Washington, DC is a city that truly has something for visitors of all ages. There’s the impressive Smithsonian Institution, which includes more than a dozen free museums and galleries in the DC area, along with the National Zoo. Add to that all the history that comes alive at the memorials and monuments along the National Mall, plus places like Ford’s Theatre and the National Archives. Finally, throw in all the delicious opportunities to try cuisines from all over the world, and you can understand why DC averages over 20 million visitors per year. But where do you start in a city with so much to offer, and so many interesting free attractions? We pulled together a list of 20 things to do in Washington, DC to get you started. The bucket list is based on our experiences as a family growing up in the suburbs of DC. It’s a mixture of some of the classic must-sees, plus a few more cool experiences that we’ve discovered over the years.
*This post was updated November, 2024
*This post contains affiliate links; if you purchase something familyTravelsUSA may receive a small commission. As always, opinions are my own.
1. Explore the Smithsonian Museums. With no admission fees, it’s a tough choice to decide which museums to see first! Most first-time visitors typically include the popular National Air and Space Museum or National Museum of Natural History (with the spectacular fossil hall) on their itinerary. But don’t overlook some of the other gems, like the National Museum of the American Indian, the Renwick Gallery, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, or the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Check for the latest updates to hours, advanced ticket requirements, and temporary closures before you plan a visit. 2. Ride to the Top of the Washington Monument. The inside of the Washington Monument recently reopened after the completion of upgrades to the elevator system. Visitors can take a 70 second elevator ride to the 500’ observation level. There is also a museum at the 490’ level. Advance, timed entry tickets are required. Afterwards, stroll the National Mall to see the memorials including the Lincoln, Jefferson, Vietnam, and World War II memorials. 3. Take an Instagram-Worthy Photo at the American Art Museum. DC has plenty of free museums along the National Mall, but it’s worth the short walk to the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Don't miss the colorful neon Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii exhibit. It's in the newly expanded Galleries for Modern and Contemporary Art. The indoor courtyard between the two museums is a relaxing place to rest for a snack or drink. Check out familyTravelsUSA on Instagram to see photos! 4. Tour the Library of Congress. Just behind the U.S. Capitol, pop in to the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library. Enjoy the unexpected Italian Renaissance-Style design of the Jefferson Building as you take a self-guided tour. There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout this hidden gem. It’s close to the U.S. Capitol, which has an extensive visitor center worth a stop. Timed entry passes are currently required for both the Library of Congress and tours of the Capitol. Admission is free. 
5. Eat & Shop at a Historic Market. Did you know that DC has several historic food markets? Eastern Market has been in the Capitol Hill neighborhood since 1873, while Union Market began as Centre Market back in 1871. When visiting Eastern Market, don’t miss a stop for a chat and some cheese samples from the friendly, knowledgeable folks at Bowers Fancy Dairy Products. On weekends, street vendors line the block outside of this historic market. Take Metro to the Eastern Market Station. Across town at Union Market, come hungry and with someone who likes to share! That way it’s easier to try several different foods like the Shrimp 'n Grits at Puddin' or doughnuts at the popular District Doughnut. Surprisingly, there is free parking based on availability in a lot just in front of the market. 6. See the Cherry Blossoms in Bloom. The Tidal Basin and National Mall come alive with color every spring for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. While the timing is never certain, one thing is for sure—seeing the beautiful blossoms against the backdrop of the monuments and memorials is definitely a unique experience. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Here are some tips to help enjoy Washington DC’s spectacular Cherry Blossoms, updated for the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival. 7. Search for Street Art. DC, like many other cities, has looked to artists as a way to not only brighten up the city, but tell the story of those who lived there. Pockets of street art can be found throughout the city. One area that has quite a bit is the U Street corridor. Find a map created by MuralsDC that lays out a U Street Corridor Walking Tour. Several murals can be found near 12th and U Streets, N.W., home to a beloved neighborhood landmark, Ben’s Chili Bowl. 8. Learn About the Ancient Art of Bonsai & Penjing. Another hidden gem in DC is the National Arboretum, home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. It’s an unusual outdoor museum on the grounds of the Arboretum with over 3 dozen trees in the Chinese collection, and over 60 trees in the Japanese collection. Stroll the grounds of the arboretum in the spring or fall when the seasonal color really pops! Don’t miss learning the story behind the Capitol Columns found at the Arboretum. Read 6 reasons to visit the US National Arboretum for more details. 
