What's Open & Reopening in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is Fully Open

As of Friday, June 11 all capacity restrictions in DC are lifted and the city is 100% reopen. Residents and visitors are required to follow the CDC’s mask guidance. All people are required to wear a mask on Metro, buses, in taxis and rideshare vehicles, schools, childcare facilities and healthcare settings. Fully vaccinated people only need to wear masks or social distance in places where it is required. The public health emergency is in effect through July for largely administrative purposes. Updated information on DC’s operating status is at coronavirus.dc.gov.

Follow DC’s guidance for fully vaccinated people, including guidelines about when it’s okay to skip wearing a mask. If not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a mask in public.

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, from July 4 fireworks to outdoor movie screenings to Labor Day weekend festivities. You can also find the latest events and festivals on weekdays, weekends and this month.

Updated June 24, 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. All Smithsonian museums require free, timed-entry passes. Visitors can acquire passes online or by phone at 1.800.514.3849, ext. 1 up to 30 days in advance. Same-day passes are also available to reserve for the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History. Visit the Smithsonian Institution’s website for all hours of operation and the full reopening schedule. Find out more about regulations and health precautions directly from each museum or attraction.

 

What's Open Right Now 

• 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 Gallery of Art's East Building has reopened. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum's website.
• 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 Building. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and safety protocols, visit the museum's website. The Sculpture Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with limited capacity, while the East Building remains closed.
• 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

• The National Museum of African Art will reopen on July 16. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery will reopen on July 16. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The National Air and Space Museum will reopen on July 30. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”) will reopen on July 30. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The Anacostia Community Museum will reopen on Aug. 6. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The Hirshhorn Museum will reopen on Aug. 20 (The Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden remains open). For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.
• The National Postal Museum will reopen on Aug. 27. For more information regarding hours, timed entry and health protocols, visit the museum’s website.

Restaurants

As of June 11, capacity restrictions have been lifted at bars and nightclubs. Check 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. 

• The Washington Capitals (Tickets) in Capital One Arena. Regular season ends May 15, playoffs begin afterward.
• Washington Wizards (Tickets) in Capital One Arena. Regular season ends May 16, playoffs begin afterward.
• Washington Mystics (Tickets) in the Entertainment and Sports Arena. Team begins season on May 15.
• Washington Nationals (Tickets) at Nationals Park. Regular season ends Sept. 29.
• D.C. United (Tickets) at Audi Field. Regular season ends Nov. 7.

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. 

• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' outdoor campus at THE REACH is accessible, including pop-up wine garden and cafe Victura Park.
• Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited number of visitors, required social distancing and face coverings suggested. Onsite buildings and bathroom are closed. Learn more.
• The Smithsonian's Enid A. Haupt Garden is open with safety protocols in place. Learn more.
• U.S. National Arboretum has reopened from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more. 
• 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.
• The Fields & Festival Grounds at RFK Campus are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The weekly farmers' market is open. Learn more.
• The Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens and the Terrace Gardens at the U.S. Botanic Garden, but the indoor Conservatory and gated outdoor gardens are temporarily closed. Learn more.

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.

• The Howard Theatre - Next scheduled show on Sept. 28 with Zucchero
• Union Stage - Next scheduled show on June 25 with Jerry Tripsters
• Black Cat – Reopening July 9. Next ticketed show is Jul. 16 with Exotiq Int’l
• The Anthem - Next scheduled show on Aug. 7 with Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
• 9:30 Club - Next scheduled show on Sept. 10 with Colter Wall
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - 2021-2022 Ballet & Dance Season debuts Oct. 7 | Theater Season debuts Oct. 13
• Capital One Arena - Next scheduled show on Aug. 31 with The Eagles
• Echostage – Shows resumed in June
• The Hamilton Live – Shows resumed in June
• Lincoln Theatre - Box office is open now. Next scheduled show is Sept. 11 with Nurse Blake
• Arena Stage - Season begins in September with Lydia R. Diamond's Toni Stone
• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company - Homegrown is outdoors at THEARC, July 9-11. Other programming remains virtual.

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

• Anderson House - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Atlas Performing Arts Center - Closed until further notice, but check its marquee for inspiring social justice messages. 

• Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument - Closed to the public until further notice.

• DAR Museum - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Library of Congress - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Madame Tussauds - Closed to the public until further notice.

• National Children's Museum - Closed to the public until further notice.

• National Geographic Museum - Closed to the public until further notice.

• National Law Enforcement Museum - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Old Post Office Tower - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Pentagon Tours - Closed to the public until further notice.

• U.S. Botanic Garden - Closed to the public until further notice.

• Washington National Cathedral - Closed to the public until further notice.