23 Things to Do in Washington DC: The Best (Mostly Free) Sites
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Looking for the best things to do in Washington DC? Don’t worry—I’ve got you. I took a trip to DC back in the summer of 2019. As always, I was on a budget, but luckily, DC can be rather affordable, as many museums and attractions around his monumental city are free!
⏳ Short on time? My top recommendations on what to do in Washington DC:
🗺️ Tours:
– Amerighost
📲 Must-Have Apps to Use:
– Maps.me
📺 Movies and TV Shows to Watch Before Visiting:
– National Treasure
– Captain America: The Winter Solider
– Salt
🧳 Tips on Packing: For hostels and how to pack light
💡 Feel like you’ve forgotten something? Learn how to plan a trip on Google Docs and discover 37 things to do before an international trip
How to Get Around DC
There are several ways to get around DC. Most of this list is walkable, which is one of the many things I love about this city.
However, if you find yourself in need of public transport, they have a Metrorail (which I used to get out to family and see Udvar Hazy; more on that later) and a Metrobus.
Where to Stay in DC
I lucked out that I had a friend who lived in DC, so I stayed with him during my visit. He was literally a block away from the Supreme Court, so very central!
If you don’t find yourself in such a convenient situation, here are some hotel recommendations. My top tip is to stay central, as I did, which significantly helps reduce transit time. The downside is that it’ll likely be more expensive, but use your discretion.
Exploring the Best of Washington DC
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress was the first place I visited in DC proper, and let me tell you, I was BLOWN away! I could not believe how gorgeous it was. I really only thought this type of beauty was in Europe, in places like the Austrian National Library.
Don’t let the word ‘library’ fool you—this isn’t your local library. It’s a research library that serves as the library and research service of the U.S. Congress and the de facto national library of the United States. It was founded in 1800 and is the United States‘ oldest federal cultural institution.
Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry to avoid overcrowding. I took a guided tour while there, which you can book online, but they also have an audioguide you can use.
International Spy Museum
One of my favorites on this list is the International Spy Museum! This museum was relatively new when I visited, and I was so thrilled to find a museum dedicated to the art of espionage.
As a massive fan of films like Salt, which is the best spy film in my opinion, I wanted to see what the real life of spies is like. What this museum does best is balance the intrigue with the real-world consequences of spying. It grounds it without being too bogged down with details that may become difficult to process. It was even engaging for children with interactive exhibits.
The United States Capitol
Also known as the Capitol Building, it is the seat of the United States Congress. As it is actively used today, a visit to the Capitol requires a bit more security. But honestly, it wasn’t any worse than a walk through the TSA.
You can tour the Capitol with one of their professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. Just so you know, this tour does not include the Senate and House Galleries, though you can get a separate tour pass to do so.
Reservations are recommended but not required. However, I recommend making a reservation to be safe. There were so many people there when I visited in May 2019 that you never know, especially as visitors without reservations are encouraged to arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible to obtain passes.
Folger Shakespeare Library
Another one of my favorites on this list is the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Do you think England has the world’s largest collection of William Shakespeare’s printed works? Nope! Think again—that’s the Folger! After visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, years ago, I had no idea that most of his legacy now resided outside England.
As an independent research library, they are a leader in methods of preserving rare materials and a primary repository for said materials from Britain and Europe’s early modern period (1500–1750). Established by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger, the library offers advanced scholarly programs and national outreach to K–12 classroom teachers on Shakespeare education.
If you’re not a scholar, there are areas you’re not allowed to access at the library, but they do have a small exhibit and a theater that offers performances and events throughout the year. While no official tour is given, I found the employees there insightful and responsive to any questions I asked.
Lincoln Memorial
There are a LOT of memorials you can add to your things to do in Washington DC list, so I’ll just mention a few here that caught my eye.
The Lincoln Memorial honors the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. An example of neoclassicism, it is in the form of a classical temple and is located at the western end of the National Mall.
I honestly forgot just how large he was until I visited. It’s truly incredible just how lifelike he is, even in stone.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is tough to miss when going through this list of things to do in Washington DC, since it stands tall as an obelisk on the National Mall.
Built to commemorate George Washington, it stands east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial.
You can enter the Washington Monument, though honestly, I forgot about this on my trip as it doesn’t look like an observation deck is at the top. Tickets are required to enter, but they are only $1, or you can get free, same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street nearby. As supplies are limited, they strongly recommend advance reservations.
Note: Those uncomfortable with heights, enclosed spaces, crowding, and elevators should consider that the Washington Monument involves all these experiences.
Jefferson Memorial
Built in honor of Thomas Jefferson, between 1939 and 1943, the memorial features multiple quotes from Jefferson intended to capture his ideology and philosophy. Also built in the neoclassical style, it is situated in West Potomac Park on the shore of the Potomac River.
