Free Attractions

Explore DC’s museums, memorials and other attractions without breaking the bank. There are more than 100 free things to do in Washington, DC.

Everything You Need to Know About Washington Monument Tours & Tickets

The recently renovated Washington Monument reopened to the public on Sept. 19, 2019. Looking to get tickets to the top or learn more about tour information? Below are some helpful tips for both groups and individuals to keep in mind when visiting the iconic monument built to honor George Washington...

Visiting the National Archives Building & Museum in Washington, DC

What and where is the National Archives Building & Museum? The National Archives & Records Administration Building and Museum is located on Constitution Avenue NW, between 7th and 9th Streets, just north of the National Mall . The building houses both a museum and the National Archives and...

Run, Bike & Exercise Outdoors in Washington, DC

With miles of trails, the National Mall and Rock Creek Park , one of the largest urban parks in the country, the DC region boasts plenty outdoor locations to run, bike or do what the locals do – join a group exercise program. When visiting the District, be sure to check out these scenic spots and...

8 Reasons to Attend The REACH Opening Festival at the Kennedy Center

The REACH , the new expansion at Washington, DC’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , will officially open on Sept. 7. To celebrate, the Kennedy Center is hosting 16 days’ worth of free programming, including concerts, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and so much more...

Visiting the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC

What and where is the National Gallery of Art? The National Gallery of Art and its gorgeous Sculpture Garden (which features an ice rink in the winter time) are located on Constitution Avenue NW between 3rd and 9th Streets NW. Through its East and West Buildings, the museum preserves, collects and...

The Smithsonian Castle: Gateway to Museums & History

Brit benefactor and an American castle For a man who never set foot in Washington, DC, French-born, British-raised James Smithson has had a huge impact on the city. The British scientist (1765-1829), an illegitimate son of a Duke, left his considerable fortune to a nephew with the stipulation that...

10 Reasons to Visit the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, DC

Washington, DC and the surrounding area are home to numerous national parks , but the city also offers the United States Botanic Garden (100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001), a living plant museum that informs one million-plus visitors per year of the importance of plants to not just human...

Free Things to Do: Off the Beaten Path in Washington, DC

Of all the free things to do in Washington, DC, many are offbeat and unusual, but essential sites to see all the same. These hidden treasures should be on everyone’s DC bucket list. So, survey our unique things to do below and take your DC exploration off the beaten path without having to pay a...

8 Must-See Monuments & Memorials on the National Mall

According to the American Institute of Architects, half of Americans’ top 12 favorite architectural gems line the National Mall . There’s no denying the significance of the Mall for its symbols to American history and for its uniquely designed monuments. Check them all out here, then it's time to...

Free Things to Do: Best of Washington, DC

The list of free things to do in DC is quite long, headlined by Smithsonian museums, the National Gallery of Art, the monuments and memorials and annual events and festivals. We’ve detailed some of the most popular activities here, so on your next family trip to DC, make sure you cross all of these...