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Ultimate Washington DC Bucket List – 101 Things to Do in DC

Visiting Washington DC? Here is a bucket list to help you plan your trip!

Washington, D.C. has the distinct honor of being the nation’s capital. There is evidence of power and politics all over the city. Look no further than the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court, all of which are located here. If you want to see government in action, you’ve come to the right place. Many government buildings offer tours. But it’s not all business. D.C has a really lively art, music, and food scene.

Your Ultimate DC Bucket List - 101 Things to Do in Washington DCPin

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Last Updated: March 2, 2024

101 Things to Do in Washington DC Bucket List

There are tons of museums and memorials for you to explore and many of them are free. You could spend days exploring the Smithsonian museums alone. As if that wasn’t enough, there are many different venues where you can see a live show. Below is a list of our favorite things to do in DC.

Tourist Attractions

  1. 1.
    Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

It’s the largest Christian church in the U.S. and in North America and the second-largest church in the world.

  1. 2.
    Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Learn about US currency and see how millions of dollars are printed.

  1. 3.
    The Capital Wheel at National Harbor

See views of the Potomac River from 180 feet above.

  1. 4.
    Carousel at National Harbor

Americana-themed carousel with a children’s playground & picnic tables, right by the Capital Wheel. (currently closed)

  1. 5.
    Chinatown Arch

A traditional Chinese gate constructed in 1986.

  1. 6.
    Dumbarton Oaks

(Georgetown) See pre-Colombian and Byzantine art and artifacts and the mansion gardens.

  1. 7.
    Embassy Row

See ornate buildings for each foreign embassy.

  1. 8.
    “The Exorcist” Steps

(Georgetown) Cool to see if you’re in the area. Free to visit!

  1. 9.
    Federal Bureau of Investigation Tour

(Penn Quarter) Be sure to contact your congressional representative to be cleared first.

  1. 10.
    Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America

(Brookland) Take a stroll through the grotto and gardens.

  1. 11.
    Library of Congress

(Capitol Hill) Has great views of DC.

  1. 12.
    Riverboat Tour on the Potomac River

You can do a dinner cruise too.

  1. 13.
    Smithsonian Institution Building

(aka the Castle) + Enid A. Haupt Garden

  1. 14.
    The Pentagon Tour

Must make reservations at least 14 days in advance.

  1. 15.
    Tudor Place

Part of Martha Washington’s family’s estate.

  1. 16.
    Union Station

Great architecture, several shops and restaurants. You can also take the free circle bus at the station to the Mall.

  1. 17.
    The Washington Harbour

Grab a coffee and walk by the waterfront.

  1. 18.
    Washington National Cathedral

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington – Woodrow Wilson’s Marble Tomb and Helen Keller’s Ashes.

Washington DC Attractions + 101 Things to Do in DC // localadventurer.com

Monuments + Memorials + Historic Sites

  1. 19.
    Arlington Memorial Bridge

A bridge connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.

  1. 20.
    Arlington National Cemetery

(Arlington) Be sure to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

  1. 21.
    Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument

(NPS) This house was once the headquarters of the National Women’s Party.

  1. 22.
    Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

(NPS) Home to the first African American to document the history of African Americans.

  1. 23.
    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C & O Canal)

Lots of events throughout the year within the park.

  1. 24.
    Congressional Cemetery

(NPS) Established in 1807. Walk through both local and national history.

  1. 25.
    Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site

(NPS) The actual gun used by Boothe is on display in the basement museum.

  1. 26.
    Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

(NPS) Open air memorial of FDR, located between the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Memorials.

  1. 27.
    Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

(NPS) Tours are available by reservations. We suggest you make the reservation before visiting.

  1. 28.
    Korean War Veterans Memorial

(NPS) Memorial of those served in the Korean War. Don’t miss the lief size statues of soldiers.

  1. 29.
    Lincoln Memorial + Reflecting Pool

(NPS) A must-see in D.C. Enjoy a break on the steps as you look out at the Reflecting Pool.

  1. 30.
    Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac

(NPS) Small memorial and green space.

  1. 31.
    Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

(NPS) Take a night tour and learn about MLK Jr.

The United States Capitol Tour + 101 Things to Do in DC // localadventurer.com

  1. 32.
    Mary Mcleod Bethune Council House

(NPS) House is open for tours from 10am – 2pm, Thursday through Saturday.

  1. 33.
    National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

Located by section of the Pentagon where the plane hit.

  1. 34.
    National Mall

(NPS) About 2 mi, stretch by most of the monuments and memorials.

  1. 35.
    Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site

(NPS) Six presidential funeral processions had traversed this area.

  1. 36.
    President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home

Where he lived and worked for over a quarter of his presidency.

