25 Best Things To Do In Washington DC (23 Free Things Included)
Discovering The Best of Washington DC
Are you wondering what the best things to do in Washington DC are? Perfect, then this post is for you!
Washington DC, the heart of American democracy, is more than just a political centre – it’s a captivating destination filled with history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
As someone who spent over a year living around the beltway, I can confidently say that the capital city is absolutely worth visiting, especially for couples seeking fun and interesting experiences together.
I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of attractions when I first arrived, but that changed after an incredible personal experience – a private tour of Capitol Hill guided by a government official who would later advise a recent president. This unique perspective, among others showed me how to navigate DC’s wealth of attractions effectively, and I’m excited to share these insights with you.
From the iconic White House and the majestic Capitol Building to the sobering Holocaust Museum and the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC offers an incredible journey through American history.
I promise that this guide will help you discover the capital’s must-see attractions without feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my Privacy Policy.
Map Of Washington DC
Where to Stay In Washington DC
Here’s the deal.
I lived in Arlington, College Park, Maryland, and stayed with family in Virginia, about thirty minutes from the White House. So I know exactly where to stay when it comes to visiting DC.
There are some amazing parts of the city and some not-so-good places to stay. The great thing I have learned about DC is that the metro line and bus service are pretty decent.
Any of these places listed will have a metro line to get you right into the city.
National Mall/Downtown
citizenM Washington DC Capitol
Georgetown
Dupont Circle
Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House by IHG
Arlington
The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
The National Landing Hotel Crystal City
There are some great options to consider, but feel free to check around on the map below for something that may be more suitable.
1. The White House
The White House has been the centre of American democracy since the country’s inception.
When I visited, it was interesting to see people from all over the world posing for photos on the north and south sides of the building. Yes, it is gated, and you can’t get too close for obvious reasons; the president lives there, after all.
Still, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Washington DC.
Secret Service agents and security will be visible from most parts of the exterior.
While you can’t simply enter the lawn or house at any time during the day, you can get some nice views and, if you’re lucky, see some movement inside.
The last time I was there, I was lucky enough to see several black limousines entering and exiting the complex, and the ceremonial trumpets announcing official arrivals into the White House.
The day before President Biden stepped out of office added an extra layer of historical weight to the experience.
Though I never made it inside (impossible when the inauguration was being set up in 2025), I plan to complete this during my next trip to DC.
US citizens can book a free tour here.
For international visitors, you must book a free tour through your embassy in Washington DC.
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (8-9am) or late afternoon (4-5pm) to avoid crowds.
📍 Location: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 205007
🤩 I recommend this Private DC Tour with Luxury SUV to see the White House and other major DC landmarks in style!
2. Lincoln Memorial
From movies to historic events, the Lincoln Memorial is a world-famous attraction and one of the best things to do in DC.
In truth, I have been here so many times, and each visit feels interesting as I step into this marble temple. You might think it looks a little Greek? That was my initial thought. The memorial is located on the west side of the National Mall and is so impressive to visit.
Once I made it inside, I found this gigantic statue of Abe Lincoln seated, his gaze fixed eastward toward the National Monument.
Be prepared to do some reading.
The last time I visited, I had forgotten how much writing was on the walls on both sides of the monument.
Lincoln made a powerful statement at Gettysburg, and you can find that speech written here. Make sure you read it all in full.
It’s really easy to get to the memorial. You can walk up the steps, and additionally, there is access for people with disabilities.
Additionally, the beauty of DC is that so many attractions are close together. You can easily combine it with visits to nearby monuments like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and even walk toward the White House.
My favourite thing to do was look out across the Mall and take a few photos. It’s one of those iconic Washington DC photo opportunities that you simply cannot miss, in my view.
However, be mindful of the time of year to visit.
Shoulder season is best from March to April (don’t miss the cherry blossoms) and from September to October. Not so hot and fewer crowds are a plus.
Also, when I was there, visitors were happy to take photos for us. It’s a great way to get that perfect shot of you with Lincoln’s statue in the background.
Big changes are coming too in 2026. A $69 million Lincoln Memorial Museum, which will add a totally new experience to visiting this place very soon.
⏰ Recommended time: 45-60 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Dawn or dusk for the best lighting and fewer crowds
📍 Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037
🤩 I recommend this DC: White House, National Mall and Lincoln Memorial Tour for its excellent ratings and comprehensive coverage of the area!
3. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
When I was looking out from the Lincoln Memorial, it was hard to miss the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
What I love about this is how the National Monument reflects through the entire pool. The symmetry is very cool, and even the most beginner photographers can get a nice photo.
We particularly enjoyed the romantic stroll along the reflecting pool from one end to the other. If you’re lucky and are in DC for the cherry blossoms, it can be very beautiful to see them line the National Mall.
Interestingly, the pool stretches about 625 meters in length.
If it’s hot during your visit, take advantage of the shade under the trees at The Vietnam Women’s Memorial as you walk along the pool. Thankfully, trees line the entire path on one side, while the well-maintained JFK Hockey Fields provide lovely green spaces on the south side.
On the other hand, when I visited in winter, I was witnessed the unique sight of the pool completely frozen over, with birds tiptoeing across the ice.
This was totally different from a summer’s day when you can see the reflection. Still, you can get some amazing photos here.
Keep in mind, summer visits can be overwhelmingly crowded, so you will probably have to wait for the perfect shot.
Lastly, there are toilets located on the south side of the World War II Memorial.
⏰ Recommended time: 1 hour 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise or sunset for best reflections and photos.
📍 Location: 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, DC 20037
🤩 I recommend this Best of DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to easily visit all the major monuments around the Reflecting Pool!
4. Korean War Memorial
Right beside the Lincoln Memorial, you will find the Korean War Memorial to the south.
When I visited this place, I was struck by the 19 statues of US soldiers who fought in the war between 1950-1953.
The impressive granite wall was only added in 2022, where the names of all those who died in the conflict are inscribed.
Keep an eye out for the Pool of Remembrance.
Again, the names of any officers who died or went missing during the war are remembered.
I noticed several large group tours arriving when we were there. They came down from the Lincoln Memorial just as we did, so it’s a good way to combine these two sites that are close to one another.
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Dawn (6-7am) or dusk (6-7pm) for dramatic lighting and fewer tourists.
📍 Location: 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
🤩 I recommend this DC: White House, National Mall and Lincoln Memorial Tour to easily visit all the major monuments around the Reflecting Pool!!
5. WWII War Memorial
Because of the sacrifice of over 16 million American citizens during World War II, the DC War Memorial was erected in 2004 by President Bush.
The design is stunning with 56 granite pillars in an oval shape representing the 56 states. I also noticed the bronze laurel wreaths and fountain. It is a fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives for the war cause.
When I visited most recently in January, there was plenty of snow around, making it quite dangerous along the memorial. I had to be careful not to slip.
All the other times I visited, it was hot and humid, and the memorial looked great with green lawns all around the National Mall.
The snow gave it an unusual look and added another layer of beauty to it.
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Morning (before 10am) or sunset for best photo opportunities and fewer tourists.
📍 Location: 1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
🤩 I recommend this DC: Monuments Small Group Moonlight Walking Tour for a unique evening perspective of the memorial and other monuments!!
6. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Another interesting place to visit in Washington DC is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
First thing I loved about this was chatting with a park ranger about the history of FDR Roosevelt when we stepped inside on a cold, snowy morning in January.
He was full of information and gave us all we needed to know about the memorial.
Roosevelt was the US president from 1933 to 1945. There are many quotes of his carved into the granite walls as we walked along. The park is very well maintained and there are also fountains that look modern and interesting.
Additionally, don’t miss the Eleanor Roosevelt Statue toward the end of the park. She was the longest-serving first lady of any US president.
Lastly, there is a cool Japanese Pagoda right on the edge of the tidal basin which we explored as we left the memorial.
If you want to understand the legacy of President Roosevelt, this is the place to do it.
⏰ Recommended time: 45-60 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon for best photos and smaller crowds.
📍 Location: 1850 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
🤩 I recommend this DC: Monuments by Night Bike Tour for a unique way to experience the FDR Memorial and other monuments at night!!!
7. Luther King Jr. Memorial
Another fascinating historical place along the edge of the tidal basin is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
It’s fair to say that King was an icon of the civil rights movement, so much so that there is 9-metre statue of him.
Additionally, there is an impressive wall listing 14 of the quotes he is known for from his “I Have a Dream” speech.
When we walked through the memorial, the statue felt so big and tall.
There were few people around in January, but the walk along the water is truly beautiful any time of the year.
It looks like the statue has been carved out of a large block of white granite which originated in China.
This memorial has to be on your itinerary for Washington DC!
