41 Best Things to Do in Washington DC (By a Local)

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I’m a Washington DC area local and in this guide, I share the best things to do in Washington DC. 

Washington DC houses a melding pot of cultures, a vibrant art scene, and a wealth of fascinating history. Add in some trendy restaurants and you’ll understand why I love DC so much!

I cover these interests and more in this comprehensive guide. Learn about popular must-sees, hidden gems, and places in DC that you won’t want to miss.

Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

Best Things to Do in Washington DC

National Mall

Stroll across America’s front yard to explore memorials, museums, and monuments. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free

On the National Mall, you’ll find every marble tribute that draws crowds to DC. Visit the reflecting pool, the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian museums, the Capitol Building, and the White House. 

There are 1,000 acres within the National Mall with sites like the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and The Martin Luther King Jr. Monument. The best way to experience the National Mall is by walking it. 

The National Mall is also a popular site for events and protests. Check ahead of time to avoid traffic delays and street closures. 

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t center your entire trip around the National Mall. There are so many places in DC to explore!

International Spy Museum

Take on a secret identity and discover the hidden world of espionage.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: $33.87, adults, $22.21, children, free under 6 | 👉 Save with the Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass

The International Spy Museum is arguably one of the best museums in Washington DC. It’s not free like many others, but the $28 fee for adults is money well spent. Taking on the secret mission is optional, but I’d highly recommend it as a glimpse into the world of espionage.

Stories of the most famous spies are brought to life in the main exhibition room. You’ll also see real spy devices used to smuggle important secrets and collect information. 

There are tons of interactive exhibits at this museum. Throughout your secret mission, you’ll be putting your memory and code-cracking skills to the test! My personal favorites (because I’m a kid at heart) were crawling through air ducts as you see in movies and the Cyber Infinity Room. 

The Wharf

Enjoy a plethora of food options and live entertainment at this historic DC waterfront.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The Wharf is near and dear to Washington DC history. This waterfront location is home to the country’s oldest open-air fish market, which opened in 1805 [ Source]. 

If you’re not in the mood for a trip to the fish market, there are tons of upscale options further down the pier. Grab light fare and drinks at Colada Shop or Grazie Grazie. For more luxe options, try the Mediterranean food at La Vie or modern Vietnamese cuisine at Moon Rabbit (my personal fave). 

Experience live concerts at The Anthem plus activities along the pier. Roast marshmallows at the firepit on brisk autumn nights. Catch live music at the floating stage, or strap on skates in the winter months and glide across the ice skating rink. 

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring and see all of Washington DC decked out in pink.

📍 Google Maps | Website | March 20th to April 14th, 2024 | Most events are free

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring celebration in Washington DC. It commemorates the 1912 Japanese gift of cherry blossom trees lining the Tidal Basin.

Cherry blossoms are a popular attraction in DC, so the Tidal Basin gets packed during peak bloom. The time of year the Cherry Blossom festival takes place is one of the most popular times to visit DC.

Walk or bike the Tidal Basin Loop of West Potomac Park for the best views of the delicate cherry blossoms. Skip the crowds by getting there early, ideally before 8 am. Fair warning–after everyone’s awake on a weekend, you’re in for elbow-to-elbow foot traffic. 

The festival lasts four weeks starting on March 20th. Most events like the parade and Petal Palooza for the National Cherry Blossom Festival are free. During the festival, bars, and restaurants in Washington DC celebrate with cherry blossom-themed decor and menus.

📚 Related Reading: 16 Best Day Trips from DC (By an Area Local)

The Hirshhorn Museum

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free

The Hirshhorn Museum is one of the nation’s premier art galleries. It features full-room installations dedicated to some of the most influential artists of this century. These include Washington DC native artists and the fascinating history of feminism in the art world.

👉 Pro tip: Popular exhibits have lines wrapped around the building at 9 am. When I visit here again, I’m jumping in line 10 minutes early for free timed passes.

Lincoln Memorial

This 100-year-old memorial to Abraham Lincoln is a stunning architectural masterpiece and moral reminder.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free 

The Lincoln Memorial is a marble monument honoring President Abraham Lincoln. It rests across the reflecting pool at the National Monument. Up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, you’ll find 36 towering marble columns representing the states within the U.S. during Lincoln’s presidency. 