  1. 37.
    President Woodrow Wilson House

Well preserved home, reservations are recommended for house tour.

  1. 38.
    Senate and House Office Buildings

You need your government STAR ID to enter.

  1. 39.
    Supreme Court

Walk around the public areas and take in the sheer magnitude of the marble hallways.

  1. 40.
    Thomas Jefferson Memorial

(NPS) There is a museum below the memorial.

  1. 41.
    The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center / Capitol Tour

Be sure to book your tour time online before visiting.

  1. 42.
    Vietnam Veterans Memorial

(NPS) Located right by the Lincoln Memorial.

  1. 43.
    Washington Monument

(NPS) Tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck.

  1. 44.
    World War I Memorial

(NPS) Located in Pershing Park.

  1. 45.
    World War II Memorial

(NPS) A grand monument steps away from the Washington Monument.

  1. 46.
    White House + President’s Park

(NPS) White House Visitors Center

See More: Your Complete List of 400+ National Park Units in the US

Museums

  1. 47.
    Arts and Industries Building

(Smithsonian) Interior is closed, but you can appreciate the architecture and explore the area around the building. (temporarily closed)

  1. 48.
    Dea Museum and Visitors Center

(Arlington) Go see their bong collection.

  1. 49.
    Folger Shakespeare Library

(Capitol Hill) Catch a play at the small stage inside the library.

  1. 50.
    Freer Gallery of Art / Freer and Sackler Galleries

Part of the National Museum of Asian Art. Don’t forget to check out the Peacock Room.

  1. 51.
    The Fridge DC

Art gallery specializing in street art –  murals are in the alley behind the oyster shop on 8th St SE.

  1. 52.
    Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Check out the world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative art, all curated by Post Cereal heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

  1. 53.
    Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

(Smithsonian) A short walk from the Capitol, eclectic statues and art exhibits.

  1. 54.
    International Spy Museum

Very informative and interactive museum. Great for both kids and adults alike.

  1. 55.
    The Mansion On O Street

Get tickets online to save $5.

  1. 56.
    The National Archives Building

See the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.

  1. 57.
    National BUILDING Museum

Learn about architecture, design, engineering, and more.

  1. 58.
    The National Gallery of Art + Sculpture Garden

See sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, Kusama, and more.

  1. 59.
    National Geographic Society – Grosvenor Auditorium / Museum

Tons of photographs on display, as well as rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions and explorations.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden + 101 Places to Visit in Washington DC - Your DC Bucket List // localadventurer.com

  1. 60.
    The National Museum of African American History and Culture

(Smithsonian) This museum is devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture.

  1. 61.
    National Museum of African Art

(Smithsonian) Small, yet captivating, African art collection from various African countries.

  1. 62.
    The National Museum of American History

Anything and everything American. We really liked seeing flag that flew over Fort McHenry that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner.

  1. 63.
    National Museum of the American Indian

Exhibits are grouped by tribe.

  1. 64.
    The National Museum of WOmen in the Arts

See the contributions of women in the arts, through permanent and rotating exhibits. They also have several events throughout the year.

  1. 65.
    National Portrait Gallery

The presidential portraits are located on the second floor.

  1. 66.
    The National Postal Museum

The volume of stamps on display is enormous! Cool to see, especially if you’re a collector.

  1. 67.
    Newseum

Learn about the first amendment and importance and evolution of a free press.

  1. 68.
    Smithsonian American Art Museum

Open until 7pm, which is later than most Smithsonian museums.

  1. 69.
    Renwick Gallery

Also part of American Art Museum but at a different location.

  1. 70.
    Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM)

(2 locations) One in DC + Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center aka Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

  1. 71.
    National Museum of Natural History

(Smithsonian) Awesome collection of very rare, real dinosaur fossils.

  1. 72.
    Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Free admission, don’t miss the giant pandas!

  1. 73.
    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

There’s also a room where you can listen to audio recordings of survivors telling their stories.

See More: Complete List of National Parks by State

The Outdoors + Urban Parks

  1. 74.
    Anacostia River

Kayaking, SUP, and even hydro-biking.

  1. 75.
    Constitution Gardens

(NPS) Several quiet walking paths and pleasant gardens.

  1. 76.
    Georgetown Waterfront Park

Calmer and much more quieter part of the city.

  1. 77.
    Gravelly Point

Great place to see planes take off.

  1. 78.
    Great Falls Park

(NPS) The entrance fee is $20 per car.

  1. 79.
    LAFAYETTE Square

(Downtown) Ideal spot for a good view of the White House.

  1. 80.
    Meridian Hill Park

Great to visit in the spring and summer when the fountains are on.

  1. 81.
    Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

(NPS) Easy walk for kids to enjoy nature.

  1. 82.
    Tidal Basin

Paddle boating.

