Top 20 Washington D.C. Attractions You Shouldn't Miss

Last Updated on January 20, 2024 by Nikki Jain

Known for being the capital of America, there are so many things to do in Washington DC that there is something for everyone here.

Whether you want to visit some of the historical icons such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Veteran's Memorials, or you have a greater interest in the National Gallery of Art, you are sure to be kept busy on a D.C. vacation.

One of the nation's greatest museums, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum often tops most traveler's lists. Perhaps you would like to round your trip out with a fantastic performance like those at the John F. Kennedy Center.

We've gathered the top tourist attractions in Washington DC to add to your DC bucket list.

Things To Do in Washington DC

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1: Washington Monument

Washington Monument
Flickr/Pedro Szekely

This stone pillar is not only the nation's tallest obelisk but also the world's. It stands at over 555 feet, a grandiose dedication to the United States' first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The monument is in the same area as the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, so it's easy to cover these three famous DC attractions in one go.

Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20007

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2: White House

White House
White House is among the most-visited Washington DC Attractions | Flickr/Roman Boed

The White House is a spectacular tribute to the resilience of the nation and the character of its presidents; it has been set ablaze, reconstructed, and added to for years and still remains in good condition today. It has been the official residence of every president of the United States since John Adams. Tour guides can take you to the White House as part of your tour with them around noteworthy places in the city, or you can take yourself and snap the obligatory pictures in front of the fence.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500

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Also Read: Top 10 Most Famous Historic Homes in America

3: Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

This is another one of the most famous historical attractions in Washington, DC. The Lincoln Memorial honors just whom it says: Abraham Lincoln, the nation's 16th president. It sits west of the nearby Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument.

Inside the memorial, you can find the biggest attraction of the memorial, a large statue of Lincoln in a seated position. Near this are two of his most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address.

Though Lincoln's speeches are the only two present here now, there have been many other historical speeches that have taken place at this site, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream."

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037

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4: Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials

Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
Flickr/Richard Gillin

Located in West Potomac Park, the Korean War Veterans Memorial stands in the shape of a triangle intersecting a circle. There are two statues depicting a squad on patrol. Part of the wall lists the troop statistics, including the number of soldiers dead, missing, injured, and captured.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial's most well-known piece is the Wall, but there is also the Vietnam Women's Memorial and the Three Soldiers Statue. The main part of this memorial can be found in Constitution Gardens, next to the National Mall.

Address: 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024

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Also Read: 12 Famous Landmarks in Washington, D.C.

5: National Mall

National Mall
Shutterstock/Kamira

The National Mall is one of the most popular tourist spots in Washington, DC. The National Mall includes some of DC’s most popular, most famous, and most famous memorials. It also includes lesser-known memorials.

You can walk around the National Mall and get a look at all of them easily in one day. If you happen to go during Cherry Blossom Season, the National Mall is one of the best places to see the Cherry Blossoms.

The Memorials and Sights at the National Mall include:

  • The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • The Korean War Veterans Memorial
  • The Lincoln Memorial
  • The Martin Luther King Junior Memorial
  • The Thomas Jefferson Memorial
  • The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
  • The World War II Memorial
  • The Washington Monument

There are many more great sights available nearby. Take time to consult a map before your go and plan your day wandering around this beautiful and interesting area.

Address: Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, DC 20565

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6: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Flickr/Pedro Szekely

This museum is one of the best things to do in Washington DC if you want to experience the complete historical collection of aircraft and spacecraft! The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is also known for its explorations of planetary science, terrestrial geology, and geophysics.

Some of the many impressive exhibits include Chicago, the first aircraft to fly around the world, Apollo 11 command module, Soviet SS-20 and US Pershing II Rockets, Ballistic Missiles, and the spacesuit worn by David Scott on Apollo 15.

Address: 600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

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Also Read: Top 10 Space and Aviation Museums in the USA

7: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Dreamstime/Michael Wood

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is one of the Washington, DC attractions for art and theatre lovers. With over 2000 shows every year, there is always something going on at this campus of theatres.

It was named in memory of JFK, who was instrumental in building this American Cultural Center. The National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera perform at the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center is on the Banks of the Potomac River within walking distance of the National Mall and the Watergate Hotel.

Grab dinner in the Foggy Bottom area before a nighttime show or after a matinee performance.

Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566

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8: Smithsonian National Zoo

Smithsonian National Zoo
Dreamstime/Alan Kolnik

Animal lovers and families alike will enjoy a day at the National Zoo. The zoo is free and houses thousands of animals for you to meet. The zoo is open from 8 am to 4 pm. If you are visiting in the summer, come early to avoid the crowds and the afternoon heat.

