Washington, DC, formally the District of Columbia and also known as D.C. or just Washington, is the Nation’s Capital.
It is located on the Potomac River bordering Maryland and Virginia, and has a population of over 700,000 people.
The city has a long history dating back to the founding of the United States, and it has been home to some of the country’s most important political figures and events.
Today, Washington DC is a thriving metropolis with some interesting attractions, world class museums and the best historical sights which attract people from all over the world.
There are also some great fresh air outdoor spaces such as West Potomac Park, Rock Creek Park and Meridian Hill Park.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the scenery or an exciting city to explore, Washington DC has something for everyone.
Things To Do In Washington DC
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s most prestigious museums.
The National Museum contains more than 145 million specimens and objects, making it one of the largest museums in the world.
The museum’s collections are divided into ten different departments, each of which has its own area of focus.
It is home to some of the most famous exhibits in natural history, including the Hope Diamond and the dinosaurs.
The National Museum also contains the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils.
The museum’s dinosaurs include the Tyrannosaurus rex, the Velociraptor, and the Triceratops.
The museum also has a world-renowned research department that is responsible for many important discoveries in the field of natural history and the natural world.
This excellent museum is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and is part of the Smithsonian Museums Institution.
The museum is free to enter, and it receives more than seven million visitors each year.
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20560
2. National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum that tells the story of African Americans in the United States.
The African American History museum is located in Washington, DC on the National Mall and is operated by the Smithsonian Institution.
The museum was established in December 2003 by an act of Congress. The museum’s mission is to “collect, document, and preserve the heritage of African Americans in the United States.”
The museum is home to many important artifacts.
These include a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the United States; a slave cabin from a plantation in South Carolina and a dress worn by Rosa Parks, an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement.
These items tell the story of African American history and culture, from slavery to the present day.
Visitors to the museum can see exhibits on topics such as Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement, and African American entrepreneurs.
The museum also has a theater, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
3. Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a monument in Washington DC that honours Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
It is located at the western end of the National Mall and is two miles walking distance from the U.S. Capitol building.
The monument was built to commemorate Lincoln’s life and legacy and was designed by architect Henry Bacon.
It is one of the most visited monuments in the United States, receiving more than six million visitors each year.
The Lincoln Memorial is made of white marble and is surrounded by a reflecting pool.
Inside the monument, there is a statue of Abraham Lincoln that is 19 feet tall.
There are also two large murals on the walls of the memorial that depict scenes from Lincoln’s life.
The monument has been the site of many important events in American history, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Lincoln Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, and it is free to enter.
Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037
4. United States Capitol Building
The United States Capitol building is the meeting place of the United States Congress, the legislature of the federal government of the United States.
The Capitol building is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
The Capitol was designed by architect William Thornton and built between 1793 and 1811.
It is home to the Senate and the House of Representatives, the two chambers of Congress.
The Capitol is a symbol of the United States and its democracy and is often called “the most beautiful building in America.”
The Capitol Building is open to the public for walking tours. Visitors can see the Senate and House chambers, as well as the office of the Vice President of the United States.
The Capitol Visitor Center is located underground and offers exhibits on the history of the Capitol and Congress.
Address: East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004
5. White House
The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, DC, and has been the home of every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800.
The mansion is made of white-painted brick, and it has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels.
The White House is a National Historic Landmark in the nation’s capital and is open to the public for tours.
Visitors can see the Executive Residence, as well as the East Wing, West Wing, and grounds of the White House.
The White House visitor center also offers a virtual tour that visitors can take online.
Address: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500
6. Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, DC, that honours George Washington, the first president of the United States.
The monument was built between 1848 and 1884 and is located near the west part of the National Mall.
It is the world’s tallest stone structure and the second-tallest monument in the United States.
The Washington Monument is made of marble, granite, and bluestone gneiss and is 555 feet 5 inches tall and has 897 steps that visitors can climb to the top.
From the top of the Washington Monument, there are views of the city of Washington, DC.
