A visit to the nation's capitol offers rich history and a number of free attractions as well as museums, monuments, memorials, and more!
I lived there for 4+ years and have shared this list with friends and family who plan to visit! This introductory guide is especially helpful for first time visitors.
* Save this guide for a future trip*
Any time of year is a good time to visit, with relatively mild winters and plenty to do year-round!
That said, summers can be especially crowded (and hot), so plan some indoor activities for breaks from the heat! Also, check out the Official Washington D.C. Tourism Site below for information about signature events and festivals.
Offering "mission-driven hospitality," this is a boutique hotel and co-working space in an inclusive and welcoming cultural hub.
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Another option to consider is a stay in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. It's about 10 minutes by car, 25 minutes via Metro, or 40 minutes by bike along the Mount Vernon Trail to Washington, D.C.
🚆Use the SmartTrip App for the Metro - https://www.wmata.com/fares/MobilePay/SmarTrip-App.cfm
Old Town Alexandria boasts well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, boutiques, specialty shops, and numerous eateries.
Residence Inn by Marriott Alexandria Old Town/Duke Street
This is a brand new hotel with modern, sophisticated in design located near the waterfront.
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Places to Visit
There is so much to see in the Washington, D.C. area, it's impossible to do it all! Here are my top places for those looking for a nice variety for a first time visit!
You'll find the U.S. Capitol on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other end, with numerous monuments and memorials in between. I usually take the Metro to Smithsonian (located about midway) and walk/explore the Mall - the entire loop is just over 4 miles!
For an excellent and detailed history of the National Mall, check out - https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/lifestyle/the-evolution-of-the-national-mall/
I was once asked by a visitor if the National Mall was a shopping mall. It was originally named the "Mall" as a place where people in the 1700s played pall-mall, a game similar to croquet. The term "Mall" for the National Mall became the accepted term in the 1900s.
Source: https://mallhistory.org/explorations/show/whymall#
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The only way to see the U.S. Capitol is on a tour!
📍 In addition to general tours that start at the Visitor Center, special tours are also available - https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/visit/special-tours-and-activities.
📍 An especially unique opportunity is a member-led visit to the Capitol Dome, which is about 300 steps to reach the observatory balcony. It was one of the highlights of my time in Washington D.C. For more info - - https://tours.visitthecapitol.gov/CVC/Documents/DomeTour/Dome_Tour_Release_Form.pdf
📍 For information on how to watch the proceedings of U.S House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate when in session - https://www.uscp.gov/visiting-capitol-hill/visitor-information/building-access-hours
For more information about the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, please go to visitthecapitol.gov
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A visit to the top of the Washington Monument is well worth it! Timed-reservations are required (though limited same-day tickets may be available) For more information and tickets, visit the National Park Service Washington Monument (WAMO) website - https://www.nps.gov/wamo/planyourvisit/fees.htm
The Washington Monument was the first monument built on the Capitol Mall.
You might notice there are two different colors of marble, and that's because it was constructed in two phases after laying the cornerstone in 1848.
The color line shows where construction halted in 1856, when private donations to fund the Monument dried up.
Groups in charge of raising money argued over how the monument should represent George Washington and the nation. Building resumed only when Congress authorized public funds to complete the work in 1876. The color line on the Washington Monument is a visible reminder that even the most popular monuments and memorials on the Mall are often born in controversy.
Source: https://mallhistory.org/explorations/show/washington-monument-colors
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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located inside Arlington National Cemetery, and is a site for solemn reflection. For more information visit - https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/#/
The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is changed in an elaborate ceremony which happens every hour on the hour from October 1 through March 31, and every half hour from April 1 through September 30.
The memorial to the nation's third president is located on the Tidal Basin. For more information visit - https://www.nps.gov/thje/index.htm
It is especially nice to visit during cherry blossom season. Visitors can also rent paddle boats on the Tidal Basin - https://boatingindc.com/tidal-basin/
The memorial honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice. For more information visit - https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm
This under-the-radar spot offers a self-guided tour with gallery that holds the Gutenberg Bible, the beautiful Great Hall, and access to the Main Reading Room Overlook. Free timed-entry passes required.