  1. 83.
    Theodore Roosevelt Island

(NPS) Enjoy nature and the great statue of Theodore Roosevelt.

  1. 84.
    United States National Arboretum

More locals go here and bigger than the Botanic Garden – free for visitors.

  1. 85.
    United States Botanic Garden

Very pretty, especially during Christmas time.

  1. 86.
    The Yards Park

(Navy Yard) Lots of restaurants by the park and various kid-friendly activities throughout the year.

Shows + Venues

  1. 87.

Standing room only!

  1. 88.
    Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater

Not a bad seat in the house! Great, high quality productions and performances.

  1. 89.

The Wizards and Capitals both play here.

  1. 90.
    Madams Organ

Come for a speciality drink at their quirky bar and see the interesting decor.

  1. 91.

(Foggy Bottom) Catch a free concert.

  1. 92.

See a perforamnce in this historic theatre.

  1. 93.

Washington Nationals Baseball Game

Shopping + Food

  1. 94.
    Brewery Tours at Port City Brewery

Tour is $12 and includes a flight of 6 6 oz tasting pours, DC Brau Brewing Company (free brewery tours on Sat), Atlas Brew Works (free brewery tours on Saturdays, 100% solar powered), Capital City Brewing / Cap City (give tours upon request, or you can do a brewery tours through a third party).

  1. 95.

Live music, cheap drinks. Where most of National fans gather.

  1. 96.
    Capitol Hill Books

(Capital Hill) Used bookstore.

  1. 97.

Local food, fresh product and meat.

  1. 98.
    The Fish Market

Oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the US. Southeast Fish Market / Maine Avenue Fish Market.

  1. 99.
    Georgetown Flea Market

Fun place to browse for random trinkets and gifts.

  1. 100.
    M Street

(Georgetown) Several boutiques to peruse and restaurants to try.

  1. 101.
    Union Market

One of the best food halls in America by Bon Appetit.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Washington DC

Map of Washington DC

Seasonal + Special Events

(July) Fringe theatre, music, art, dance.

(mid-May) See independentand international films.

  1. H Street Festival

(Fall) 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas for musical performances, art, poetry, and more.

(Winter) Skate rentals are available for just $4.

  1. Jazz in the Garden

Every Friday at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art 5:30-8:30.

  1. National CHerry Blossom Festival

(Spring) One of the prettiest places to see cherry blossoms in the U.S.

Calling all art lovers! Stroll through these galleries for free on First Fridays.

See More: Where to See Cherry Blossoms in the US

Essential Tips for First Time Visitors

The Best Time to Visit DC

Visiting DC in the spring is great because the weather is really pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-fifties to the mid-seventies. I’ve always loved going there in the fall when the temperatures are milder as are the number of tourists. If you can’t get away then though and want to travel in the summer, be prepared for the heat – it ranges in the mid to high 80’s but has been known to creep even higher on occasion.

The city was once a swamp and though it looks a lot different than it used to, if you come in the summer, be prepared for the humidity! The winters can be unpredictable and brutal (ice, snow, sleet) but hotels tend to be a little cheaper in the winter because this is the off-season.

The Metro

In DC, the locals call the train the Metro. If you say Subway, people will think you’re looking for the fast-food restaurant. Oh, and when you’re on the Metro, stay to the right and let people pass on your left. Otherwise, you may be in for some aggravated locals.

Lines are referred to by color: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Look for tall brown columns with a large “M” identifying the station entrances. Colored stripes around the column show which lines serve the station. Train service is from 5 am on Weekdays to 12 am and 7 am on Weekends to 12 am. The city is in the midst of upgrading the system and we rode on several brand new railcars while we were in town.

To use the train, purchase a SmarTrip® card. It’s $2 to purchase a card and is rechargeable so don’t throw it away after you use it; keep on reloading it. You can use it for the bus (most of which are $2 per ride) and the Metro will help you plan the most efficient route and also tell you exactly how much it will cost.

Parking

If you can avoid having to drive into do DC, do just that. We recommend using public transportation (WMATA) whenever possible. Most locals use a combination of the bus, train, walking or a bike. It can be really busy in the morning and evenings when people are going to work but using public transportation can save you time and a headache because you won’t have to hunt for parking. There are 91 stations located in Virginia, Maryland and DC.

Best Places to Stay in Washington DC

Planning Checklist

Are we missing anything? What would be at the top of your Washington DC Bucket List?

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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.

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This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Adree | The Keele Deal

    Washington DC is such a fun city to explore. I love how many different things there are to do, and how many museums are free.

  2. ShannOn

    THANK YOU for mentioning the “stand on the left, walk on the right” rule of thumb. Not many blogs mention it and it’s very important in this area.

  3. Yolanda andraade

    Very nice

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