If you love museums, monuments and other historically significant attractions, you are the perfect candidate for a visit to Washington, D.C. This is an amazing destination simply because it offers so much for every type of vacationer. It's also a great place to visit on a budget, as many top museums are free of charge and, depending on where you stay, it's possible to bypass a rental car.
Questions about what to do in Washington D.C. are not easily answered, simply because there is so much to experience. You could spend weeks along the National Mall and still barely scratch the surface. If you are intent on discovering the best attractions in Washington D.C., however, you will need to plan carefully and prioritize. To get your itinerary started, we've highlighted several must-visits below:
1. Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
- Address: 1300 Constitution Ave. NW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours
If you only have time to explore one attraction from this guide, make it the iconic Museum of American History. You could easily spend an entire day exploring its many exhibits, which detail the nation's complex political and cultural history. This world-class museum has many recognizable and deeply meaningful items on display, such as:
- Dorothy's red slippers from The Wizard of Oz
- Jim Henson's original Kermit the Frog puppet
- Greensboro Woolworth's lunch counter
- Apollo 11 Command Module
Accompanying these and other historically significant exhibits: a wealth of text, plus audio and visual content that provides a deep dive into historical events and perspectives that you'll discover through fresh eyes. Interactive programs and events are regularly scheduled and, if you book an exclusive guided tour, you can get even more behind-the-scenes insight.
2. Smithsonian National Postal Museum
- Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave NE
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Another spectacular Smithsonian attraction, the National Postal Museum doesn't always top the list of most-visited attractions — but maybe it should. This underrated museum provides a deep dive into the fascinating history of the United States Postal Service, including details on how the mail was delivered centuries ago and why stamps really are spectacular.
Special exhibits on military mail and law enforcement within the postal service are definitely worth examining, with other areas of the museum displaying the many vehicles required through the years to help mail reach its intended destinations. Many interactive opportunities are provided, so restless kids can keep entertained while adults take their time examining a wealth of historic artifacts and unique stamps.
3. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Museum hopping can be a blast, but if you crave something a bit different — or if you need to entertain young children — the zoo can be a wonderful alternative. If nothing else, the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park is worth visiting because it is one of the nation's oldest zoos. It doesn't necessarily outshine the nation's other major zoos, but it can break up the day and keep little ones entertained.
Over 2,000 animals call this zoo home and many will be active when you visit, especially if you stop by during the winter or right away when the zoo opens in the morning. The bears and big cats are always fun to visit, although some kiddos will be more inclined to hang out at the bee-themed playground or the carousel.
4. Tour the White House
- Address: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 1 Hour
Any visit to Washington, D.C. should include a visit to the White House. If you're intrigued by this iconic structure, a short stroll or quick snapshot might not be enough. Instead, consider seeing the White House up close and personal as you attend on of its exclusive tours.
Scoring a spot won't be easy, but it is worth the effort. Get in touch with your congressperson at least three weeks in advance and be prepared to work closely with a congressional tour coordinator. If you're lucky enough to reserve a spot, you'll have the chance to explore the East Wing — a rare opportunity that few are fortunate enough to experience.
5. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
While not being a feel-good attraction, but the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum absolutely warrants a visit. This museum presents a fascinating, but sobering narrative history of the Holocaust, along with important exhibits detailing Americans' response to these atrocities and other genocides.
The Holocaust exhibit is navigated chronologically, with a blend of film footage, photos and artifacts telling the tales of Kristallnacht, the Polish invasion and the Final Solution. You will almost certainly be saddened by the time you emerge from this exhibit, but you will also be determined to confront hatred and do your part to prevent future atrocities.
6. LEGO Discovery Center
- Address: 6563 Springfield Mall Suite 12004, Springfield
- Price: $25.99
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Need somewhere to get the wiggles out? Head for the LEGO Discovery Center. While designated as LEGO's D.C. location, this attraction is actually located in nearby Springfield. It's definitely worth the trip, however, especially if your D.C. adventures involve toddlers or preschool kids. Youngsters are especially fond of the LEGO Mini World area and the DUPLO Park's dinosaur carousel.
