors are organized around loose themes, allowing a huge diversity of exhibits to tell American stories in an entertaining and informative manner. We love the First Ladies' dresses and Dorothy’s ruby red slippers. Oh! And there’s Julia Child’s actual kitchen. 

15.  National Building Museum

• Judiciary Square

A privately run collection, the National Building Museum produces smart, noteworthy exhibits focusing on architects and the built environment, both contemporary and historical. Among the exhibitions, "House & Home" discovers the history and many meanings of 'home,' both physical and cultural, with an array of all things household, from household goods and decorations (including a poster of Farrah Fawcett and a fondue set), to building materials to mortgage papers. Fittingly, the building itself is gorgeous: an Italian Renaissance-style Great Hall features eight colossal 75-foot Corinthian columns that lead to a ceiling 15 stories above. 

16.  International Spy Museum

• Penn Quarter

The world of D.C.’s prestige paid-entry museums was shaken up dramatically in 2019, with the Newseum closing indefinitely and the International Spy Museum moving to sleek new digs in L’Enfant Plaza. In its larger space, the museum boasts many exhibits that lean so hard into “infotainment” that a trip can feel less like learning about spies and more like a game of pretending to be one. Test your sleuthing abilities and gawk at an array of spy gadgets, including KGB-issued poison pellet shooting umbrellas and Germany’s Steineck ABC wristwatch camera. James Bond junkies will be in heaven—the groovy silver Aston Martin from 1964’s Goldfinger assumes a central spot in the museum. 

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Must-see attractions in Washington, DC

National Air and Space Museum

Washington, DC

The legendary exhibits at the National Air and Space Museum include the Wright brothers' flyer, Chuck Yeager's Bell X-1, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St…

National Gallery of Art

Two buildings. Hundreds of masterpieces. Infinite enjoyment. It's easy to spend a full day at the National Gallery of Art, which showcases a whole range…

Lincoln Memorial

Anchoring the National Mall's west end is the hallowed shrine to Abraham Lincoln, who gazes across the Reflecting Pool beneath his neoclassical, Doric…

National Museum of African American History & Culture

Located in Washington, DC, the sensational National Museum of African American History & Culture is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African…

Since 1800, this is where the legislative branch of American government (ie Congress) has met to write the country's laws.

White House

White House Area & Foggy Bottom

Play image association with the words “Washington, DC,” and chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the White House. The president’s pad is…

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Image bykanzilyou/GettyRF

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

In a city of classic, white-marble monuments, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands out on the National Mall for its stark modernism. Designed by 21-year…

Washington National Cathedral

Upper Northwest DC

Constructed between 1907 and 1990, this huge neo-Gothic cathedral blends the spiritual with the profane in its architecture. Most of its richly colored…

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens

The former estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post of Post cereal fame, this lavishly decorated 1920s mansion showcases her extraordinary collections of…

Library of Congress

The world's largest library – with 164 million books, manuscripts, maps, photos, films and other items – awes in both scope and design. The centerpiece is…

National Archives

It's hard not to feel a little in awe of the big three documents in the Archives: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights…

Reynolds Center for American Art & Portraiture

The Reynolds Center is one of DC's finest museums. This Smithsonian venue combines the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum into one…

Dumbarton Oaks

The mansion's 27 acres of enchanting formal gardens are straight out of a storybook. The springtime blooms – including heaps of cherry blossoms – are…

Embassy Row

Want to take a trip around the world? Stroll northwest along Massachusetts Ave from Dupont Circle (the actual traffic circle) and you pass more than 40…

Phillips Collection

The country's first modern-art museum (opened in 1921) houses a small but exquisite collection of European and American works. Renoir’s Luncheon of the…

Kreeger Museum

One of DC's top attractions for architecture buffs and those with an interest in 20th-century art, this museum is housed in a stunning 1963 International…

Jefferson Memorial

Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin amid the cherry trees, this memorial honors the third US president, political philosopher, drafter of the…

United States National Arboretum

Logan Circle, U Street & Columbia Heights

The greatest green space in Washington unfurls almost 450 acres of meadowland, sylvan theaters and a pastoral setting that feels somewhere between bucolic…

Supreme Court

The highest court in the USA occupies a pseudo-Greek temple protected by 13,000lb bronze doors. Arrive early to watch arguments (periodic Monday through…

Ford’s Theatre

On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln here. Free timed-entry tickets provide access to the site, which has four parts: the…

National Museum of Natural History

Arguably the most popular of the Smithsonian museums, so crowds are pretty much guaranteed. Wave to Henry, the elephant who guards the rotunda, then zip…

National Museum of American History

Containing all kinds of artifacts of the American experience, this museum has as its centerpiece the flag that flew over Baltimore's Fort McHenry during…

Washington Monument

Peaking at 555ft (and 5in) and composed of 36,000 blocks of stone, the Washington Monument is the district's tallest structure. Political shenanigans…

National Museum of Asian Art

This is a lovely spot in which to while away a Washington afternoon. Japanese silk scrolls, smiling Buddhas, rare Islamic manuscripts and Chinese jades…

Smithsonian's National Zoo

Home to more than 2700 animals and more than 390 species in natural habitats, the National Zoo is famed for its giant pandas, Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Bei…

Rock Creek Park

At 1700-plus acres, Rock Creek is twice the size of New York’s Central Park and feels wilder. Terrific trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding…

Union Station

DC's main rail hub, a 1907 beaux-arts beauty designed by Daniel Burnham, is an eye popper. The Grand Concourse is patterned after the Roman Baths of…

Tidal Basin

The 2-mile stroll around this constructed inlet incorporates the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson memorials as well as the Floral Library…

Watergate Complex

Designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti and DC-based landscape architect Boris Timchenko and constructed between 1963 and 1971, this five-building…

National Postal Museum

The Smithsonian-run Postal Museum is way cooler than you might think. Level 1 has exhibits on postal history from the Pony Express to modern times, where…

National Museum of Women in the Arts

The only US museum exclusively devoted to women’s artwork fills this Renaissance Revival mansion. Its collection – some 5500 works by 1000 female artists…

Georgetown Waterfront Park

This park is a favorite with couples on first dates, families on an evening stroll and power players showing off their yachts. Benches dot the way, where…

United States Botanic Garden

Built to resemble London’s Crystal Palace, this garden's iron-and-glass greenhouse provides a beautiful setting to view orchids, ferns and cacti. When you…

Folger Shakespeare Library

Bard-o-philes will be all aflutter here, as the library holds the world's largest collection of old Billy’s works. Stroll through the Great Hall to see a…

African American Civil War Memorial

Standing at the center of a granite plaza, this bronze memorial, Spirit of Freedom, depicting rifle-bearing troops is DC’s first major art piece by black…

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

The 7.5-acre memorial pays tribute to the longest-serving president in US history. Visitors are taken through four red-granite areas that narrate FDR’s…

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

Opened in 2011, this was the first Mall memorial to honor an African American. Sculptor Lei Yixin carved the piece, which is reminiscent in concept and…

Meridian Hill Park

This is an incredible bit of urban green space. The grounds are terraced like a hanging garden replete with waterfalls, sandstone terraces and assorted…

Dumbarton Oaks Park

Next door to Dumbarton Oaks garden, Dumbarton Oaks Park was once part of the estate but is now a public woodland beloved by joggers and dog walkers…

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15 Best Museums in Washington, D.C.

