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.
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Last Updated: June 20, 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.
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.
- 2.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Learn about US currency and see how millions of dollars are printed.
- 3.
The Capital Wheel at National Harbor
See views of the Potomac River from 180 feet above.
- 4.
Carousel at National Harbor
Americana-themed carousel with a children’s playground & picnic tables, right by the Capital Wheel. (currently closed)
- 5.
Chinatown Arch
A traditional Chinese gate constructed in 1986.
- 6.
Dumbarton Oaks
(Georgetown) See pre-Colombian and Byzantine art and artifacts and the mansion gardens.
- 7.
Embassy Row
See ornate buildings for each foreign embassy.
- 8.
“The Exorcist” Steps
(Georgetown) Cool to see if you’re in the area. Free to visit!
- 9.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Tour
(Penn Quarter) Be sure to contact your congressional representative to be cleared first.
- 10.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
(Brookland) Take a stroll through the grotto and gardens.
- 11.
Library of Congress
(Capitol Hill) Has great views of DC.
- 12.
Riverboat Tour on the Potomac River
You can do a dinner cruise too.
- 13.
Smithsonian Institution Building
(aka the Castle) + Enid A. Haupt Garden
- 14.
The Pentagon Tour
Must make reservations at least 14 days in advance.
- 15.
Tudor Place
Part of Martha Washington’s family’s estate.
- 16.
Union Station
Great architecture, several shops and restaurants. You can also take the free circle bus at the station to the Mall.
- 17.
The Washington Harbour
Grab a coffee and walk by the waterfront.
- 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.
Monuments + Memorials + Historic Sites
- 19.
Arlington Memorial Bridge
A bridge connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.
- 20.
Arlington National Cemetery
(Arlington) Be sure to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- 21.
Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument
(NPS) This house was once the headquarters of the National Women’s Party.
- 22.
Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site
(NPS) Home to the first African American to document the history of African Americans.
- 23.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C & O Canal)
Lots of events throughout the year within the park.
- 24.
Congressional Cemetery
(NPS) Established in 1807. Walk through both local and national history.
- 25.
Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site
(NPS) The actual gun used by Boothe is on display in the basement museum.
- 26.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
(NPS) Open air memorial of FDR, located between the Jefferson and Martin Luther King Memorials.
- 27.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
(NPS) Tours are available by reservations. We suggest you make the reservation before visiting.
- 28.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
(NPS) Memorial of those served in the Korean War. Don’t miss the lief size statues of soldiers.
- 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.
- 30.
Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac
(NPS) Small memorial and green space.
- 31.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
(NPS) Take a night tour and learn about MLK Jr.
- 32.
Mary Mcleod Bethune Council House
(NPS) House is open for tours from 10am – 2pm, Thursday through Saturday.
- 33.
National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
Located by section of the Pentagon where the plane hit.
- 34.
National Mall
(NPS) About 2 mi, stretch by most of the monuments and memorials.
- 35.
Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site
(NPS) Six presidential funeral processions had traversed this area.
- 36.
President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldier’s Home
Where he lived and worked for over a quarter of his presidency.
- 37.
President Woodrow Wilson House
Well preserved home, reservations are recommended for house tour.
- 38.
Senate and House Office Buildings
You need your government STAR ID to enter.
- 39.
Supreme Court
Walk around the public areas and take in the sheer magnitude of the marble hallways.
- 40.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
(NPS) There is a museum below the memorial.
- 41.
The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center / Capitol Tour
Be sure to book your tour time online before visiting.
- 42.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(NPS) Located right by the Lincoln Memorial.
- 43.
Washington Monument
(NPS) Tickets are required to ride the elevator to the 500 foot observation deck.
- 44.
World War I Memorial
(NPS) Located in Pershing Park.
- 45.
World War II Memorial
(NPS) A grand monument steps away from the Washington Monument.
- 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
- 47.
Arts and Industries Building
(Smithsonian) Interior is closed, but you can appreciate the architecture and explore the area around the building. (temporarily closed)
- 48.
Dea Museum and Visitors Center
(Arlington) Go see their bong collection.
- 49.
Folger Shakespeare Library
(Capitol Hill) Catch a play at the small stage inside the library.
- 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.
- 51.
The Fridge DC
Art gallery specializing in street art – murals are in the alley behind the oyster shop on 8th St SE.
