Washington D.C. places to visit
Washington D.C. places to visit
TRAVEL IN WASHINGTON D.C.
You can opt for a traditional D.C. excursion that includes tours of iconic landmarks such as the White House, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. And a stroll around the Tidal Basin is the best way to experience iconic Washington, D.C. Plan your visit for late March or early April, just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and you’ll be rewarded with a pink canopy of blossoms. But if you’ve already seen the national landmarks, get a sense of the city’s youthful vibe by exploring its urban neighborhoods, renowned art galleries, and bustling farmer’s markets. Although you’ll only need a few days to see the city as it appears in history books, it could take months to experience Washington D.C. as the locals do.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Washington D.C. places to visit September through November and March through May are the ideal months to visit Washington, D.C. Autumn marks the end of the sweltering summer, along with the majority of peak-season tourists. All that remains are crisp breezes and changing leaves, which look great against all those marble monuments, by the way. The spring is a mini-high season due to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which occurs in late March and early April. Summer in Washington, D.C. is hot and muggy, making outdoor exploration less than ideal. However, many museums blast the air conditioning, so if you can tolerate the heat, there are numerous free attractions to keep you occupied. Winter is certainly the off-season. Even though it’s easy to find cheaper hotel rates and the weather isn’t as cold as it is in other East Coast cities, the city can get snowstorms and temperatures below zero.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Explore the Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846, is the largest museum, education, and research complex in the world. There are 17 museums, but the Air and Space Museum, Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Zoo, Smithsonian Castle, and American Art Museum are among the best. All Smithsonian museums are free to enter, with the exception of the Postal Museum and the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum, which are located on the National Mall.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Washington D.C. places to visit Take a walk-through Georgetown
In the 1700s, tobacco-selling farmers utilized the historic neighborhood of Georgetown as a transportation hub. It contains the Old Stone House, which was constructed in 1765 and is appropriately named, as well as Georgetown University (one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States). Today, the region is renowned for its excellent shopping, waterfront harbor, dining scene, and nightlife. Spend some time admiring the beautiful and well-preserved Georgian architecture and residences.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Washington D.C. places to visit Arlington National Cemetery
This 639-acre (258-hectare) cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 military personnel, including John F. Kennedy and his family. An eternal flame marks JFK’s grave. Located nearby is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a guard-changing ceremony occurs every 30 to 60 minutes. The cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to visit on foot (vehicles and bicycles are not permitted unless attending a service).
Washington D.C. places to visit
Washington D.C. places to visit the Supreme Court
This 1935 Neoclassical structure, known as the Marble Palace, houses the highest court in the country. Court sessions are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and free 30-minute lectures in the main hall explain how the court operates. Attend one of the lectures, as they provide a wealth of information about how the court operates.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Visit the Holocaust Museum
The Holocaust Museum is awe-inspiring and heartbreaking. It features a three-story permanent exhibit that tells the story of the Holocaust through films, photographs, artifacts, and first-person accounts. Tickets are free, but you have to pay $1 USD to reserve them online before the event.
Washington D.C. places to visit
60 Best Tourist Attractions in Washington DC
Washington D.C. places to visit the National Zoo
This zoo opened in 1889 and is home to over 1,800 animals spread over 160 acres (65 hectares). Here you’ll find lemurs, great apes, elephants, reptiles, pandas, and more. It was one of the first zoos in the world to create a scientific research program too. While I normally don’t like zoos, the scientific and conservation work they do here is done ethically. As part of the Smithsonian, the zoo is free to visit though you will still need to make a reservation online.
Washington D.C. places to visit
Explore the National Gallery of Art
This museum has two wings: the east wing, which houses the gallery’s more modern works (including works by Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko); and the west wing, which contains the collection’s older works (such as works by Sandro Botticelli and Claude Monet). You’ll see a lot of artists painting here and it’s fascinating watching them work to recreate these historic masterpieces. During the summer, the Sculpture Garden often hosts live music too. Admission is free but reservations need to be made online
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