Choose from 95 Fun Things to Do in Washington Dc
ShowingFilter 81-95 of 95 listings.
Tidal Basin
This man-made reservoir located in West Potomac Park offers some of the most extraordinary views of Washington, DC's most spectacular sites. Whether visitors wander its parameter or hire paddle boats and cruise out into its waters, they will surely be treated to a picture-perfect look at the Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, Jr. and George Mason memorials. Close proximity to the National Mall, Washington Monument and all of the top museums make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, biking and exploring in DC.
Practical Info
Tidal Basin is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. The scenic reservoir is a hot spot any time of year, but tourists from around the world find their way here each spring during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, when pink blooms take over the landscape.
Address: Washington, DC, USA
From $ 30
Theodore Roosevelt Island
This beautiful island, just a short drive from Washington DC, is both a wilderness reserve and a tribute to America’s 26th President. Situated on wooded lands in the Potomac River, the island has a rich heritage: it was once a Native American fishing village and thereafter owned by a Caribbean sea captain and an aristocratic family, and then occupied by Union troops in the Civil War. Today it has returned mostly to its natural state, a grove of thick trees and grassy hillsides.
At its center, a tall, bronze statue of Theodore Roosevelt stands in tribute to the man whose leadership shaped the many national parks, wilderness refuges, and public lands of the United States. His philosophies on youth and nature are immortalized by engraved quotations at the memorial site. Once you’ve paid tribute at the former president’s statue, be sure to immerse yourself in the surrounding nature on one of the many walking trails.
Practical Info
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located between Arlington Memorial Bridge and Key Bridge on the Potomac River. Get there by car from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Designated parking is available. From the lot, take the footbridge across to access the island. Or, take the metro; it’s a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. The island is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm. Admission is free.
Address: George Washington Pkwy, Arlington, Virginia, USA
From $ 45
Renwick Gallery
Part of the Smithsonian, this intimate museum is dedicated to crafts and decorative art created in America from the 19th to 21st centuries. Originally built in 1859 to house D.C.'s first art museum, the Corcoran Gallery - which soon outgrew these digs and moved down the street - this ornate Second Empire building had become a moldering, almost-lost cause by the mid-1960s, when it was saved from demolition by President Lyndon Johnson and declared a National Historic Landmark.
In 1972, the museum was spruced up, re-named for its famous architect, James Renwick (designer of the nearby Smithsonian Castle), and re-opened as the home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's craft collection. The Renwick has since become renowned for its rotating exhibits of inventive, detailed and even whimsical works of American art.
Docent-led tours of the Renwick's highlights meet at the Information Desk in the lobby, offered
Monday - Friday at 12 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday at 1 p.m. Scavenger hunt materials for children are also available free of charge at the Information Desk. Set across the street from the Old Executive Office Building and the White House, the Renwick attracts a great deal of foot traffic; it's advisable to arrive early or late in order to have the most elbow room.
In 1972, the museum was spruced up, re-named for its famous architect, James Renwick (designer of the nearby Smithsonian Castle), and re-opened as the home of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's craft collection. The Renwick has since become renowned for its rotating exhibits of inventive, detailed and even whimsical works of American art.
Docent-led tours of the Renwick's highlights meet at the Information Desk in the lobby, offered
Monday - Friday at 12 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday at 1 p.m. Scavenger hunt materials for children are also available free of charge at the Information Desk. Set across the street from the Old Executive Office Building and the White House, the Renwick attracts a great deal of foot traffic; it's advisable to arrive early or late in order to have the most elbow room.
Practical Information
The Renwick is near several public garages, and limited, two-hour street parking is available throughout the area. It's also close to two Metrorail stations: Farragut North (serving the Red Line) and Farragut West (serving the Orange and Blue Lines).
Address: 1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20006, USA
Hours: Open 10am - 5:30pm Daily. Closed December 25th.
From $ 90
Old Stone House
Widely recognized as the oldest building in Washington, D.C., the historic Old Stone House was built in 1765 and has remained relatively unchanged since its construction. Today, a knowledgeable park ranger meets visitors as they enter the building and shares the colorful history of the capital city's oldest structure. Travelers can take an informal tour through Old Stone House and explore the kitchen, bedrooms and parlor, which are decked out in traditional 18th century style. This unique attraction offers a peek into the daily life of early Americans that's unlike anywhere else. The Colonial Revival Garden, located behind the house, is a popular destination for weddings, afternoon picnics, and quiet escapes from city chaos.
