Things to Do in Washington
38 things to do in Washington
Washington, D.C. is a city built on history, with nearly every corner telling a story about America's past and present. Whether you're walking along the National Mall, visiting intimate neighborhood gems, or exploring the Tidal Basin, there's something meaningful around every turn.
The monumental landmarks are unmissable: the Washington Monument rises above the city's core, while memorials like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial draw millions seeking reflection. The Smithsonian museums—including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Gallery of Art—are world-class and free to enter, making them accessible to everyone. Beyond the big sites, neighborhoods like Georgetown offer tree-lined streets and independent shops, while smaller museums like the Heurich House Museum and The Museum at Dumbarton Oaks reveal the city's elegant residential side.
For nature lovers, the United States Botanic Garden and Smithsonian National Zoological Park provide peaceful escapes, and the International Spy Museum offers a lighter, more entertaining dive into American history. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth visit, Washington rewards both rushed itineraries and leisurely exploration.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
400 West Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20002, USAThomas Jefferson Memorial
16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242, USATidal Basin
Tidal Basin, Washington, DC, USAGeorgetown
Georgetown, Washington, DC, USAHirshhorn Museum
Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, USAKenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, USAFranciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
1400 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USAVietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002, USAMartin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004, USABasilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USAHeurich House Museum
1307 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, USAInternational Spy Museum
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USANational Portrait Gallery
8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USAAlbert Einstein Memorial
2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20418, USAUnited States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, USANational Museum of African American History and Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USATheodore Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island, Washington, DC, USAKorean War Veterans Memorial
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, USAThe Museum at Dumbarton Oaks
1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USAUnited States Capitol
Washington, DC 20004, USAHillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USANational Archives Museum
701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408, USASpanish Steps
1725 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008, USANational Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, USATudor Place
1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, USAWashington Monument
2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, USAUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, USAFord's Theatre
511 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USAWorld War II Memorial
1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USASmithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USASmithsonian National Museum of American History
1300 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USASmithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
650 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, USASmithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, USALibrary of Congress
101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, USAThe White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500, USALincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, USANational Mall
Washington, DC, USASupreme Court of the United States
1 First St NE, Washington, DC 20543, USA
Things to Do in Washington: FAQ
What are the must-see monuments and memorials in Washington?
The Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and World War II Memorial are the city's most iconic stops, all located on or near the National Mall. You can visit them free and at your own pace any time of day.
Are Washington's museums really free to visit?
Yes—the Smithsonian museums, including the National Gallery of Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and dozens of others, offer free admission. Some smaller museums like Ford's Theatre and the International Spy Museum charge admission.
What neighborhoods should I explore beyond the Mall?
Georgetown is the most popular, with historic architecture and shopping along its main streets. For quieter, residential charm, visit the areas around Tudor Place or Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.