As the capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is one of the finest locations in the country to study American history. So that you don’t lose out on the best things to do in Washington, DC, I’ve compiled this itinerary.
In Washington, D.C., you can readily find an overwhelming number of activities. There is the National Archives Museum, the National Mall, and the Lincoln Memorial. Aside from this, the numerous Smithsonian Museums should entirely consume your time in the city.
These are some of the attractions you should visit during a three-day or longer trip.
Explore the National Mall, Washington
The National Mall is emblematic. And because it is likely to be one of the first locations you visit in the capital, it is at the top of my list!
This landscaped park in the Downtown district of Washington, D.C., is nicknamed “America’s Front Yard,” and is home to the city’s most renowned monuments.
The north side of the Mall, which is 1.8 miles long and 3 miles wide, is bordered by Constitution Avenue and the south side by Independence Avenue. On one side of the Mall are memorials and on the other are institutions. Due to its central location in the city, the National Mall is accessible on foot from almost everywhere.
Visit the Memorial to Thomas Jefferson
Although Washington is best known for its namesake, George Washington, there are other notable presidents honoured in the nation’s capital, including the third president, Thomas Jefferson.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial, a neoclassical structure modelled after the Pantheon in Ancient Rome, honours him in grand fashion.
Not only is the structure remarkable, but so is its surrounding area. Along the Tidal Basin, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a beautiful location.
Aside from, you know, visiting the memorial, one of the greatest things to do in Washington, D.C. would be to rest on the memorial’s marble steps and soak up the sun while observing the view across the water.
Explore the Old city Alexandria, Washington
Seven miles south of Washington, D.C., inquisitive visitors will find a neighborhood that dates back centuries.
Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia, is an attractive historical neighborhood replete with cobblestone streets and historic businesses.
Famous not only for its (very!) beautiful architecture, but also for being the birthplace of George Washington (and formerly a part of Washington D.C. itself), there are many things to do here besides Instagramming the stuffing out of its structures.
A free historic trolley travels along King Street, which is a great way to get around and is more convenient than a bus excursion. I recommend exploring the side streets away from the sometimes incredibly crowded King Street, where you will find original old businesses still operating. It’s an interesting location!
Plan your trip to coincide with the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossoms are not exclusively a Japanese phenomenon. In fact, there is a festival in Washington, D.C. dedicated to viewing cherry blossoms.
Hundreds of pink cherry blossoms along the Potomac River are a breathtaking sight. You can even sail down the river to view them from the water.
The opening ceremony, Blossom Kite Festival, and parade are not to be missed. Since it is seasonal, there is no specific date, but it typically occurs between late March and the beginning of April.
Located in Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is almost as popular as a national park among locals who want to enjoy nature by hiking along its many miles of trails, having a picnic with their friends, or even horseback riding at the equestrian centre.
There are 32 miles of trails, in addition to paved hiking paths and bike trails. Regardless of how you appreciate nature, you will undoubtedly have a fantastic time exploring Rock Creek Park.
What is my recommendation? Start at the Rock Creek Park Recreation Center, where you can obtain a variety of information, including maps and details about the park’s flora and fauna.
Mount Vernon
The historic residence of George Washington, Mount Vernon, is located 13 miles south of the nation’s capital.
And what a dwelling! Understandably an American landmark, it is here that you can learn about the life of the first president of the United States.
You can take a tour inside and investigate the first and second floors, as well as visit the on-site museum to learn everything there is to know about George Washington.
Interestingly, when they arrived on steamboats, which is interesting. This has always been one of the most enjoyable things to do in Washington, D.C.
Awe-inspiring is the Washington Monument
On the National Mall, the Washington Monument is virtually impossible to overlook.
As the name implies, it is a 169-meter-tall obelisk or needle that rises into the sky and is dedicated to George Washington.
The Washington Monument, the tallest memorial or commemorative column in the world, was once the highest structure in the world, Due to the installation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art elevator, it will soon be possible to climb to the top of this magnificent Washington, D.C. landmark for a panoramic view of the city.
Attend a show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts over 2,000 events annually, is one of the finest things to do in Washington, D.C., particularly if you enjoy, well, the performing arts!
Here, you can see everything from surreal plays and Broadway musicals to classical operas and contemporary musical performances. There is a great deal occurring here.