Meet and greets with LEGO characters are always a blast, but ambitious builders will want to take advantage of the center's workshops and other creative opportunities. This attraction even has an indoor ride: the Imagination Express, which provides an unforgettable journey through whimsical worlds.
7. International Spy Museum
- Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
- Price: Varies, Usually Around $29-30
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
See the world through the eyes of a spy at a vast museum that is entirely dedicated to the art and science of espionage. There are many interactive exhibits, which introduce you to code-cracking, surveillance technology and more.
Along the way, you'll learn fascinating stories about successful (and not-so-successful) missions all around the world. You'll get to test your newfound skills as you go undercover and even receive a debrief at the end of this exciting experience. This is the perfect option for older kids and teens who are otherwise difficult to impress.
8. The Capital Wheel
- Address: 141 American Way, Oxon Hill
- Price: $17
- Time Needed: 15 Minutes
Although technically located outside of D.C. (in Oxon Hill), the Capital Wheel is a must for kids and kids at heart. This Ferris wheel provides an excellent view of D.C. and the Potomac. The vistas are amazing any time of day, but you're in for an especially spectacular sight if you plan a sunset visit. Consider splurging for the VIP gondola, which boasts leather seating and a glass floor.
9. National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
The National Museum of African American History and Culture represents a crucial (albeit, underrated) part of the D.C.'s Smithsonian complex and one that addresses historical events and injustices that other museums might gloss over. The exhibits delve into the origins of the slave trade while also offering insights into segregation and many cultural phenomena. The exhibit on Emmett Till is especially memorable.
As with the Holocaust Memorial Museum, this can be an emotionally challenging destination, but it's essential for personal growth and reflection, not to mention, the best opportunity for gaining a well-rounded, deeply nuanced understanding of US history. Give yourself plenty of time to experience this whirlwind of emotions as you pay homage to our nation's most fascinating and inspiring figures.
10. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Address: 600 Independence Ave SW
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 3-4 Hours
Boasting the largest collection of space and aviation exhibits in the entire world, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is a true spectacle. Even if your time in D.C. is limited, you should take a few minutes to at least stroll through this museum's main galleries. Many are currently under renovation, but there is plenty to see — plus the promise of new, even more impressive displays in the future.
If you're willing to take a short drive to see even more, head for the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in nearby Chantilly. Its vast hangars house all kinds of amazing spacecraft and aircraft, while the onsite IMAX theater promises to astound with its vivid portrayals of adventures in air and space.
11. U.S. National Arboretum
- Address: 3501 New York Ave NE
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: 2-3 Hours
Because the arboretum is so expansive, you will likely need at least two hours to discover its most stunning displays, although you could easily spend even more time there during the spring blooms (especially when cherry blossom season arrives) or if you want to walk all the trails.
No matter how ambitious you feel, you can be confident that you'll stumble upon several photo-worthy locations. After all, this arboretum is regularly referred to as one of D.C.'s most Instagrammable destinations. The National Capitol Columns are especially impressive and, if you visit at the right time, you'll also get the unique chance to view cherry blossoms away from the commotion of the Tidal Basin.
12. Explore Memorials
- Price: Free
- Time Needed: Full Day
Memorials are among the top things to see in Washington D.C. as they are stunning and thought-provoking. Chances are, you will encounter several as you stroll from one museum to the next. If you're intent on visiting them all, however, you may need to get a bit more strategic. Some tourists prefer to dedicate a full day to hitting up as many memorials as possible. Essentials include:
- Lincoln Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
- African American Civil War Memorial
If you don't feel like going it alone, you can always take advantage of local memorial tours, which go beyond the usual photo ops. Knowledgeable tour guides can bring greater context to memorial visits, revealing little-known details about the historical figures or events honored by these structures, as well as the actual process of building and maintaining them. They also provide insider tips to help guide the rest of your D.C. adventure.
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