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.

6 Reasons Why You Must Visit the New Fossil Hall at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC

After a five-year renovation, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has reopened its David H. Koch Hall of Fossils . The $110 million, 31,000-square-foot exhibit’s theme is Deep Time , borrowed from a scientific phrase that illustrates how Earth’s history has played out over billions...

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...

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC

Experiencing the Lincoln Memorial The grand Lincoln Memorial towers over the Reflecting Pool, anchoring the western end of the National Mall . The best way to approach the memorial is from the east, by the Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial . This will put you at the edge of...

Guide to Visiting the Washington Monument

After years of extensive renovations, the Washington Monument reopened to the public on Sept. 19, 2019 with a modernized elevator and increased long-term reliability and safety. After recently being closed for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, visitors are now able to book tours as of Oct. 1...

Guide to Visiting Arlington National Cemetery

What is Arlington National Cemetery? The Arlington National Cemetery is the country’s largest military cemetery and serves as the final resting place for more than 400,000 military veterans and their immediate family from the fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as World Wars I and II, the...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Please note: The National Air and Space Museum is undergoing a large-scale, multi-year construction project to reimagine the museum. The project is expected to be complete in 2025. During this time, the museum will remain open, but certain exhibits will be closed and collections will be moved to...

Free Things to Do: Museums in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is filled with free museums, from Smithsonians including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, to art-filled museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Art...

Free Things to Do: Fall in Washington, DC

Autumn in Washington, DC is full of free things to do, from festivals and scenic foliage to celebrating Halloween and observing Veterans Day. The city features plenty of experiences perfect for the season. Discover all of the ways you can have a memorable autumn adventure in the District without...

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...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC

What is the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and where is it? The National Museum of African Art is located on Independence Avenue SW on the National Mall . The museum possesses the largest publicly held collection of African art in the United States, with roughly 12,000 objects in total...