Washington DC is full of amazing activities and attractions that you don’t want to miss! From historical sites to incredible restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out this list of things to do in DC for a great time in the nation’s capital.
The National Mall and Memorial Parks is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Washington D.C. Often referred to as “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall is home to many of the country’s most iconic memorials and monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, which tell the story of the people and events that have shaped the nation.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington D.C, the National Mall and Memorial Parks is also home to several Smithsonian museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Visitors can take a stroll through the park, take in the beautiful views, and learn about the history of the United States.
Each year, millions of people come to the National Mall and Memorial Parks to recreate, commemorate presidential legacies, honor our veterans, and make their voices heard. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been coming for years, the National Mall and Memorial Parks is a must-see destination that offers something for everyone.
Phone Number: (202) 426-6841
Address: Park in Washington, D.C
The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance and value of plants for the well-being of humans and earth’s ecosystems. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1820, it is the oldest continuously operating botanic garden in the United States, and since 1934 it has been administered by the Architect of the Capitol. The USBG is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the American Alliance of Museums, Botanic Garden Conservation International, the Center for Plant Conservation, the U.S. Green Building Council, the Professional Grounds Management Society, and the American Horticultural Society.
The USBG is steeped in history, with a mission to educate visitors about the importance of plants and promote botanical knowledge through the cultivation of an ordered collection of plants, presentation of displays, exhibits, and educational programs to the Congress and the public, and fostering sustainability and plant conservation. The USBG has committed itself to sustainability, educating the public about ways to live by supporting the interconnected web of life that is the environment, and in particular, by nurturing the plants that support life on our planet.
Visitors can explore the USBG’s beautiful gardens and exhibits, and learn about the role of plants in the future development of the nation. With the continued support of the U.S. Congress, the USBG is committed to serving the American people and promoting understanding of the importance of plants to the well-being of citizens, the nation, and the world.
Phone Number: (202) 225-8333
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001
The National Gallery of Art is a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Washington D.C. Founded as a gift to the nation, the National Gallery of Art serves as a center of visual art, education, and culture. The collection of more than 150,000 paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and drawings spans the history of Western art and showcases some of the triumphs of human creativity.
The National Gallery of Art offers a full spectrum of special exhibitions and public programs free of charge, across 363 days a year. Visitors can discover the remarkable stories of inventive works by Thornton Dial, James “Son Ford” Thomas, Lonnie Holley, Mary T. Smith, Purvis Young, and many others. The gallery also frequently displays new acquisitions, often in conversation with a moving work of American sculpture.
Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking to expand your knowledge and appreciation of art, the National Gallery of Art is the perfect destination. With its vast collection, special exhibitions, and public programs, the National Gallery of Art offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art and culture.
Phone Number: (202) 737-4215
Address: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565
The National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in learning about the founding of the United States. The museum is home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, three of the most important documents in American history. These founding documents, along with the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, the Public Vaults, and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery, are on display for visitors to explore and learn more about the history of the United States and the rights of its citizens.
The Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery, the Public Vaults, and the David M. Rubenstein Gallery offer visitors a unique and interactive experience, allowing them to explore the history of the United States in a hands-on way. The Public Vaults feature a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most iconic documents in American history, while the David M. Rubenstein Gallery focuses on the Records of Rights, showcasing the evolution of rights and freedoms in the United States.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history of the United States and to learn more about the country’s founding documents and the rights of its citizens. The National Archives Museum is a unique and educational experience that allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the United States and its history.
Phone Number: (202) 357-5000
Address: 701 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20408
The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum offers visitors the chance to explore the world’s premier collection of air and space artifacts, stories, and expertise. With two locations to choose from, the Museum presents programs, educational activities, lectures, and performances that reflect the American spirit, and the innovation, courage, and optimism that have led to triumphs in the history, science and technology of flight.
At the Museum in Washington, DC, which opened in 1976, visitors can see some of the most awe-inspiring icons of flight on display. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, located near Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, is a massive structure with open, hangar-like settings that accommodate large aircraft and spacecraft, as well as entire collections of aviation and space artifacts. The Museum commemorates the past and is committed to educating and inspiring people to foster appreciation for the importance of flight to humanity. With more than eight million visitors a year, it is the most visited museum in the country and a must-see destination for anyone interested in aviation and space exploration.
