Table of Contents
- 1 Map of Washington Attractions
- 2 Top Free Things to do in Washington DC
- 2.1 The National Mall
- 2.2 Washington Monument
- 2.3 Lincoln Memorial
- 2.4 The White House
- 2.5 The U.S. Capitol
- 2.6 Library of Congress
- 2.7 The National Gallery of Art
- 2.8 The Smithsonian Museums
- 2.9 Ford's Theater
- 2.10 WWII Memorial
- 2.11 Arlington National Cemetery
- 2.12 Washington National Cathedral
- 2.13 The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
- 2.14 The National Archives
- 2.15 Georgetown
- 3 Other Free Attractions in Washington
- 4 Attractions Outside of D.C
- 5 Conclusion
- 6 Pin it for Later!
Washington, D.C. is a city like no other. Our nation’s capital and home of some of the most extraordinary historical locations in the United States.
There is history around every corner, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Best of all, there are plenty of free monuments and museums all over the city, many of which are top tourist attractions.
Here are some of the best free things to do in Washington DC any time of the year, including some day trip ideas.
Map of Washington Attractions
Top Free Things to do in Washington DC
The National Mall
Hands down, the National Mall is one of the top must-see sites in D.C. It is home to many important monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Around the perimeter, you will find grassy park areas and pedestrian paths. At all times of the day, you will see people out for a run, taking a leisurely bike ride, or enjoying an afternoon picnic. In the middle of the Mall is the Tidal Basin that sits directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
The Mall is most popular in the springtime when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. You can also rent a paddleboat and relax on the water during the warmer months.
Washington Monument
On the east side of the National Mall is the 555 foot tall stone Washington Monument. The obelisk was built to honor our first president, George Washington.
Construction on the monument started in 1848 and was completed in 1884. If you look closely, you can see the different marble used during the numerous phases of construction.
You can get passes for just $1 to go into the monument and take the elevator to the observation deck at the top. Passes are only available online here and must be purchased in advance.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Lincoln Memorial
On the west side of the National Mall is the iconic Lincoln Memorial, dedicated to our 16th president Abraham Lincoln.
This large memorial sits in front of the Tidal Basin and is less than a mile’s walk from the Washington Monument.
Like most of the attractions around the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial gets very busy during peak season.
To beat the crowds, try to get an early start. The memorial is also beautifully lit up at night if you want a more intimate visit.
The winter months are also less busy in Washington and another possible option to evade the crowds.
The White House
The most famous address in the United States, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, is next on this list.
Home to the president of the United States, the White House is brimming with security, but you can get as close to the black wrought iron gate that wraps around the property.
For the closest views, go to the front of the house. It is possible to tour the house, but it does take some planning.
The White House also offers free garden tours at certain times of the year that you must sign-up for in advance.
American citizens must request a tour through their members of Congress at least 21 days in advance. You are also required to bring a government-issued photo ID with you for the tour.
For non-citizens, you must request access from your embassy in D.C. For more information, visit the National Park Service website on how to request entrance.
Tour Dates and Hours:
- Tuesday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday – Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm
The U.S. Capitol
The capitol building is home to the U.S Congress and sits on a small hill overlooking the mall.
One of the best parts about the drive into D.C. is the spectacular views of the building’s large dome from the highway crossing over the Potomac.
Walking around the exterior of the Capitol building is enough for most, but you can also tour the inside for free.
Like many places in the city, tours need to be scheduled in advance and are limited in quantity.
Online tours are also available during the week and last around 45-60 minutes. The easiest way to book yours is through the capital website.
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Library of Congress
Home to over 150 million artifacts, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the U.S. It is used primarily as a research library and is open for tours Thursday-Saturday.
The library is massive and takes around 3,000 people to keep it running. Inside the building, you will have access to a number of interactive exhibits, including a recreation of Jefferson’s library.