The 19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln is surrounded by engraved quotes. This includes the entirety of his famous Gettysburg Address speech. 

Same as other monuments on the National Mall, this one is open 24/7. Visit the Lincoln Memorial in the evening to see spotlights illuminate the monument. This is one of several stops on the top-rated Moonlit Tour of the National Mall. Just hop on its comfortable coach bus to witness 10 different monument sites within 3 hours. 

Ben’s Chili Bowl

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon-Wed, 11 am – 11 pm Thu, 11 am – 4 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun

Ben’s Chili Bowl should be your first stop when you make it to Washington DC. I wouldn’t be a local if I didn’t suggest this to you. Ben’s Chili Bowl has a few locations now, but the original is located on U Street. This one’s been open since 1958. 

You have to try the Chili Half-Smoke. But you won’t be left out if you don’t eat meat. Ben’s also serves a great veggie dog with vegan chili. 

This Washington DC landmark has been visited by presidents, civil rights activists, musicians, comedians, and actors. Each one has a picture hanging on the wall of this time-honored establishment. On the outside of the building, you’ll find a mural with famous figures voted on by the community.  

Immigrant Food at The Planet Word Museum

Stuff your face in support of a good cause.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Tue-Thu, 11 am -10 pm Fri, 11:30 am – 10 pm Sat, 11:30 am – 3 pm Sun, Closed Mon 

Immigrant Food is a unique “gastro-advocacy” restaurant that partners with the Planet Word Museum. It’s impossible to visit DC without diving into socio-political matters and Immigrant Food hosts dining experiences that celebrate immigrants, their cultures, and their experiences.

This restaurant is attached to a museum, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get lamp-warmed cafeteria mush. Quite the opposite. Explore an upscale fusion of cultures around the world with what’s affectionately called an “immigrant dim sum experience.” 

What’s interesting about Immigrant Food is that you’re not just getting a food menu—there’s an engagement menu, too. It provides ways to advocate for and support immigrants outside of dining at the restaurant. 

👉 Pro Tip: Immigrant Food switches up its menu constantly. Every time you visit, there’s a new experience! 

United States Botanic Garden

Cultivating your indoor jungle? Come get inspiration at the US Botanical Gardens.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Conservatory hours: 10 am to 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free 

Most of the people visiting Washington DC are surprised by how green the city is compared to other major cities. The US Botanic Garden is the embodiment of that.

The botanical gardens here are the only certified living plant museum in the United States. It’s also the oldest botanic garden in the country.  

You’ll find the bigger (and perhaps less brown) version of your beloved houseplants. There are gardens, classes, and rare plants you won’t see anywhere else. Across the grounds, you’ll find different gardens that’ll inspire you to create your own. Gardens include roses, aquatic species, pollinators, regional plants, and even kitchen gardens. 

My favorite parts of this Washington DC attraction are the orchid room along with the rare and endangered plant area.

DC In A Day Tour

Only in DC for a limited time? Take it all in on a day tour! 

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 9:45 am – 4 pm daily | Cost: $109 adult, $99 children | 👉 DC In A Day Tour

The DC In A Day Tour is perfect for those with limited time in Washington DC. Not everyone has time to experience Washington DC across a week or a month. This tour cuts out the guesswork and makes it easy to see all of DC’s top sites.

This top-rated, 6-hour tour of Washington DC visits over 30 sites. It even includes a seasonal boat cruise through the Potomac River from March through October. 

This tour stops at the United States Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial, to name a few. If you can’t make it during cruise season, you’ll get bonus stops at the Jefferson Memorial and the Eisenhower Memorial. 

History buffs will love the facts and knowledge shared by tour guides and you’ll see the best of the nation’s capital in one go.

DC Sites & Attractions

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The architectural beauty of this marble memorial on the Tidal Basin is enhanced by blooming cherry blossoms.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a white marble tribute to one of the founding fathers of the nation. It overlooks the Tidal Basin and is definitely a sight to behold. The sheer magnitude of this monument is astounding. What you might not like about it is the crowds. 

You’ll likely find swaths of people if you visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial during mid-day. They crowd the steps, snap pictures, and do all of the touristy things. This is especially true during cherry blossom season. 

Go during the week for a more relaxed experience if you have the chance. Although the monument itself is beautiful, views of DC are framed perfectly from inside the marble columns. This is where a statue of Jefferson permanently stares across the Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument. 

