10 Fun Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Danielle Cole | | October 1, 2019

In town for the 2019 User Group Conference? Welcome to the nation’s capital! Here are some Washington, D.C. must see attractions to visit during your stay.

1. The National Mall

The National Mall is an absolute must-see while in Washington! This expansive stretch of land includes the Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and more. No wonder why the National Mall is America’s most-visited national park!

Visiting the Mall is free, and it can be easily accessed via the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station, the Smithsonian Station, or the Archives Station.

2. The Smithsonian Museums

Nineteen Smithsonian museums and galleries (plus a zoo) are located directly in Washington, D.C. Some of the most popular Smithsonian museums include the Museum of Natural History, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Air and Space Museum. Admission to all Smithsonian museums and the zoo is free. Most Smithsonian museums are open from 10AM-5:30PM daily.

3. The United States Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden was established by Congress in 1820, and it is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. George Washington himself wanted the capital city to include a botanic garden that would demonstrate the value of plants to the nation. You’ll find a wide variety of plants and exhibits there, including roses, orchids, endangered plants, a butterfly garden, and more. Admission is free, and the garden is open every day of the year from 10AM-5PM.

4. Artechouse

Artechouse is an innovative art space that features one of a kind, immersive art exhibits. October’s exhibit will be “Lucid Motion” by Daito Manabe and Rhizomatiks Research. The exhibit focuses on human motion from various standpoints. Artechouse is located at 1238 Maryland Ave SW. Tickets are $16 for adults, and admission runs until 9PM Sunday-Thursday.

5. Washington National Cathedral

Building on The Washington National Cathedral was started in 1907 and completed in 1990, 83 years later. The outside of the cathedral boasts 112 gargoyles, a 30-story tall central tower, and 215 stained glass windows. It’s the sixth largest Cathedral in the world, and the second largest in the United States. The Cathedral sits on 59 acres of grounds, and is located at 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW. You may visit the Cathedral Monday-Friday from 10AM-5PM for $12 per adult. Behind the Scenes Tours are available for $27 per adult.

6. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Kennedy Center is the busiest of all U.S. performing arts centers and hosts more than 2,000 performances per year. The Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer offers free concerts, dance performances, and more at 6PM every night of the year. The Kennedy Center also offers many ticketed events for Broadway productions, comedy events, the Washington Ballet, concerts, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera.

The October calendar can be accessed here. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F Street NW.

7. Arlington National Cemetery

The Arlington National Cemetery has been around since 1864 and is the largest military cemetery in the United States. It is the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family. The Arlington National Cemetery also contains the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy, the Memorial Arboretum, and more.

It is open 365 days a year from 8AM-5PM, and is located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Admission is free to the public.

8. Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the oldest cultural institution in Washington, D.C. and was established as a legislative library in 1800. After the British invaded Washington and destroyed the Library of Congress in 1814, Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library of over 6,000 volumes to Congress. The purchase doubled the size of the library. The Library is open until 9:30PM most days and is located at 101 Independence Ave SE. Admission is free to the public.

9. Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre park that offers over 32 miles of hiking trails and paths to explore. It is the oldest natural urban park in the National Park System. A list of trails that the National Park Service recommends is available here. You can also go horseback riding, biking, or take a picnic in Rock Creek Park. The park is open during daylight hours and is free to the public.

10. Capitol Hill Books

Opened in 1991, Capitol Hill Books is one of D.C.’s quirkiest and most notorious bookstores. It is a used bookstore located on Capitol Hill, directly across from Eastern Market and a short distance from the United States Capitol. They are famous for their diverse and expansive collection, which is dispersed in every corner of the store. Capitol Hill Books is located at 657 C Street SE and is open from 10AM-8PM, Monday-Friday.

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10 Fun Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

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