Tours are free, but due to capacity limits, you have to sign up online ahead of time. The library also hosts special events including concerts, poetry readings, and lectures.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 9:30 am -to 4:00 pm
The National Gallery of Art
If you love art, the National Gallery of Art is extremely impressive. It is massive and full of a labyrinth of connecting rooms and galleries that you will adore getting lost in.
The National Gallery is full of spectacular pieces of art from all around the world.
You will find paintings from famous artists such as Monet, van Gogh, Matisse. Picasso, and da Vinci.
The gallery officers free maps to help you find your way around, but I recommend just getting lost in the beautiful building.
That’s half the fun! In addition to the East and West buildings, the gallery has a terrific outdoor sculpture garden.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
The Smithsonian Museums
There are 17 different Smithsonian museums in Washington. Each museum is extremely large and spread apart throughout the city, so it is not likely to visit them all in just a couple of days.
The most popular museum is by far the Museum of Natural History. Due to its popularity, there is normally a large queue to get in.
The Museum of Natural History is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm. Make sure to get there 15-30 minutes before opening to beat the long lines.
Once inside, you can easily spend half a day exploring the outstanding exhibits. The Museum of Natural History has many interactive displays and plenty of engaging exhibits, making it the perfect place for kids.
Other exceptional museums include the Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum. These are all in close proximity to each other and could be seen during a weekend trip to the city.
Hours of Operation:
- Museum of Natural History: Wednesday – Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Air and Space Museum: Thursday – Monday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Museum of American History: Friday – Tuesday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
TRAVEL TIP: Each museum has different days and hours of operation, which may change throughout the year. Make sure to check the official Smithsonian website for updated times.
Ford's Theater
This attraction isn’t exactly free, but it is close enough! For only $3, you can tour the theatre and see where President Abraham Lincoln sat during that unfortunate night he was shot in 1865.
The theatre is quite small and takes about 30 minutes to tour, but I highly recommend a stop here. The Ford Theatre is still open for performances as well! Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis and are easily purchased online.
For additional information on Lincoln’s assassination, walk across the street to the Peterson House, where he was taken to for medical attention the night he was shot.
The house is now a museum that you can tour using your Ford Theatre ticket.
Hours of Operation: Tours are available daily except Tuesdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
WWII Memorial
The memorial was constructed in 2004 to honor the millions of members of the United States Armed Forces who served in World War II.
The Memorial is located on the opposite end of the Tidal Basin from the Lincoln Memorial.
In the center sits a large oval pond with a water fountain. Around the perimeters sits a ring of granite panels adorned with bronze wreaths and illustrated panels.
The outdoor memorial is open 24 hours a day.
For the best experience, try visiting in the early mornings or late at night when the fountains are lit.
Arlington National Cemetery
The 600+ acre cemetery is the largest military cemetery in the United States and home to thousands of American servicemen. It is also known as the site of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This historic site was built to dedicate the unidentified soldiers who fought for our country over the years. The tomb is guarded closely at all times and can be visited daily.
You can enter the grounds for free, but guided tours of the grounds are also available.
When you visit, make sure to watch the changing of the Guards; it is truly spectacular to watch. The ritual happens on the hour, every hour in the fall and winter. During the spring and summer, guard duty changes every 30 minutes.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Washington National Cathedral
The exquisite cathedral is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in D.C. Construction began in 1907 and took a total of 83 years to complete.
Its Gothic spires, 215 stained glass windows, and grand tower are beautifully designed.
The cathedral is free to enter every day and offers free tours on Sundays.
Tour Hours: Hours change daily based on the event schedule. Check the website for day-to-day availability.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Museum is one of the heavier stops in the city, but one of the most important as well.
The museum covers everything from before WWII to the lasting effects it has had on society.
There are several permanent and rotating exhibits that feature a collection of artifacts, first-hand accounts, and film.
Tickets for the museum are free, but there is a $1 transaction fee for reserving them online.
Hours of Operation: Thursday – Tuesday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
The National Archives
The National Archives is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Washington and home to some of the most important American documents. The archives hold the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and even a copy of the Magna Carta.