Here are 15 of the best museums in Washington, D.C. to check out on your next trip to the capital.

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The nation’s capital is home to beautiful government buildings, gardens, and more than 70 museums. The Smithsonian, the largest museum complex in the world, includes the National Zoo and 21 museums, and all are free for visitors, although some require timed reservations. And beyond the Smithsonian, other museums covering a wide range of interests are spread throughout Washington, D.C. with opportunities for enrichment, education, and entertainment.

If your last trip to Washington, D.C. was a class trip, it’s time for a return visit. Plush hotels, new restaurants, and lovely scenery make the nation’s capital a great vacation destination for visitors of all ages. Here are 15 of the best museums in Washington, D.C. to check out on your next trip to the capital. 

National Museum of African American History and Culture

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The newest addition to the Smithsonian , this museum tells the story of America through the lens of African American life, history, and culture. The eight-story museum commemorates historical figures and events in African American history, with priceless objects that include Harriett Tubman’s shawl, Nat Turner’s Bible, a cabin where people who were enslaved lived, and other objects that bring stories to life and encourage discussion and understanding. 

National Children’s Museum

This engaging museum encourages children to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through hands-on experiences. Video programs, experiments, and exhibits entertain and educate with fun for a wide range of ages. For infants and toddlers, a cloud and flight-themed area encourages movement and connection. “Weather Worlds” is an immersive digital experience that allows visitors to control weather with hand gestures that trigger everything from rain to tornadoes and blizzards. 

National Postal Museum

Opened in 1993, the National Postal Museum ’s exhibits and programs are focused on the preservation and study of postal history from colonial times to the present. The museum celebrates the beauty and lore of collecting stamps, and its William H. Gross Stamp Gallery is the world’s largest gallery dedicated to philately, with stunning displays of interest to both casual and experienced collectors. The website features a variety of hands-on activities and coloring pages for kids.

International Spy Museum

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This independent nonprofit museum holds the largest collection of international espionage artifacts on public display. Opened in 2002 to educate visitors on the shadow world of espionage and the changing role of technology in intelligence, the museum visit starts with a briefing film and stories of secret missions. Visitors can play the role of a spy with a new identity, badge, and undercover mission that is tracked as they travel through the museum, with a debriefing at the end.

National Portrait Gallery

Thousands of works at the National Portrait Gallery include visual, performance, and new media art depicting presidents, poets, film stars, scientists, and more. The Gallery strives to present a complete narrative, acknowledging the history of slavery, racism, and inequality in the United States. The collection ranges from pre-colonial times to the present, with a life-sized portrait of Abraham Lincoln, a collection of sports champions, and presidential portraits including those of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. 

President Lincoln’s Cottage

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This historic site and museum is located on 250 acres in the northwest Washington, D.C. neighborhood of Petworth. Abraham Lincoln actually lived in the cottage and developed the Emancipation Proclamation there. The cottage is open daily, and advance ticket purchase for guided tours is recommended. Self-guided landscape tours of the grounds and the Armed Forces Retirement Home are available. 

Heurich House Museum

The Heurich mansion was built in 1892-94 for German-American immigrant Christian Heurich, whose brewery was the largest in Washington, D.C. The city’s best-preserved example of Richardsonian Romanesque residential architecture, the mansion included many technological advancements of its era, including electric lighting, burglar alarms, and metal speaking tubes. Visitors can explore the lives of the family, household staff, brewery workers, and the craftspeople who built the home. Tours are available by reservation from Thursday through Saturday, and there’s a backyard biergarten.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

One of Washington’s most popular museums, the National Museum of Natural History celebrates the natural world, from dinosaurs to rare gems, mammals, sea life, plants, insects, and the history of the planet. More than 147 million specimens and artifacts make up the museum’s collection, and exhibits include the Butterfly Pavilion, Hall of Fossils, Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt, Nature Photography, Insect Zoo, and Bone Hall.

United States Botanic Garden

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Visitors can explore thousands of plants, both indoors and outdoors, in a variety of environments at the United States Botanic Garden . In the Garden Court, colorful flowers and foliage include plants that help create fibers, food, beverages, fuel, cosmetics, and more. A tropical forest, desert, primeval garden, and orchid collection of 3,000 specimens show the diversity of plant life. Plants native to Hawaii, the Mediterranean, and rainforests are there, along with medicinal and rare, endangered plants.

The Octagon Museum

Octagon Museum

Built between 1798 and 1800 by enslaved workers for a Virginia family, the building was designed by the first architect of the United States Capitol, William Thornton. The house served as temporary quarters for President Madison after the White House was burned in the War of 1812, and the Treaty of Ghent was signed there, ending the war. Recognizing the building’s national importance, the American Institute of Architects restored the building and established its national headquarters there, and visitors can now check out the museum .

National Air and Space Museum

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One of Washington’s most popular destinations, the museum features the largest collection of aviation and space artifacts in the world. Open every day (except Christmas Day), the museum offers two locations, one on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and one in Virginia. Exhibits explore early flight, space travel, stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Wright Brothers, commercial aviation, the moon landing, the planets, and more. Free timed-entry passes are required.

National Museum of the American Indian

Opened in 2004, the museum features more than 825,000 photographs, documents, and artifacts telling the story of Native Americans from past to present. Exhibits include “Nation to Nation,” describing treaties between the United States and tribal governments. Another exhibit focuses on Native American images in history and contemporary life. The Mitsitam Cafe ( Mitsitam means “let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples) features Indigenous cuisines of the Americas and ingredients found in both traditional and contemporary dishes.

