Washington D.C. Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

Washington D.C. Things to Do

As the capital of the USA, Washington D.C. offers plenty of attractions, many of which are totally free. Check out this sampling of the top Washington D.C. things to do.

Capitol Building

This massive marble building is where the laws of the land are formulated by the Senate and House of Representatives. Tickets are free, but limited. Show up early as they are given out on a first-come first-serve system. Or you can obtain gallery passes by writing your Senator or Representative. Aside from admiring the impressive architecture of the Rotunda, the Crypt, and the national Statuary Hall, you can also watch Congress in session, However, this requires permission from a member of congress at least six months in advance.

White House

This high-security home to the President can be toured only by request. It’s best to make this as early as you can. The tour is free and limited to small groups of people. You may not catch a glimpse of the President, but you will be able to see the stately rooms, elegant furniture, and beautiful paintings.

Lincoln Memorial

One of the largest and most iconic of the city’s monuments features a 19-foot high statue of the 16^th President. It has been the site of several historic events and public gatherings, including Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech.” Inside, you’ll find Lincoln’s second inaugural speech and the Gettysburg Address. Exiting the Lincoln Memorial, you’ll have a fantastic view of the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. Other important monuments you can see are the World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

National Air and Space Museum

The largest air and space museum complex in the world is also the most visited museum in the world. You’ll see plenty of impressive exhibits: the Apollo 11 capsule that took men back from the first moon landing, the Spirit of St. Louis that Lindbergh took solo across the Atlantic, and a Lockheed U2 spy plane. Starting it all is the original 1903 Wright Flyer. Don’t forget to visit the bigger annex at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport, which contains planes too big to fit in the D.C. location, such as the Space Shuttle and the Concorde.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Washington D.C.