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What's Open & Reopening in Washington, DC

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Find the latest coronavirus-related updates on attractions, museums, venues, festivals, events and more

Washington, DC is Open for Business

The nation's capital is ready to welcome you. The DC government has announced mandatory indoor mask requirements and proof of vaccination requirements for most indoor establishments. Find the latest information from the DC government at coronavirus.dc.gov.
 

Indoor Mask Requirement

  • Masks are required indoors through at least Feb. 28, 2022.
  • All people, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask indoors in public settings.

Proof of Vaccination

  • Starting on Jan. 15, 2022, proof of vaccination is required at indoor gathering locations in DC:
    • Indoor food and drink establishments (restaurants, coffee shops, food halls, nightclubs)
    • Indoor cultural and entertainment establishments (concert venues, live entertainment and sporting venues, movie theaters, bowling alleys)
    • Indoor event and meeting venues
    • The requirement applies to hotel meeting rooms, ballrooms and hotel restaurants and bars, but proof of vaccination is not required at check-in for individual hotel guests.
    • Visitors to museums generally do not have to show  proof of vaccination, unless attending a private event or dining in a café. However, Smithsonian museums and private museums may have their own requirements and visitors should check with individual establishments.
    • Retail stores, grocery stores and private offices are not currently subject to the city’s requirement.
  • Patrons ages 12+ must provide proof of one dose by Jan. 15, 2022 and full vaccination by Feb. 15, 2022.
  • Visitors are encouraged to check with individual establishments about COVID-19 protocols.

Current Travel Requirements

Fully vaccinated travelers (or visitors who tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days) may travel to DC from domestic locations without testing or quarantining unless showing symptoms of COVID-19. If traveling from an international location, visitors and residents must show a negative test before boarding a flight to the U.S.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must follow COVID-19 testing and quarantining requirements for non-essential travel. Proof of vaccination is generally required to visit indoor gathering locations. If visitors are requesting medical or religious exemption, documentation and proof of a negative antigen or PCR test within 24 hours is required.
General travel requirements for unvaccinated visitors include getting a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before visiting DC, getting a COVID-19 test 3-5 days after returning home from their trip and self-quarantining for 7 days after returning home. You do not need a COVID-19 test if traveling from Maryland and Virginia or in DC in less than 24 hours. Private institutions and local government officials may ask for proof of a negative test.
Where you can get vaccinated: Check out DC Government resources on pediatric vaccination pre-registration, health centers offering the vaccine and transportation options. Or check out the official vaccines.gov site to find a list of pharmacies, health clinics and hospitals offering vaccines near you.

You can also find the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month.

 

What's Open

Museums/Attractions

The DC government has allowed for unlimited capacity at museums and attractions, however individual entities may impose their own capacity limits. Visit the Smithsonian Institution’s website for all hours of operation, a full schedule and admission information, including required masking for visitors ages 2 and older. Most Smithsonian museums no longer require timed-entry passes. Free timed passes are still required at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian's National Zoo.

Update: Smithsonian is dealing with unprecedented staff shortages due to COVID-19 cases. To accommodate these shortages, the Smithsonian museums in DC and the National Zoo will operate on a modified schedule, reducing the days of operation at some museums and closing three museums during this period. 
The National Museum of Natural History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture will remain open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays, and the National Museum of American History will remain open on Fridays through Tuesdays. The National Zoo, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art and the newly reopened Arts and Industries Building will remain open to the public Thursdays through Sundays.

The National Air and Space Museum, National Postal Museum and the Anacostia Community Museum will be closed until further notice. The Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, remain open daily. 

For more information and details of the modified schedule for all of the museums, visit the Smithsonian Institution's website.
 