Planet Word Museum

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This museum opened in 2020, highlighting the power of words and language. Its interactive galleries and exhibits bring words to life and inspire a love of language through humor, puzzles, and games. As visitors enter, a Speaking Willow tree sculpture sets the stage as murmurs in hundreds of languages can be heard. Songwriting, advertising, poetry, jokes, and famous speeches are explored. Visit Lexicon Lane for clues to a puzzle, great for family and group fun.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

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The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is dedicated to helping people understand what happened, so that it may never happen again. Recordings and testimonials from victims, witnesses, and survivors tell the tragic stories of the Holocaust (1933-1945), and according to its website , “The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum teaches millions of people each year about the dangers of unchecked hatred and the need to prevent genocide.” Nearly 50 holocaust survivors volunteer at the museum, sharing their personal histories and acting as tour guides. Free timed-entry tickets are required for museum visits.

National Bonsai Museum

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The museum nurtures a collection of bonsai with special emphasis on specimens from Japan, China, and North America, in addition to providing education about bonsai. The Yee-sun Wy Chinese Pavilion houses the penjing (a scene or landscape in a container) collection, demonstrating an art form developed more than 1,000 years ago. The Japanese Pavilion contains masterpiece trees donated by the people of Japan in honor of the U.S. Bicentennial.

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17 Must-See Attractions in Washington, DC

The number of historic buildings and monuments in Washington DC can be overwhelming, with the US Capitol and the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials just three of many classic places to see in the US capital city. Worried you might miss something? Here’s our guide to the must-see attractions in Washington DC.

1. washington monument and the national mall.

2. US Capitol

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

Take a guided tour of the legendary building that houses the American legislature. The US Capitol Visitor Center has a ton of information about the operations and history of this house of government . You can see the suffrage banners used in the fight for women’s right to vote on display in Emancipation Hall, along with an iron table used in President Lincoln’s second inauguration, made with metal left over from the construction of the Capitol Dome. Head to the visitor center to see how each state is represented by a statue of a notable person.

3. Library of Congress

4. US Holocaust Memorial Museum

Adjacent to the National Mall, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum provides somber and deep documentation and interpretation of the Holocaust in Europe. There is a permanent exhibition providing a narrative history, including personal stories and objects, plus footage from the period. The museum also examines the American responses to Nazism and puts the genocide in the context of the civil rights struggle in America at that time.

5. Supreme Court of the United States

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6. Georgetown and the Waterfront

Architectural Landmark

The Georgetown neighborhood, founded in 1751, has the oldest European-style home in DC – the appropriately named The Old Stone House built in 1765 – and Georgetown University. Movie fans can get a picture with The Exorcist steps at the corner of Prospect Street and 36th Street NW, used to film the death of the character Father Damien Karras in the 1973 horror. Once you’ve relived the gory scene, stroll through the Georgetown streets, filled with shopping destinations and restaurants , then head to the Georgetown Waterfront to enjoy a meal at one of the dining venues overlooking the Potomac River. Wander off the main area to see some of the most expensive real estate in the city, or take a hike along the leafy Capital Crescent Trail, which follows the river.

7. Lincoln Memorial

8. Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Building, Memorial

9. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

10. national gallery of art.

Art Gallery

11. The Kennedy Center

Visit The Kennedy Center , a performance arts space, to see a free show (daily at 6pm) or another current performance, and stop by the rooftop terrace for DC views. Inside the rather formidable building on the Potomac River are several stages include an opera house and a concert hall, which present the best in music, dance, theater, international and children’s programs. The center was opened as a memorial to President John F Kennedy in 1971.

12. World War II Memorial

13. martin luther king, jr. memorial.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial pays tribute to the best-known civil rights movement leader. The stone sculpture of the social activist and Baptist minister includes a number of his quotes engraved in the memorial, including: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” Find the sculpture at 1964 Independence Avenue SW – a reference to the year the Civil Rights Act became law.

14. Ben’s Chili Bowl

Restaurant, American

15. US National Arboretum

Commune with nature at the US National Arboretum , which houses multiple gardens, a gorgeous bonsai exhibit, a koi pond and original columns from the Capitol building. Bald eagles have been known to nest at the park – the pair that set up home there in 2014 were known as Mr President and The First Lady. Away from the tourist crowds, this is on many a local’s list of what to do in Washington DC – pack a picnic if it’s a lovely day outside.

16. National Cathedral

17. arlington national cemetery.

Where to Stay

Looking for a place to stay in Washington DC? Check out our guide to where to book a stay in Washington DC for a local experience.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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8 Must-See Monuments & Memorials on the National Mall

Marvel at the free-to-visit national landmarks in washington, dc that make up america’s front yard..

According to the American Institute of Architects, half of Americans’ top 12 favorite architectural gems line the National Mall . There’s no denying the significance of the Mall for its symbols to American history and for its uniquely designed monuments. Check them all out here, then it's time to explore by foot or while taking a Big Bus Tour .

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Tim Evanson

In honor of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four terms in office, the memorial is divided into four outdoor "rooms," where statues and murals stand to represent issues from the Great Depression to World War II. When visiting the  FDR memorial , visitors have the opportunity to learn about and reflect on some of the most significant events in this country's history while enjoying some of the best views of the Tidal Basin and iconic cherry blossom trees that surround it.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

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The  Korean War Veterans Memorial  was dedicated in 1995, on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the conflict. The memorial consists of 19 statues of soldiers representing a squad on patrol, drawn from each branch of the Armed Forces. The 19 figures create a reflection on the wall, symbolizing the border between North and South Korea: the 38th parallel. Alongside the soldiers stands the Mural Wall with more than 2,400 photographs of men, women, and dogs who served in Korea.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

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Frequently ranked by visitors as their favorite piece of architecture on the National Mall, the Jefferson Memorial serves as the site of many annual events and ceremonies including memorial exercises, an Easter sunrise service and the National Cherry Blossom Festival . The memorial, which stands as a symbol of liberty, was designed as a smaller version of the Roman Pantheon with marble steps and monumental Ionic columns; its interior holds a bronze statue of Jefferson and the walls are inlaid with excerpts from his letters, speeches and the Declaration of Independence.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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This memorial honors members of the U.S. armed forces who fought, died in service or were listed MIA during the Vietnam War. It is divided into three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the well-known Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Controversy surrounded the memorial’s unconventional design for its dark color and lack of decoration, but it quickly became a place of grieving, pilgrimage and healing; today it stands as one of the most visited and moving memorials on the National Mall, as visitors have made a tradition of leaving mementos, letters and photographs of loved ones lost in the war.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Geoff Livingston

Dedicated in 2011, this memorial pays tribute to the famous American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and best-known leader in the civil rights movement: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The memorial itself is based on a line from Dr. King's famous "I Have a Dream” speech, which was delivered from the nearby steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963: "With this faith, we will be able to hew out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope." The memorial depicts Dr. King as the “stone of hope” and the two pieces of granite placed near him as the “mountain of despair."