This memorial is located on the edge of the National Mall, so it is a bit of a walk from the other things to do in Washington DC, I’ve listed here. However, don’t let that deter you from visiting, as I loved this memorial. That’s partly due to my wonderful experience with an actor portraying Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg, but I highly recommend a visit nonetheless.
WWII Memorial
The World War II Memorial is dedicated to the Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, this memorial consists of 56 granite pillars decorated with bronze laurel wreaths representing U.S. states and territories.
A pair of small triumphal arches represent the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, all surrounding the oval plaza and fountain. On its short axis is a memorial wall of gold stars representing the fallen.
It’s a beautiful waypoint, especially between the imposing Lincoln and Washington monuments.
MLK Memorial
The Stone of Hope is a granite statue commemorating Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King. The memorial design is inspired by a line from King’s “I Have a Dream” speech: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”
The official address of the monument, 1964 Independence Avenue, S.W., commemorates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is also in the sightline of the Lincoln Memorial to the northwest, where King famously gave the “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.
The MLK Memorial is an excellent place to stop after the Lincoln Memorial since the two are so connected.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Located southeast of the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial memorializes those who served in the Korean War (1950–1953).
It includes 19 statues representing U.S. military personnel in action. In 2022, the memorial was expanded to include a granite memorial wall engraved with the names of U.S. military personnel (and South Koreans embedded in U.S. military units) who died in the war.
What stands out about the memorial is how life-like these statutes are. It’s shocking as you approach them as they appear real.
The White House
I’ve never toured the White House, but even if you don’t want to go through the process to do so, even walking by it is worth adding to your things to do in Washington DC itinerary.
But if you are interested in touring, public tour requests are scheduled through your Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Constituents may reach your Member of Congress and Congressional Tour Coordinator through the U.S. House of Representatives Switchboard at 202-225-3121, the U.S. Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at www.congress.gov/members.
Public White House tour requests must be submitted at least 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days in advance of the requested tour date(s). Tours are typically available from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding Federal holidays or unless otherwise noted. If your tour is confirmed, you will be assigned a specific time.
If you are a citizen of a foreign country, contact your embassy in Washington, D.C. for assistance in submitting a tour request.
National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History is a museum that collects, preserves, and displays the United States’s heritage in social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history.
Among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers, George Washington‘s Uniform, Abraham Lincoln’s Top Hat, Alexander Graham Bell’s Large Box Telephone, C-3PO from Star Wars Return of the Jedi, and a RMS Titanic Life Vest.
What I found most interesting about this museum was the range of items. Here, they value Lincoln’s top hat as much as C-3PO because they are both influential to the American people. It’s also just a museum that has a bit of something for everyone—history buffs or pop-culture nerds.
National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is devoted to the culture of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. It houses one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native objects, photographs, and media, covering the entire Western Hemisphere from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego.
The museum’s curvilinear architecture, indigenous landscaping, and exhibitions, all designed in collaboration with tribes and communities, combine to give visitors insight into the sense and spirit of Native America.
They had so many colorful artifacts on display, which helped to give a sense of the culture of Native Americans. Even though this is a smaller exhibit, I appreciated that they also included older and newer artifacts to show the progression of that culture.
National Air and Space Museum
Now to the Smithsonian I spent the most time in—the National Air and Space Museum! Yes, it’s partly because I’m a nerd fascinated by space. However, it’s also because it was sweltering in DC when I was there, and they had fantastic air conditioning! I spent a good few hours in their Planetarium, watching film after film to chill in cool air and darkness.
The National Air and Space Museum is dedicated to human flight and space exploration. It’s also a center for research into the history and science of aviation and spaceflight, planetary science, terrestrial geology, and geophysics. Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a science expert to understand any of these. The museum makes all this easily digestible.
Almost all of its spacecraft and aircraft on display are original primary or backup craft (rather than reproductions). Its collection includes the Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia, the Friendship 7 capsule flown by John Glenn, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Bell X-1 which broke the sound barrier, and the Wright brothers’ Wright Flyer airplane.
Many of these are suspended in the air, so you feel as if they are flying above you.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Part of the National Air and Space Museum, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located outside of DC in Chantilly, Virginia, a 30 to 45-minute drive from the city center. I took the Metrorail as far as possible, and then a family member picked me up and drove us the rest of the way. You could do the same, but swap an Uber or Metrobus for the latter half and get there within an hour and a half.
This 760,000-square-foot (71,000 m2) museum, housed in two large hangars, displays thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde.
