Free Attractions

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: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol at night

Signature landmarks on the National Mall: the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, all bathed in twilight. - Photo by Jake McGuire

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Pictured: The U.S. Capitol Building dome

A detail of the "wedding cake"-style dome that tops the U.S. Capitol, home to the House of Representatives and Senate. - Photo by Jake McGuire

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Pictured: West facade of the U.S. Capitol at sunrise

Early-morning visitors to the U.S. Capitol enjoy a stirring view and a rare moment of quiet.

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Pictured: Senate Garage Fountain

This granite fountain is situated between the U.S. Capitol and Union Station, and atop the Senate garage.

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Pictured: East facade of the U.S. Capitol at sunset

As the sun sets over the Potomac River, Washington's landmarks are lit up, making evening tours of the National Mall a moving must-do. - Photo by Michael Kleinberg

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Pictured: FDR Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial depicts the impact of a single president in four outdoor "rooms," one for each of his four terms.

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Pictured: Entrance to FDR Memorial

The entrance to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial near the Tidal Basin invites visitors to explore the legacy of the 32nd president.

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Pictured: Fala the dog at FDR Memorial

The only presidential pet to be immortalized in a national monument, Fala the Scottish Terrier sits loyally (in stone) at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

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Pictured: Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Fala at the FDR Memorial

The FDR Memorial on the Tidal Basin recalls the axiom "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."

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Pictured: Wall at FDR Memorial

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is comprised of a series of stone sculptures and water features.

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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is modeled after the Pantheon, a nod to the statesman's passion for Roman democracy.

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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial through the cherry blossoms

During the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, the city appears to be dressed in pink.

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Pictured: Fourth of July fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with electric color above the Smithsonian Institution Castle and the Washington Monument. - Photo by Jake McGuire

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Pictured: Fourth of July fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with reds, whites and blues above the U.S. Capitol. - Photo by WETA

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Pictured: Fourth of July fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks fill the sky with golden streaks above the National Mall. - Photo by WETA

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Pictured: Fourth of July fireworks over the National Mall

Every summer, fourth of July fireworks splash the sky with reds, whites and blues above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol. - Photo by WETA

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Pictured: Fireworks over the Washington Monument

The rockets red glare: Fourth of July fireworks delight patriotic crowds on the National Mall.

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Pictured: Fireworks over the Washington Monument

Fourth of July fireworks on the National Mall put the exclamation point on a day of patriotic celebrations.

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Pictured: Yankee Doodle marching band in the Independence Day Parade

Yankee Doodle march down Pennsylvania Avenue, part of the National Independence Day Parade each summer.

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Pictured: Fourth of July fireworks on the Mall

Fourth of July fireworks soar over the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument in DC. - Photo by PBS Capitol Fourth, Photo: Fred J Maroon

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Pictured: Exhibition at Library of Congress

In addition to holding America's largest collection of books, the Library of Congress hosts free exhibits, movies, readings and lectures.

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Pictured: Library of Congress Great Hall

The classical design of the Great Hall in the Thomas Jefferson Building at the Library of Congress links the United States to the classical tradition of scholarship.

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Pictured: National Archives

The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution have been on display since 1952 in a temple of history, the National Archives.

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Pictured: Passport DC Bolivian dancers

Passport DC packs the month of May with free, family-friendly performances, such as these traditional Bolivian dancers, on stages around the city. - Photo by Walter Woodward

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Pictured: Passport DC Embassy of Rwanda

Embassy open houses dot the weekends of May during Passport DC, a family-friendly celebration of DC's international history and culture. - Photo by Don Tanguilig

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Pictured: Passport DC Vietnamese dancers

Each spring, Passport DC packs the month of May with free, family-friendly performances, such as these traditional Vietnamese dancers, on stages around the city. - Photo by Asia Heritage Foundation

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Pictured: Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial

A passionate outdoorsman, President Theodore Roosevelt inspired an unusual memorial: an 8-acre island in the Potomac with nature trails, fountain and a statue. The island's entrance is closest to Rosslyn Metro station.

