What Is There To Do In Washington Dc? Discover the nation’s capital with WHAT.EDU.VN as we explore iconic landmarks, free museums, and hidden gems. Uncover the best activities and attractions in Washington DC, from historical sites to cultural experiences, ensuring an unforgettable visit. Let us help you plan your trip with valuable insights and local tips for exploring Washington DC.
1. DC Travel Planning Tips
1.1. DC Tourism Passes, Are They Worth It?
Tourism passes can save you money on attractions, especially if you plan to visit several popular sights. They can also save you time with skip-the-line access. However, many popular attractions in Washington DC, such as the Smithsonian museums, are free. With a significant portion of attractions being free, it may not be worth purchasing a tourism pass unless you plan to visit specific paid attractions. You can always seek advice on travel from WHAT.EDU.VN
1.2. How To Get Around DC
There are several ways to get around DC. But most of the attractions are walkable, which is one of the many great things about this city.
Here are your options if you need public transportation:
- Metrorail: This expansive network connects all four DC quadrants with suburban Virginia and Maryland.
- Metrobus: Metrobus operates hundreds of routes throughout DC and the surrounding area, with over 1,400 eco-friendly buses.
- Car: Driving in the city can be stressful and expensive. However, if you plan a day trip outside the city, it may be worth it.
- Ride-share: Uber and Lyft are both available in DC.
- Bike & Scooter: Unlimited Biking offers rentals from two locations in DC. Each rental comes with helmets, locks, and a map. Another option is Capital Bikeshare, which has over 350 stations across DC, Virginia, and Maryland. The first 30 minutes of each trip are free, with additional fees for each extra half hour.
- Regional Public Transit: The region, commonly referred to as the DMV, has various options to serve visitors looking to see sites outside the city.
2. Where To Stay In DC
Staying in a central location significantly helps reduce transit time. The downside is that it will likely be more expensive, but it will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Exploring The Best Of Washington DC
3.1. Government Buildings
3.1.1. Library Of Congress
The Library of Congress is a stunning building 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. According to the Library of Congress, the library holds more than 170 million items.
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Tickets: Free timed-entry tickets are required for entry to avoid overcrowding.
3.1.2. The United States Capitol
Also known as the US Capitol Building, it is the seat of the United States Congress. A visit to the Capitol requires a bit more security. You can tour the Capitol with one of their professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. You can get a separate tour pass to do so.
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: Free – Reservations are recommended but not required.
3.1.3. The White House
Even walking by the White House is worth adding to your things to do in Washington DC itinerary. Public tour requests are scheduled through your Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. If you are a citizen of a foreign country, contact your embassy in Washington, D.C. for assistance in submitting a tour request. The White House welcomes visitors from around the world.
Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: FREE – But request must be sent
3.2. Memorials And Monuments
3.2.1. Lincoln Memorial
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.2.2. Washington Monument
The Washington Monument 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. According to the National Park Service, the monument is 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches tall.
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: Tickets are required to enter, they are only $1, or you can get free, same-day tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge on 15th Street nearby. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
3.2.3. Thomas 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.
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.2.4. 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.
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.2.5. MLK Memorial
The Stone of Hope is a granite statue commemorating Civil Rights Movement leader Martin Luther King Jr. 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.”
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.2.6. Korean War Veterans 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.
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.3. Smithsonian Museums
3.3.1. National Museum Of American History
The National Museum of American History collects, preserves, and displays the United States’s heritage in social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. The museum showcases a wide array of artifacts that define American identity.
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: FREE
3.3.2. 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.
Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Tickets: FREE
3.3.3. National Air And Space Museum
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.
Duration: Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Tickets: FREE! But a timed-entry pass is required!
3.3.4. 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. It houses thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde.
Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Tickets: FREE!
3.3.5. The United States Botanic Garden
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.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Tickets: FREE!
3.4. Museums And Libraries
3.4.1. National Gallery Of Art
The National Gallery of Art 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.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Tickets: FREE! You can also take a guided tour or an audioguide tour.
3.4.2. Folger Shakespeare Library
The Folger Shakespeare Library has the world’s largest collection of William Shakespeare’s printed works. 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).
Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Tickets: FREE! However, they recommend that you reserve a pay-what-you-will timed-entry pass, with a suggested donation starting at $15.
3.5. Paid Attractions
3.5.1. International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is dedicated to the art of espionage. This museum balances the intrigue with the real-world consequences of spying. It was even engaging for children with interactive exhibits.
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: Book online in advance.
3.5.2. George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is home to one of the Founding Fathers, commander of the Continental Army, and the first president of the United States, and his wife, Martha. The estate lies on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, and is a must-visit for any history buff.
Duration: 3+ hours
Tickets: Don’t wait to book! Get tickets online in advance to secure the day and time you want!
3.5.3. Washington DC Capitol Hill Haunts Tour
Capitol Hill is reportedly one of the most haunted sites in Washington DC! On this ‘Capitol Hill Haunts’ tour, you’ll hear 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.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Tickets: Book online in advance.
4. More Things To See In Washington DC
Here are a few extra things to do in Washington DC, that you can add to your itinerary!
- Treasury Building – A National Historic Landmark building that is the headquarters of the United States Department of the Treasury.
- National Archives Museum – The original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are housed in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom here.
- 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.
- National Postal Museum — A museum dedicated to the preservation, study, and presentation of postal history and philately (the study of stamps).
5. Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Washington DC
Planning a trip to Washington DC and feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, WHAT.EDU.VN is here to help. We understand the challenges of finding quick and reliable answers to your questions, especially when you’re on a budget. Instead of spending hours searching online or worrying about costly consultations, our platform offers a free and easy way to get the information you need.
At WHAT.EDU.VN, you can ask any question and receive prompt, accurate responses from knowledgeable individuals. Our user-friendly platform connects you with a community of experts ready to share their insights and help you make the most of your visit to Washington DC.
FAQ: Exploring Washington DC
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the must-see free attractions in Washington DC? | The Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol are among the top free attractions. These iconic landmarks offer a rich cultural and historical experience without any cost. |
| How can I get around Washington DC efficiently? | Washington DC has a comprehensive public transportation system, including the Metrorail and Metrobus. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For shorter distances, consider biking or walking, especially around the National Mall. |
| Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known attractions to explore? | Explore the National Postal Museum, the Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, and the Dumbarton Oaks Museum & Garden for unique experiences. These off-the-beaten-path attractions offer a quieter and more intimate glimpse into DC’s history and culture. |
| What are the best times to visit Washington DC to avoid crowds? | The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Visiting during the weekdays and early mornings can also help you avoid the busiest times at popular attractions. |
| What are some family-friendly activities in Washington DC? | The National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park are great options for families. Many of the monuments and memorials also offer educational and engaging experiences for children. |
| How do I book tours of the White House and the U.S. Capitol? | Public tour requests for the White House are scheduled through your Member of Congress, while tours of the U.S. Capitol can be booked through the Capitol Visitor Center. It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance, as availability can be limited. |
| What are some good dining options in Washington DC? | Washington DC offers a diverse culinary scene, from food trucks and casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Explore neighborhoods like Georgetown, Penn Quarter, and Adams Morgan for a variety of dining options. Don’t miss trying local specialties like half-smokes and Ethiopian cuisine. |
| Are there any annual events or festivals in Washington DC? | Washington DC hosts numerous annual events and festivals, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in the summer, and the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in December. Check the local events calendar for specific dates and details. |
| What should I pack for a trip to Washington DC? | Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing (as the weather can be unpredictable), sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. If you plan to visit during the summer months, consider bringing an umbrella or raincoat, as thunderstorms are common. |
| Are there any safety tips I should keep in mind while visiting DC? | Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Keep your valuables secure, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. Utilize the city’s public transportation or ride-sharing services to get around safely. In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance. For non-emergency support and travel advice, WHAT.EDU.VN is always available. |
Do you have any questions about what I’ve included on this list of things to do in Washington DC? Feel free to ask on WHAT.EDU.VN, and we’ll reply as soon as possible! Visit us at 888 Question City Plaza, Seattle, WA 98101, United States or contact us via Whatsapp at +1 (206) 555-7890. Check out what.edu.vn for more information.
