Things to Do in Washington, DC
The nation’s capital has one unfair advantage over every other US destination: almost everything worth seeing is free. The Smithsonian museums, the monuments, the memorials, the National Gallery of Art — all free admission. You could spend a week in DC without paying a museum entry fee.
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Quick Facts: Washington, D.C. is on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia, with three airports serving the metro area. Best time to visit: March–May for cherry blossoms, September–November for fall foliage.
The National Mall
A 2-mile stretch from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with the most famous museums and monuments in America.
Lincoln Memorial — Open 24/7. Most powerful at night when it’s lit and the reflecting pool mirrors the Washington Monument.
Washington Monument — Free timed entry tickets (reserve at recreation.gov). The elevator ride to the 500-foot observation level takes 70 seconds.
WWII Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial — All on or near the Mall. The Vietnam Wall is deeply affecting regardless of your connection to the war.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial — The 30-foot “Stone of Hope” statue at the Tidal Basin.
Smithsonian Museums (All Free)
National Air and Space Museum — The Wright Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, a real SR-71 Blackbird. The most visited museum in the world.
National Museum of Natural History — The Hope Diamond, the dinosaur hall, the ocean hall with a life-size blue whale model.
National Museum of African American History and Culture — Timed entry passes required (free). Four floors below ground covering slavery through civil rights to present day. One of the most important museums built in the last 50 years.
National Gallery of Art — Da Vinci, Vermeer, Monet, and one of the only Leonardo da Vinci paintings in the Americas.
Beyond the Mall
Georgetown — The oldest neighborhood in DC (older than DC itself). M Street and Wisconsin Avenue for shopping and restaurants. Cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, cocktails at The Tombs (the Georgetown University bar from St. Elmo’s Fire).
Arlington National Cemetery — The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier happens every 30 minutes (every hour October–March). JFK’s gravesite with the eternal flame.
Library of Congress — The largest library in the world. The Main Reading Room is one of the most beautiful interior spaces in America. Free tours.
U.S. Capitol — Free tours through the Capitol Visitor Center. See the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and the crypt. Advance reservations recommended.
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