Tour The White House

Go beyond the gates and get a view of the White House from the inside.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12:30 pm Tue-Sat | Entrance: Free

The White House is an iconic stop for anyone visiting the nation’s capital. People outside the South Lawn gates snap pictures from afar, but many don’t know there are tours inside. 

This attraction takes the most planning. Tours are highly coveted and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s free, but you’ll only get tickets by contacting a member of Congress. If you snag tickets to the White House, be aware tours can be canceled at any time. 

Tour requests must be submitted at least 21 days in advance. Serious contenders request them 3 months in advance. The tour includes the Green Room, Blue Room, and East Room. Plus, you’ll get some background on the historic residence along the way. 

👉 Pro Tip: It’s the White House. Security is beyond tight. Get there 15 minutes early for security checks. 

Nationals Park

Take me out to the ballgame! Watch the 2019 World Series winners live and in action.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Varies

Catching a game at Nats Park is the perfect way to watch a few innings in Washington DC. This stadium is well-organized and absolutely huge. Come prepared with your walking shoes. 

Stop by Ben’s Chili Bowl and grab a chili half-smoke for a classic Washington DC ball game experience. Tickets can be costly, but the stadium offers multi-game ticket plans for as little as $5 per game. 

On game day, parking is a pain and you’ll need to pay for it in advance. It’s best to take the metro there to avoid traffic. 

🚗 How to Get There: The Navy Yard station is a block away. You can also head to Capital South which is a 15-minute walk to the stadium. 

Witness the Changing of the Guard

Honor the men and women who’ve protected the country with a military tradition.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free | Parking: $3 per hour for passenger vehicles, $10 per hour for commercial vehicles 

The tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is guarded around the clock by sentinels that change every hour. Witnessing the changing of the guard is a unique experience in DC.

For many tourists, this is an essential part of paying your respects to the men and women who’ve served this country. Arlington National Cemetery is also the final resting place for many historical figures.  

Witness the changing of the guard by taking a 15-20 minute walk from the Arlington cemetery visitor’s center to the unknown soldier’s tomb. Typically during the spring months, you’ll also see wreath-laying ceremonies. 

Among the sea of white tombstones, it’s easy to get lost. Book a guided tourthat takes you to the gravesites of politicians and war heroes before watching the changing of the guard. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Pay your respects to those who lose their lives in the Vietnam War.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 24 hours daily | Entrance: Free

Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the most visited memorial on the National Mall. Its black granite walls stretch for hundreds of feet memorializing the names of 58,228 servicemen and women who died during the Vietnam War.

Standing watch over The Wall are three bronze servicemen with their weapons. There’s also a statue honoring the women of the Vietnam War directly across from The Wall. 

If you’re searching for a loved one’s name, it’s best to go during the day with plenty of sunlight. It’s also helpful to search the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website for the exact location of their name. Many people choose to leave special mementos on the wall or do a name rubbing to commemorate their experience here. 

Luxury Shopping at City Center DC

Do DC in style with all of your favorite luxury brands and dining options in one place.

📍 Google Maps | Website

DC residents earn the highest annual average salaries in the country, so you can bet we have the best luxury brands. A good chunk of them is located at CityCenterDC.

Here, you’ll find over 40 luxury shops including Hermes, Dior, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Bulgari. All of these luxury stores are surrounded by esteemed restaurants like Dolcezza, Estuary, Summit, and Piccolina.

Above Palmer Alley, you’ll find hanging decorations that change with the seasons which make for the perfect photo op. 

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Stay close to the elegance of CityCenter by staying at The Conrad. This modern hotel is perfect for people who want to explore the city on foot. Over 100 restaurants are within 0.3 miles!

The Escape Game (Georgetown)

Test your puzzle-solving skills at a next-level escape room.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: $39 per adult 

I’ve visited several escape rooms for teambuilding events, birthdays, and date nights. But none of the ones I’ve visited come close to The Escape Game. This is what other escape rooms aspire to be. 

My sisters and I did the Curse of the Mummy room. We had a blast unlocking this Egyptian mummy mystery. The Georgetown DC location has five escape rooms. Each one is impeccably designed. You may want to solve everything on your own, but there are unlimited clues if you’re stumped. 