National World War II Memorial

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The National World War II Memorial , which honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million men and women who served overseas and the more than 400,000 that perished, opened to the public in April 2004. The memorial built to celebrate the the heroes of the Greatest Generation remains one of the most visited sites on the National Mall, with more than 4.2 million visits in 2014. Each year, more than 300 Honor Flights bring World War II veterans, as well as those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, to the memorials dedicated to their service.

Washington Monument

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This recently reopened  monumental obelisk was built to honor George Washington, America’s first president, and stands today as the world’s tallest freestanding stone structure. Construction began in 1848, but a lack of funds, political squabbling and the Civil War interrupted the work from 1854 to 1877. A clear change in the color of the stones can be seen about one-third of the way up the monument; the slightly darker stones at the bottom were placed before construction paused, while the lighter stones above it were brought in from a different quarry following the Civil War.

Lincoln Memorial

@dwissman

A perennial visitor favorite, the Lincoln Memorial stands at the west end of the National Mall as a neoclassical monument to America’s 16th president. A 19-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln sits overlooking the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument from his permanent seat on America's front yard. Dedicated in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial has been home to many defining moments in American history. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of 250,000 attendees.

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From Monuments to Museums: 14 Essential Stops in Washington, DC

A mong the destinations I love to travel to is Washington, DC. I adore the city's spirit and mindset. Every few years, I try to make it over there. I'll outline 14 things to do in Washington, DC, in this post.

1. Monuments

You can't go to Washington, DC, without seeing the numerous monuments that are there. Some of the monuments I saw were the Washington Monument, The Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The atmosphere near the memorial was very calm and peaceful. Everyone should check out the Dr. King Memorial if they get a chance. He did so much for many people and gave the ultimate sacrifice so that citizens could have equality.

2. The White House

You can't go to Washington, DC, and not see the White House. The White House is the residence and workplace of the President of the USA. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I've had the opportunity to see the White House from a distance a couple of times. I haven't been able to take a tour yet. It takes months for your tour request to be approved or denied.

3. Washington Nationals Game

If you're an MLB fan, you must check out a Washington Nationals game. Nationals Park is a beautiful stadium. They are a team that plays in the National League East. There are a lot of good seats in Nationals Park that provide excellent views. Every ballpark isn't like that. They also have an area outside the stadium called Fairgrounds, with a bar and food vendors. It's a must-see if you like baseball.

4. U Street

This one is one of my favorite things to do in Washington, DC. U Street is one of the best places to go in the city for nightlife. There are several bars and restaurants to go to. Ben's Chili Bowl is a must-visit if you're ever in DC. They have great chili dogs and half-smokes. I try to go there every time I'm in DC. You may even see the owner, Virginia Ali, still doing some work.

5. Howard University

Howard University is one of the best HBCUs out there. The school was established in 1867. It is commonly referred to as the "Mecca" because of its success and diverse group of students. Also, five of the "Divine Nine" fraternities and sororities were founded there. If you are a fan of HBCUs, this should be on your list of things to do in Washington, DC.

6. Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials

One of the most moving war memorials is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or "The Wall."  It is one of the sites where it is hard not to feel emotional while reading the names on the wall of more than 58,000 soldiers who laid their lives in our nation's service during the Vietnam War. It is recommended to visit the site during the day with ample sunlight.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located in Washington, DC.'s West Potomac Park, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. It pays tribute to 1.5 million who served in the Korean War. It is a privately funded site displaying 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat.

You can explore both memorials 24 hours a day; however, the site is only staffed by National Park Service rangers from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

7. The Tidal Basin

This is another one of my favorite Washington, DC, sights. If you visit Washington, DC, try to spend some time along the Tidal Basin. It is a 2-mile-long pond that was once attached to the Potomac River and regarded as the backdrop to some of DC's best-loved sites. Every spring, the Tidal Basin bursts with color as cherry blossom trees (gifted to DC from Tokyo) bloom into cotton candy-colored tufts and attract hordes of visitors. You can follow the path around the basin, but many recent visitors recommended testing the waters in a paddleboat.

8. Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is designed in a gothic style; it is the 6 th largest in the world. The construction of this massive structure started in 1907 and was completed in 1990. It is surrounded by gardens, creating a lovely atmosphere for visitors. Take a stroll around the cathedral, peer at its high vaults and flying buttresses, or step inside to admire its intricate glass-stained windows.

The cathedral's grand architecture and colorful stained-glass windows will leave you in awe. If you're religious, consider attending one of the free worship services offered every Sunday at 8, 9, and 11:15 a.m. Evening prayers led by the choir are available on Sundays at 4 p.m.

9. Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. The Library is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

The Library preserves and provides access to a rich, diverse, and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire, and engage you in your intellectual and creative endeavors. Whether you are new to the Library of Congress or an experienced researcher, we have a world-class staff ready to assist you online and in person. The Library of Congress comprises of three buildings and is open to the public Monday through Saturday, though each building maintains different visiting hours. There are no entrance fees for this attraction.

10. Arlington National Cemetery

The Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery. It serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate families from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, the Cold War, and America’s Civil War.

The grounds honor those who have served our nation and provide our guests with a sense of beauty and peace. Rolling green hills are dotted with trees that are hundreds of years in age, complementing the gardens found throughout the cemetery's 639 acres. This impressive landscape is a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within these hallowed grounds. The cemetery conducts between 27 and 30 funerals every weekday. The site is open to the public 365 days a year, with free admission for those who wish to tour the site and pay their respects.

11. Visit the Smithsonian Museum Air & Space Museum

If you are a lover of arts, culture, science, and some of the greatest inventions of the human race, then visiting the Smithsonian Museum is one thing you'd want to do while in Washington. The museum contains national treasures and is visited by millions of people annually. The Smithsonian is a national air and space museum containing some of the oldest aircraft ever made. It has a huge catalog which includes the Wright flyer made in 1903. If you want to go there with your kids, there is also a gift shop with huge antiques you can get for them while visiting.