The Washington Monument is open to the public for tours.
Tickets are required and can be obtained online or at the ticket office on site.
Address: The Washington Monument, 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024
7. National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the United States’ most prominent art galleries.
It is located on the National Mall in Washington DC and one of Washington’s free museums.
The museum was established in 1937, and its collections include art exhibitions from the Renaissance to the present day.
The Gallery’s collection of paintings includes works by such masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh.
In addition to paintings, the Gallery of Art also houses a large collection of sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, and other media.
The Gallery is a popular tourist destination in Washington DC and receives over six million visitors each year.
Visitors can take advantage of the Gallery’s many educational programs, which include tours, lectures, and films.
The Gallery also offers a variety of public events, such as concerts and film screenings.
One of the best things to do in Washington DC for art lovers.
Address: 6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565
8. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a museum and memorial in Washington, DC that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust.
The Museum is located on the National Mall, just south of Independence Avenue.
The Museum was established in 1993, and its collections include artifacts, documents, photos, films, and oral histories.
It is a Museum dedicated to educating visitors about the Holocaust and its lessons for today.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington DC with over two million visitors each year.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Museum’s exhibitions, or participate in one of the many educational programs offered by the Museum.
The Museum also offers a variety of public events, such as concerts, film screenings, and lectures.
Address: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024
9. National Zoo
Always free of charge and open 364 days a year, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, DC.’s Rock Creek Park.
The Zoo was founded in 1889 and is home to over 2,700 animals of 400 different species.
The National Zoo is a popular tourist destination, with over two million visitors each year.
Visitors can see animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, gorillas, and pandas.
The National Zoo also offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults. These programs include tours, lectures, and workshops.
Admission to the zoo is free, although there are fees for some of the special exhibits and events.
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
10. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is a national cemetery located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC.
The Cemetery was established in 1864 and is the final resting place for over 400,000 members of the American military.
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington DC with over four million visitors each year.
Visitors can take a walking tour of the cemetery, or participate in one of the many public events held at the cemetery throughout the year.
These events include Memorial Day ceremonies, wreath-laying ceremonies, and concerts.
Arlington National Cemetery is open every day of the year, and there is no charge for admission.
Address: Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Dr, Arlington, VA 22211
11. Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre is a theatre located in Washington, DC that was the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
The theatre was built in 1863 and is now a National Historic Site.
Ford’s theatre hosts a variety of live performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
The theatre is also home to the Ford’s Museum, which tells the story of Lincoln’s assassination and its aftermath.
Ford’s Theatre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington D.C., with over half a million visitors each year.
Visitors can purchase tickets for performances or take a tour of the theatre and museum.
There is no charge for admission to the museum, but there is a fee for tours of the theatre.
Address: 511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
12. National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum has two venues, one on the National Mall in downtown close to the US Capitol, and another hangar-like structure about 30 minutes away in Chantilly, near Dulles Airport.
The Museum was established in 1976 and its collections include aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and satellites.
The National Air and Space Museum commemorates the history of aviation and spaceflight and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington DC.
Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the Museum’s exhibitions, or participate in one of the many educational programs offered by the Museum.
The Museum also offers a variety of public events, such as concerts, film screenings, and lectures.
Address: The National Air and Space Museum, 6th St & Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
13. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is a museum located in Washington, DC that houses portraits of notable Americans.
The Gallery was established in 1962 and its collections include paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs.
The National Portrait Gallery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington DC with over two million visitors each year.
Visitors can take a self guided tour of the Gallery’s exhibitions, or participate in one of the many public programs offered by the Gallery.
These programs include tours, lectures, and workshops.
Admission to the National Portrait Gallery is free.
Address: 8th St & F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
14. Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral is a cathedral located in Washington, DC that is the seat of the Episcopal Church in the United States.
The Cathedral was established in 1893 and its architecture is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
The Washington National Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington D.C., with over half a million visitors each year.