Practical Info
The Old Stone House is located at 3051 M Street in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is open daily from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Address: 3051 M Street, Washington DC, Washington 20007, USA
Hours: Daily 11AM-6PM
From $ 40
Shriver House Museum
In 1860, the Civil War came to Gettysburg, Penn., changing the lives of the town's citizens forever. The stories of the townspeople are told at the Shriver House Museum, a restored home occupied by the Shriver family during the Battle of Gettysburg. George and Hattie Shriver, along with their daughters Sadie and Mollie, lived in a house that provided the Confederate Army a clear view of the Union forces. The house was occupied throughout the battle, and today, the home has been restored to its original condition and is open to the public as a museum.
Stepping into the Shriver House Museum is akin to stepping back into 19th-century America. Actors in era-specific garb represent the townspeople of the time, and tours offer insight into how the Shriver family lived. The site is filled with artifacts of the family and other citizens in Gettysburg. Some of the most interesting findings have included Civil War medical supplies, ammunition and children's toys and clothes—thought to have belonged to the Shriver children. The museum offers a fascinating perspective into the civilian aspect of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Practical Info
The Shriver House Museum is located in its original location, at 309 Baltimore Avenue in Gettysburg, Penn. The museum's hours vary by season, and its entrance fees and shop sales go toward continuing its restoration. Admission for adults is $8.95, and there is a $2 discount for children ages 7-12.
Address: 309 Baltimore Avenue, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325, USA
Hours: Vary by Season
Admission: Adult $8.95; Child $6.95
From $ 150
The Smithsonian
With 19 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoological Park, it's no surprise the Smithsonian Institution is one of the most famous collections of museums in the United States and around the globe. Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or an art enthusiast, you'll definitely want to spend at least a few hours—or maybe even a few days—in these world-renowned collections.
The Basics
When to Get There
The museums are open year round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.
What to See at the Smithsonian
The Basics
Since 10 of the Smithsonian museums are located on the National Mall, you'll see them on most Segway, bus, bike, and walking tours of Washington, DC, some of which include free time to enter the museums of your choosing. Many visitors get their bearings on a guided city tour and then head back to the Smithsonian Castle, home to the Smithsonian Visitors Center, to pick up free guides and maps before heading to a museum. Great news: all of the museums are free, though be aware you'll need a timed entry pass for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (bookable online and offered with some tours; a small number of same-day walk-up passes are also available on weekdays).
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Smithsonian
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in convenient downtown DC locations.
- Cameras are allowed, but leave the selfie sticks and tripods at home, as they're prohibited.
- Avoid bringing large bags and packages, as they'll be subject to a lengthy search process. Lockers are available for small items at some museums.
- All museums are wheelchair accessible.
- You can grab a cup of coffee at the Smithsonian Visitor Center cafe.
- To avoid crowds when exploring a museum, start on the top floor and move toward the ground floor, rather than starting at the first level.
All of the museums are easily accessible via public transportation, with most on the National Mall and a few others in convenient downtown DC locations.
When to Get There
The museums are open year round, and each has its own hours. You can expect to have company no matter the season, though the busiest times tend to be weekends, holidays, and during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. To avoid the biggest crowds, start your visit early in the morning on weekends or later in the day on weekdays.
What to See at the Smithsonian
It's impossible to see everything, so do a little research before you go to decide which site is at the top of your list. Is it the Hope Diamond at the National Museum of Natural History? The flight simulators at the National Air and Space Museum? The rare giant pandas at the National Zoo? Or perhaps you have to see the collections at the National Portrait Gallery, the Freer Gallery of Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, the National Museum of American History, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, or the Renwick Gallery. Each has something special, so choose what's most appealing to you.
Address: 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington D.C. 20013, USA
Hours: 10am - 5:30pm daily. Closed Dec 25
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Treasury Building
As seen on the back of the United States’ ten dollar bill, the Treasury Building is a National Historic Landmark and home of the United States Department of the Treasury. Its construction began in 1836, designed by the same architect who planned the Washington Monument. With five stories of height, the structure is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Statues of significant historic figures — including Alexander Hamilton, who was the first Secretary of the Treasury — surround the exterior.