It’s always best to visit the museum in the morning when it's less crowded, as it can get a little busy in the evenings, especially in the summer. The museum is free to visit, but you might have to pay for some services like the IMAX theater and the planetarium, but it just costs 9 dollars for adults and 7 dollars for kids. 

12. Cherry Blossom Festival

Next on the list of things to do in Washington, DC, is to participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival. Trust me, this is something you’ll want to experience, and it takes place in spring, around March. The four-week-long festival typically starts on the 20 th of March and ends on the 28 th of April. It is held to commemorate the gifting of the Japanese Cherry tree to the city of Washington DC by the Mayor of Tokyo city in 1912, Mayor Ozaki.

The festival features a huge display of colorful balloons, music, marching bands, shows, parades, and Japanese arts and culture. The cherry tree also blooms this season, covering parts of the city with its precious pink flowers. If you visit Washington, DC, in March, you will have a great time at the Cherry Blossom Festival.

13. Visit Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan is a neighborhood in Washington, DC, well known for its multiculturalism and vibrant nightlife. If you want to find Adams Morgan, take a walk by 18 th street at night, and you’ll find this neighborhood of nightly wonders. It’s hard to miss. It's got colorful houses lined up on its streets alongside cafes, lounges, clubs, and even shops open all night long for your entertainment. There is so much you can do at Adams Morgan if you're a night owl. It would be a shame not to visit it.

14. See the United States Capitol

Visiting the U.S capitol should also be on your list while you are in Washington. It is not just a place where laws are made but is also a wonderful display of architectural genius. It was built in the 1800s and houses both the house of reps and the senate.  The building also holds a part of history as it was destroyed by the British and rebuilt later.

The U.S. capital allows visitors to its several exhibits and gift shop. You could also get a tour of the building every day of the week except Sundays. You book a visit online or a tour on the premises.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Washington, DC?

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The 30 best things to do in D.C. this weekend and next week

Some of the area’s top festivals and events return, including Smithsonian Solstice Saturday, Home Rule Music Fest, the Barbecue Battle and Shakespeare in the Parks.

This weekend sees the return of an array of festivals and special events. The Smithsonian’s Solstice Saturday celebrates the longest day of the year by keeping some museums open until midnight with special tours, events and even an arcade. Alexandria’s Portside festival gears up for the city’s 275th birthday with music, beer gardens and family fun. The Embassy of France opens its doors for the annual Fête de la Musique concert, but more than 40 other artists are performing across Georgetown. The 32nd Barbecue Battle brings irresistible aromas and catchy music to the streets of downtown. In new attractions, the Folger Shakespeare Library celebrates its grand reopening, and while timed-entry tickets have been claimed for Friday, the building is open throughout the weekend.

Editor’s note : This weekend’s dangerous heat wave has led to the postponement of some events, including the Boot ’N Scoot at Hi-Lawn . If you’re planning to enjoy an outdoor festival or other activity this weekend, check social media for updates, and stay cool and hydrated regardless.

Friday, June 21

Home Rule Music Festival

Wild to think that D.C.’s annual Home Rule Music Festival — which celebrates homegrown jazz and go-go traditions that date back generations — is only on its third summer. And to add to the time-warping fun of it all, this year’s fest unfolds in episodes. An opening-night gig will be followed by a full day of outdoor music in June. Then jump ahead a full month for another day-long dance party in July. Expect appearances from a spate of spiritual jazz heroes (Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids; the New Doug Carn Sextet; Plunky and Oneness of Juju), plus a constellation of go-go troupes (Rare Essence; Black Alley; Be’la Dona). The outdoor events also promise family-friendly games, plus vendors peddling food, drinks and records. Friday at 7 p.m. at the Black Cat, $40-$50 ; Saturday at the Parks at Walter Reed, free-$150 ; July 20 at Alethia Tanner Park, free-$75 .

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

July marks the city of Alexandria’s 275th anniversary, and this milestone is naturally part of the celebration during Old Town’s annual summer waterfront festival. Local brewery Port City Brewing Company is serving a commemorative hoppy IPA, dubbed ALX275, that was brewed with 275 pounds of hops. Port City beers are available, as well as drinks from Lost Boy Cider and Virginia’s Horton Vineyards, while local businesses like Rocklands Barbeque and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana are slinging food. Saturday’s events have been canceled because of the heat, but Friday still brings the ALX Jazz Fest @ Portside, featuring verse from local poets in between sets by bands like the Lovejoy Group, Brandon Woody’s UPENDO and Kokayi. Try your hand at lawn games and art projects, including activities inspired by the 275th anniversary. 6 to 9 p.m. Free .

Clipper Race Fleet Week at the Wharf

After more than 10 months at sea, the teams from the Clipper Round the World yacht race arrive in Washington for Clipper Race Fleet Week at the Wharf. This marks the first time D.C. is serving as a port for the race, which covers 40,000 nautical miles while circumnavigating the globe, and this is the only East Coast stop for the 11 teams. The public is invited to a spate of free events, including yacht tours and live entertainment, and to learn what it takes to sail around the world. On Tuesday evening, the event concludes with the parade of sail and a fireworks display as the teams set off for Britain on the final leg of the race. Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. Free .

Fête de la Musique at the French Embassy and throughout Georgetown

World Music Day, which originated in France four decades ago as a day to celebrate free, live music in communities, comes to the French Embassy and outdoor venues across Georgetown on Friday. At the embassy, three stages offer a variety of genres, plus dancing and drinks available for purchase. Highlights include the French Choir of Washington and German percussionist Christian Benning in the embassy’s auditorium, the Magnolia Hungarian Folk Band and Baltimore Swing Drop in the ballroom, and the alt-pop Smooth City and French DJ Escandaleux in the Place Charles de Gaulle. The embassy recommends arriving early and to expect lines. If the embassy is at capacity, you can still catch live music at Georgetown Waterfront Park, Book Hill Park, the Sandlot Georgetown and other venues throughout the neighborhood. 5 to 10 p.m. Free.

Midsommar at Electric Cool-Aid

Summer solstice festivals are a big deal in Nordic countries: When you’ve survived a dark, bleak winter, having daylight for 18 hours a day (or more) is a reason to celebrate. Electric Cool-Aid channels its best Swedish self to welcome the solstice, with flower crowns; Absolut vodka drinks; Swedish fish; and a playlist heavy on Robyn, Abba and songs produced by Max Martin (so Katy AND Taylor?) at the Shaw beverage garden. The fun begins “after sunset.” Free .