Spend the whole day here enjoying the company of your favorite animals, and if that seems like too much time, head up to the Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens or back to DC for an airconditioned museum tour.

To keep the animal theme going, head to the National Museum of Natural History for the afternoon.

Grab dinner in Georgetown at one of these great restaurants:

Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

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Also Read: 30 Best Zoos in the USA

9: Old Town Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley Tour
Dreamstime/Jiawangkun

Whether you are visiting Washington, DC, new to the area, or a long-time local, you are missing out if you have not taken a Trolley Tour. These tours are some of the best things to do in Washington, DC.

There are two 90-minute tour options: the Silver Pass and the Gold Pass. The Silver Pass is the basic tour experience. The Gold Pass includes a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. They also offer separate guided tours of Arlington National Cemetery. Grab a meal after your tour at one of these nearby restaurants: Asia Nine, Ristorante Tosca, or The Oceanaire.

One of the top, most romantic tours available is offered by this company. The Monuments By Moonlight Tour is full of enchanting moments just waiting to happen. Grab a romantic dinner ahead of time at Fogo de Chão, which is nearby.

Address: 1001 E St NW, Washington, DC 20004

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10: Food & Drink Tours

Food & Drink Tours
Dreamstime/Richard Gunion

Washington, DC is full of great places to eat and drink. If you like food or consider yourself a foodie, one of these tours might be the perfect thing to do in Washington, DC.

Foodies and Food fans will love the Mangia Food Tours. They offer an Italian Food Tour and a Georgetown Foodie Tour. Another great tour provider for foodies is Blue Fern Tours. They offer food tours of Georgetown, U-Street, Fell’s Point, and Old Town Alexandria. They also offer Distillery tours.

Fans of Brews will love the DC Brew Tours. There are plenty of breweries on the list of places to visit in Washington, DC and this company offers tours to many of them.

If you prefer Wine to Brews, try one of Vino Virginia’s wine tours. Spend the day exploring Virginia’s Wine Country.

Another great tour operator is Spirited Tours which offers both wine and beer tours.

11: Big Bus Tours Washington, DC

Big Bus Tours Washington, DC
Dreamstime/Erik Lattwein

Big Bus Tours offers a unique tour experience in their Hop-on Hop-off tours. This style of tour is one of the most interesting Washington, DC attractions.

They have four tour options. The Classic Tour Option is a one-day ticket. The Premium Tour Option is a two-day ticket. The Deluxe Tour Option is a three-day ticket. Lastly, they also have a two-hour long night tour available.

The Classic, Premium, and Deluxe tours follow the Red Loop schedule, which includes: The International Spy Museum, The Washington Monument, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, City Center, and the White House. There are eight stops in total where you can get off and explore and then hop on the next Big Bus to arrive.

The Night Tour follows a slightly different schedule and is not a Hop-on Hop-off tour. Combining the Night tour with any of the other options is a great way to see Washington, DC.

Address: 610 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

12: Ghost Tours

Ghost Tours
Flickr/Mike Maguire

Washington, DC is full of history and that means it is full of ghosts. There is no shortage of Ghostly tours to enjoy. No trip to Washington, DC would be complete without at least one of these tours.

  • DC by Foot offers two family-friendly ghost tours and four adults-only scandal tours.
  • Scary DC offers group and private tours in Georgetown.
  • Nightly Spirits offers a combined Ghost tour with a pub crawl.
  • UCPlaces offers an app and free audio tour. Just download, follow the map, and enjoy.
  • National Nightmares offers public and private haunted tours.
  • DC Ghosts offers 60 minute and 90-minute ghost tours.

Whether you like to be scared or are just looking for a good time, these tours are the best DC has to offer.

13: Segway Tours

Segway Tours
Dreamstime/Tupungato

Segway tours offer one of the most unique things to do in Washington, DC. Zip around the DC area and take in the sights. The tour stops at all the well-known monuments where you will get to hear the tour guide share information and stories.

Segways are a great way to see Washington, DC on a sunny summer day. This tour is great for people who like to be outdoors but want to travel faster than they would on foot. In addition, Segways are easy to learn how to use, and you can speed up or slow down based on how comfortable you are.

The tours are informative and fun, and the tour guides are always locals. Headsets are provided so that you can hear the tour guide's commentary even when the Segways are moving.

14: The Pentagon

The Pentagon
Dreamstime/Jeremy Christensen

The Pentagon is one of the secret destinations in Washington, DC’s for tours. It is not well known that you can request a tour of the Pentagon. To request a tour, go to their website. Reservations are required and must be made 14-90 days before your tour.

The tour is about 60 minutes and covers about a mile and a half of walking throughout the building. You will learn about the history and importance of the Pentagon and get a peek at the inside. 