- 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.
- 53.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
(Smithsonian) A short walk from the Capitol, eclectic statues and art exhibits.
- 54.
International Spy Museum
Very informative and interactive museum. Great for both kids and adults alike.
- 55.
The Mansion On O Street
Get tickets online to save $5.
- 56.
The National Archives Building
See the original Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution and the 1297 version of the Magna Carta.
- 57.
National BUILDING Museum
Learn about architecture, design, engineering, and more.
- 58.
The National Gallery of Art + Sculpture Garden
See sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, Kusama, and more.
- 59.
National Geographic Society – Grosvenor Auditorium / Museum
Tons of photographs on display, as well as rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions and explorations.
- 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.
- 61.
National Museum of African Art
(Smithsonian) Small, yet captivating, African art collection from various African countries.
- 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.
- 63.
National Museum of the American Indian
Exhibits are grouped by tribe.
- 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.
- 65.
National Portrait Gallery
The presidential portraits are located on the second floor.
- 66.
The National Postal Museum
The volume of stamps on display is enormous! Cool to see, especially if you’re a collector.
- 67.
Newseum
Learn about the first amendment and importance and evolution of a free press.
- 68.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Open until 7pm, which is later than most Smithsonian museums.
- 69.
Renwick Gallery
Also part of American Art Museum but at a different location.
- 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.
- 71.
National Museum of Natural History
(Smithsonian) Awesome collection of very rare, real dinosaur fossils.
- 72.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Free admission, don’t miss the giant pandas!
- 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
- 74.
Anacostia River
Kayaking, SUP, and even hydro-biking.
- 75.
Constitution Gardens
(NPS) Several quiet walking paths and pleasant gardens.
- 76.
Georgetown Waterfront Park
Calmer and much more quieter part of the city.
- 77.
Gravelly Point
Great place to see planes take off.
- 78.
Great Falls Park
(NPS) The entrance fee is $20 per car.
- 79.
LAFAYETTE Square
(Downtown) Ideal spot for a good view of the White House.
- 80.
Meridian Hill Park
Great to visit in the spring and summer when the fountains are on.
- 81.
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
(NPS) Easy walk for kids to enjoy nature.
- 82.
Tidal Basin
Paddle boating.
- 83.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
(NPS) Enjoy nature and the great statue of Theodore Roosevelt.
- 84.
United States National Arboretum
More locals go here and bigger than the Botanic Garden – free for visitors.
- 85.
United States Botanic Garden
Very pretty, especially during Christmas time.
- 86.
The Yards Park
(Navy Yard) Lots of restaurants by the park and various kid-friendly activities throughout the year.
Shows + Venues
- 87.
Standing room only!
- 88.
Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater
Not a bad seat in the house! Great, high quality productions and performances.
- 89.
The Wizards and Capitals both play here.
- 90.
Madams Organ
Come for a speciality drink at their quirky bar and see the interesting decor.
- 91.
(Foggy Bottom) Catch a free concert.
- 92.
See a perforamnce in this historic theatre.
- 93.
Washington Nationals Baseball Game
Shopping + Food
- 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).
- 95.
Live music, cheap drinks. Where most of National fans gather.
- 96.
Capitol Hill Books
(Capital Hill) Used bookstore.
- 97.
Local food, fresh product and meat.
- 98.
The Fish Market
Oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the US. Southeast Fish Market / Maine Avenue Fish Market.
- 99.
Georgetown Flea Market
Fun place to browse for random trinkets and gifts.
- 100.
M Street
(Georgetown) Several boutiques to peruse and restaurants to try.
- 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.
(April/May) See independentand international films.
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.
Jazz in the Garden
Every Friday at the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art 5:30-8:30.
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
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on DC hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Washington DC travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
Are we missing anything? What would be at the top of your Washington DC Bucket List?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Caroline + Erin
They are entrepreneurs and creatives who are good at finding adventure, both big and small, everywhere they go. The two have made a daily practice of sharing vulnerabilities, truth telling, and side splitting laughter. Both value being able to spend time getting to know a place but understand that life doesn’t always allow one to really settle into a place. So, they’ve honed the art of traveling fast and seeing and doing all of the things that an adventurer can do in a day or two. The couple lives in Asheville, North Carolina and spend as much time as possible in the mountains.