Atlas Brew Works arrives in Alexandria

The next step in Atlas Brew Works’ plans for regional beer domination begins this weekend, as the Ivy City-based brewery opens a 6,000-square-foot brewpub and taproom in Alexandria’s Carlyle Crossing development, a short walk from the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station. While actual brewing won’t begin for a few weeks, the taproom has 16 draft lines, pinball machines, a “sun-soaked patio” (per its press release) and a branch of the award-winning local Andy’s Pizza. Through Sunday, Atlas offers a free slice of pizza with the purchase of a pint of beer. Open at 11 a.m. daily.

Saturday, June 22

Smithsonian Solstice Saturday

This weekend brings the longest Saturday of the year, both in terms of the amount of daylight (14 hours, 53 minutes, 47 seconds) and the hours the Smithsonian is open. The annual Solstice Saturday is a chance to explore the museums after hours with free activities for visitors of all ages. Sally’s Night at the Air and Space Museum honors Sally Ride with planetarium shows, trivia challenges and hands-on science experiments until 11 p.m. (Tickets are required.) The Arts and Industries Building turns into a glow-in-the-dark arcade with classic games and immersive music until 11 p.m. Artists from across the European Union join forces for sound performances and interactive music at the Hirshhorn, where indoor exhibitions are open until 10 p.m. Little ones who can’t make it until midnight can visit American History during the day for a festival celebrating Latin music with story time and dance lessons. And at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where no passes are required after 4 p.m., you can explore the “Afrofuturism” exhibit, which is scheduled to close Aug. 18. Closing times vary by museum. Free; some events require advance tickets .

Folger Shakespeare Library reopening weekend

The multiyear renovation of Folger Shakespeare Library’s historic building is finally complete: The Folger officially opens its doors to the public Friday at 1 p.m., and while timed entry passes for the first day have all been claimed, tickets remain available for this weekend and through the end of September. Extra gallery guides will be on hand during the opening weekend in the exhibition halls, Reading Room, theater and gardens to help visitors as they explore the revitalized museum and library. Other opening weekend festivities include games for kids, live music, and a live painting session with artist and scenic designer Matthew J. Keenan. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15 suggested donation per person .

32nd annual Giant Barbecue Battle

More than 150 free food samples await at the 32nd annual Barbecue Battle, a festival and Washington tradition that turns Pennsylvania Avenue into a massive block party. All sorts of brands from Oscar Mayer to Takis set up shop, doling out food and product samples from multiple pavilions, while crowds can watch pitmasters from across the country compete in various barbecue competitions. (In a nod to local cuisine, there’s even a contest crowning the best mumbo sauce.) Other entertainment throughout the weekend includes a Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog eating contest; BMX and skateboarding freestyle exhibitions; and live performances from musicians including DuPont Brass Band, the Chuck Brown Band, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and White Ford Bronco. Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $20-$225 .

Out and About Festival at Wolf Trap

Ever go to a music festival just to hear one song? I did once. It was the Trillectro festival in 2018 to hear Sheck Wes do “Mo Bamba.” Fun experiment, for sure. How will three minutes of music stand against a whole day of it? If this sounds like your idea of a good time, get yourself a ticket to the Out and About Festival, where Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon will almost certainly perform “Bye Bye,” a noisy new rap-like anthem so artful, so intense, so important-feeling, she played it twice during her set at the Black Cat in March. And there are plenty of other good reasons to attend Out and About. Billed as “a celebration of LGBTQ+ talent and allies,” the festival will also host performances from Brittany Howard, Jenny Lewis, Lawrence, Tiny Habits, Quinn Christopherson, Okan and Be Steadwell. 3 p.m. $49-$89 .

Annapolis Juneteenth Parade

The fourth Juneteenth Festival in Annapolis starts with a parade from St. John’s College down West Street to Maryland Hall, with floats, marching bands, and groups passing performances at multiple locations, including the People’s Park and Westgate Circle. The festival begins at 1 p.m. at the Bates Athletic Complex, with plenty of live music — gospel, smooth jazz, R&B, go-go — on multiple stages, games, food vendors, and a fireworks show. Noon to 9 p.m. Free .

Songbyrd Summer So(u)lstice Celebration

The NoMa venue marks the longest Saturday of the year with a six-hour free show that stretches from day to night. Catch local performers like headliners the Crystal Casino Band and Makeup Girl, and stick around for the ticketed after-party — Nordista Freeze is DJing a set of ’90s alternative from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets to the after-party are $13. 5 to 11 p.m. Free .

Caribbean Culture Concert at Freedom Plaza

In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, this seven-hour celebration on Freedom Plaza includes calypso by the Image Band, reggae from Baltimore’s Strykers Posse, the Pan Masters Steelband Organization, dance performances, poetry and storytelling. 2 to 9 p.m. Free .

Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park

Glen Echo’s fourth Family Pride Day features free carousel rides (while supplies last), live music for all ages by Rachel Eddy and Em Hammond, hands-on arts and crafts activities, temporary tattoos, and a backdrop for family portraits. Discounted tickets for the park’s aquarium and theaters are also available. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free; $10 suggested donation .

Alexandria Pride Bar Crawl

Seven Old Town Alexandria bars offer discounted drinks and food Saturday evening to raise money for Safe Space NOVA, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Northern Virginia. Check in at Alexandria Bier Garden between 4 and 6 p.m., then get crawling to bars including Hen Quarter ($8 cocktails and frozen margaritas, $12 sliders, wings and other snacks), the Light Horse ($5 woo-woo shots and beers), and Augie’s Mussel House ($11 cocktails, $2 off beers). The after-party at Chadwicks begins at 10 p.m. with $5 green tea shooters and cans of Three Notch’d hazy IPA. Twenty percent of ticket sales benefit charity. 4 p.m. to midnight. $20-$25 .

Splash Into Pride Pool Party at Generator Hotel

The Pride parade and festival are over, but celebrations continue in Dupont Circle. The Generator hotel-slash-hostel hosts an afternoon-long party with a DJ on its private pool deck. Tickets include two drinks. Noon to 8 p.m. $25 .

Chinatown Park Festival

The Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs organized this lunchtime festival in Chinatown Park, promising live music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, face painting, hands-on arts and crafts, a clothing swap, and other activities to celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free .

