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Fun Things to do in Washington DC
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city guide
Washington, D.C., D.C. in full District of Columbia, city and capital of the United States of America. It is coextensive with the District of Columbia (the city is often referred to as simply D.C.) and is located on the northern shore of the Potomac River at the rivers navigation headthat is, the transshipment point between waterway and land transport. The state of Maryland borders the District of Columbia to the north, east, and west, and the state of Virginia borders the District on the southern shore of the Potomac River.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Washington, D.C., are from September to November and March to May. In the autumn, the sweltering summer is gone, taking with it most of the high season tourists. All that's left are crisp breezes and changing leaves, which, by the way, look great against all those marble monuments.
Fun city facts and activities
- While you certainly cant avoid it, our nations capital is about more than just politics. There are plenty of things to do in Washington DC that dont involve the government though visiting the White House and learning more about how it all works is something you have to do once. Throngs of tour groups from all over the world flock to DC to visit the renowned museums and other iconic landmarks, but beyond that there are dozens of exciting attractions and other destinations to check out.
DC is a manageable size, with easy access to other top destinations in the region. The National Mall is walkable and chock full of museums. The National Zoo is one of the top zoos to visit (and its free!). In addition to renowned art museums and galleries, you can enjoy a range of theater and musical performances. DC even has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. And of course, when youre done exploring, DC has an epic assortment of amazing restaurants and top notch bars to refuel and unwind.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Georgetown
Capitol Hill
Chinatown
Clarendon
Foxhall Crescent
Forest Hills
Logan Circle
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- From avocado toast to Chesapeake blue crabs via Thai pumpkin curry and hangover-blasting old-school burgers from the Tune Inn, Washington, DC draws from a myriad of cuisines to fill your belly with waist-expanding goodness let Culture Trip be your guide.
Washington DC Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Visit the International Spy Museum The International Spy Museum is a great way to learn about the history of espionage and the technology and tactics used by spies over the years.
2. Take a Segway Tour Segway tours offer a unique way to tour the monuments and sites of Washington DC.
3. Visit the National Building Museum This museum showcases the history of American architecture and design, with exhibits covering everything from skyscrapers to green building.
4. Explore the National Arboretum The National Arboretum is a great place to explore the beautiful gardens, forests and trails.
5. Take a Ghost Tour Washington DC is full of ghost stories and legends. Take a guided ghost tour to learn more about the citys spooky past.
6. Attend a Yoga Class at the Lincoln Memorial The Lincoln Memorial is a popular spot to do yoga. Take a class to enjoy the view while getting your
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Smithsonians National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more popular zoo than the famed Washington DC attraction. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is a must-visit whether you're vacationing in DC for the first time, or making a seasonal pitstop. Not only will your kids gawk at the creatures in the Amazonia, Cheetah Conservation Station and other exhibits, but they'll love getting involved with daily programs such as kids' farmkeepers talk and meet and greets with the animals. Perhaps the most esteemed aspect of the zoo is its tireless conservation work.
2. United States Botanic Garden
For city dwellers who are searching for an escape from urban life, the United States Botanic Garden is a green oasis that exposes visitors to all sorts of natural wonders. Kiddies will be in their glory with a trip to the Butterfly Garden and enjoy getting their hands dirty with interactive activities in the Children's Garden. To entice a new generation of botanists, the attraction offers a plethora of resources for youngsters, including a regional garden field journal and a plants and food passport that provides a (figurative) taste of how we consume plants.
3. Smithsonians Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Although contemporary art might seem a bit too advanced for children to appreciate, the Smithsonians Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden makes the work accessible to its young visitors. From guides for parents that include suggested activities and talking points to interactive Art Carts and storytime, the Hirshhorn is for kids too.
Note: Storytime is temporarily on hold.
4. Beauvoir Outdoors Playground
What list of things to do with kids is complete without swings and jungle gyms? The Beauvoir Outdoors Playground is certainly one of the most alluring spots little ones will come across in DC. Located on the grounds of National Cathedral Elementary School, the outdoor hotspot is accessible to the public from 6pmdusk when school or camp is in session. You'll want to keep your kids' comfiest sneakers close by, as the playground will keep them busy with rope bridges, wooden jungle gyms, slides and even a zip-line. Who can possibly say no to that?
5. National Museum of American History
There's a lot to uncover when studying history, and fortunately, this DC attraction dedicates its mission to focusing on a wide range of topics. Kids can learn about Women's History, Latino History, food history and so much more. Youngsters will gravitate toward the interactive elements, including Object Project, Wegmans Wonderplace (best for those 06) and SparkLab (for ages 612) where little academics will have access to STEM activities.