The East Colonnade features 30 columns carved from the same single piece of granite, standing at 36 feet tall. Additions were then made to the original wings, and after 33 years of construction was completed. Upon its opening it became one of the largest office buildings in the world. The Treasury Building is one of the United States’ oldest monuments and is said to have influenced the style of the monuments that came after it.
Practical Info
The Treasury Building can be found at Fifteenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., not far from The White House. It is open for guided tours on Saturdays, but reservations must be made well in advance.
Address: Fifteenth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC, USA
From $ 49
National Museum of Women in the Arts
The nation's only museum dedicated to female artists, since 1981 the NMWA has featured a permanent collection of 4,500 artworks made by more than 1,000 different women. Spanning the 16th century to today, this collection includes pieces by painters Berthe Morisot and Grandma Moses, photographer Nan Goldin, and sculptor Louise Bourgeois. The museum also hosts several rotating exhibits throughout the year, highlighting exciting, whimsical, controversial and/or thought-provoking female-made work in every medium.
Housed in an elegant Renaissance Revival building, NMWA has a performance space for lectures, a library full of resources on women in the arts, and the on-site Mezzanine Cafe, serving Mediterranean-style salads and sandwiches in a marble-paved atrium surrounded by art. The Cafe is open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and in addition to weekday and Saturday lunches, offers brunch on the first Sunday of every month ($25 per person).
Housed in an elegant Renaissance Revival building, NMWA has a performance space for lectures, a library full of resources on women in the arts, and the on-site Mezzanine Cafe, serving Mediterranean-style salads and sandwiches in a marble-paved atrium surrounded by art. The Cafe is open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., and in addition to weekday and Saturday lunches, offers brunch on the first Sunday of every month ($25 per person).
Practical Information
The museum has no dedicated parking, but there are four parking lots nearby and limited street spaces available; the Metrorail's Metro Center station, serving the Red, Blue and Orange Lines, is two blocks from the museum.
Address: 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington DC 20005, USA
Admission: Adults: $10, Students $8. Ages 18 and Younger: Free
From $ 90
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is a public park located directly across from the White House and flanked by famous edifices including the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Department of the Treasury, and Decatur House. The well-manicured park hosts an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, top White House views, and wide, brick walking paths.
The Basics
Originally part of the White House grounds, 7-acre (2.8-hectare) Lafayette Square has a storied past. It has been used as a graveyard, a racetrack, and a zoo, and is often the sight of political protests and demonstrations. Today it's an ideal place for people-watching and for up-close views of the White House.
Because of its historical significance and central location, a variety of Washington DC tours include Lafayette Square, with guides shedding light on different aspects of the park's history. Hop-on hop-off tours stop here as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lafayette Square is a lovely park for all visitors to DC, especially those seeking great views of the White House.
- The park is free to enter.
- Lafayette Square is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Lafayette Square is located directly across from the White House at Pennsylvania Avenue and 16th Street NW. It is easily accessible from the National Mall and all of DC by bus, Metrorail, or foot. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the area is very restricted.
When to Get There
Lafayette Square is open year-round. The best times to visit DC are spring and fall, when temperatures are generally mild. Tourists descend on the nation's capital in the summer and crowds can be overwhelming. Washington DC can experience extreme temperatures in the summer and winter; check the forecast and dress accordingly.
Off the Record
For an authentically Washington DC experience, find your way to Off the Record, a hidden bar in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel just off of Lafayette Square. Known as a local watering hole for politicos, keep your eyes peeled for politicians, journalists, and everyone in between. The low-lit, subterranean cocktail bar feels swanky with red leather sofas, mahogany tables, and walls full of juicy Washington secrets.
Address: Washington DC, USA
From $ 20
Ulysses S. Grant Memorial
Dedicated in 1922, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial is one of the most famous—and most visited—Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C. The towering bronze statue of this famous general atop his stoic horse is an iconic landmark in a city that’s full of memorials that pay homage to America’s far-reaching past. Travelers will note his look of calm amid the storm of war, a nod to his well-known even disposition—even under fire.
Four smaller pedestals topped with bronze lions surround the towering Ulysses S. Grant, and helped to make it the largest bronze statue in America cast during its time. Travelers say it’s among the grandest memorials in the city and its close proximity to the Capitol and the Botanical Gardens makes it an easy addition to an afternoon exploring D.C.
