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.

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...

Visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and where is it? The Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall pays tribute to the brave members of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam War and were killed or missing in action. The memorial consists of three separate parts: The Three Soldiers...

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...

Visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and where is it? The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is situated on a four-acre site along the National Mall's Tidal Basin, adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memoria l and shares a direct line of sight between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials...

Visiting the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC

What and where is the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery? Painting a picture of the many influential people throughout America’s history, the National Portrait Gallery is a must-see for pop culture fans, history buffs and art lovers alike. From activists and actors to presidents and poets, the...

Visiting the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the National World War II Memorial and where is it? The National World War II Memorial honors the 16 million people who served as part of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, including more than 400,000 who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The memorial sits along the...

Which Attractions & Museums in Washington, DC Require Tickets?

Many of Washington, DC's major attractions are open to the public and do not require tickets, including the Smithsonian museums , the Smithsonian National Zoo , the National Gallery of Art , and the monuments and memorials on the National Mall . You can buy tickets for some of Washington, DC's most...

Free Things to Do: Outdoor Activities in Washington, DC

You will have no issue finding free outdoor activities in DC. From hiking and running trails such as the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park to awesome places like Rock Creek Park, there are so many things to do outdoors in the nation’s capital, including activities just for kids. Check out some...

Free Things to Do: Winter in Washington, DC

There’s nothing like a trip to Washington, DC in winter. The nation’s capital is filled with free winter activities and gorgeous holiday displays, serving as a great destination to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve or any winter holiday. From ice sculptures to holiday markets, Washington, DC...

Visiting Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC

Smithsonian's National Zoo is right for you It’s not all elephants and donkeys in DC. At the National Zoo , visitors can find all sorts of animals that don’t subscribe to party lines. Lions, tigers, giraffes and the zoo’s beloved giant pandas are just some of the 1,500-plus animals that call the...