Free things in Washington DC? If it sounds too good to be true, then you’re in for a surprise because, believe it or not, this city has an abundance of fun and interesting things to do that won’t cost you a penny.
Thanks to the Smithsonian, there are 19 different world-class galleries and malls and even a zoo that are completely free.
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Last Updated: November 7, 2019
25+ Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC - Top Free Attractions
We included some of our favorites such as the Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Gallery of Art, but really all of them are worth checking out.
- Bike the Capital Crescent Trail
- Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Capitol Hill Books
- Arlington National Cemetery
- View from the Old Post Office
- Lincoln Memorial
- White House Tour
- C&O Canal Towpath
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- Library of Congress
- Kenilworth Park
- Meridian Hill Drum Circle
- National Gallery of Art
- Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
- King Street Trolley
- Exorcist Steps
- Street Murals
- Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Rock Creek Park Star Parties
- National Mall
- DC Brau Brewery Tour
- US Botanic Garden
- Supreme Court
- US Capitol Tour
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1. Bike ride on the Capital Crescent Trail
Water St NW, 20007, map
This trail is really popular amongst local cyclists and rollerbladers. During the week, you’ll find the trail filled with commuters, and on the weekends you’ll find people using the trail for exercise. The southern 7 miles has a smooth 9-foot wide asphalt surface, and the northern size has a crushed gravel surface.
2. Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, 20560, map
This was one of our favorite museums. It’s right by the National Mall and is filled with contemporary art and culture.
3. Browse the selection at Capitol Hill Books
657 C St SE, 20003, map
Book lovers should definitely make a stop here. This shop is filled to the brim with secondhand books, including rare finds and first editions.
4. Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, VA 22211, map
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The guard is changed every hour on the hour from October 1 to March 31. From April 1 through September 30 the changing of the guard happens every half hour.
5. Check out the view from the top of the Old Post Office
1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 20004, map
Take the elevator to the top for an awesome view of DC.
6. Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, 20037, map
Visit the big man with the beard and pay tribute to one of our greatest presidents. You’ll also be standing where major moments in history have happened, including Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Pro Tip: Walk around at night to see the memorials all lit up. This one is our favorite.
7. Tour the White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, 20500, map
This tour is free but it requires some planning ahead (ie. submit your request through your member of Congress). I filled out an online form a few weeks prior to our visit and received an email about two weeks before we were to leave saying there wasn’t any availability for the White House tour but that we could visit the US Capitol with an aide from North Carolina. The tours take you through the East Wing, which includes the East Room, the State Dining Room, the China Room, the Library, and more.
8. Go for a walk on the C&O Canal Towpath
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.90402, -77.0567, map
The start of this 184.5 mile long dirt/gravel path is in Georgetown. It’s great for bikes, too.
9. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, 20008, map
Known as the National Zoo, this is one of the oldest zoos in the US, and yes, it’s free. The zoo’s panda habitat is one of the most popular areas. The two current tenants, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are on loan from the China Wildlife Conservation Association and will live in DC until 2020.
10. Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave SE, 20540, map
This is the ultimate library! It’s the official research library for the US Congress, and claims to be the largest library in the world. Take the free one-hour guided tour to learn about the history of this place and soak in all the knowledge that surrounds you.
11. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Ave NE, 20019, map
Escape the city and step into another world full of lily pads and blossoms. If you’re in town in July, the garden is in peak bloom and the park hosts a free lotus and water lily festival.
12. Meridian Hill Park Drum Circle
16th St NW &, W St NW, 20009, map
Every Sunday at 3PM, stop by to dance to the beats of drums. You can also join in on the drumming, find tight-rope walkers, hula-hoopers, yogis, and jugglers. It’s a 40 year old tradition that is still going on!
13. National Gallery of Art
Constitution Ave NW, 20565, map
The National Gallery of Art and Sculpture Garden has a huge collection focused on Western Art from the Middle Ages to the present, including the only painting Leonardo da Vinci did in the Americas.
14. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, 20560, map
This is one of the most popular free things to do in Washington DC. It’s also the most visited natural-history museum in the world, and for good reason. Its extensive collection contains over 126 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, meteorites, human remains, and human cultural artifacts.
16. Visit the Exorcist Steps
Coordinates: 38.905610, -77.070183, map
Any fans of the 1973 horror film will recognize these stairs from the final showdown.
17. Photograph some awesome street murals
Coordinates: 38.905610, -77.070183, map
There is a ton of street art in the city. One of our favorite spots is an old church that’s been repainted (Blind Whino) and the street art at Union Market.
18. See a free performance at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
2700 F St NW, 20566, map
Stop by each evening at 6pm to see their free daily performance.
19. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, 20245, map
Stroll along the walls that honor the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. It chronologically lists over 58,000 Americans who gave their lives for our country.
20. Star Party at Rock Creek Park
Coordinates: 38.937513, -77.047924, map
Once a month on a Saturday night from April to November, if you meet in the field south of the intersection of Military and Glover Roads NW (near the Nature Center) you will find a group of people who meet to stargaze. They’ve been gathering for about 60 years! Come see why it’s been such a long-standing tradition.
21. Picnic on the National Mall
Coordinates: 38.889603, -77.022943, map
Take a midday break and have a picnic on the National Mall. There are plenty of places to set up and it’s a great place to people watch.
22. Take a tour at DC Brau (Saturday’s Only)
3178 Bladensburg Rd NE Suite B, 20018, map
Head to this local brewery for a free tour on Saturday from 1 to 4PM.
23. United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SW, 20001, map
This garden is focused on showing the aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic, and ecological importance of plants. It shows the importance and value they have to humankind, and has lots of beautiful photo ops.
24. Watch the Supreme Court in Action
1 First St NE, 20543, map
You do not need tickets but you do need to check to make sure that the court is in session. Seats are based on a first-come, first-served basis. See the schedule here.
25. Tour the US Capitol Building
First St SE, 20004, map
You’ll need to book a tour but it’s worth the effort to plan ahead.
Gone?
- Comedy show at Chinese Disco Nightclub – This was a local favorite free show every friday night. They are no longer doing it here, but have announced that it will be moved to St. Yves Nightclub. Stay tuned for more news! https://www.evensi.us/saint-yves-nightclub-tuesday-thursday-saint-yves/317472521
More Free Things to Do in Washington DC
- Walking Tours (Gratuity recommended)
- Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Eastern Market or Union Market
- Embassy Tour
- Folger Shakespeare Library’s Collection
- National Archives
- National Gallery Garden – every summer they have Jazz in the Garden concert series
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Washington National Cathedral
- Gravelly Point and Hains Point – watch planes land
- Shakespeare Theatre Company has free for all shows
Seasonal Free Things to Do in DC
- Fort Reno Concert Series (summer)
- Screen on the Green (summer) – outdoor movie screenings
- Cherry Blossoms! – They were early this year and extremely short lived! The Jefferson Memorial area is a great place to see them. Check out our post for a list of the top places to see them in the United States.
Essential Tips
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What to Pack for Washington DC
Best Budget Places to Stay in Washington DC
- Hotel Hive, Foggy Bottom (mid-range, reviews on tripadvisor + yelp)
- Capitol Hill Hotel (mid-range, reviews on tripadvisor + yelp)
- Comfort Inn Arlington Blvd (budget, read reviews on tripadvisor + yelp) – 7.5 mi from DC
- HighRoad Hostel, Adams Morgan (budget, reviews on tripadvisor + yelp)
How many of these free things to do in Washington DC have you checked out? Anything else we should add?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Caroline + Erin
They are freelance web designers and photographers who love finding adventure, both big and small. The two make a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth telling, and side splitting laughter. They’ve honed the art of traveling fast and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville and loves spending their time in the mountains.
