Attractions
Only in DC can you see the original U.S. Constitution and stand where Martin Luther King, Jr. said “I have a dream.” From touring The White House to attending School for Spies, we’ve got once-in-a-lifetime attractions you should make part of your history.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Plan your visit to The White House, the home of the President of the United States.
Put away your pocketbook. No other city offers as many fun, free attractions to fill your days.
Washington, DC is home to many Smithsonian museums - and the National Zoo.
Find Places
Or browse neighborhood listings by the numbers
- Arts & Culture(68 listings)
- Attractions(128 listings)
- Family-Friendly(209 listings)
- History & Heritage(58 listings)
- Monuments & Memorials(59 listings)
- Museums(63 listings)
- Tours & Sightseeing(26 listings)
- Zoo, Parks & Nature(22 listings)
DC Travel Inspiration
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Visitors to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will pass through the Mountain of Despair, a massive boulder. - Photo by Johnny Bivera
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
From within the symbolic struggle, the Stone of Hope emerges from the Mountain of Despair into the open plaza at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. - Photo by Johnny Bivera
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Pictured: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
The Stone of Hope features a 30-foot sculpture of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Pictured: Hillwood Estate Japanese Garden in fall
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, formerly the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, is set on 25 manicured acres which include a Japanese-style garden. - Photo by Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
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Pictured: French Parterre at Hillwood Estate
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, features a French Parterre within ivy-covered walls. - Photo by Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
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Pictured: Japanese Garden at Hillwood Estate
The manicured yet inviting Japanese-style garden at Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, once the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. - Photo by Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens
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Pictured: President Lincoln's Cottage
The lesser known of Lincoln's official presidential residences is open to visitors following a $10-million renovation.
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Pictured: National Building Museum
Built to house the U.S. Pension offices after the Civil War, this building has been home to the National Building Museum since 1980. Exhibits cover engineering, urban planning, architecture and even LEGO.
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Pictured: Great Hall of the National Building Museum
The columns inside the National Building Museum are among the tallest in the world. At its tallest point, the museum is approximately 15 stories high.
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Pictured: Washington National Cathedral
An unexpected rock star: The first stone of the National Cathedral was laid in 1907, its largest weighs 5.5 tons, and the "Lunar Window" features a piece of moon rock.
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Pictured: Washington National Cathedral
Ringed by manicured English-style gardens, the National Cathedral rises from the tallest point in Washington. Its 112 gargoyles have some of the best views of the city.
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Pictured: Washington National Cathedral gargoyle
The National Cathedral rises from the tallest point in Washington, giving its 112 gargoyles - including Darth Vader and this toad - some of the best views of the city.
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Pictured: National Building Museum
The National Building Museum is located just a few blocks away from the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC.
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Pictured: Frieze outside the National Building Museum
The National Building Museum's terra-cotta exterior frieze is 1,200 feet long and 3 feet high. Designed by Bohemian-born sculptor Caspar Buberl, it features a parade of Civil War military units. - Photo by F. Harlan Hambright
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Pictured: Corcoran Gallery of Art
The Corcoran Gallery and School of Art is the oldest and largest privately funded cultural institution in D.C. Among its works are pieces by Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol.
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Pictured: Newseum
Up-to-the-minute interactivity makes the Newseum an exciting place for families to mull over the role of the free press - from newspapers to Twitter feeds - in American society. - Photo by Newseum
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Pictured: Kennedy Center Hall of Nations
Flags of every country with which the U.S. has diplomatic relations hang in the Hall of Nations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, 60-foot scaffolding was erected so workmen could add 12 new flags. - Photo by Carol Pratt
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Pictured: John F. Kennedy bust in the Kennedy Center foyer
The red carpet is eternally rolled out for performers and audiences at the nation's performing arts center. - Photo by Carol Pratt
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Pictured: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Known for its sweeping views of the Potomac River, Watergate and National Mall, the Kennedy Center's stern exterior belies a lively performance center boasting free daily concerts on the Millennium Stage at 6 p.m.
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Pictured: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception lords over Brookland. The largest Roman Catholic church in the United States and North America, it is one of the 10 largest in the world.
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Pictured: Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, officially known as Mount St. Sepulchre, draws visitors to its gardens that are studded with replicas of shrines from the Holy Land.
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Pictured: Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land garden
While visitors may not enter the friary, they are welcome to stroll the cloisters, and visit replicas of Holy Land shrines and gorgeous domed Blessed Sacrament chapel. All are welcome; there is no charge for admission.
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Pictured: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
The Concert Hall is largest performance space in the Kennedy Center, with more than 2,400 seats. Annual events hosted here include the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Awards. - Photo by Scott Suchman
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Pictured: The iconic National Mall view from across the Memorial Bridge
One of the most iconic shots in all of DC, it's not hard to take advantage of this photo op yourself. It was taken from across the Memorial Bridge.
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Pictured: Tulips bloom outside the U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol grounds are nearly 60 acres, and thousands of flowers are planted seasonally to spruce up the landscape.
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Pictured: Tidal Basin paddleboats
Get a new view of the city's monuments and memorials with a paddleboat rental. Take one out on the Tidal Basin for a unique perspective on the Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and, in the spring, the cherry blossoms.
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Pictured: Lincoln Memorial statue
The seated Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial is 19 feet high and weighs 175 tons. - Photo by Destination DC
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Pictured: The Big Chair with Chuck Brown
Two icons of DC come together, with the late father of Go-Go music Chuck Brown performing atop Anacostia's "Big Chair," constructed in 1959 as a quirky advertisement for Bassett Furniture. - Photo by Stephen Cummings
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Pictured: Inside Ford's Theatre
Perhaps the most famous theater in the country, Ford's Theatre is the infamous site of President Lincoln's assassination. The theater and museum are open for public tours. - Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie
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Pictured: Capitol Columns at the National Arboretum
The original Capitol Columns were moved to the National Arboretum because they couldn't support the weight of the Capitol dome. The Corinthian columns now have a home in the gardens of the Arboretum and make a perfect place for a picnic. - Photo by Kathryn Smith
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Pictured: International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum showcases the secret side of Washington. Interactive exhibits and specialty tours throughout the city give visitors a glimpse into a life of espionage.