Not done having fun yet? There’s a beer and wine bar along with a communal board game room. You can hit up The Escape Game outside of Washington DC, too. They have locations across the country with a nostalgic Rugrats-themed room in Las Vegas that makes me want to book a flight. 

👉 Pro Tip: If you do the mummy room, don’t wear your brand-new shoes.Thank me later.

The Washington Monument

Get a bird’s eye view of DC from the top of its most iconic monument.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free timed entry passes required, $1 service charge per ticket | 👉 Washington DC Monuments Tour

Visiting the Washington Monument is a must-do. It’s also one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington DC’s skyline.

This Egyptian-style obelisk looms over the city at 555 feet tall, making it the tallest building in the world when it debuted. It’s a testament to our first president, George Washington, and his leadership.

If you aren’t afraid of heights, take the elevator to the top of the Washington Monument for a remarkable view of the National Mall. On the ride down, you’ll see commemorative stones. These honor states, groups, and countries that contributed to building the Washington Monument. 

Reserve free tickets online or in person. All tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and you can reserve them up to 30 days in advance.

Museums & Culture

The Kennedy Center

See one of your favorite plays at Washington DC’s premier performing arts center.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Events and ticket prices vary

The John F. Kennedy Center is a gorgeous center for the performing arts. It hosts a wide range of events like comedy shows, ballets, plays, concerts, and more. 

Get here ahead of your show time to sit in the atmospheric courtyard for a conversation under the willow trees overlooking the water. Whether you’re going to see Hamilton,Wicked, or the symphony orchestra, there are tickets available on their website for your next night out.

If you’re driving, you may find some street parking near the Watergate Hotel. You can also reserve parking ahead of time for $25 on the Kennedy Center website which is highly recommended.

The Black Cat

Listen to live music at a DC indie rock venue.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 12 am daily | Entrance: starts at about $20 per adult

The Black Cat is a DC staple that opened its doors in the ‘90s when DC had a lack of music venues. They’ve been instrumental in developing the alternative music scene in DC. This music venue is semi-intimate with a capacity of 700 people. 

Billie Eilish, Janelle Monae, The Foo Fighters, and The Roots are just some of the artists that have graced The Black Cat.

This venue isn’t precious. It’s fairly edgy and gives dive bar vibes. Grab a drink upstairs at the Red Room Bar before or after the set. For those with hearing sensitivity, you’ll want to bring ear protection to fully enjoy the experience. 

👉 Pro Tip: Start the night with a rooftop bite at Gypsy Kitchen. It’s a few feet from Black Cat.

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Take a journey through African American history at this Smithsonian museum.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, 12 pm – 5:30 pm Mon | Entrance: Free, timed passes required | 👉 African-American History Tour with Museum Admission

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture is the most recent addition to the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC. Whether you’re a long-term DMV resident or a visitor looking for things to do, this stop is a must. 

This is the only national museum dedicated to preserving African American history and culture. Venture through 10 floors and over 40,000 artifacts. Exhibits discuss pre-slavery eras to modern-day African American history. 

Entry to the museum is free, but you’ll need to reserve timed passes in advance on their website. Same-day passes are released daily at 8:15 am. 

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This iconic, family-friendly museum is home to impressive exhibits on animals, human evolution, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free, timed passes required

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is one of the most popular museums in DC. You’ll need timed passes to get in, but they’re free on the museum’s website. 

In the lobby, the iconic African elephant is raising his trunk to welcome museum patrons. On the upper level, you’ll find a genuine Moai statue and a small butterfly exhibit. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids to learn about their favorite animals, geology, and marine life. 

Don’t visit on a weekend or holiday unless you enjoy being shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists. If you can arrange for it, visit this Smithsonian institution during the week. 

Dupont Underground

Get familiar with the underground art scene of DC.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: determined by event schedule

Dupont Underground is an art exhibit that is literally underground since it’s beneath Dupont Circle. It’s a versatile space that highlights alternative artwork within an abandoned streetcar station. 15,000 square feet of art space presents diversity and creative expression by up-and-coming local artists. 

There are multiple art exhibitions throughout the year that aren’t limited to stuffy, quiet gallery-type events. You’ll find art events around the LGBTQ+ experience in DC alongside BIPOC artistry. It’s probably one of the most non-touristy things you can do here. 