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Sunrise or early morning for perfect photo opportunities and peaceful reflection.
📍 Location: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20003
🤩 I recommend this DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour for a unique way to experience the MLK Memorial and other iconic DC sights!
8. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
On the north side of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
I have to admit it is the most beautiful monument in my opinion.
There are two black granite slabs inscribed with the names of those killed or missing in action during the Vietnam War (1955-1975).
When I visited, it was extremely quiet. Only one other person walked past the monument. Looking at all the names listed brought to life how harrowing and devastating this war was for American families.
The memorial, completed in 1982, features 75-meter-long granite walls that join in the middle.
Honestly, this was a striking reminder of the realities of the Vietnam War.
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Dawn or dusk for peaceful reflection and best lighting.
📍 Location: 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20245
🤩 I recommend this DC: Monuments By Night Bike Tour for a unique way to see the Vietnam Memorial and other monuments lit up at nights!
9. Washington Monument
The obelisk overlooking the National Mall is the Washington Monument.
It’s fascinating to watch planes flying into Dulles Airport as they cross the monument’s path in the sky.
This iconic obelisk is arguably one of the most synonymous monuments with DC.
The monument was built for George Washington and is 169 meters tall. Construction began in 1848 but had to be paused during the Civil War, before finally being completed in 1884.
Incredible!
When I visited, I made my way up to the top and the views of the city were sublime.
There are 4 small windows you can look out from to get views in every direction.
While I bought my tickets at the Washington Monument lodge you can book online. I received a timed entry ticket that cost about one dollar.
The 50 US flags which circle the monument make for a nice visual.
I sat on one of the benches below and took in the views around, with the White House and Lincoln Memorial all visible.
When I was a member of the Washington DC Gaels GAA team, we used to train in front of the monument. This was incredible.
I have never felt such a strong Irish-American connection as when we kicked some O’Neill’s footballs across to one another in front of President Obama’s office.
⏰ Recommended time: 45-60 minutes 💰 Cost: $1 for timed entry ticket 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (8-10am) for shortest lines and best photo opportunities.
📍 Location: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
🤩 I recommend this DC: Guided Kayak Tour of the Monuments for a unique perspective of the Washington Monument from the Potomac Rivers!
10. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Washington DC is full of great Museums.
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History offers a fascinating journey through America’s past. As one of the most visited museums in the nation, it houses everything from presidential artefacts to pop culture memorabilia.
You know the national anthem? Well, the Star-Spangled Banner is found inside.
This is the actual flag that inspired the song. It was made in 1813 and flew at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Other items of interest include George Washington’s uniform and Abraham Lincoln’s top hat.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or weekday afternoons for fewer crowds
📍 Location: 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
🤩 I recommend this National Museum of American History Small Group Tour for an expert-guided journey through America’s fascinating history!
11. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most interesting museums in the city.
The museum aims to help visitors understand the natural world and humanity’s role within it. For example, when we visited, we saw one fascinating highlight – the Winston Red Diamond.
Along with the African Bush Elephant exhibit and the Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt display, these were the most impressive exhibits in my view.
The museum has 4 floors packed with incredible displays.
When we visited in January, it was just as crowded as during the summer months. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in the whole city.
Additionally, keep an eye out for the Hope Diamond, a 45.52-carat gem said to have been found in India in the 1600s. A diamond of this magnitude sparkles just as beautifully as I expected.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or last entry 2 hours before closing to avoid peak crowds.
📍 Location: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
🤩 I recommend this DC: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Guided Tour to get the most out of your visit with an expert guide!
12. National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is a fantastic place to visit when in Washington DC.
There are two main buildings: the West and East Buildings.
When I lived in DC, I was lucky enough to visit the Modern and Contemporary art in the East Building and see works from Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh.
It was very impressive, and it was packed in July. Maybe even from people who just wanted to escape the humidity outside. Nonetheless, it is a great place to spend some time.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or late afternoon (2-4pm) for smaller crowds.
📍 Location: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
🤩 I recommend this National Gallery of Art Small Group Guided Tour to learn about the museum’s masterpieces with an expert guide!
13. National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden
Between the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the west building of the National Gallery of Art sits the sculpture garden.
The Graft and Moondog sculptures are just two things to look out for among many other cool designs. The Sculpture Garden is beautifully maintained.
I recommend stopping off at Pavilion Café inside for some light food and coffee, especially if it’s cold outside.
This will likely be a short stop before one of the museums, but it’s totally worth visiting when in Washington DC.