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Pictured: Washington Monument
DC's most recognizable monument, the Washington Monument, stands at the top of the National Mall. A host of visitors, school groups, joggers and locals live in its shadow every day.
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Pictured: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Anacostia was founded in 1926 as part of Congress’ efforts to preserve the city’s forests, water quality and recreation. Be sure and check out the annual Waterlily Festival in July.
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Pictured: Bike the Sites at the U.S. Capitol
A bike tour is one of the best ways to get the lay of the land and see DC's most iconic buildings, like the U.S. Capitol.
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Pictured: The John F. Kennedy Center at night
Founded in 1971, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. - Photo by Carol Pratt
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Pictured: Winter at the Lincoln Memorial
A snowy day in Washington creates a postcard-perfect scene against the winter whites of the city's iconic monuments and memorials.
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Pictured: The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW is the country’s most famous address – the location of the White House, which serves as both residence and office to the United States president. - Photo by Mary A. Behre
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Pictured: DC by Foot walking tour on the National Mall
DC by Foot is the city's only free, tip-based touring company. Sign up for walking tours of the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and other sites.
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Pictured: National Building Museum
National Building Museum
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Pictured: International Spy Museum
Aspiring James Bonds and Jason Bournes will find the International Spy Museum (800 F St. NW) a must-visit.
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Pictured: International Spy Museum
International Spy Museum
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Pictured: The Newseum
The 250,000-square-foot museum of news offers visitors an experience that blends five centuries of news history with up-to-the-second technology and hands-on exhibits. - Photo by James P. Blair
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Pictured: National Geographic Museum
National Geographic Museum
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Pictured: Tudor Place
Tudor Place
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Pictured: Farmer's market at Eastern Market
Merchants of the farmer’s market at Eastern Market sell produce, meat and fish daily, and on weekends you can also find crafts and antiques.
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Pictured: Maine Avenue Fish Market
The historic Maine Avenue Fish Market is a seafood lover’s dream. Make sure to try one of the region’s culinary delicacies—steamed crabs from the nearby Chesapeake Bay. - Photo by Elvert Barnes
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Pictured: Maine Avenue Fish Market
Washingtonians have been buying fresh fish at the Maine Avenue Fish Market, located in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood, for nearly two centuries. - Photo by Kate Gardiner
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Pictured: Mei Xiang and Tian Tian at the National Zoo
A pair of giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, are surely the National Zoo’s most popular attraction. Admission is free.
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Pictured: D.C. United
D.C. United is one of the signature franchises in Major League Soccer, having won four MLS Cups while reaching the postseason 10 times.
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Pictured: United States Botanic Garden
Originally established in 1820, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the nation's oldest of its kind, and makes for a fantastic destination for the whole family. This American landmark is open daily, including weekends and holidays.
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Pictured: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
At Arlington National Cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier commemorates U.S. soldiers who perished without their remains being identified. The tomb is gaurded 24/7, and visitors can view the elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony.
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Pictured: Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery honors those who have served our country . It is the resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families.
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Pictured: The United States Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum, dedicated to informing visitors of the importance of plants to earth's ecosystem. The Garden displays replicas of DC's monuments made from plant materials during the holidays.
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Pictured: HP New Media Gallery at the Newseum
The Newseum allows visitors to experience how and why news is created throughout its state-of-the-art, seven-level facility. The HP New Media Gallery uses digital technology to create an enthralling 3-D social network. - Photo by Sam Kittner
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Pictured: President Lincoln's Cottage
President Lincoln's Cottage is located in Northwest DC and gives visitors an intimate look into the life and presidency of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th President lived in the Cottage while developing the Emancipation Proclamation. - Photo by David Phillipich
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Pictured: International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to espionage, and it boasts the largest collection of espionage artifacts. The museum has a store with thousands of gadgets and other souvenirs.
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Trip Ideas
Washington, DC is full of attractions which combine learning with fun. Find ones for your family.
Discover DC's distinct neighborhoods through these guided tours.
No trip to Washington, DC is complete without touring our celebrated monuments and memorials.
Engage your mind with historic landmarks, a formidable art museum and world class entertainment
Devout practitioners and religious history buffs will enjoy touring Brookland's impressive churches.
Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 fallen American heroes.
A dozen free museums flank the National Mall between the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument. It’s impossible to pick one highlight in this walkable treasure map of art, science and history. No two visits (and no two visitors) are alike.
Art and architecture lovers should follow their bliss beyond the National Mall to this culturally historic neighborhood.
Learn how to tour The White House, what to see nearby and the best times to visit (holidays!).
Learn how to tour the U.S. Capitol -- you might get to see Congress in session while you're there.
Follow this insiders' tour and dive into the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC.
Spend a few days tracing the footsteps of the First Family around Washington, DC.
Stay warm in Washington, DC, during your winter visit by checking out these hot attractions.
Make these must-dos part of your to-do list and hit the highlights of the nation's capital.
Cheer on sports teams, tour the monuments or spend a night at the museum in DC after dark.
Between monuments, memorials, museums and much, much more, here are tips for your first visit to DC.
Put away your pocketbook! No other city offers as many fun, free attractions to fill your days.
Explore the monuments, memorials and museums of the National Mall, and have fun off the Mall, too.
Get tips from local GLBT families on Washington, DC's sights from a different perspective.
