AD | Washington DC is a city that has a lot to offer its visitors. From museums to monuments and historical places, there really is something for everyone. In this post we’ll look at 4 of the best things to do around Washington DC. And once you’ve ticked these off your list, you can be sure you’ll find plenty more indoor and outdoor activities to see while you’re in the capital of the United States.
What are the most interesting things to do around Washington DC?
Of course, this is subjective, and will depend on your tastes and interests. Also whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or a family. But the 4 places in this post are a great introduction to Washington DC, and certainly offer something for most age groups.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery
Established in 1864, Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is the final resting place for more than 400,000 American veterans. There are several sections with different types of burial grounds: Section 1 for military personnel, Section 2 for civilians, and Section 3 for Confederate soldiers. Arlington is also known for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and for the Eternal Flame of President John F. Kennedy, who is buried there.
It’s one of the most visited cemeteries in the United States and is open to the public. And the surrounding area is also so beautiful and peaceful that many visitors find themselves looking for Arlington real estate after visiting.
Go Round The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution is one of the world’s largest collections of art, history, and natural science exhibits spread throughout 19 museums and galleries in Washington DC. These include the Air and Space Museum, American History Museum, Natural History Museum, and more. The Smithsonian can claim to be the most visited group of museums in the world with over 160 million visitors each year.
A treasure trove of American history, art, and culture, the idea for the museums came from British scientist, James Smithson, who in 1846 bequeathed his estate to build a collection that would curate, preserve, and exhibit artefacts from all over the world. The Smithsonian museums are great places to learn about the history of America and its people. The most visited museum is the National Museum of American History, which has 3 million visitors annually. The National Air and Space Museum is also very popular with 2 million visitors each year.
Visit the National Mall
One of the most popular attractions in Washington DC is the National Mall. It’s home to monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. There are also museums, memorials, and other cultural institutions located here.
The National Mall is a large public park, and is the heart of the city, as it hosts many activities, including concerts, celebrations, protests, and sporting events. This public outdoor space welcomes more than 25 million visitors every year, and it’s been a popular must-see destination for tourists as well as locals since its inception in 1888. And it continues to be one of the most iconic and most visited places in America today. Tip: if you visit Washington DC during the summer months, make sure to see the monuments at night. Many of them are lit up with lights that reflect off the water. It’s especially beautiful when the sun goes down.
Take a Tour of The White House
If you’re a US citizen, you can book a free tour of the White House and learn about the history of the house and its occupants. Visitors from overseas need to contact their embassy in Washington DC for assistance in submitting a tour request. And if you’re really lucky, you might even get an up-close view of the iconic West Wing Oval Office, where the President of the United States works.
Have you visited Washington DC before? Did you make it to any of these attractions? What would you say are the most interesting things to do around Washington DC?
* This is a collaborative post.
Washington, DC is on my list of places to visit so thank you for providing me with some suggestions!
You are most welcome, hope you enjoy your trip!
Thanks for sharing, I have only been to the airport in Washington DC on the way down to Virginia, so did not really explore the city, but would like to, it looks like there is plenty to do 🙂
There’s so much to do here, I think you’d need at least a week to do it all justice 🙂
My partner would like to go to Washington, D.C. one day.
Thank you for the ideas in this post.
Thank you, Rachel, I’m glad they were helpful 🙂
Wow DC is beautiful, I have never been there before and hope to go someday thanks for sharing.
It is indeed – hope you can visit too 🙂
I visited here a long time ago when I was in junior high. Thanks for these ideas, I will have to bookmark this for the next time I get down there.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
You’re very welcome, glad they were helpful 🙂
I’ve been to D.C. before, but have never had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery. I definitely need to add this to my itinerary on my next visit. Thanks for the tip to check out the surrounding area, it sounds lovely!
Thank you, Heidi, I hope you can visit again soon!
All these are a must for anyone visiting Washington. 🙂
Absolutely, thank you, Anca.
It’s on my travel list of places I’d like to visit — it’s such an iconic area that I feel like if you’re living in the U.S. or being a tourist here you need to spend time wandering around taking it all in!
I understand that – it’s like London to a Brit!
Washington is high on my list and the Smithsonian is one of the things I really want to visit more! The natural history museum and space museum sound great! x
The Smithsonian is amazing, definitely not something you’d leave off your itinerary! x