Dupont Underground has a new lineup of events every month. It’s best to check in on their website or social media platforms to plan your visit around an event. Note that when they’re not holding an event, there’s not much to see here. 

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

Inspire your inner astronaut with a trip to the air and space museum.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free, timed passes required

The recently renovated Smithsonian Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall. It features 8 new galleries added to the open portion of the museum. While half of this museum is still under construction until 2025, you’ll still be astounded by the open exhibits.

Bring your dreams of space travel to life and uncover the history of human flight through a collection of over 60,000 artifacts. This is the only place you’ll see the prototype of the first airplane with the original 1903 Wright Flyer. 

If airplanes are your thing, you’ll also enjoy the America By Air exhibit. Here, multiple aircraft hang overhead in a room resembling an airplane hangar. 

United States National Arboretum

Photographers and nature lovers enjoy the bonsai gardens and towering columns of the National Arboretum.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am to 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free, no tickets required

The National Arboretum is a photographer’s paradise in Washington DC. They don’t just house a bunch of trees. There’s a bit more than that here. Most people make their way to the arboretum to capture the towering National Capitol Columns. 

These intricate corinthian columns were originally part of the US Capitol Building in 1828. Now, they sit on 20 acres of meadows in front of a small reflecting pool. It’s the perfect spot for a photo shoot or a picturesque picnic. 

Visitors to the arboretum also enjoy the bonsai garden along with 451 acres of specialized gardens. It’s an escape from the concrete and asphalt of Washington DC without leaving it. 

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Honor the stories of Holocaust victims in this solemn memorial museum.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free, timed entry passes required 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is quite possibly the most moving museum on the National Mall. The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC honors the 6 million European Jews killed during The Holocaust.

When you walk into the main area, you may notice that it’s designed to resemble a concentration camp. This museum teaches about antisemitism and the harmful ideals that lead to genocide. It also actively confronts genocides taking place in today’s world. 

One of the most powerful exhibits during my time there was the shoes of the concentration camp victims. As a fair warning, this museum brings up intense emotions for most visitors and isn’t recommended for children under 12. 

O Street Museum

Go on a search for secret doors in a museum unlike any other.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Tour Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Sun-Tue, 9 am – 9 pm Wed-Sat | Entrance: $30 to $40 per person | 👉 Book Your Stay at the O Street Mansion

O Street Museum is one of the most unique and unusual activities in Washington DC. It’s located inside a DC mansion made up of 5 connected rowhouses. Within this mansion, there are over 100 rooms and some are hidden behind 70 secret doorways. 

You could spend all day trying to find each one. You’ll discover special themed rooms, like the Halloween room, pop culture room, and log cabin room. If you find a piece in the museum you can’t live without, everything is for sale so you can take it home with you!

🛎️ Need a Hotel? Stay the night at a museum! Book your stay at the O Street Mansion for a full night of fun and exploration in the heart of DC.  

Food & Drink

Union Market

Find a wide variety of food and shops at Union Market.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 9 pm Mon-Sat, 8 am – 8 pm Sun

Union Market is a community market filled with over 40 vendors. There’s everything from top-tier food options to plant shops, coffee, and even artists.

On any given weekend morning, you’ll find caffeine-deprived locals getting their fix and grabbing breakfast with their dogs in tow. 

Head to Union Market before thumbing through vinyls across the street at Byrdland Records. Or stop by for drinks on the rooftop at Hi-Lawn before walking over to catch a movie at Angelika Pop-Up. 

If you can’t find anything at Union Market that fits your fancy, just cross the street and find more options at La Cosecha, a nearby food hall. You could really take a mini food tour of DC just in this small area! 

Ivy City Smokehouse

Get a taste of DC’s freshest seafood and smoked fish at Ivy City Smokehouse.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Sun-Thu, 12 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat

Ivy City Smokehouse is Washington DC’s go-to spot for locally-smoked seafood. The only other place you’ll find their delectable salmon candy or the smokey whitefish salad is the nearest Whole Foods. They’ve even earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the past 5 years. 

You won’t want to miss out on brunch. The buttery waffles, smoked salmon bagels, and strong libations will show you that Washington DC knows how to have a good time. On a sunny day, you’ll want to get a seat on the deck for some added ambiance. 

Before you leave, stop by the market downstairs to take home some smoked goodies. 