Phone Number: (202) 633-2214
Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with an unparalleled collection of over 167 million items that spans centuries, cultures, and formats. It serves as both the research arm of the U.S. Congress and a national library for the American people. The Library acquires materials for its collections through legal deposit, purchase, exchange, and donation, and it is committed to cooperative cataloging to benefit the worldwide library community.
Visitors to the Library can take a tour of the historic Thomas Jefferson Building, attend a lecture or concert, or explore the numerous exhibitions on display. The Library also offers a variety of research services, including access to its digital collections and the assistance of knowledgeable librarians and subject specialists. For researchers, the Library provides access to its reading rooms in Washington, D.C. where they can use the vast collections of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, films, and recorded sound. The Library also provides access and download controlled vocabularies and authorities, which are useful for describing and indexing information resources. The Library of Congress is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and research.
Phone Number: (202) 707-5000
Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural world and our place in it. The museum’s mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. Visitors can explore the vast collections of specimens and artifacts that tell the history of the planet and are a record of human interaction with the environment and one another.
The museum’s collections hold the key to Earth’s future and serve as a guidebook to how the future can look and work. The boundless curiosity of our researchers, the breadth and depth of our scientific collections, and our ability to inspire future generations of scientists, we have a vital role to play in shaping a sustainable world. The museum’s scientists conduct research in laboratories and at sites around the globe, and their work underpins our understanding of critical issues of our time, from conservation to public health, climate change to food security.
The museum’s exhibits, educational programs, and staff and volunteers share their collections and the knowledge drawn from them with millions of visitors every year, deepening their appreciation for science, the natural and cultural world, and the challenges of our time. With 147 million specimens and artifacts, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a treasure trove of knowledge and a vital resource for understanding our planet and our place in it.
Phone Number: (202) 633-1000
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560
The Washington National Cathedral is an iconic landmark in the nation’s capital, serving as both a religious and civic space. As the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, it strives to serve God and the community as a house of prayer for all people and a trusted voice of moral leadership. The Cathedral is rooted in the reconciling love of Jesus Christ and is open to people of all faiths.
The Cathedral serves as the spiritual home for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington as well as the wider Episcopal Church. As Episcopalians, they believe in and worship a loving, liberating and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Cathedral is committed to the four pillars of Welcoming, Deepening, Convening and Serving, which animates everything they do. Visitors can attend services, take a tour, or explore the many artwork, sculptures and artifacts that adorn the Cathedral. The Washington National Cathedral is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and faith.
Phone Number: (202) 537-6200
Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a world-renowned center for the performing arts in Washington D.C. It serves as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy’s dedication to the arts and culture, and it is one of the most important cultural institutions in the United States. The center offers a diverse range of performances and events throughout the year, including concerts by the nation’s orchestra, operas, ballets, and theater productions.
The Kennedy Center is home to the Washington National Opera, one of the nation’s leading opera companies, playing to standing-room audiences in the Kennedy Center. Visitors can attend one of the free performances or films offered Wednesdays through Saturdays at 6 p.m. on the Millennium Stage, featuring local, national, and international talents. The Kennedy Center also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops to engage visitors of all ages in the arts. From the National Symphony Orchestra to Fortas Chamber Music, traditional to 20th Century, the Kennedy Center is a destination for experiencing the brilliance, emotion, and vitality of great classical works. The Kennedy Center is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the performing arts, and a great place to discover the beauty of ballet, opera, and theater.
Phone Number: (202) 467-4600
Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is a world-renowned zoo located in Washington D.C. Founded in 1889, the zoo is part of the Smithsonian Institution and is dedicated to saving species and better understanding ecosystems. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from 360 different species, including some of the planet’s most critically endangered species. The zoo is always free of charge and welcomes nearly 2 million visitors each year.
The zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. The zoo’s researchers also work in field stations in over 30 countries around the world to aid in the conservation and restoration of species and habitats. The zoo’s Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia, is where scientists and animal care experts conduct veterinary and reproductive research to save wildlife and habitats. The institute is a long-standing accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, which determines modern zoological standards for its members.
Visitors to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo can experience the wonder of the natural world and learn about the importance of conservation and protection of endangered species. The zoo provides a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages, and it is a must-see destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature.
Phone Number: (202) 633-4888
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