⏰ Recommended time: 30-45 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or late afternoon (2-4pm) for smaller crowds.
📍 Location: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
🤩 I recommend these tours: National Gallery Sculpture Garden Guided Tour to explore the beautiful outdoor sculptures with expert commentary!
14. Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
The first monument I ever visited in Washington DC was the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
It stands right in front of the US Capitol and looks down upon Union Square and Washington Monument. It is said to face Lincoln because the two men were key in preserving the Union during the Civil War.
When we visited in January, it was totally frozen over. We saw groups of people ice skating across the Capitol Reflecting Pool like an ice rink. It was impressive to say the least.
The monument is a tribute to the US 28th president. It is almost 14 meters in height and Grant is seen on top of his horse Cincinnati.
It was completed in 1924 and took 22 years in total to finish. The four bronze lions at the base are intimidating and exude power and strength.
You can easily see this as you exit the Capitol or before.
⏰ Recommended time: 15-20 minutes 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning or sunset for best lighting and photography
📍 Location: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
15. United States Capitol
This was one of my favourite things to do in Washington DC.
We got a guided tour through the Capitol the week before the presidential inauguration. There was a large security presence across the Capitol, as we expected.
The podium was being prepared, and it felt incredible to be in town during such a historic week.
We entered through the east side of the Capitol on the US Capitol Grounds, where we were searched and received our tickets.
After a short wait in line, our group formed, and we started by watching a brief 13-minute orientation video about what to expect.
exceptional. He was so knowledgeable and made our experience a blast. My favourite things to see were the Rosa Parks statue and the Rotunda dome, which stands tall and is visible from most of the city.
Additionally, the Exhibition Hall and Emancipation Hall were fascinating insights into the building’s history.
The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and I certainly recommend booking well in advance if you intend to travel during peak season.
the House Gallery and Senate Gallery when they were in session, but not much was going on as the staff were just sitting around and not doing much. It was interesting to see!
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Weekday mornings (8-10am) to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant temperatures
📍 Location: First Street SE, Washington, DC 20004.
16. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
If you want to see some amazing animals, then the Smithsonian National Zoological Park is for you.
I must have visited this place 3 or 4 times in my year living in DC.
The Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan metro stop makes travel to the zoo easy. It’s crazy to think that this zoo has been here since 1889. 2,200 animals call it home.
In January 2025, Bao Li and Qing Bao came to the zoo, two large pandas. This zoo has become famous for helping these beautiful creatures.
My favourite things to see included the Great Cats and the Elephant Trail. As you may have guessed, you can see African lions, Sumatran tigers, Amur tigers, and bobcats.
They scared the life out of me, but I could still admire their fearsomeness – kind of.
The park is 163 acres, and it’s very hilly (it’s built on Rock Creek Park), so make sure you bring some good footwear to protect your feet!
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or late afternoon (2-4pm) to avoid peak crowds and when animals are most active
📍 Location: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 200088
17. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was absolutely amazing.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in DC and another one called the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre.
While I have not yet been to the museum inside DC, the one close to the airport is a tremendous display of American aerospace power.
When I visited, it was filled with over 3,000 amazing aircraft and artefacts that showcase the best of American ingenuity from their respective eras. It will leave you speechless, just as it did me.
The most impressive of all was the Space Shuttle Discovery, which completed 39 missions into space. Standing beside it felt incredible to think how far from Earth this vessel had travelled.
Another epic sight I saw was the Concorde! As well as the quickest jet flown, the SR-71 Blackbird.
Don’t miss the incredible views at Donald D. Engen Observation Tower, where you can see the runway of Dulles Airport.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (opening time) or last entry 2 hours before closing to avoid peak crowds.
📍 Location: 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
🤩 I recommend this tour: Washington, DC: Natural History & Air and Space Museum Tour – Perfect for aviation enthusiasts and space exploration fans!!
18. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
A visit to Washington DC is not complete without seeing the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
I have been here a number of times, and every time I come back, I discover something new. Walking through the museum is easily the most sobering experience in DC.
However, it’s one of the most important.
During my visit, I found the most striking part to be the bundles of slippers from the concentration camps. Hundreds, if not thousands, of slippers are piled up on both sides of the walkway.
Additionally, the videos are just as harrowing. They feature interviews from survivors sharing their stories.
You can read the newspaper articles from the times of Nazi Germany that covered these stories.