Guided tour: African Americans at Congressional Cemetery

Graves at the historic Congressional Cemetery tell the story of African Americans in Washington, from weathered markers remembering men and women born into slavery to the final resting place of “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry Jr. Join a cemetery docent for a guided walking tour of the graves of Black Washingtonians from all walks of life, dating back before the Civil War. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $5 .

Happy Daze Clothing Swap at Dock 5

Union Market’s warehouse space is the venue for a massive clothing swap, where you can find secondhand vintage clothing and accessories while sustainably clearing your own closet. Bring up to 20 items (note: no event T-shirts) to display while you shop. Leftover clothing will be donated to So What Else, a Maryland nonprofit. Noon to 3 p.m. Free.

Shaed at the Atlantis

Shaed is its own community in microcosm, a family band that pairs twins Max and Spencer Ernst with vocalist Chelsea Lee (who is married to Spencer). The D.C.-born band whistled its way from a MacBook commercial to streaming and chart success with the moody electro-pop hit “Trampoline,” but after a pandemic and the birth of Chelsea and Spencer’s daughter, it’s refocused on the forthcoming “Spinning Out.” From the early singles, the trio’s sophomore album promises breezy ballads and bops and plenty of sun-kissed, streamlined pop. 6:30 p.m. $30 .

Sunday, June 23

Shakespeare in the Parks opening night

This is a big weekend for Shakespeare: The Folger Shakespeare Library celebrates its grand reopening on Friday (see Saturday’s listing), and the annual Shakespeare in the Parks begins its annual tour through Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. New artistic director Randy Snight directs a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which runs for two hours, including intermission. After opening in Bowie’s Fairwood Community Park , performances move to the historic Ridgeley Rosenwald School in Capitol Heights (Tuesday) and Greenbelt Park (Thursday). Brookside Gardens and Fort Washington Park are among sites hosting Theseus, Hippolyta and the fairies before the season wraps up at the Publick Playhouse on July 14. Picnics and lawn chairs are welcome. Most shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Locations vary. Free .

Nikole Hannah-Jones at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

In honor of Juneteenth weekend, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones is in conversation about the 1619 Project, which launched five years ago. She’s joined by author and Well-Read Black Girl founder Glory Edim. The ticket price includes a signed book copy. 3 to 4:30 p.m. $29.

American Outlaws Copa Am é rica viewing party at Astro Beer Hall

We’re in the midst of the “Summer of Soccer,” with European powerhouses battling in the European Championship and the best teams in North and South America set to square off in the Copa América. The United States is hosting the latter tournament , and its first match is against Bolivia in Texas on Sunday evening. In the D.C. area, the best place for American fans to watch is downtown’s Astro Beer Hall, home of the drum-banging, always-chanting American Outlaws supporters group. Arrive early to make sure you have a beer in hand at kickoff. 6 p.m. Free .

Parallax Scrolls at Galaxy Hut

Live music was a staple at Galaxy Hut before the pandemic, but everyone’s favorite cozy Arlington watering hole has been focused on vegan food and delicious craft beers instead of live entertainment over the last few years. That changes this weekend: Sundays will now be given over to “experimental/electronic-type stuff,” according to a post on the Hut’s social media. Fittingly, the first artist featured is Parallax Scrolls, the synthwave/8-bit project by Galaxy Hut owner Lary Hoffman. Older D.C. fans might remember Hoffman’s group the Aerialist; Parallax Scrolls is definitely more toward the vintage electronic end of the spectrum, sometimes veering into frenetic chiptune. ( Take a free listen to the album on Bandcamp.) Stay tuned: DJs and indie rock bands could return to the bar “at some point.” 9 p.m. $10 .

Storybox Comics Fair at Third Hill Brewing Co.

More than a dozen DMV-based comics artists are bringing their work to the Silver Spring brewery for an afternoon celebrating local art and artists. Grab a beer while touring their booths, or join a workshop or craft session hosted by artists. Noon to 4 p.m. $10.

Pride Party at Morris American Bar

DJ Alex Love and drag queen Petya are featured at Morris American Bar’s Pride Party, which promises to put the focus on themed cocktails. Reservations are suggested. 5 p.m. to midnight. Free .

Tuesday, June 25

A Toast to the Boogie: Art in the Name of Funk(adelic)

George Clinton’s Parliament popularized the term “Chocolate City” with its 1975 album of the same name, a tribute to D.C. that used a nickname coined by local DJs . D.C. still loves Clinton, and the feeling is mutual. The founder of P-Funk is honored with a new exhibit at the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanity’s gallery near Canal Park, titled “A Toast to the Boogie: Art in the Name of Funk(adelic).” Works by 20 local artists, including Mingering Mike, Auguster Williams, Anna U Davis and Ronald “Stozo” Edwards are featured alongside original memorabilia and pieces inspired by funk and futurism. Clinton will be at the gallery for the opening reception, where entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. 7 to 9 p.m. Free .

Pride Drag Bingo at Starr Hill

Starr Hill’s biergarten-in-the-sky in Tysons is usually the kind of place you go to drink beers and listen to Americana or cover bands ( see Saturday’s schedule ) after work or a round of mini-golf. But this week, to celebrate Pride, Starr Hill brings Logan Stone and Crimsyn to host an all-ages edition of drag bingo. Early arrival is suggested. 6 p.m. Free .

Wednesday, June 26

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

We know, we know. The brutality of the summer heat and the density of the tourist throng are two formidable strikes against this absolute gem of a festival, but year after year, Folklife’s celebration of “contemporary living cultural traditions” remains worth the sweat. This year’s theme is Indigenous Voices of the Americas, and it includes an exciting slate of musical performances — the Mi’kmaw music traditions of Sons of Membertou, Mixtec group Pasatono Orquesta, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Sara Curruchich and more. Yes, it’ll most likely be hot, and, yes, it’ll probably be crowded, but you will hear the world differently. Daily through July 1. Free .

Pizza Time and Gin Mare Cocktails at the Betsy

What goes together as well as a refreshing gin cocktail and a slice of pizza? Find out at the Betsy, the rooftop “gin garden” above Belga Cafe on Barracks Row. This tasting features Spain’s Gin Mare, created with Spanish olives, basil and thyme for a taste profile that’s more herbaceous and less juniper-forward than some popular American and English gins. Cocktails by a Gin Mare brand ambassador are paired with pizza from Belga Cafe chef (and Betsy owner) Bart Vandaele. 6 to 8 p.m. $67 .