Eastern Market

Who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market? 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Indoor Market Hours: 8 am – 6 pm Tue-Sat, 8 am – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free

Get up early on the weekend and take a trip to Eastern Market! Enjoy crafts from local artists, shop for unique clothing, and find your new favorite piece of handmade jewelry. If you come for food, there’s no shortage of tasty bites at Eastern Market. 

Get breakfast quesadillas and freshly blended ginger limeades from the outdoor food vendors. For a real taste of Washington DC, head to the indoor market. 

Grab a seat on the communal hightop at The Market Lunch for an unpretentious breakfast. Be sure to get the Bluebucks (pancakes) or The Brick (a breakfast sandwich) to fuel up before making your rounds for fresh produce and bright flowers. 

Cotton & Reed

This unassuming bar and distillery will make you see rum in a new light.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Mon-Thu, 4 pm – 2 am Fri, 12 pm – 2 am Sat, 12 pm – 10 pm Sun

Cotton & Reed rum is widely used throughout Washington DC’s bar scene. You’ll likely find this rum listed as an ingredient in your cocktails! This smooth, spiced, and slightly sweet spirit gives you a new perspective on rum as more than a mojito component. 

Cotton & Reed is a unique rum distiller based in Washington DC. This distillery and bar is lowkey, but heavy on the vibes with hip-hop and R&B flavoring your evening. The bar is awesome, but there’s more to this hidden gem. 

They also offer distillery tours every Saturday at 2 pm and 3 pm. At $25 per person, the tour includes a rum flight and a draft cocktail. Pick out the rum you like and take a bottle of Washington DC home with you. 

Kramers Books

An independent bookstore with food and wine? Sign me up! 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat, 8 am – 9 pm Sun | Entrance: Free

You don’t typically think “bookstore” when you want great food, but Kramers is the exception to the rule. This independent bookstore in Dupont Circle has the latest reads and some good eats.

Pick up a title from your favorite author and grab a light cup of coffee and a pastry. Or stay for a filling dinner and a glass of wine from their full-service bar.  

This attraction is perfect for a day when the weather isn’t great and you want to go out but stay in at the same time. Depending on which day of the week you go, there might be comedians, musicians, or authors making an appearance. To catch one of their events, be sure to check their online calendar before you go. 

L’Ardente

Eat like a president with 40-layer lasagna and color-changing drinks.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm Mon-Fri, 11 am – 2:30 pm Sat & Sun (5 pm – 10 pm daily)

L’Ardente is the place for you If you love Italian food and modern glamor. L’Ardente stunned DC food critics with their delectable 40-layer lasagna. Eventually, it caught the eyes of Barack and Michelle Obama who were casually spotted at the restaurant in October 2022. 

I went with friends in November and shared several dishes, family style. Not a single dish or drink was disappointed and the service was phenomenal. I would definitely suggest this if you’re in DC for a special occasion. 

Since it’s been ranked as the top Italian restaurant in DC and added to the Michelin dining guide, the dinner prices reflect that. But if you’re going to do DC, then you have to do it right! 

Redbear Brewing Company

A lowkey spot to grab a pint, play some board games, and watch a drag show! 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 11 pm Mon-Thu , 11:30 am – 1 am Fri, 11 am to 1 am Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun

Redbear Brewing Company is the only LGBTQ+-owned brewery in DC. You’ll love the tongue-in-cheek drink names and the friendly bar staff. Whether you’re here to grab a drink with friends, play some board games, or attend a trivia night, you’re going to have a good time here. 

Their beer and drink menu rotates frequently along with their food so it’s always interesting to see what’s on tap. If you check their calendar of events, you’ll find drag bingo, trivia nights, stand-up comedy, brunches, and drag competitions. 

Free Things To Do in DC

Library of Congress

Bookworms everywhere will enjoy visiting the largest library in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tue-Sat, Closed Sun & Mon | Entrance: Free with timed entry passes | 👉 Capitol Hill Guided Walking Tour

The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It has huge collections of scientific research, cartography, presidential papers, photographs, music, and more. There are over 173 million items within the Library of Congress walls. 

One of the most astounding sights is the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building. This features a 75-foot-high stained glass ceiling held up by marble columns. The Library of Congress also houses treasures like the Gutenberg Bible, the Declaration of Independence, and The Emancipation Proclamation. 