Keep in mind there are very graphic images and videos which give visitors a clear insight into life in Nazi Germany.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (10am-12pm) or mid-afternoon (2-4pm) for quieter reflection time.
📍 Location: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024
19. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is something I first saw in Saving Private Ryan.
After visiting this place numerous times during my time in DC, it served as another reminder of the sheer number of people who served in the Military.
Over 400,000 people are buried here, which is hard to fathom.
Additionally, it was built in 1864 and was owned by Robert E. Lee, a famous Confederate general.
The best things to do here include visiting the John F Kennedy Memorial and Arlington House.
Both times I visited the JFK Memorial, the burning flame was moving.
Furthermore, when we entered Arlington House – the former home of Robert E. Lee – it was beautifully preserved.
The park rangers were very polite at the entrance and told us a bit about the home.
We could walk through and see the different rooms where Lee lived with his family.
Other notable sites worth visiting include The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial, Pan Am Flight 103 Memorial, and USS Maine Mast Memorial.
Even after seeing these, there are many other memorials to explore.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (3-5pm) for quieter reflection time.
📍 Location: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
🤩 I recommend this Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour for an informative way to explore the grounds and see all the important memorials!
20. National Museum of African American History and Culture
North East of Washington Monument is the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
ms, opening in 2016. It covers everything relating to African American life, history, and culture. Inside you can find 40,000 artifacts spread across multiple floors.
Interestingly, you can see Harriet Tubman’s shawl and Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac.
Tubman assisted hundreds of enslaved people in escaping to freedom in the 19th century. Also, Berry was a rock ‘n’ roll legend who is credited with founding the genre through his flair and creativity.
Admittedly, I did not get to enter last time around, but it’s on my list for the next visit!
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (10am-12pm) or late afternoon (2-4pm) for fewer crowds
📍 Location: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
🤩 I recommend this African American History & Culture Tour for a deep dive into African American heritage with an expert guide!!
21. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a beautifully designed memorial along the Tidal Basin and close to the National Monument.
When we visited, the sun was setting. The sky was a pinkish colour and we got some stunning light for photos through the pillars.
Inside the roof area, there is an enormous seated statue of Thomas Jefferson. This place is really popular during the cherry blossom season.
Jefferson was, of course, the mastermind behind the Louisiana Purchase. Almost 6 meters tall and made of bronze, it is highly impressive to see in real life.
Construction began in 1938 but took a number of years to complete.
I grabbed a coffee at the Jefferson Memorial Food Kiosk before entering, and thankfully, there are public restrooms right beside the kiosk.
There’s more to this place than just the statue. There’s a museum where you take the elevator down that displays Jefferson’s life, his writings, and his legacy.
I loved this place, and it felt like we discovered a hidden gem in DC, even though it’s well-known to be there.
⏰ Recommended time: 1-2 hours 💰 Cost: Free for self-guided, $20-30 for guided tours 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning (8-10am) or sunset for best photo opportunities
📍 Location: 16 East Basin Drive SW, Washington, DC 20242
🤩 I recommend this tour: Washington DC: Monuments by Bike Tour for an active and fun way to see all the major monuments!
22. Georgetown
Admittedly, I have only been to Georgetown once, but it is totally worth a visit when in DC.
Now, be warned, this place is certainly upscale. The neighbourhood is charming and has lots of history, but you’ll be paying for it.
If you want to shop here, bring your wallet. There are lots of nice coffee shops, and of course, there’s Georgetown University, one of America’s most prestigious universities.
M Street and Wisconsin Avenue feature fashion boutiques, home goods stores, and delicious sweet treat spots like Georgetown Cupcake and Baked & Wired.
You can expect 18th-century homes covered in ivy along the traditional red brick streets.
If you have time, visit Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks. Both are famous for their historic estates, gardens, and complementary art collections.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free to explore, shops and restaurants vary 📅 Best Time To Visit: Mid-morning (10am-12pm) or late afternoon (3-5pm) for best shopping and dining
📍 Location: Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007
🤩 I recommend this Georgetown: History & Architecture 2-Hour Walking Tour to discover the neighbourhood’s fascinating past and stunning historic buildings!!
23. Arlington Old Town
I visited this place almost a dozen times and love coming back.
Arlington Old Town has old brick red buildings are beautiful, and a walk down to the waterfront is always a nice way to spend some time.
There is the most unique Starbucks I’ve been to, which looks like it was converted from an old townhouse. It was awesome.