Practical Info
The memorial is located in Union Square, west of the U.S. Capitol Building, by the Capitol Reflecting Pool. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 2 until 5 p.m.
Address: Union Square, Washington, DC, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m.
From $ 49
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Overlooking the Potomac River at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, this statue of Marines raising the American flag on Japanese soil after the Battle of Iwo Jima is dedicated to the military service of U.S. Marines since 1775. Sculpted by American artist Felix de Weldon, the 32-foot soldiers and 60-foot flagpole comprise the largest bronze memorial in the world, while the Stars and Stripes here are made of real cloth. In accordance with a 1961 proclamation made by President John F. Kennedy, the statue’s flag flies 24 hours a day.
The scene depicted by this memorial is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph called Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, taken by D.C. native Joe Rosenthal in 1945. Five of the six soldiers in the scene were Marines (one was part of the Navy Corps), and three died in this famous last battle of World War II.
At the memorial site, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps presents the Marine Sunset Review Parade on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., generally the first Tuesday in June through mid-August. Wearing red-and-white dress uniforms, the corps perform a variety of military standards and vintage tunes from wartime eras.
The scene depicted by this memorial is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph called Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, taken by D.C. native Joe Rosenthal in 1945. Five of the six soldiers in the scene were Marines (one was part of the Navy Corps), and three died in this famous last battle of World War II.
At the memorial site, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps presents the Marine Sunset Review Parade on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m., generally the first Tuesday in June through mid-August. Wearing red-and-white dress uniforms, the corps perform a variety of military standards and vintage tunes from wartime eras.
Practical Info
Public off-site parking is available just outside Arlington National
Cemetery, and free shuttle service is provided. Or, the Memorial is
about a 10-minute walk from the Metrorail’s stations for Rosslyn
(serving the Orange and Blue Lines) and Arlington National Cemetery
(serving the Blue Line). On parade evenings, only limited street parking
is available, and taking the subway is highly recommended.
Address: 1400 N Meade St, Washington DC 22209, USA
From $ 14
Nationals Park
Home to the local baseball team, the Washington Nationals (and its bald eagle mascot, Screech), this LEED-certified stadium can seat over 41,ooo fans. The Nationals, formed by the transfer of the Montreal Expos in 2005, is D.C.'s first baseball team since the Washington Senators folded in 1971. The East Division team played its first three seasons in D.C.'s RFK Stadium before moving into its own dedicated stadium in 2008.
Set in the formerly scruffy Navy Yard neighborhood by the Anacostia River, Nationals Park jumpstarted urban renewal and a thriving commercial district full of independently-owned shops, bars, and cafes; as a nod to its more historic and maritime Navy Yard surroundings, a submarine horn blares after every Nationals home run and win. The Park itself features views of the U.S. Capitol Building, National Cathedral and Washington Monument from its upper deck, and in addition to concessions by local eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, the Red Porch sit-down restaurant offers full meals with a view of the field.
Set in the formerly scruffy Navy Yard neighborhood by the Anacostia River, Nationals Park jumpstarted urban renewal and a thriving commercial district full of independently-owned shops, bars, and cafes; as a nod to its more historic and maritime Navy Yard surroundings, a submarine horn blares after every Nationals home run and win. The Park itself features views of the U.S. Capitol Building, National Cathedral and Washington Monument from its upper deck, and in addition to concessions by local eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, the Red Porch sit-down restaurant offers full meals with a view of the field.
Practical Information
There are 14 Park-sanctioned parking lots nearby, but parking can still be limited on game days. The stadium is set one block from the Metrorail's Navy Yard "“Ballpark station, serving the Green Line.
Address: 1500 South Capitol St SE, Washington DC 20003, USA
From $ 59
U.S. Air Force Memorial
Officially dedicated on Oct. 14, 2006, by President George W. Bush, himself a former pilot with the Texas National Guard, the U.S. Air Force Memorial is one of the newest memorials in the Washington area.
Built to honor the men and women who serve and sacrifice for the U.S. Air Force, architect James Ingo Freed designed the formidable three-spire monument to depict the contrails of three Air Force Thunderbirds, flying in the missing-man formation traditionally reserved for Air Force Funerals.
Two granite inscription walls are located at opposite ends of the monument’s central lawn. The Air Force’s three key values ("integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do") and other meaningful quotes are engraved on the south wall, while the north wall lists the Air Force’s Medal of Honor recipients.
