Best Places to Visit in Washington D.C
There are so many best things to do in Washington, D.C., United State’s capital. The District of Columbia, as it’s formally known, is a federal district in the United States that lies between Virginia and Maryland which has nothing to do with the state of Washington, which is situated on the other side of the country. Washington, D.C was intended to be the United States’ capital. It was meticulously planned to be a lovely metropolis with endless places to visit and tourist attractions.
Washington, D.C. is unlike any other city in the United States, with its modest buildings, extensive gardens, and numerous tourist attractions. You’re certainly aware of Washington, DC as the US capital, and it’s true that it contains a wealth of socially and historically significant landmarks. It is unquestionably the nation’s headquarters, including museums, war memorials, and government buildings.
Everything from quirky tiny stores and boutiques to enormous wilderness reserves with waterfalls and hundred-year-old oak trees may be found here. It’s far more varied than you might imagine!
Let’s get started on the top 10 things to do and best places to visit in Washington, D.C. If you just have a short time in the city, concentrate on the top ten tourist sites in Washington, D.C. If you want to know about the city’s history and get a trip to all of the key sights, we also recommend starting your vacation with this 4-hour guided tour.
National Mall:
The National Mall is one of the best places to see in Washington, DC. It’s been featured in hundreds of films, performances, plays, postcards, and art prints, and now it’s time to experience it for yourself. Dozens of historic American institutions can be found on the long, grassy slopes. The White House is the most well-known, although the Washington Monument is the highest and the Smithsonian Museums are the most expansive in terms of square footage. In the foggy distance to the east, the domed top of the United States Capitol Building may be seen. On the opposite end of the park, on the west, is the Lincoln Memorial.
Statues, museums, monuments, art galleries, botanical gardens, and other attractions are among the other attractions available. Cherry blossom trees adorn ponds and reflecting pools throughout the summer. Snow builds up on the lawns in the winter.
One of the most popular tourist spots in Washington, D.C is the National Mall. Forget about the District of Columbia’s limits; it serves as a symbol for the entire country. When you’re in the region, you’ll surely want to check it off your list!
The US Capitol:
One of the best places to see in Washington, D.C. is the Capitol Building. You can’t miss it because it’s a symbol not only of the city but also the United States. The Senate (north wing) and the House of Representatives (south wing) are the two legislative branches of the United States Congress (in the south wing).
It was one of the earliest structures in the city, designed in a clean, white neoclassical style. The first stone was set in 1793 by George Washington, the nation’s first president. It is most notable for the majesty of its dome, which rises to a height of 289 feet, making it one of the city’s highest structures and visible from almost anywhere.
The building has free guided tours every day, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, departing from the Visitor Center, and this is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, D.C. It has several political and historical significance and is one of the top tourist attractions of Washington, D.C. Although booking them is not required, it is strongly advised, and you can do it right here.
The Rotunda, an extraordinary circular area beneath the dome where works of art are on display, will be visited as part of the tour. The Apotheosis of Washington, a large fresco painted inside, will be seen. The National Statuary Hall and the Crypt will also be visited.
Lincoln Memorial:
The Lincoln Memorial, one of Washington, D.C.’s most important tourist attractions and monuments, is located at the opposite end of the National Mall, with the Potomac River behind it.
It was built in the manner of ancient Greek Doric temples, and it was completed in 1914. It features 36 32-foot-tall columns. To keep the same luxurious, white aspect as the rest of the city’s official buildings, limestone and marble were chosen. A 20-foot-high sculpture of Abraham Lincoln in a seated pose can be found within.
The monument has been witnessing to many historical events. Martin Luther King‘s 1963 civil rights address, “I Have a Dream,” was the most memorable. The scene where Forest Gump is reconciled with Jenny at the Reflecting Pool, the enormous pond that stands in front of the monument, has also been filmed several times.
Without a doubt, visiting it is one of the free things to do in Washington, D.C. Because it is open 24 hours a day, if you wouldn’t want to see thousands of other tourists, we recommend going first thing in the morning.
Library of Congress:
The Library of Congress is the world’s second-largest library, with about 167 million items. Its shelves house including everything rare and delicate books to modern popular music CDs. Maps, manuscripts, pictures, paintings, murals, newsreels, musical work, and just about anything else a knowledge seeker may want are all available.
The library is made up of three buildings, each of which has spectacular architecture that is as amazing as the materials inside. The Thomas Jefferson Building, with its magnificent, golden-toned central reading room, is undoubtedly the most famous, but all of them are worth seeing.
The library also hosts many special events thereby making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Washington, D.C. One of the buildings, for example, has a performance theatre; another has a live musical performance auditorium, and yet another includes television and motion picture rooms.
