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.

Guide to Free Embassy Tours in Washington, DC During Passport DC

Passport DC is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington, DC's thriving international culture. As part of the festival, the first two Saturdays in May are devoted to embassy open houses. Consider this your chance to stroll Embassy Row – a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue NW that...

Visiting the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC

A visit to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is to be transported to a trying time in American history, an era rife with economic depression and international conflict. The memorial, which honors the 32nd president of the United States, is composed of four “outdoor rooms” which represent each...

Guide to Visiting the Reopened Washington Monument

The Washington Monument reopened on Sept. 19 after a renovation that modernized the elevator and increased long-term reliability and safety. Check the National Park Service's website for updates before you plan your visit. Built to honor George Washington, the commander-in-chief of the Continental...

Visiting the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, DC

Please note that the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum will be closed for renovations from March 15, 2019 through mid-October 2019. The renovations will include enhancing the museum’s accessibility, parking and main entrance. What is the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum and where is it?...

Free Things to Do: Summer in Washington, DC

As you plan your family trip to DC, we’re here to remind you of all the free things to do this summer in the District. From July 4th fireworks and holiday concerts to special events like the Memorial Day parade, summer in Washington, DC makes for an unforgettable time, and it doesn’t have to hurt...

Visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the Korean War Veterans Memorial and where is it? The Korean War Veterans Memorial resides on the National Mall , southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool. All of its components, including its walls, stainless steel statues and Pool of Remembrance, are...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC

What is the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian and where is it? The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is located on Independence Avenue SW on the National Mall . The museum boasts one of the world’s most expansive collections of Native American objects, photographs,...

Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

What and where is the Library of Congress? The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE,...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC

Planning your visit to the Natural History Museum The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History opened in 1910 to invoke discovery and education of the natural world. Its green dome and immense size (comparable to 18 football fields) are signatures, as well as the 140 million-plus natural...

Free Things to Do: Spring in Washington, DC

A family-friendly spring break filled with free activities awaits in Washington, DC. The season is headlined by the blooming of cherry blossom trees and the corresponding National Cherry Blossom Festival, but your spring vacation does not have to be limited to that. There are plenty of free things...