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Pictured: Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Once controversial, the reflective surface of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall allows visitors to see themselves in the names of more than 58,000 service men and women killed and missing during the war. - Photo by Michael Kleinberg

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Pictured: Women in Military Service for America Memorial

Approximately 200,000 people visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.

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Pictured: Women in Military Service for America Memorial

At the Women in Military Service for America Memorial is a searchable electronic registry of more than 500,000 female veterans.

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Pictured: Inside of the U.S. Capitol dome

A detail of the Brumidi frescos that decorate the interior of the U.S. Capitol Building dome.

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Pictured: Japanese Pagoda at Tidal Basin

This 17th century stone statue was a given to the city of Washington, DC by the Mayor of Yokohama in 1957. Its annual lighting ceremony is central to the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial through the cherry blossoms

The Jefferson Memorial peeks through the cherry blossoms, Washington DC's springtime signature.

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Pictured: Jefferson Memorial seen through the cherry blossoms

Light pink cherry blossoms frame the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin.

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Pictured: Kite enthusiasts at the Blossom Kite Festival

Ready to take flight: Kite enthusiasts gather on the National Mall for the Blossom Kite Festival, part of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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Pictured: The National Cherry Blossom Festival's Blossom Kite Festival in Washington, DC

Up, up and away: Kites dance in spring breezes at the Blossom Kite Festival, part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC.

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Pictured: A cloud of cherry blossoms

Festivalgoers walk beneath pink "clouds" during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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Pictured: Visitors walk under pink cherry-blossom clouds

Visitors to the Tidal Basin walk beneath pink "clouds" during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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Pictured: Washington Monument through the Japanese Stone Lantern

The Washington Monument soars above the blossoming cherry trees that ring the Tidal Basin in springtime.

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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial

Southeast of the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates servicemen and women.

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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial features 19 statues of servicemen representing the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.

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Pictured: Korean War Veterans Memorial

Each of the 19 figures depicted in the Korean War Veterans Memorial were designed by Frank Gaylord, and cast in stainless steel weighing 1,000 pounds each.

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Pictured: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is inscribed with the names of all officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Pictured: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial is dedicated to policemen and woman who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Pictured: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

A steadfast and brave lion keeps watch over the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, dedicated to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

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Pictured: Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall

The Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall provides a doubling vista, and a cooling station for geese.

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Pictured: National Memorial Day Parade

The National Memorial Day Parade attracts more than 250,000 patriotic Americans to honor those who have sacrificed through service to our country.

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Pictured: Watching the Memorial Day Parade

The National Memorial Day Parade attracts more than 250,000 patriotic Americans. Among the best places to watch are the steps of the Library of Congress.

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Pictured: National Archives building in spring -horz

The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution have been on display since 1952 in a temple of history, the National Archives.

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Pictured: National Archives

Seen through the Navy Memorial, the National Archives

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Pictured: National Archives frieze detail -horz

The records of the nation's civil, military and diplomatic activities are housed for perpetuity in this neoclassical revival-style temple of democracy. Museum-style displays breath life into records and red tape.

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Pictured: National Archives up close

Architect John Russell Pope loaded his design for the National Archives (detail pictured) with neoclassical revival elements, connecting Washington, DC aesthetically with ancient democracies in Rome and Athens.

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Pictured: Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Each summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival turns the National Mall into a museum of living history, with storytelling, music, dance and craft, welcoming more than a million people.

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Pictured: Smithsonian Folklife Festival

For 10 days in summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival draws a million people to the Mall to experience storytelling, music, dance, cookery and craft.

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Pictured: U.S. Botanic Gardens front ext. -horz

A living museum of plants domestic and exotic, the United States Botanic Garden has displays inside and out. This public facility was part of George Washington's vision for the capital city.

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Pictured: U.S. Botanic Gardens

A living museum of plants domestic and exotic, the United States Botanic Garden has displays inside and out. This public facility was part of George Washington's vision for the capital city.

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Pictured: Washington Monument

Constructed between 1848 and 1884, the Washington Monument is an elegant exclamation point on the National Mall. The obelisk is closed for repairs until 2014.