The Cathedral’s attractions include its stained glass windows, which depict an array of themes and events ranging from nature to space exploration and the American Civil War.
Visitors can take a tour of the Cathedral, or participate in one of the many public events held at the Cathedral throughout the year.
These events include concerts, worship services, and educational programs.
Admission to the National Cathedral is free, but there is a fee for tours.
Address: Wisconsin Ave NW & Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
15. United States Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden is a botanic garden located in Washington, DC that is overseen by the Department of Agriculture.
The Garden was established in 1820 and its collections include a wide variety of plants from all over the world.
Visitors can take a self guided tour of the Garden’s grounds and greenhouses, or participate in one of the many public programs offered by the Garden.
These programs include tours, lectures, and workshops.
Admission to the United States Botanic Garden is free.
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
16. International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is a museum which documents the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage.
It is located a short walk between the National Mall and The Wharf.
It holds the largest collection of international espionage artefacts on public display.
Visitors can learn about important spies and espionage operations throughout history.
Tickets can be purchased online, but guests purchasing tickets onsite may experience a wait to enter the exhibition.
There is also a gift shop that is full of exciting, spy-related items.
Address: International Spy Museum, 700 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024
17. National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum in Washington DC, is home to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
It is located north of the National Mall at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, Washington, DC.
The museum is open daily and timed entry tickets are not required, but are recommended to avoid long wait times to enter the building.
One of the best things to do in Washington DC for history buffs.
Address: National Archives Museum, 700 Pennsylvania Avenue
18. National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is located in the northeast section of Washington, DC approximately ten minutes from the Capitol Building.
If you are looking to escape into nature in the city then there is no better place than the United States National Arboretum.
The destination is famed for its collection of amazing and beautiful flora and fauna.
The grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except for Christmas Day.
Address: National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
FAQ
How many days are needed when visiting Washington DC?
To see the many attractions and museums you’d need to come to Washington DC for a whole week or more.
But ideally you need at least 3 days in Washington DC.
There is enough here to fill up your days with attractions, museums, tours, as well as great food, music, and art.
Are cherry blossoms in Washington DC?
The cherry blossoms are the stars of springtime in Washington, DC.
On average, DC’s cherry blossoms bloom around the last week of March into the first week of April.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a spring celebration in Washington DC commemorating the 1912, gift of Japanese Cherry Trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City to the city of Washington, DC.
How many Smithsonian museums are there in Washington DC?
Collectively called the Smithsonian Institution, the world-renowned museum and research complex consists of 17 Smithsonian museums and galleries in Washington, DC.
Including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum, and the National Museum of the American Indian.
Where is the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC?
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located in Washington, DC West Potomac Park, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
What is the George Washington Memorial Parkway?
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a carefully planned scenic route to the nation’s capital.
From the north it curves alongside the Potomac Gorge, highlighting its steep cliffs and rich woods.
From the south it is a broad avenue punctuated with monuments to American history.
Overlooks and picnic areas dot its length, providing places to rest and admire the land it passes through.
Where is the Jefferson Memorial in Washington DC?
The Jefferson Memorial is located on the National Mall and dedicated to the third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence.
The Jefferson Memorial iwas built between 1939 and 1943 under the sponsorship of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
There is also a Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial that is located in West Potomac Park between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson memorial.
What is Washington DC best known for?
In addition to being the center of the U.S. government, Washington, D.C. is known for it’s American history.
The city limits include many historic national monuments and famous museums like the Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives.
What is the significance of U Street Corridor in Washington DC?
Dating back to the 1870s, the U Street Corridor was the center of African American culture, business, civic and religious life in a then-segregated Washington, DC.
U Street had the largest urban African American community in the nation until Harlem surpassed it in 1920, according to Cultural Tourism D.C.
Does Washington Dc have street art?
Since the end of the 1960s, Washington DC has been home to a vibrant street art scene.
With many individual artists and organizations regularly covering city walls with colourful creations