Tip: You can walk onto the floor of the grand Main Reading Room. Usually reserved for credentialed researchers, this special access offers visitors a glimpse inside one of Washington’s most beautiful spaces.
For more info visit - https://www.loc.gov/visit/
Another relatively lesser-known spot is offers the chance to view the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, located in the main rotunda. While reservations are not required, they can be helpful during the busy summer months ($1 convenience fee).
Tip: In winter, you can go ice skating across the street at the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. For more info visit - https://www.nga.gov/visit/ice-rink.html
One of the top three art museums in the United States by annual visitors, it has the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas and is the only one that has no admission fee. Enjoy a visit and a refreshment at one of the cafés located inside.
Tip: In winter, you can go ice skating in the Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art. For more info visit - https://www.nga.gov/visit/ice-rink.html
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Things to Do
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution boasts 21 museums (19 are located in Washington, D.C.) as well as the National Zoo.
All are free to enter, though a few require reservations for free time-entry tickets. Visit the Smithsonian Institution website below to explore all of the offerings!
📍 Air and Space Museum (As well as the Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center located near Dulles Airport in Chantilly, VA.)
Boating on the Potomac River
Enjoy a three-course dinner cruise (lunch/brunch and sunset cruises also available). Other options include kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the river from the Key Bridge Boathouse for a more active water adventure!
Home of the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the rich variety of events at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are top notch!
On weekends in the summer, they offer performances, films, and activities at the REACH! All events are free and no tickets or reservations are required. For more information visit - https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/festivals-series/summer-at-the-reach/
I have fond memories of seeing cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Joshua Bell, opera La Traviata, and more at the Kennedy Center!
~ When purchasing tickets, make sure to check the view using the small camera icon on the seat map for a picture.
~ In the Opera House, the best seats in my opinion are Orchestra level, 10-12 rows back on the side aisle seats.
~ In the Concert Hall, mid-orchestra or first tier are nice.
~ The Roof Terrace Restaurant & Bar as well as the KC Café are available for food and drink.
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Schedule a Tour
For a more in-depth look or those enjoying an extended stay in the area, explore these opportunities. Note that some of these require advance reservations, so be sure to plan ahead!
Take a public tour of the White House! Public tours are free of charge and can be scheduled through your congressional representative.
White House tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and can be submitted up to 90 days in advance. The minimum time is 21 days in advance of your visit, but the sooner the better.
For more information visit - https://whitehouse.gov1.info/visit/tour.html
Take a guided tour of the Pentagon!
Pentagon tours are available on a limited basis for U.S. citizens on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pentagon tour guides will conduct tours for up to 20 people during each time slot. U.S. citizens who would like to tour the Pentagon must register at least two weeks in advance and will require clearance to enter the Pentagon by the Pentagon Forces Protection Agency. Tours are scheduled on a first-come-first-serve basis. For more information visit - https://www.defense.gov/Contact/Help-Center/Article/Article/2762696/pentagon-tours/
While at the Pentagon, you might pay a visit to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial - https://pentagonmemorial.org/visitor-resources/
Visit George Washington's historic home on the Potomac Rivier! In addition to the Self-Guided Tour, they offer an In-Depth Tour, Enslaved People of Mount Vernon Tour, Character Tour, Book of Secrets Tour, Hamilton the Musical Guided Tour, and the Distillery & Gristmill Included Tour!
You can also take a 45-minute Photo Cruise on the Potomac River - highly recommend! Purchase in conjunction with your general admission ticket (April - October).
For more information visit - https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/things-to-do/ (Enter your email when prompted on the pop-up screen for 20% discount!)
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Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you found the itineraries and suggestions to be helpful! 😀
I've had a passport since I was born, and I’m a travel enthusiast, educator, consultant, certified professional coach, and veteran. I enjoy exploring different countries and cultures:
~ 🌎32 countries (so far)
~ 🚢Sailed on 11 cruises (more soon)
~ 🛫My favorite destination is wherever I’m going next!
I hope you'll find my tips and first-hand experiences helpful in planning your travel adventures! Thanks for visiting, and let’s keep exploring, sharing, and learning from and with one another. Wishing you safe and happy travels!
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