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Pictured: National World War II Memorial

The first national memorial to America's "Greatest Generation" was dedicated in 2004 to the 16 million who served, including 400,000 who died in service. The National World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day.

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Pictured: National World War II Memorial on the National Mall

The National World War II Memorial on the National Mall was the first national memorial dedicated to America's "Greatest Generation" -- the 16 million who served, including 400,000 who died in service.

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Pictured: National World War II Memorial

The Rainbow Pool at the National World War II Memorial is surrounded by 56 pillars, one for each state and territory from that period.

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Pictured: National World War II Memorial at night

The National World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day. National Park Service rangers off free tours hourly between 10 a.m and 11 p.m. Independently run Monuments by Moonlight tours are also popular.

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Pictured: Elephants at the National Zoo

Part of the Smithsonian Institution, the National Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including elephants, gorillas and giant pandas. Admission to the 163-acre zoo is free.

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Pictured: National Museum of American History

Collecting, preserving and displaying the heritage of the United States, the National Museum of American History boasts some of the Smithsonian's most beloved objects, including President Lincoln's top hat and Dorothy's ruby slippers.

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Pictured: Julia Child's kitchen in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History boasts some of the Smithsonian's most beloved objects, including Julia Child's kitchen from her home in Cambridge, Ma.

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Pictured: National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History boasts objects from popular culture, presidential and military and engineering history - like this trolley car.

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Pictured: Amelia Earhart Vega at the National Air and Space Museum

Amelia Earhart set world records in her "Little Red Bus," a Lockheed 5B Vega on display in the Pioneers of Flight gallery.

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Pictured: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum holds the world's largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft. To display so many treasures, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center opened in 2003 in Chantilly, VA.

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Pictured: 1903 Wright Flyer

A model of the first manned aircraft, the Wright Flyer built by two bicycle enthusiasts from Dayton, Ohio, is one of the get-up-close wonders at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

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Pictured: National Museum of the American Indian

The undulating exterior of the National Museum of the American Indian, a living memorial to Native Americans and their traditions, is meant to suggest rock shaped over eons by wind and water.

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Pictured: Simulated wetlands outside the National Museum of the American Indian

One of the microclimates surrounding the National Museum of the American Indian pays tribute to people indigenous to America's wetlands.

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Pictured: Waterfall at the National Museum of the American Indian

Opened in 2004, the National Museum of the American Indian is home to more than 800,000 objects and more than 125,000 images. The museum does not tell a linear story of indigenous peoples; rather, its focus is on living culture.

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Pictured: Exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian

Opened in 2004, the National Museum of the American Indian is home to more than 800,000 objects and more than 125,000 images. The museum focuses on living cultures.

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Pictured: Exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian is home to more than 800,000 objects and a photo archive of more than 125,000 images.

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Pictured: Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum, one of 15 Smithsonian Institution museums, focuses on the urban African American experience, such as the once-segregated baseball teams in DC.

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Pictured: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site

Cedar Hill, once home to famed abolistionist Frederick Douglass overlooks the Anacostia River towards the U.S. Capitol. Visitors are welcome to join a 30-minute tour of the historic home led by the National Park Service. Free tickets are required and can

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Pictured: Frederick Douglass statue Cedar Hill

A statue of Frederick Douglass graces Cedar Hill, his former home in the Anacostia neighborhood. Born into slavery in 1818, Douglass was renowned for his orations on universal equality of all races, nationalities and genders.

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Pictured: Freer Gallery of Art's Peacock Room

The dining room of a British shipowner exquisitely decorated by James McNeill Whistler was purchased and reassembled by Charles Freer Lang to display ceramics. It is among the jewels at the Freer Gallery of Art.

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Pictured: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has received more than 30 million visitors since opening near the National Mall in 1993. The building was designed by Holocaust survivor and architect James Ingo Freed.

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Pictured: Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The underbelly of the concrete "doughnut" shows off the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden's groovy side. The severity of the design was initially criticized, but it remains the biggest piece of abstract art in DC.