What's Open Right Now 

  • The Hirshhorn Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
  • The Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) has reopened. For more information regarding hours and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
  • The Washington Monument has reopened to the public. The monument is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Masks are required for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside the Washington Monument. Tickets will be available online only from recreation.gov; there will be no tickets distributed on site. Tickets become available daily at 10 a.m. for the next day’s visits (for example, if you are planning to visit on July 21, you can reserve tickets at recreation.gov beginning at 10 a.m. on July 20). Each ticket is good for up to four individuals in a group traveling together. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $1 per ticket. 
  • The Library of Congress has reopened its Jefferson Building. Free, timed entry tickets are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit the Library's website.
  • The Rotunda of the National Archives Building has reopened for viewing the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights, (with limited capacity of 25 percent), by timed reservations Friday through Monday only, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning Friday, July 2, the Museum will resume normal hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, and expand to be open every day, but with the same reduced capacity. As of July 2, visitors will also be able to view the Magna Carta in the David M. Rubenstein Gallery.
  • The National Museum of Natural History has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
  • The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The National Museum of the Marine Corps has reopened. For more information on safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The National Gallery of Art has reopened its West and East Buildings. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. Please note that the East Building will be closed for renovations beginning Feb. 28.
  • The National Museum of African American History and Culture has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The National Museum of American History has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The National Museum of the American Indian has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The Smithsonian's National Zoo has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the Smithsonian unit's website.
  • The National Portrait Gallery has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery have both reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website.
  • The Hirshhorn's Sculpture Garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while the plaza and building remain closed. For more information, visit the Hirshhorn's website.
  • The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' indoor campus and THE REACH is open for visiting Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight. Masking is required indoors, and proof of vaccination is required for all guests attending performances. Learn more.
  • The National Museum of Women in the Arts is now open. Visit the museum's website for more information.
  • Glenstone is open for visits to the Gallery building, grounds, and outdoor dining at the Patio in a limited capacity on visitor days (Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). The Arrival Hall is open in a limited capacity for access to restrooms and a water bottle refill station, as well as the Bookstore. Scheduled visits are required, and admission is free. Visit the museum's website for more information.
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., non-members should buy tickets online, guests and staff are required to wear face coverings and must social distance. 
  • ARTECHOUSE is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Make sure to read its safety protocols before planning a trip.
  • O Museum in The Mansion is open for tours, lodging, outdoor dining and shopping; the garden is open for reservations as well.
  • Lincoln's Cottage has reopened for self-guided tours from Wednesday through Monday. Advance tickets are required.
  • International Spy Museum is now open daily. You must get advance tickets and abide by social distancing guidelines and mask requirements. Read more safety info.
  • Kreeger Museum is open. You must get advance reservation tickets. 
  • Museum of the Bible is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are required. To learn more about safety in the museum, visit its website.
  • Big Bus Tours is offering tours every day of the week. For more information, visit its website.
  • The Phillips Collection is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., timed tickets needed and guests must follow safety requirements. The museum requires proof of vaccination for all visitors ages 12-years-old and up, and requires visitors 16-year-old and up to have a photo ID.
  • Planet Word is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last entry at 3:30 p.m. The museum requires timed passes and proof of vaccination for all visitors ages 12-years-old and up; visitors 16-year-old must have a photo ID. For more information about the museum's COVID-19 guidelines and to reserve passes, visit Planet Word's website. 
  • The National Building Museum is now open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the museum's website.
  • Tudor Place has reopened, with hours of Friday and Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the estate's website.
  • Dream Aero is open from 12-7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Visit its website for more information.
  • Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens will reopen on Feb. 5. Proof of full vaccination will be required for entry. For more information regarding hours and safety protocols, visit the estate's website.
  • Old Town Trolley Tours is now open, with tours departing hourly from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. You can also read about the company's safety policies.
  • Ford's Theatre has reopened. The Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits will remain closed. For more information regarding tickets and safety protocols, visit the Ford's Theatre website. The theater requires proof of vaccination starting.
  • The DC History Center is open on Fridays from 2-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12-5 p.m. Free, timed entry tickets are required. Visit the Center's website for more information.
  • The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum has reopened. For more information, visit the museum's website.
  • DC Design Tours is open and offering eight architectural walking tours around the District. Visit its website for a full calendar and to book your tour. 
  • Blue Fern Travel offers its Fork Tours from Thursday through Sunday on U Street and in Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria. A portion of all ticket sales is donated to Bread for the City.
  • The National Law Enforcement Museum has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
  • DAR Museum (And DAR Library and DAR Constitution Hall) have reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the website.
  • The National Children's Museum has reopened. Advanced tickets are required and available for morning or afternoon sessions. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum's website.

Theaters/Cinemas/Concert Venues/Entertainment Centers

Most venues require proof of full vaccination from COVID-19. Check venue websites for more information.
 

Theaters & Playhouses

  • 20+ theaters now require proof of vaccination for entry. The Kennedy Center and Ford's Theatre requires proof of vaccination.

Music & Concert Venues

Restaurants

As of June 11, capacity restrictions have been lifted at bars and nightclubs. However, as of Dec. 21, 2021 at 6 a.m., diners are required to wear face coverings when not eating or drinking and to avoid going out if feeling sick. Some restaurants require proof of vaccination to book a table indoors (DC residents can access their official vaccination records from the DC MyIR portal). Check with individual restaurants and on their social media accounts to ensure they have outdoor or available indoor dining space before going out to eat. Also, review the status on outdoor dining options including beer gardens, patios and rooftop restaurants, as well as popular takeout and delivery options.

Sports

On Friday, June 11, capacity restrictions were lifted at large sports and entertainment venues. 

Parks/Gardens/Recreation

Dog parks, golf courses, parks, tennis courts, tracks and fields are open. Recreation centers, bowling alleys, climbing gyms, squash or racquetball clubs, skating rinks and skateboard parks also no longer have any capacity restrictions. Outdoor attractions like the National Park Service Sites, Monuments and Memorials at the National Mall and around the city are open. Learn more about DC's parks and gardens and read details about the status of recently reopened sights below.
 

Retail

Capacity restrictions have been lifted at nonessential retail businesses, hair and nail salons, massage and spas. Note that individual businesses may enforce their own health precautions. Many Made in DC shops offer online shopping with the option for curbside pickup. Check out ways that you can support some of these local businesses in the District.

Hotels

If you find yourself in Washington, DC during this time and in need of a hotel, many DC-area hotels are open and ready to welcome guests. You can also take advantage of special deals and peruse locations that are ideal for sports fans, history buffs, families with kids and more.

Transportation

WMATA's enhanced cleaning measures include daily disinfecting of trains, buses and stations with mopping, wiping down high-touch surfaces or using electrostatic foggers. Metro has upped its deep cleaning of stations to four times that of the pre-Covid era. In addition, Metro launched new touch-free SmarTrip service for iPhone and Apple Watch devices, becoming the first rail system in the U.S. to offer a full service, touch-free payment option at every single stop.

Metro has restored most rail and bus service to pre-covid levels across the region in the largest – and likely most complex – service change in the system's 44-year history. Metro is expanding late-night service and restoring more routes to support the DC region’s reopening and recovery. Face masks are required. For more information, visit wmata.com. 

 

What's Closed

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