You’ll likely need a dependable conveyance service to see everything Washington has to offer. You will have a memorable excursion to the nation’s capital if you select Washington DC Limo Service, which has excellent reviews, a luxurious fleet, and genuinely professional chauffeurs.
The journey is half the pleasure. Before (or after!) the performance, you can enjoy the ambience of one of the local bars or restaurants, as it is situated along the Potomac River’s waterfront. Super excellent.
Vietnamese cuisine is served at The Eden Center, Washington
With 125 Vietnamese businesses and restaurants, the Eden Center in Washington, D.C. is often referred to as “Little Saigon.”
If you’re yearning for pho or banh mi, you should certainly visit the Eden Center, which is located in a strip mall. From the moment you pull into the parking lot, the aroma of barbecued pork will allure you to enter this culinary paradise.
Vietnamese immigrants settled in the city and progressively established the Eden Center as a cultural hub. In addition to a replica of Downtown Saigon’s clock tower, there are numerous cultural festivals conducted here throughout the year, such as Tet and various Full Moon Festivals.
If you are in town during one of the festivals, it is all the more important to visit the Eden Center. But if you’re already in town and searching for Vietnamese cuisine, you should go here.
Explore the Adams Morgan Community
Okay, folks, it’s time to explore yet another historic community in Washington, D.C. In addition to being historically significant, it is also culturally diverse.
Exploring Adams Morgan is unquestionably one of the trendiest things to do in Washington, D.C., given the area’s insane creativity and coexistence of street art, old row houses, and hip coffee shops and cafes. When I was visiting my sister in Washington, D.C., she took me here for a night out, and we had so much fun!
This neighborhood, centered on the intersection of Columbia Road and 18th Street, is renowned for its abundance of independent stores and hangouts. There are a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, venues, and pubs in this area.
If you chance to be in town in September, you should attend the annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, which is a street party with parades, entertainment, and music.
Every Saturday (except during inclement weather) for over three decades, local farmers have sold organic produce and freshly made goods at the Farmers Market.
If this location is not already on your Washington, D.C. itinerary, you should absolutely add it!
Discover Dumbarton Oaks
The Georgetown district is home to the historic estate Dumbarton Oaks.
Donated to Harvard University and still a part of the Ivy League institution, Dumbarton Oaks is a year-round attraction in Washington, D.C.
Here, visitors will discover expansive gardens, an art museum, and rare book collections on display in its libraries. With all of its alleyways and verdant terraces, a leisurely stroll through this picturesque location is an excellent way to spend time in the city.
It is a fantastic alternative to Washington, D.C.’s “big” monuments and feels like a hidden gem. Quite interesting.
Amble about Capitol Hill
As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C., naturally contains a number of noteworthy structures. Lastly, we have the United States Congress.
Congress, located on Capitol Hill, occupies a remarkable dome-shaped structure (also known as the Capitol Building) that resembles a cathedral to democracy. Take as many photos as you can to obtain your finest shots.
The visitor center for guided tours of Congress is located on the east side of the building. Here, you can obtain a guide who will lead you on a comprehensive walking tour of the significant structure.
Additionally, the surrounding neighborhood is well worth your time. Capitol Hill is, in fact, the city’s greatest historic residential community. Consequently, its two square miles are densely populated with beautiful ancient homes.
Simply exploring the neighbourhood is a portal to the past. There are historic row houses, churches, and the Eastern Market in this area.
Eat at the Eastern Market, Washington
being a part of the city’s past, it is now an integral element of Washington, D.C.’s present.
It is a bustling marketplace that foodies should visit when in the city. Here, you can purchase an abundance of produce, from cheese and bread to florals and seafood.
In addition to selling produce, this location also serves food. There are numerous establishments from which to choose, so take your choice!
The Eastern Market is also the site of many events and live music, so if you’re looking for a weekend activity in Washington, D.C., I recommend making a beeline to this location!
Explore contemporary art at Dupont Underground
I recommend adding a visit to the Dupont Underground to your Washington, D.C. itinerary for something a bit off the beaten path.
This subterranean marvel is an abandoned streetcar conduit transformed into a modern art gallery. It is located beneath Dupont Circle, a city monument.
The former transit tunnel has been transformed into a creative space that now hosts contemporary art exhibitions, colourful wall displays, sculptures, and musical performances.
It’s a really interesting method to transform an abandoned and unused space into a cultural destination.