You can explore the Tall Ship Providence – a museum on the water.
Founders Park is a nice green space, too, as is Waterfront Park. I have to give a shout-out to Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub as it’s a nice place for a drink.
There is a metro stop from DC that you can take, and you’ll be on the waterfront in about half an hour of walking.
The old town is a nice place to stroll through the streets,shop or eat dinner.
⏰ Recommended time: 2-3 hours 💰 Cost: Free to explore, food costs vary 📅 Best Time To Visit: Mid-morning (10am-12pm) or early evening (4-6pm) for the best restaurant options and shopping
📍 Location: Old Town Alexandria, VA
🤩 I recommend this Alexandria: Old Town Boutique Food Tour to discover the best local restaurants and hear fascinating historical stories!
24. George Washington’s Mount Vernon
The home of George Washington.
Visiting this place was fantastic. The countryside is beautiful and we were taken on a few tours around his house and grounds.
However, when we visited, most of the house was closed off for maintenance and construction purposes, so that was a little disappointing.
Nonetheless, we still managed to visit his tomb and explore the grounds where he lived. It was a fascinating insight into his life and one I would recommend to anybody visiting Washington DC.
The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Centre is great for learning more. I was able to dive deeper into one of America’s Founding Fathers.
He even led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.
I highly recommend eating in The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. We ate chili, which was great for such a cold morning outside on the grounds.
⏰ Recommended time: 3-4 hours 💰 Cost: $28 for adults, $14 for youth (6-11), free for children under 6 📅 Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat, especially in summer.
📍 Location: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
🤩 I recommend this DC: Mount Vernon Day Trip with River Cruise for a fantastic way to experience George Washington’s estate!
25. United States Botanic Garden
A really fun way to explore nature in Washington DC is with a visit to the United States Botanic Garden.
When I visited, I was impressed with the 44,000 plants found inside the conservatory. The fresh scents of the outdoor space, rose garden, and First Lady’s garden can be enjoyed here.
Thankfully, the United States Botanic Garden is free all year round and was established in 1820 to showcase the ecological importance of plants to human well-being and Earth’s ecosystems.
I really enjoyed visiting this place as it was a nice break away from concrete and traffic, yet inside the national capital.
Something nice to know is that there are endangered plant species inside that are being protected very well during your visit.
Don’t miss the U.S. Botanic Garden Amphitheatre to the west of the conservatory.
⏰ Recommended time: 1-2 hours 💰 Cost: Free 📅 Best Time To Visit: Morning hours on weekdays for smaller crowds.
📍 Location: 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
🤩 I recommend this DC: Visit to the United States Botanic Garden to learn about the diverse plant collections.
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We had an awful experience in Almaty (Kazakhstan) where Guada needed an emergency operation, and we were so thankful for our coverage from Safety Wing.
We had amazing support. They covered the bills as they said they would, and we had no issues with paperwork.
It was a totally positive experience and a major relief.
Make sure you get travel insurance for your trip to Washington DC below.
Your future self will thank you.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
As you can see, Washington DC has some brilliant and interesting things to do.
Whether you’re a solo traveller or a couple wanting to explore the US capital, there are endless fun and affordable activities to enjoy.
My personal favourite was the Capital Tour, George Washington’s House at Mount Vernon and of course the white house.
The city is the powerhouse of the world’s biggest economy. It is filled with the most powerful people. Thankfully, it is an easy-to-navigate city, and you can explore all the major attractions with ease.
There are some amazing places to stay, too.
Which attractions would you like to visit first? Let me know in the comments.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is There Anything Fun To Do In Washington DC?
Yes, there are plenty of fun things to do in Washington DC. You can visit the political sites, spend time at the Zoo, climb the Washington Monument, and eat at some very tasty places. The city has plenty of free places to visit, and these are some of the best things to do in Washington DC.
What To Do In DC For The First Time?
For first-time visitors, you can experience some of DC’s best attractions. These include visiting the White House, the Vietnam Memorial, several Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, and the Botanical Gardens. You could spend months in DC visiting every site, so pick a reasonable number of attractions for your visit and plan your next trip once this one is complete.
Is 3 Days Enough For Washington DC?
Yes, 3 days is enough to see many of the major attractions. Will you see everything in the city in 3 days? No, but you can certainly visit many of the brilliant things to do in Washington DC during that time. The White House, National Mall, and many memorials can be visited in 3 amazing days in the US capital.