Ford’s Theatre:
Although it was the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre is still open today, offering plays, musicals, lectures, comedy acts, and other live events to Washington, DC residents. The space is intimate and intimate making it one of the best places to visit in Washington, D.C.
It still has crimson carpets and golden railings in front of the balcony seats, as well as much of its original 1800s design. It has a vintage vibe to it, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the days of top hats and high-waisted gowns. If you’re interested in history, you should know about the museum beneath the theatre.
It’s the best site in town to learn about Lincoln, and it houses one-of-a-kind treasures like Lincoln’s bloodstained pillow from his final moments. There are plenty of iconic places in Washington, DC, but Ford’s Theatre stands out for its vintage charm as well as its unique past. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anyplace else.
Visit the White House:
The White House is the president of the United States’ official residence and workplace. The White House is one of the best places to see in Washington, D.C. because you must submit a visit application between 3 months and 21 days before your visit. If you are a citizen of the United States, you should contact your member of Congress at this link. Request a visit to your country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. if you are a citizen of another country.
In any event, everyone attending the White House with you must give the following information via email: complete name, date of birth, residential address, gender, nationality, the date you wish to visit the White House, and passport number. You must also provide your Social Security number if you are an American citizen. If you aren’t, you must include the Washington, D.C. address where you will be staying. Check out our suggestions for places to stay in Washington, D.C.
Washington Harbour:
Washington Harbour tourism offerings for every season, making it one of the top 10 places to visit in Washington DC that will welcome visitors at any time of year in addition to being a pleasant, active place in general.
The views of the river are spectacular, and you can take advantage of them in a variety of ways, including renting a canoe or jet ski and enjoying them directly on the water. You can take a walking, riding, or eating tour of the local hot spots if you preferred to remain on solid ground, or simply stroll till the sizzle of fresh catfish tempts you into a seafood joint with your own. If you need to stay somewhere, there are hotels all along the beach.
For entertainment, there are always theatres, galleries, clubs, and concert halls nearby.
Washington Harbour is one of the best tourist attractions in Washington D.C to come for people looking for a fun and interesting time in the neighborhood. It is known as the “primary waterfront destination of DC.” After you’ve had your fill of peaceful museums and memorials, come here. Let your hair down and have a good time!
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park:
You haven’t lived until you’ve pushed yourself down the mountain while being tethered to a thin cord strung between two trees. Fortunately, this is only one of the many activities available at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, so you can check it off your list as soon as it arrives in Washington, DC!
Ziplining, clambering across rope bridges, and airborne obstacle courses are just a few of the activities available. On the Tarzan Swings, you can put your nerves to the test, or play about with the kids on a Forest Discovery Journey. If you’re feeling particularly daring, there’s even a “Monkey Drop.”
Instructors will go over the basics with you and show you how to have fun while keeping safe. Children are welcome as long as they follow certain rules, so this may be a family fun outing.
There aren’t many ziplining options in Washington, DC, but Go Ape Zipline and Amusement Park isn’t far away if you’re prepared to leave the city. If the traffic is light, you might arrive there in less than an hour. If you sign up for an expedition now, you may be flying through the trees this weekend!
Arlington National Cemetery:
Visiting a cemetery may not come to mind while considering what to do in Washington, D.C. The Arlington National Cemetery, on the other hand, is not just another location. Here are buried soldiers of all US conflicts since the Civil War, as well as certain past US presidents and astronauts. The cemetery has been seen on television several times, and it is more than 300,000 lined white headstones are easily identifiable.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the best tourist spots to visit in Washington, D.C., is by far the most popular portion of the cemetery. This tomb is dedicated to warriors who perished in battle but whose identities are unknown.
It is guarded 24 hours a day, and the changing of the guard ritual, which is immensely popular with visitors, occurs every hour from October 1 to March 31, and every half an hour from 1st April to 30th September.
Adams Morgan:
If you’re looking for the best things to do and top places to visit in Washington, D.C. at night, you must go to Adams Morgan. It is cosmopolitan and scenic, and its bars, concert halls, international restaurants, and pubs provide a vibrant nightlife.
By day, though, it retains its allure, as it is a bustling business district with vintage apparel stores and second-hand booksellers housed in charming late-nineteenth-century structures. It’s without a doubt the greatest area in Washington, D.C., but because it’s so remote, we only recommend visiting if you have plenty of time or want to party.
What’s next waiting for you?
These are some of the fun activities to do in Washington, DC. This is a place you won’t want to miss, whether you’re interested in art, food, history, culture, government, or just stunning vistas of cherry blossom trees across the lake.
Now you know where to go and what to do in Washington, DC, you can plan your journey with total enthusiasm. Check our other travel guides to explore best places to visit near Washington, DC with family or friends.
