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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 Fully Open

As of Friday, June 11 all capacity restrictions in DC are lifted and the city is 100% reopen.

Please follow DC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people. As of Saturday, July 31 at 5 a.m., all people over age two must wear a mask indoors in DC regardless of vaccination status. There are no exceptions to indoor mask requirements. They are required at restaurants, except while actively eating or drinking. Large outdoor venues are not impacted by the new guidance. All people are required to wear a mask on Metro, buses, in taxis and rideshare vehicles, schools, childcare facilities and healthcare settings. Updated information on DC’s operating status is at coronavirus.dc.gov.

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 quarantining unless showing symptoms of COVID-19. If traveling from an international location, visitors must show a negative test before boarding a flight to the U.S. and get tested 3-5 days following travel. To know: fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose series, or after one dose of a single-dose vaccine. There are additional travel guidelines for DC residents from DC Health.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must follow COVID-19 testing and quarantining requirements for non-essential travel, including to get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before visiting DC; if a traveler tests positive while in DC, they must complete their isolation before traveling home, and susceptible close contacts must complete a 10-day quarantine. You don’t need a COVID-19 test if traveling from Maryland and Virginia or if you’re in DC less than 24 hours. A COVID-19 test is required if essential travelers have more than one week of notice, and they should limit activities in DC. To know: Private institutions and local government officials may ask for proof of a negative test.

Looking for upcoming events and activities? Check out countless things to see and do this summer. You can also find the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month.

Updated July 29, 2021

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 reopening schedule and admission information. Most Smithsonian museums no longer require timed-entry passes and museums on the National Mall have returned to their pre-pandemic hours (most are open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). For more information, check out Smithsonian's press release. Free timed passes will still be required at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Also note that as of July 29, Smithsonian museums require masks to be worn at all times for visitors ages 2 and older. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a mask outdoors.

 

What's Open Right Now 

  • 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 for the Washington Monument 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 National Museum of African Art has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
  • The National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’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.
  • 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 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 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 has reopened with its new centennial exhibition, Seeing Differently: The Phillips Collects for a New Century.
  • Dumbarton House has reopened. Hours are Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Dumbarton House's website.
  • Planet Word has reopened. Hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning June 20, the museum will also open on Sundays. 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 is now open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the museum's website. The estate no longer requires advance reservations for timed entry.
  • 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 Washington National Cathedral is open for ticketed entry to the Les Colombes exhibit and special events. Visit the Cathedral’s website for ticket information.
  • 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.

What's Reopening Soon

Restaurants

As of June 11, capacity restrictions have been lifted at bars and nightclubs. However, as of July 31 at 5 a.m., diners are required to wear face coverings when not eating or drinking and to avoid going out if feeling sick. Check with individual restaurants 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

Currently professional sports may operate pursuant to a waiver. Anticipated capacity is for 10,000 fans at Nationals Park; 5,000 at Audi Field; 2,100 at Capital One Arena and 450 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena through June 10. Starting Friday, June 11, capacity restrictions will be 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. 

Theaters/Cinemas/Concert Venues/Entertainment Centers

Waivers are necessary for nightclubs and entertainment venues operating through June 10. Starting June 11, capacity restrictions will be lifted at entertainment venues. Note that many area theaters are offering virtual programming - make sure to check our things to do for the week and weekend to review options.

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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