This is an excellent tour for those interested in military history and the history of the Department of Defense. Your tour guide will be an active Military serviceman or woman who receives training before becoming a tour guide.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Washington, DC

Address: Washington, DC 22202

15: Library Of Congress

Library Of Congress
Dreamstime/Sean Pavone

The grand architecture of the Library of Congress makes it a must-see Washington, DC tourist attraction for anyone interested in the history and architecture of old buildings. It is also a must-see for anyone who loves art or books as the building has plenty of both to look at.

The Library of Congress offers self-guided tours at the moment. In the past, they have offered guided group tours, which will hopefully resume in the future. There are a number of interesting exhibits to see and plenty to marvel at. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out.

After being inside for a while, and if the weather is good, grab some food from a nearby restaurant and head to a nearby park. After lunch, head to the Capitol Building for a tour there.

Address: 10 First St SE, Washington, DC 20540

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16: Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill
Dreamstime/Jon Bilous

There is plenty to see and do in the Capitol Hill area. The most obvious and one of the most popular attractions in Washington, DC is the Capitol Building.

They offer guided tours and exciting exhibits that include the history of the Capitol Building and Congress.

Also in the Capitol Hill area is the Library of Congress (mentioned above #15) and the Eastern Market (mentioned below #45).

There are several great parks to visit:

  • The Spirit of Justice Park
  • Bartholdi Park
  • Folger Park
  • Providence Park
  • Garfield Park
  • Marion Park
  • Seward Square
  • Stanton Park

Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy visiting the Folgers Shakespeare Library. The library also has a theater and holds the occasional performance.

Lastly, you can visit the United States Supreme Court. They offer self-guided tours, educational lectures, and exhibits.

Address: First St and East Capitol St NE, Washington DC, DC 20004

17: Smithsonian Institution Building

Smithsonian Institution Building
Dreamstime/Sean Pavone

The Smithsonian Institution Building is one of the most often overlooked hidden gems of Washington, DC. Everyone thinks about going to their museums; very few stop in at their main building.

The Smithsonian Institution Building is the oldest of the Smithsonian buildings and museums. It offers a collection of small exhibits from each of the bigger museums.

Just outside the Smithsonian Institution Building are the Smithsonian Gardens. They are beautiful to walk through any time of year, but especially beautiful in the Spring and Summer.

Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560

18: National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden

National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden
Dreamstime/Kmiragaya

The National Gallery of Art & the Sculpture Garden is one of the best things to do in Washington DC if you are interested in art.

They have over 60 rooms and 3,000 works of art that span from Medieval to Modern times and cover paintings, sculptures, and more.

There is so much to see you will likely need the whole day to see the museum. However, if you finish in half a day or less, there are plenty of other areas nearby to checkout.

For example, the National Museum of Natural History is full of interesting exhibits and can be gone through fairly quickly. However, if you are a fan of science and history, you may want a whole day for this museum.

Address: Constitution Ave NW &, 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408

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19: International Spy Museum

International Spy Museum
Flickr/Elvert Barnes

The International Spy Museum is one of the newer museums in Washington, DC. It opened in 2002. It houses everything from James Bond’s car to code-breaking and historically accurate accounts of spies.

The museum can take anywhere from 2 hours to a whole day to explore. If you go first thing in the morning, you'll likely be done by lunchtime.

Head over to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and grab lunch in the Sweet Home Cafe before exploring or head to the National Museum of the American Indian and grab lunch in the Mitsitam Cafe before exploring.

Accommodation: Where to stay in Washington, DC

Address: 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

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20: National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture
Dreamstime/Giuseppe Crimeni

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the Smithsonian's newest museum; it opened in 2016. Exhibits in the museum chronicle the history, culture, and lives of African Americans.

There are over 36,000 artifacts and multiple floors with a variety of different exhibits. Wander the whole museum or focus on the rooms or topics you find most interesting.

A visit to this museum could easily take a day so grab some lunch at the Sweet Home Cafe. They offer a variety of dishes with ties to African Americans and their cultures.

If you do finish with time to spare, head next door to the National Museum of American History. If you do not have time in the day to go to both. Seeing these two Washington, DC attractions back-to-back is recommended. Plan to see one on day one and the other on day two.

Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

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Plan your trip to Washington, D.C. soon!

This list of best things to do in Washington, DC is by no means the only tourist and sight-seeing option. However, these are some of the top attractions in Washington, DC, along with references to nearby attractions and restaurants.

Hopefully, this list was helpful, and you now have an idea of what to do in DC. If you only have a few days to a week, make the most of it. Head to the websites and see what is currently being exhibited so you can make the most informed decisions about what you want to see in DC.

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