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Pictured: Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Monumental pieces of art by the likes of Auguste Rodin and Roy Lichtenstein stud the Hirshhorn Museum's sculpture garden, one of two on the National Mall.

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Pictured: National Gallery of Art East Building

The East Building of the National Gallery of Art houses the modern and contemporary pieces in the mammoth collection. A mobile the size of a jet by Alexander Caulder hangs inside the atrium.

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Pictured: National Gallery of Art West Building

The collection at the National Gallery of Art has grown so large that it is displayed in two galleries, the neoclassical West Building and the modern East Building, plus a six-acre sculpture garden.

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Pictured: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden

Claus Oldenburg's monumental typewriter eraser leaves an indelible impression on visitors to the National Gallery of Art's six-acre sculpture garden. The fountain inside the garden is transformed into an ice-skating rink come winter.

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Pictured: Holiday season at Union Station

A train depot and leisure destination, Union Station welcomes 32 million travelers a year. Its December holiday train display uses state-of-the-art electronics to recreate the sounds, lights and smoke of their real-life counterparts nearby.

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Pictured: Toulouse-Latrec Mural

18th Street in Adams Morgan is home to a number of colorful murals, including this portrait of cabaret singer Aristide Bruant by Parisian artist Toulouse Latrec. The mural was painted from a photo by the restaurant''s original owner. - Photo by William Geiger

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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: Smithsonian American Art Museum

Housed in a historic building in Penn Quarter, the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum are home to thousands of art works, including the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside The White House

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Pictured: Lafayette Square by White House

The history of Lafayette Square is almost as rich as the White House. It has been used as a race track, a graveyard, a zoo, a slave market, an encampment for soldiers during the War of 1812, and many political protests and celebrations.

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Pictured: Dupont Circle fountain

The center of Dupont Circle is marked by a fountain designed by Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon, the co-creators of the Lincoln Memorial. The fountain features sculptures symbolizing the sea, the stars and the wind.

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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: The Potomac River flowing through Great Falls Park

Eight hundred acres of gorgeous park anchored by the Potomac River offers plenty of recreation opportunities just 15 minutes outside of the nation's capital.

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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: Chuck Brown atop the Big Chair in Anacostia

The late Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown, grooves atop the "Big Chair" in Anacostia. The chair was constructed as a furntiure advertisement for a local store and until recently held the title of biggest chair in the world. - Photo by Stephen Cummings

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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: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The elephant in the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's rotunda is one of the largest land mammals on record. Visitors may walk around the platform and tune in to a savannah soundscape. Listen for the hiss!

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Pictured: National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum - Photo by Eric Long

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Pictured: Apollo 11 Capsule at the National Air and Space Museum

Apollo 11 Capsule at the National Air and Space Museum

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Pictured: Elephant at the National Museum of Natural History

The elephant in the National Museum of Natural History's rotunda is one of the largest land mammals on record.

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Pictured: Giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian

Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are the most famous residents of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Photo by Mehgan Murphy

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Pictured: Smithsonian American Art Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum - Photo by Timothy Hursley

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Pictured: National Independence Day Parade

National Independence Day Parade

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Pictured: Yards Park

DC's newest waterfront destination, Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront features a boardwalk, a cutting-edge bridge and plenty of space for picnicking.

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Pictured: Yards Park

DC's newest waterfront destination, Yards Park on the Capitol Riverfront features a boardwalk, a cutting-edge bridge and plenty of space for picnicking.

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Pictured: Capitol Riverfront Movie Night

In the summer, the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood features "Front Flicks" - a series of outdoor movies perfect for a picnic.

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Pictured: Yards Park Waterfall

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Pictured: Yards Park Friday Night Concert Series

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Pictured: Cedar Hill

Tour the former home of abolotionist Frederick Douglas at Cedar Hill. The restored home offers insights into his life and work, as well as astounding views of the city from his hilltop home.

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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 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: The Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo is located on 163 acres in Rock Creek Park. The zoo features 2,000 animals of nearly 400 species, and is one of the most popular destinations for tourists of the District. - Photo by Jen Zoon

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