After seeing the Space Shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, it was a treat to see another up close! If you’re not a huge fan of space, then this is likely something you can skip on your list of things to do in Washington DC, since it is a bit of a journey to get here.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is an art museum that contains a collection of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, medals, and decorative arts that trace the development of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present, including the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and the largest mobile created by Alexander Calder.
Admittedly, as a big da Vinci nerd, I went for the da Vinci. But there is a LOT more to this museum than just that one painting. There are also works of art from Vermeer, Monet, Manet, Raphael, Rodin, Degas, Gauguin, Picasso, and many more.
Looking for a more urban style of art? You won’t have to wander far to find unique street art around DC.
If art is of little interest to you, this is a good one to skip on your things to do in Washington DC list.
The United States Botanic Garden
Admittedly, Botanic Gardens aren’t usually my thing, but my cousin, who worked at the Smithsonian for a time, suggested it. However, I would highly recommend against visiting during peak heat hours. Why?
Because they keep it warm in there. It was already sweltering outside and humid, so I wanted to escape that. I didn’t find that here. But if you visit in the morning or evening, it’ll likely be a better experience than mine.
The United States Botanic Garden is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. The Garden informs visitors about the importance, fundamental value, and diversity of plants, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological significance. It also strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices.
The Garden offers a variety of exhibits, tours, and programs for visitors of all ages. Again, I didn’t experience much of this because I was so overwhelmed by the heat, but I encourage you to check it out on your things to do in Washington DC list, especially if you are fond of gardens, as it was beautiful.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is another item on this list of things to do in Washington DC that’s out of the city. But I wanted to add it here since it is relatively close, an hour and a half via public transport and between 30 minutes to one hour by car.
Home to one of the Founding Fathers, commander of the Continental Army, and the first president of the United States, and his wife, Martha, Mount Vernon is a historical landmark. The estate lies on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is a must-visit for any history buff.
This estate offers many activities, such as touring his 18th-century home, strolling in the gardens, visiting museum galleries, and more. If you have the time, you could fill an entire day here.
When I visited, they were refurbishing his home, but I could still go inside and view it. The museum exhibit covers George Washington’s life, starting with his first job as a surveyor. It moves on to his leadership during the French and Indian War, his growing businesses at Mount Vernon, his time in the Revolutionary War, and, of course, our nation’s founding.
When I arrived at Mount Vernon, it was later in the day, so the next available tour was the National Treasure Tour. Not that I’m not a fan of the films; I just didn’t expect there to be a tour solely dedicated to them! Part of the second film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, was filmed here.
It’s possible I missed this tour, or they might not have had it then, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Hamilton the Musical Tour at Mount Vernon, which explores Washington’s role in the hit Broadway show.
Book Activities & Tours:
Washington DC Capitol Hill Haunts Tour
Many people forget when building their list of things to do in Washington DC, or any city for that matter, to plan for evening activities. When I visited DC, I decided to check into ghost tours as they are an entertaining way to learn about a city from a unique perspective.
Usually, ghost tour guides are fun and insightful individuals, and my guide from Amerighost was no different! She was a thrill to spend the evening with, especially as my friend and I were the only ones on the tour, so it worked out to be a private tour for us.
Capitol Hill is reportedly one of the most haunted sites in Washington DC! On this tour, we heard stories of feuding ghosts of past lawmakers in the House, hauntings surrounding the Lincoln Conspiracy trials, ghosts of Presidents, and a curse that surrounds everything on the Hill. There are also supposed disturbances at the Folger Library and a Demon Cat that torments the guards of Capitol Hill even today.
In addition to learning more about the Supreme Court Building, the Library of Congress, and the US Capitol, our guide was knowledgeable about other landmarks, such as Mount Vernon. She answered all our questions in great detail.
For those with mobility issues, the entire tour was on level ground and under a mile of distance.
Additional Places to Go in Washington DC
I only got to some things on my list, so here are a few extra things to do in Washington DC, that you can add to your itinerary!
1. Treasury Building – A National Historic Landmark building that is the headquarters of the United States Department of the Treasury. An image of the Treasury Building is featured on the back of the United States ten-dollar bill.
2. National Archives Museum – The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom here. I visited years prior, which is why I didn’t visit on this trip, but I highly recommend adding the National Archives Museum to your itinerary.
3. Bureau of Engraving and Printing – A government agency within the United States Department of the Treasury that designs and produces various security products for the United States government, most notably the Federal Reserve Notes for the Federal Reserve, the nation’s central bank.
4. National Postal Museum — A museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and presentation of postal history and philately (the study of stamps). It showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of stamps and philatelic material globally.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Washington DC
Do you have any questions about what I’ve included on this list of things to do in Washington DC? Feel free to comment below, and I’ll reply as soon as possible!
Looking for More Washington DC Tips?
Header photo credit Paula Nardini
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