The Best Things to Do in Washington DC
It can be difficult to narrow down a list of must-visit sites, with so many things to do and see in Washington, DC including historical landmarks, state buildings, great museums, and much more. Some of the most significant places to visit are situated along the National Mall in the northwestern quadrant. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Washington as summer can be very hot in DC. We have compiled a list of 20 must-see attractions in the nation’s capital to make traveling easier and fun for you.
#1. The United States Capitol and Capitol Hill
The Capitol of the United States is where Congress meets. Explore the city of the iconic building housing the legislature of the United States. The U.S. Capitol has a plethora of info about the background history and activities of this house of government.
#2. The Washington Monument & The National Mall
The national mall is the city’s topmost attraction for tourists. One of the reasons is that it is highlighted in the middle by the towering Washington Monument. Even if you are visiting for a short time this is a must-visit spot for any first-time tourist. A circle of 50 American Flags circles the base of the memorial. For aerial views above the mall and most of Washington, you can take an elevator to the very top.
#3. The White House
The white house is the official residence of the President of the Ununited States of America. It is also where representatives of international countries are hosted by the President. John Adams was the first US President to remain in the White House. For visitors who wish to visit the White House, there are many self-guided tours in the city.
#4. The Lincoln Memorial
A significant monument constructed to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is the Lincoln Memorial. At the center of the Greek Doric style temple, a massive statue of the late Abraham Lincoln was built. It is the most notable piece crafted by renowned French sculptor Daniel Chester. The murals on the inside walls were painted by Jules Guerin, demonstrating significant events in the life of Lincoln.
#5. The National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum, with a collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, is one of the most famous museums in the world. They also have Wright Brothers Flyer and Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis to attract tourists from all over the world. NASM is one of the most visited museums of all time. People from all over the world attracts to this place. If you are a tourist in DC this must be your top priority.
#6. Supreme Court of the United States
Another top attraction you can visit in Washington DC is the highest court in the U.S. You can visit the building and listen to the court proceedings or attend a free lecture on the history of the building.
#7. National Zoological Park
A perfect place to wander around is the expansive and free National Zoo. The giant pandas, the big cats, and the big apes are the highlight of this zoo. Other than pandas it is famous for Asian elephants, red pandas, Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, and brown kiwis. Not only for the quality of the tourist experience but its leadership in the fields of animal welfare and sustainability, this is one of the world’s best zoos.
#8. National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of arts consists of two separate buildings connected with a tunnel. The most important attraction is American and European artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. Again, if you are interested in paintings and art then it is a must-visit.
#9. The World War II Memorial
The monument with stone architecture and bronze sculptures honors the $16 million who served in the United States military during the Second World War is the biggest tourist attraction in the capital.
#10. Georgetown and the Waterfront
Georgetown is a beautiful and elegant historical village. If you are not interested in going to memorials then this is a place for you. This village has so much to offer, the bustling street is where you shop as a tourist in Washington DC. To see the spectacular views of the Potomac River, you can also walk along the Waterfront. The amazing restaurants with spectacular waterfall views are a must-visit in town.
#11. National Museum of Natural History
On March 17, 1910, the National Museum building, now known as the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), opened its doors to the tourist. Featuring collections of art, culture, history, and natural historical background. The museum tells a history of human interactions with each other and the environment.
#12. National Museum of American History
There’s much more to this 750,000 square-foot museum than presidential artifacts. Since the Revolution, the National Museum of American History has recorded the political, cultural, scientific, and technological history of the U.S. The museum is open from 11 a.m. on Fridays to Tuesdays.
#13. Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral is a burial place of many famous people including Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, Admiral George Dewey, Bishop Satterlee, Henry Vaughan, and Philip Frohman. It took 83 years to build one of the largest cathedrals in the world, from 1907 to 1990. It follows the style and techniques of Gothic architecture and a great tourist attraction.
#14. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the most prestigious and largest in the world feature with over 160 million items, with millions of books, recordings, photos, journals, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. It is free and available to the public. To access the Jefferson Building or to visit the public spaces and exhibits of the Library, tourists do not require tickets or reservations.
#15. The Jefferson Memorial
A square, open-air building featuring a submerged dome backed by a circular colonnade of 26 Ionic columns is the Jefferson Memorial building. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial has no visit-related fees or reservations. The bronze statue weighs five tons and measures 19 feet tall.
A leading tourist attraction in Washington DC, a compact city characterized by modernist buildings and monuments. A visit to this town will give you the chance to see hundreds of exquisite attractions.