More than 30,000 people attended President Bush’s keynote address, and it has been an equally popular venue ever since. More than 200,000 people visit the monument annually, and it also hosts roughly 200 special events each year, ranging from commemorative ceremonies to weddings. The United States Air Force Band plays free concerts on Wednesday and Friday evenings throughout the summer.
Practical Info
The U.S. Air Force Memorial is located in Arlington, Virginia, on the grounds of Fort Myer. It’s just a few minutes' walk to other nearby attractions, including the Pentagon and the Arlington National Cemetery.
Address: One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, Virginia, USA
Hours: Open daily except Christmas Day.
April 1 - Sept. 30: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Oct. 1 - March 31: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
From $ 45
Union Station
First opened in 1907, the D.C. area's largest train station is the headquarters for Amtrak, the busiest station on the Metrorail's Red Line, and a shopping and dining destination. Set just five blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building, this sprawling warren of specialty boutiques, food courts and elegant restaurants beneath soaring, gilded ceilings and Grecian arches makes for an easy stop amidst sightseeing in Federal Triangle, on Capitol Hill, and in Chinatown and Penn Quarter.
Union Station reached its peak in popularity during and immediately following World War II, but after a failed attempt to turn it into a popular National Visitors Center in the 1970s, it was refurbished and re-launched in its present form in 1988. Since then, the train station has been used by an average of 1o,000 Amtrak travelers per year, headed to and from destinations all over the country.
A variety of city tours depart from the Main Hall at the station's street level, including Old Town Trolley Tours and Open Top Sightseeing, but guided tours of Union Station itself are not offered. To get a different view of the station, visit the popular outdoor market held here each April through October, Monday "“ Saturday from 7 a.m. "“ 7 p.m.
Located on the Metrorail Red Line, there is also a large public parking lot on the premises of Union Station; with validation, up to two hours' parking costs $1.
Union Station reached its peak in popularity during and immediately following World War II, but after a failed attempt to turn it into a popular National Visitors Center in the 1970s, it was refurbished and re-launched in its present form in 1988. Since then, the train station has been used by an average of 1o,000 Amtrak travelers per year, headed to and from destinations all over the country.
A variety of city tours depart from the Main Hall at the station's street level, including Old Town Trolley Tours and Open Top Sightseeing, but guided tours of Union Station itself are not offered. To get a different view of the station, visit the popular outdoor market held here each April through October, Monday "“ Saturday from 7 a.m. "“ 7 p.m.
Located on the Metrorail Red Line, there is also a large public parking lot on the premises of Union Station; with validation, up to two hours' parking costs $1.
Address: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC, USA
From $ 44
U Street Corridor
Walking distance from both Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle, this condensed, stylish center of black culture and boutique shopping was formerly one of D.C.’s sketchiest neighborhoods. Its Victorian homes echo its post-Civil War origins as a bedroom community for newly-migrated Southern blacks, and a few preserved Art Deco club and theater facades belie its history as a Harlem-owned “Black Broadway,” but for decades after being the epicenter of D.C.’s violent 1968 riots (sparked by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), this area was sadly known best for drug trafficking.
However, the U Street area was almost wholly revitalized during the real estate boom of the 1990s. Still a bit gritty in the evenings (when music clubs like Black Cat and the 9:30 Club draw hip, young crowds), milder daytime attractions here include the famed Ben’s Chili Bowl (where longtime fan Bill Cosby offers the on-hold accompaniment for to-go orders), the funky, literary-themed café scene at Busboys and Poets, and the African-American Civil War Memorial and Museum. The independent shops here offer some of the city’s most unusual and artistic finds, from jewelry to clothing and housewares.
However, the U Street area was almost wholly revitalized during the real estate boom of the 1990s. Still a bit gritty in the evenings (when music clubs like Black Cat and the 9:30 Club draw hip, young crowds), milder daytime attractions here include the famed Ben’s Chili Bowl (where longtime fan Bill Cosby offers the on-hold accompaniment for to-go orders), the funky, literary-themed café scene at Busboys and Poets, and the African-American Civil War Memorial and Museum. The independent shops here offer some of the city’s most unusual and artistic finds, from jewelry to clothing and housewares.
Practical Info
The closest Metrorail station is U Street (at 13th Street), serving the Yellow and Green Lines.
Address: Washington DC, USA
From $ 73