Street Art

Explore DC through the artworks you won’t find in museums.

📍 Google Maps

You can find murals, graffiti, and artwork gracing the side of buildings and peeking around alleyways almost everywhere you go in DC. In fact, the closed Wendy’s that greets you as you enter DC from New York Avenue was recently decorated with a mural covering the building.  

You could easily make a day of searching for street art and having a fun photoshoot. Some of the most popular artwork depicts presidents, famous musicians, and surrealist scenes. 

While finding street art by yourself is a great free thing to do in DC, for a small fee you can also sign up for this guided tour with a long-time DC resident who knows where all the best mural sites are. 

Theodore Roosevelt Island

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Check out Theodore Roosevelt Island if you want to see a presidential monument but don’t want to deal with the crowds. This 88.5-acre island sits firmly in the Potomac River and you don’t need a boat to get there. 

As a local, I’m almost ashamed of how long it took me to realize this place existed, but that lends to how much of a hidden gem it is. Take an easy stroll through nature and you’ll reach a monument to Theodore Roosevelt. It’s complete with a fountain, commemorative plaques, and benches. 

Rock Creek Park

Breathe in some fresh air and take a break from the city without leaving the city.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily | Entrance: Free

Rock Creek Park is a green haven in the middle of Washington DC. If you’re familiar with New York, it’s kind of like our version of Central Park.

Whether you’re walking, biking, running, or boating in DC, you can find ways to do it in Rock Creek Park. It’s a great place to take in the natural world while getting some exercise. Portions of Rock Creek Parkway have even been closed off to vehicles, creating a safer area for the park’s pedestrian visitors. 

In addition to outdoor activities, Rock Creek Park also houses a planetarium and an 1820s grist mill. There are also several important Civil War historical sites. 

Underground Comedy at Hotbed

Laughter is the best medicine, and unlike actual medicine, you’ll find it for free at Hotbed.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 7 pm – 11 pm Tue-Thu & Sun, 7 pm – 2 am Fri, 6 pm – 2 am Sat, Closed Mon

Underground Comedy is a best-kept secret in Washington DC. If you’re looking for laughs, head down to Hotbed in Adam’s Morgan where you’ll find free shows almost every day they’re open.

The free acts can be hit or miss since most are still new to comedy. If you don’t mind a comedian that bombs in between some good sets, then you’ll have a good time.

Underground Comedy has been hosting these events (plus their paid shows) for the last 7 years at a previous location in Dupont Circle. With their move to a less humid and slightly less cramped location, they’ve become an even better spot. Grab a drink and catch local comedians on the verge of their big break.

Smithsonian National Zoo

See creatures that crawl, climb, soar, and slither among the 2,000 animals at the DC National Zoo.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily | Entrance: Free entry passes required for adults and children

The Smithsonian National Zoo is a top DC attraction. Some of the most popular animals are the giant pandas, which recently celebrated their 50th anniversary at the DC Zoo. 

You’ll also find a carousel, playground, and a splash fountain that opens when the temps start to rise. Overall, you should spare about 2-3 hours to take in the top attractions at the zoo. If you get there early enough, you might find some street parking within a short walk to the entrance. 

🚗 How to Get There: If you prefer to take the metro, you’ll have an 8-minute uphill walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo / Adams Morgan stop. 

Meridian Hill Park

Enjoy cascading fountains and drum circles at this cultural landmark in DC.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Sunrise – 9 pm (winter), sunrise – 12 am (summer) | Entrance: Free

Meridian Hill Park (known as Malcolm X Park by DC natives) was the home of President John Quincy Adams before becoming a public park.

Meridian Hill boasts cascading water fountains in the spring and summer. It features statues of James Buchanan, Joan of Arc, and Dante Alighieri. If you’re looking for less touristy cultural attractions in Washington DC, this is the place to go. 

One of America’s longest-continuing drum circles takes place at Malcolm X Park each Sunday the sun is shining at 3 pm. It’s been happening for over 40 years. Depending on the day, there are also yogis, dancers, and other musicians that join in on the fun! 

FAQs About What to Do in Washington DC

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Safe travels, and enjoy your visit to the United States capital! Check out our guide to DC neighborhoods next to get a more local feel for the city.

– Lea Rose Allbaugh contributed to this post