7 Amtrak Trips That Are Perfect For Last-Minute Vacations

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• Amtrak offers convenient last-minute train trips to various scenic destinations across the US for spontaneous travelers.
• Enjoy luxurious amenities and scenic views on long-distance Amtrak journeys, with last-minute deals and seasonal discounts available.
• Take a stress-free 10-16 day Amtrak trip to explore multiple national parks or cities, with affordable packages and savings up to $600.

Most people planning a last-minute vacation to discover and explore extraordinary natural landmarks, cities, and national parks, often look to vehicle transport and planes as the best modes of transportation for their journey. Yet, train travel provides an arguably more vacation-optimized alternative mode of transportation (and Amtrak is perhaps the country's favorite train operator!).

There are plenty of Amtrak trips for every vacationer's preference , many crisscrossing the country on trains with world-class amenities (bedrooms, seating, and café service) that let passengers take in scenic landscapes and picture-perfect cities from the comfort of their cabins while stopping at bucket list-worthy destinations.

Moreover, a number of Amtrak routes offer last-minute deals and availability at short notice, perfect for travelers seeking spontaneous vacations in America that require no planning in advance . Many Amtrak vacation programs also offer seasonal discounts and there is even a deals page on the Amtrak website where passengers can discover and capitalize on last-minute deals.

So, for those seeking last-minute train adventures, here are several Amtrak trips that promise memorable experiences and stress-free journeys for a spontaneous vacation.

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7 Grand National Parks Of The Southwest

Chicago to grand national park in 10 days.

For those who have always fantasized about what it would feel like to explore multiple expansive national parks within the same vacation trip at a leisurely pace with all necessary human comforts taken care of, this 10-day Amtrak vacation program offers the perfect opportunity to make that fantasy a reality.

The trail departs from Union Station in Chicago on the first night of the trip, traveling through the Rocky Mountains on its way to Moab, Utah. From there, it will traverse one or two national parks each day, an adventurous experience that includes Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park , and Zion National Park.

On day seven, travelers will reach the main destination of the trip--the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Two days will be spent here, and passengers will have ample time for guided rim tours of the 277-mile-long canyon, river trips, and even helicopter tours.

6 Southern Rail Experience

Chicago to new orleans to chicago in 12 days.

This multi-city exploration adventure begins at the Amtrak Station in Chicago and makes stops at Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California, before culminating at New Orleans, Louisiana.

It's a favorite among America's Amtrak round-trip vacations , as it lets passengers explore the glitzy wonders of Hollywood, iconic locations like the Space Needle and Pike's Place Market in Seattle, as well as New Orleans's world-famous French Quarter, all in one train-bound 12-day vacation.

Passengers get to spend four nights in the exciting and colorful city of New Orleans, which is the highlight destination of the vacation program. There, passengers can explore the main tourist draws, like the Garden District, the City of the Dead, local museums, jazz clubs, and the city's outstanding local cuisine.

5 Grand National Parks With Grand Canyon, Yosemite, & Glacier National Park Roundtrip From Washington DC

Washington dc to glacier national park in 16 days.

On this 16-day round-trip from the nation's capital, passengers will get to visit three of the most popular national parks in the United States, spending multiple days at each park - ample time to discover most of what's on offer at each location.

The trip begins in Washington, DC, and heads to Arizona, where passengers will spend three days, one in the town of Williams and two exploring Grand Canyon Park. From there, there is a one-day stopover in San Francisco, with enough time to explore the city's many attractions.

Travelers will then head to Seattle for a two-day exploration tour that includes a visit to Mount Rainier National Park and its iconic attractions , before departing for Glacier National Park on day 10. Once there, passengers will spend four days exploring the mountains, glaciers, and historical sites that dot the expansive park before finally heading back to Washington, DC.

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4 West Coast To East Coast Rail Experience

San francisco to washington dc in 10 days.

Enjoy a 10-day cross-country rail experience from San Francisco to Washington, DC; the trip starts in San Francisco, where passengers are given two days to explore the city and nearby locations like the Muir Woods and the coastal city of Sausalito. On day three, the trail then departs for Seattle, Washington, where passengers have two days again to explore the Emerald City as well as other popular tourist sites and national parks nearby.

From there, the train heads to Chicago, passing through the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park en route to the city. After two days in Chicago, the train heads for the final leg of the trip to Washington DC. Here, there are ample opportunities to explore the nation's most important monuments, including the White House, the National Mall and its free museums , the National Zoo, the Vietnam Veteran Memorials, and the Smithsonian Museums.

This is not a round-trip and the train journey ends in Washington, DC. Travelers intending to get back to San Francisco must make other arrangements with Amtrak travel consultants for their trip back home.

3 America's National Parks

Denver to salt lake city in 9 days.

This 9-day train journey takes passengers on a trip with memorable stops at four national parks with the most spectacular landscapes in the country. These parks are Rocky Mountain National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.

The trip starts from Denver, Colorado, where passengers have ample time to take in the first city on the itinerary before departing the next day for the Rockies to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, the train heads to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, passing through the beautiful snow-capped Sierra Nevada en route to Utah, which is home to both parks.

Then on day six, after a stop-over at Salt Lake City, the train heads to the primary destination, the first national park on the planet - Yellowstone National Park. With two days for exploration, passengers have the time to take in famous attractions like the Old Faithful Geyser. The train then heads back to Salt Lake City on an overnight trip, which is where it makes its final stop.

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2 New York City Ultimate Getaway

New york city's ultimate getaway in 4 days.

This New York City Ultimate Getaway Package offers the perfect opportunity to experience everything that arguably the world's most famous city has to offer. It's a four-day immersive trip with three nights at top-notch hotels and four daytime experiences onboard comfy train coaches taking in the city's iconic landmarks.

The itinerary includes a New York CityPASS and visits to the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim Museum, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Rockefeller Center, Little Italy, Chinatown, and Soho.

1 Niagara Falls Ultimate Getaway Roundtrip From New York

New york city to niagara falls, ontario, in 4 days.

The famous horseshoe-shaped waterfalls of Niagara have enthralled many visitors, and Amtrak's New York City to Niagara four-day vacation package offers the perfect opportunity to experience this majestic natural wonder.

Passengers will get to spend three nights in the Niagara region, with ample time to take in the falls and explore the surrounding area. Attractions include boat rides, theme parks, wineries, casinos, historic sites, golf courses, and much more.

On day four, the train will head back to the Big Apple, offering another opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes and picturesque towns that dot the route back home.