You can reserve a self-guided tour online in advance. They are available every day from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm. Guided tours can also be reserved for free, however, there is a minimal processing fee to book online.
Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Georgetown
Right near the National Mall is the Historic Georgetown neighborhood. Georgetown is where you will find many of the historic spots in D.C, including JFK’s many homes.
You can spend an entire day here walking around the residential streets, touring estates, and exploring antique shops.
One of the prettiest parts of Georgetown is the C&O Canal. The narrow canal is still used today and makes for a perfect day or nighttime stroll.
For more ideas on what to do in Georgetown for the day check out this post.
Other Free Attractions in Washington
There are so many amazing sites to explore in Washington D.C. If you are staying for an extended time, or have visited the city before, here are some additional attractions.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was designed after the Roman Parthenon by John Russell Pope. It sits just off the mall between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
Visit the Supreme Court
The courtroom is open to the public, even while they are in session. There are limited seats so make sure to reserve your spot well in advance. On the weekends you can also explore some exhibits.
Rock Creek Park
The impressive 2,000-acre park is the perfect place for outdoor lovers. There are plenty of things to do here including hiking and biking trails, tennis courts, a nature center, and a planetarium. Rock Creek Park also hosts concerts during the summer in its amphitheater.
Tour the Pentagon
The Pentagon is known as the home of our Department of Defense. The Pentagon offers free guided tours, but you will have to make an appointment in advance. Tours get booked pretty quickly!
Visit Cedar Hill
The home of Frederick Douglass is open to the public as a museum documenting his life. He purchased the home in 1877 and lived there for almost 20 years. The grounds and visitors center are open daily. Guided tours are also available.
Relax in Constitution Gardens
The 50-acre gardens were established in 1965 as protected park land. They are located in the mall and offer plenty of places for visitors to relax outdoors. Many people come here to enjoy the outdoors, watch the wildlife, and wander the many footpaths.
Take in Other Important City Memorials
All the memorials in Washington are free to visit. There are dozens erected around the city. Each is dedicated to the lives of some of the most influential and brave individuals who have served our country over the years.
Here is a list of just a few moving memorials you may like:
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- President Franklin Roosevelt Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- President Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Air Force Memorial
Attractions Outside of D.C
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon was home to president George Washington. It was originally built by his father Augustine and taken over by George in 1754.
Although Mount Vernon is not free to visit, it is worth exploring. A ticket gets you access to the entire estate including the mansion, gardens, distillery, museum, and grounds.
The estate is about a 30-minute drive from Washington, DC.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a charming town just 20 minutes outside of Washington in Virginia. The colonial town still has many of its original buildings dating back to the late 1700s.
The Old Town is packed with restaurants and boutique shops and sits on the edge of the Potomac.
Old Town Alexandria is perfect for a romantic night out away from the bustle of the city.
Make sure to book reservations at the Gadsby’s Tavern while you are there. This impeccable restaurant was host to numerous influential figures over the years, including George Washington himself.
TRAVEL TIP: I highly recommend staying in Alexandria and driving or taking the train to D.C. It took us about 20 minutes to get into the city each day, and the drive there is extremely scenic!
Potomac Heritage Trail
This walking and bike path runs parallel to the Potomac River from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon.
It is a 10-mile section of a the larger scenic trail system. It runs along the Potomac River, across stress, and through park land.
There are several parking areas along the trail. One is located at the north side of Roosevelt island. Other perking lots can be found at Overlook Regional Park, and Turkey Run Park.
Stop by a Vineyard
Many are surprised to hear that Virginia is home to over 250 different vineyards. Driving around Mount Vernon alone, you will see dozens of signs for wineries in distilleries just in that area.
Take a break from sightseeing in the city and venture out to one of the surrounding wineries.
Some popular wineries include Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, Potomac Point Winery, RdV Vineyards, and Barrel Oak Winery, but there are plenty more!
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these free things to do in Washington, DC. The bustling city is full of so many wonderful things to do and worth a weekend getaway. Experienced some other free things to do? I’d love to hear about them!
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