Top things to do in Washington, DC
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. There is so much to see and do in Washington, DC that
you can’t see it all in just one visit. A well-rounded trip should
include exploring the National Mall
and some other activities too (see below a list of events in DC). Here are some tips to help you get
around the popular attractions and some suggestions of fun and more
relaxing things to do in the region.
Washington
Washington DC collage
1. Tour the National Monuments and Memorials
- Lincoln Memorial/ Lincoln Memorial Statue
- Jefferson Memorial
- World War II Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial/ Vietnam Veterans Statue
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- Korean War Memorial
- Iwo Jima Memorial /The Marine Corps War Memorial
- Navy Memorial
- Air Force Memorial
- Pentagon Memorial
- Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
2. Visit Smithsonian Museums
Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 15 separate museums and the National Zoo in Washington, DC.
See Mall Museums map here.
Must see:
Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 15 separate museums and the National Zoo in Washington, DC.
See Mall Museums map here.
Must see:
- Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Museum
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- United States National Arboretum
- U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Newseum
- International Spy Museum
- Don't miss: Ford's Theatre , the site of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865.
3. Tour the Three Houses of Government
Explore the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court and you will gain a fuller understanding of the division of power within our democratic government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance through your Congressional representative.
Explore the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House and the U.S. Supreme Court and you will gain a fuller understanding of the division of power within our democratic government. Plan ahead and note that some tours must be scheduled in advance through your Congressional representative.
- Visiting the White House. Public tours of the White House are limited to groups of 10 or more and must be requested through a member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis approximately one month in advance. To contact your Representative and Senators, call (202) 224-3121.
Visitors who are not US citizens should contact their embassy in DC about tours for international visitors, which are arranged through the Protocol Desk at the State Department. The tours are self-guided and run from 7:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. - Visiting the U.S. Capitol . At the east end of the National Mall stands the majestic U.S. Capitol Building, the home of our legislative branch of government. Because of increased security, the Capitol is open to the public for guided tours only. Tours are conducted from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visitors must obtain free tickets which are available online or through your Senator or Representative. The Capitol Visitor Center has a variety of interesting exhibits about the history and operations of this house of government.
- Visiting the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, our highest judicial authority, is located at One 1st St., NE between E. Capitol Street and Maryland Avenue. Court is in session Monday through Wednesday from 10 a. m. until noon, October though April. You can watch a case being argued but seating is limited. Arrive at least an hour early to wait in line. When the court is not in session you can tour the building and attend a free lecture about court proceedings and the building’s architecture.
Georgetown
4. Take a Walk Through Georgetown
Georgetown, the capital’s historic waterfront, today bustles with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Georgetown, the capital’s historic waterfront, today bustles with activity. The area is a shopper’s paradise and the streets are lined with restaurants of every nationality. Take a tour of historic sites, do some shopping and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
5. Walk, Bike, or Kayak Along the C & O Canal
The Washington DC region is lucky to have this wonderful historic park that offers a quick relief from hectic city life. Take the whole family for a walk, and learn about the historic C & O Canal, explore the region's bike trails or spend a few hours kayaking and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
The Washington DC region is lucky to have this wonderful historic park that offers a quick relief from hectic city life. Take the whole family for a walk, and learn about the historic C & O Canal, explore the region's bike trails or spend a few hours kayaking and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
J.F.Kennedy Center
6. See a Show or Concert at the Kennedy Center
Live theatrical productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are entertainment at its finest. Purchase tickets in advance for performances ranging from musicals to concerts by the National Symphony, or see a free show at the Millennium Stage.
Live theatrical productions at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts are entertainment at its finest. Purchase tickets in advance for performances ranging from musicals to concerts by the National Symphony, or see a free show at the Millennium Stage.
Wolftrap Farm Park
7. Attend a Concert at Wolftrap Farm Park
Listen to all types of music at this National Park dedicated to the performing arts. Outdoor concerts are featured in the summer, and indoor performances are held the rest of the year. The park is located in Vienna, Virginia, just 20 minutes from Washington, DC.
Listen to all types of music at this National Park dedicated to the performing arts. Outdoor concerts are featured in the summer, and indoor performances are held the rest of the year. The park is located in Vienna, Virginia, just 20 minutes from Washington, DC.
Great Falls Park
8. Take a Hike at Great Falls Park
Take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at this 800 acre park, located just 14 miles from Washington DC. Great Falls offers a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding.
Take a picnic and enjoy spectacular views of the Potomac River at this 800 acre park, located just 14 miles from Washington DC. Great Falls offers a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding.
Mount Vernon
9. Explore Mount Vernon
With the recent addition of the new museum and education center, Mount Vernon is now a full day excursion. Explore the state-of-the-art galleries and theaters, visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family, and tour the 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740s. Be sure to plan enough time to tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables. The estate is located in Northern Virginia, just minutes from Washington, DC.
With the recent addition of the new museum and education center, Mount Vernon is now a full day excursion. Explore the state-of-the-art galleries and theaters, visit the 500-acre estate of George Washington and his family, and tour the 14-room mansion that is beautifully restored and furnished with original objects dating back to the 1740s. Be sure to plan enough time to tour the outbuildings, including the kitchen, slave quarters, smokehouse, coach house and stables. The estate is located in Northern Virginia, just minutes from Washington, DC.
Old Town Alexandria
10. Take a Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria
Explore a quaint historic town just over the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The lively waterfront area has plenty of things to do. Visit colonial houses, public parks, churches, museums, a marina, unique shops, and restaurants.
Explore a quaint historic town just over the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The lively waterfront area has plenty of things to do. Visit colonial houses, public parks, churches, museums, a marina, unique shops, and restaurants.