6. The Yards Park
Take in views of the Anacostia River as kids splash in the dancing fountains or hop into a canoe or kayak for a fun adventure with the family! There's even a trapeze school at this stellar park. The waterfront green space is home to plenty of events, too, such as movie screenings and kid-friendly music class for tots, among many other offerings. Explore the events calendar before making a visit!
7. Georgetown Waterfront Park
Let your kids wave at the ducks swimming up to shore or splash in the popular fountain during warmer months on this 10-acre city park space. Boasting views of the Potomac River and the Key Bridge, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a relaxing place to take in the citys lush greenness. If your family wants to get a little more interactive with the water, rent canoes or kayaks from the Thompson Boat Center. If the kids would rather stay on land, opt to take them on a trip down the areas dedicated trail. (Bikes are also available for rent.)
8. International Spy Museum
This examination of espionage will teach your kids about the fascinating spies who have contributed to world events. Attendees will get to glimpse at special equipment, including cameras and vehicles, and sign up for programs (ideal for kids under 10) that will have them embark on secret missions, climb through duct work, diffuse an atomic bomb, hang from a construction site and test their own spy skills. Try visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and, if weekends are your only option, come early. That shouldnt be hard if your kids are serious about espionage: The best spies are always on time.
9. Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
Rock Creek Park offers miles of scenic nature trails to explore, though for kids, the highlights are certainly the critter-packed Nature Center and captivating planetarium. There, you'll find fun educational exhibits for kids as well as tanks with turtles and fish. The planetarium generally has programming for young children (ages 410) on Wednesdays. You can stop in a half-hour early to pick up free passes for all shows. Be sure to double-check the hours for both the Nature Center and Planetarium before visiting!
10. Nationals Park
This baseball park designed for fans of all ages offers special programming for kids, including giveaways and a play area featuring a jungle gym, in case the little ones need a break from the stands. Bonus for wannabe baseball stars: kids ages 412 can run the basesyes, on the fieldafter select Sunday home games throughout the season, weather permitting. So bring on your Natitude, and play ball!
City data and FAQ
What is Whasington, DC most know for?
Whatever is fresh and new in the world, Washington DC is famous for it_the showcase of the world!
Donya Maria Twyman Lives in Washington, DC
It's a native music breed in the inner-city streets of the nation's capital.
Legend goes that a local blues guitarist (Chuck Brown) while playing a gig decided to keep playing the beat in-between song selections. He wanted to keep the people on the dance floor so that is why it's called GoGo. The beat keeps going and going and going.
Jon Quinton _ Lived in Washington, DC
Is Washington, DC worth visiting?
A tour of Washington DC is one of the best cities and values to visit in the world. Ride the Old Town Trolley (painted Green and Orange) with airconditioning or without any windows your choice to take pictures. You can get on and off the trolley to visit buildings, monuments, eat at all types of world class restaurants and eateries, take pictures, take selfies, buy souveniers at the trolley store, or shopping all over town or ride listening to the driver tell history of the city and bring to life the many statues of Generals and tell tall tales about them. You will experience different trolley drivers that know how to entertain you. They will point out famous people walking the streets of DC if he spots them.
Thomas L. Tabron Lived in Washington, DC
As the capital of the United States, location of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the site of monuments, memorials honoring the founding and history of the United States - the answer is an unqualified -YES. On top of that, the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Art Gallery and numerous private museums and art galleries are on par with the best similar institutions in the world. -YES.
Paul Wahler - Lived in Washington
Most definitely!! Ive been 16 times, and still may not have seen everything. Very Greek/Romanesque style city with modern touches. Must see places, National Cathedral; Embassy Row; White House tour; Capitol building tour; Smithsonian museums; Arlington national cemetery; All memorials; Mont Vernon; Mint and Engraving; Fords Theatre.
Kevin - Lives in New Hampshire
Are two days enough to visit Washington DC?
Depends upon how much you want to see and how thoroughly you want to see it; for example, someone could spend two weeks in the Smithsonian alone.
Barb
No. Give it a couple more days . First there's the sightseeing and the museums. So much history. Then of course there are the theaters and just neighborhoods.
Rosemary Aguiar Lives in Baltimore, MD
I think a week would be the minimum, but, with so many interesting things close together on the Mall, you could see a lot in two days. Do some research and make a list of what is important to you.
Curtis Morgan Lives in Washington, DC (2021 Present)