Explore a 3-Day Washington DC Itinerary 9. Eat Your Way Around the World. No passports required to dine on food from places like Ethiopia, Morocco, the Middle East, China, El Salvador, or Belgium. I found this Eater’s Guide to Dining in D.C., updated in 2021, which does a good job pulling together a collection of diverse restaurants around the city. Places we've tried lately include Mélange near Mt. Vernon Square for a distinctly flavorful fried chicken sandwich, and DC Vegan, an amazing plant-based Italian-American deli, for delicious King Trumpet Calamari and the Meaty Ball Sub. On the National Mall, pop into the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe at the National Museum of the American Indian. Visitors can try a variety of foods —a bit pricey for lunch for a big family but consider sampling one or two items. 10. Stroll Through a Beautiful Garden. DC has no shortage of gardens that provide visitors with a change of scenery from the busy streets. The Smithsonian Garden collection includes the Enid A. Haupt Garden, adjacent to the Smithsonian Castle. The magnolias in the spring here are absolutely breathtaking! Other gardens around the city include the fabulous collections at the US National Arboretum and the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. 11. Enjoy the Monuments at Night. After all these years, I must admit that this is still on my bucket list, but hopefully not for long! Hop on a bus or trolley, or take an evening segway tour during the warmer months. Monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Korean War Memorial take on a different look at night. One popular tour to consider is the Monuments by Moonlight Tour.
12. Wander the Waterfront at The Wharf. Another recent addition to the DC area, The Wharf offers visitors a fun place to take a stroll along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat. Special events, winter ice skating, and outdoor games make it a place for kids of all ages. Grab some fresh seafood at the historic, open-air fish market or eat at one of the restaurants that line the waterfront. Check out this list of fun activities for kids at The Wharf.
13. See a DaVinci at the National Gallery of Art. Spend the afternoon enjoying the free, extensive art collection at the National Gallery. It’s the only place in the Americas where a painting by Leonardo da Vinci is displayed. There are two buildings, the West Building, which houses Early Italian to Early Modern art, and the East Building, for Modern and Contemporary art. Download the National Gallery of Art App, take a tour, or use a Family Guide to explore. Learn more about DC’s fascinating art museums. 14. View the Tower of Books at Ford’s Theatre. Calling all book lovers - did you know there is a 34 foot tower of aluminum books featuring real titles of over 200 books written about Abraham Lincoln? Find it at the Ford’s Theater Center for Education and Learning across from the Ford’s Theatre. Be sure to get a timed-entry ticket ahead of time and visit the museum, theater, and other exhibits. 15. Search for Gargoyles & View the Stained Glass Windows at Washington National Cathedral. It's another hidden gem where visitors can see over 200 colorful stained glass windows and the 112 detailed gargoyles. Plus you’ll learn the difference between gargoyles and grotesques. Bring binoculars if you want to search for Darth Vader. Download the free Bloomberg Connect app which overs several guides to enhance your visit. Book ahead to take one of the unique guided tours offered at Washington National Cathedral. They may not be offered every day, and often sell out during busy times of the year. There is a general admission fee, along with varying fees for each tour. 16. Make a Stop at the National Zoo. Just over a mile from the National Cathedral, the Smithsonian's National Zoo is always a fun place to visit. The public can expect to meet the newest giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, beginning in late January, 2025. Some of our other favorite zoo animals reside in the Great Ape House and on the American Trail. Admission is free, and the zoo is easy to reach via Metro, either from the Cleveland Park station or uphill from the Woodley Park station. Admission is free. Currently free entry passes are required. Or you can pay for a parking pass which includes admission. 17. Explore Roosevelt Island. Need a break from the noise and business of the city? From the Rosslyn Metro station, it’s a short 10 to 15 minute walk (or bike ride) to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The park covers 88.5 acres, including several short trails and a memorial to the 26th president of the United States. Since it’s part of the National Park Service, kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge. The location is also one that participates in the TRACK Trail adventures, with several downloadable activities for kids. The trails are pet-friendly (bikes need to be locked in the parking lot), but dogs are not allowed on the ranger-led programs. 18. Grab Tickets to a Baseball Game at Nationals Park. Baseball fans will enjoy a chance to see the Washington Nationals play a game at Nationals Park. Come hungry as there are many great food options in the park. Use the Navy Yard Metro station to get to the ballpark. There are also many popular restaurants in the area near Nationals Park if you are looking for something besides ballpark food. 19. Take a Photo with Albert Einstein. Walk by this larger than life bronze statue where you may find a handful of visitors stopping for photos. It’s located on the grounds of the National Academy of Sciences, just off the National Mall on Constitution Avenue close to 22nd Street. The building itself is open to the public on weekdays. Check out their visitor guide for more information. 20. Holiday Exhibit at the Botanic Garden. The U.S. Botanic Garden is worth a stop any time of year to see its beautiful collection of plants from around the world. But during the holidays, the Conservatory is filled with a special display called Season’s Greenings. Every year has a different theme—the 2019-2020 exhibit featured unique plant-based recreations of America’s Gardens. Use the Model Train Entrance and be prepared for crowds during the peak holiday season. Find more information on this and other things to do in DC during the holidays.
This list could certainly go on, with so many things to do in Washington, DC. Explore our Guide to Visiting Washington, DC to find more tips and attraction ideas before you plan a visit. The guide also has suggestions for accommodations in DC. What else would you add to a Washington DC Bucket List?
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