America's capital city offers lots of free activities year-round, but when summer heats up and the hotel rates plummet, it's an especially desirable destination for this cheapskate columnist.
There is so much to do and see in Washington, DC: national treasures, historic monuments, world-famous museums, stunning gardens. And most of them can be experienced for free! Whatever your family’s plans and itinerary, bring comfortable walking shoes for everyone, a camera, and many curious minds. Everyone, of any age, is guaranteed to leave the city with stars in their eyes.
Here is my pick of the 50 best Washington experiences that will not cost you a dime.
25 Things to do in the First 4 Days
1. Enjoy daily performances at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage at 6pm
2. Be amazed by the 45-carat Hope Diamond displayed in the National History Museum
3. See the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner”: it’s on display in the National Museum of American History
4. See the original Declaration of Independence at the National Archives
5. Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing: yes, they do print dollars here
6. Take a tour of the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress
7. Visit Ford’s Theater, site of Lincoln’s assassination
8. Enjoy lunchtime concerts on Freedom Plaza
9. Bring out the kid in you and the kids at the National Zoo
10. Attend mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
11. Tour the US Capitol: an enduring monument to all the freedoms and ideals that Americans hold dear
12. Visit the National Air & Space Museum, lauded as the world’s most visited museum
13. Pay a visit to your congressperson on Capitol Hill
14. Stroll the National Mall: this big rectangle is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city
15. Have a picnic in the Constitution Park
16. Take the production tour at The Washington Post newspaper
17. See Van Gogh’s masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art
18. Visit the National Museum of Health and Medicine
19. Research your family genealogy at the National Archives
20. Enjoy the beauty of water plants and flowers at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
21. Be moved by the memorials: Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial and Washington Monument are within a short walk of each other
22. Watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
23. Visit Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of war veterans
24. Visit the grave of John F. Kennedy, marked by the eternal flame and flanked with concrete walls bearing quotes from JFK speeches
25. Visit the Castle that houses the crypt of James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian
25 Things to do in the Next 5 Days
26. Marvel at the unique Bonsai collection at the National Arboretum
27. Window shop in historic Georgetown comprising quaint, narrow streets and lovely mansions
28. Browse the Eastern Market
29. Educate yourself for free at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex
30. Be amazed at Japanese ceramics at the Sackler Gallery
31. Observe the spectacular architecture of Union Station
32. Explore the Insect Zoo at the National History Museum
33. Look at naval art and artifacts at the Navy Museum
34. Visit the US Botanic Garden; established in 1820, this is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America
35. Tour the Washington National Cathedral
36. Observe the Supreme Court in session (Oct-late April) and be reassured that democracy is alive and well in the country
37. Take a one-hour tour of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including some crime laboratories and history exhibits
38. Browse the city’s many excellent antique shops
39. Be moved at the US Holocaust Museum
40. Visit in spring (early April), when 6,000 Japanese cherry trees bloom
41. Explore the city’s neighborhoods on foot
42. Admire bald eagles on the National Wildlife Refuge (20 miles northeast of Washington)
43. Stop by the White House Visitor Center, before or after the tour, for a video presentation
44. Take a twilight walk to the top of the Capitol steps for a breathtaking view of the city
45. Watch chess matches in Dupont Circle
46. “Get Your Hands on Science” at the American History Museum
47. Explore the Asian art collection at the Freer Gallery of Art
48. Join in-line skaters or hikers through the Rock Creek Park
49. Enjoy the Military Band Concert Series
50. Watch spectacular holiday fireworks on the National Mall
For more information on what Washington DC has to offer, read our story Washington DC, A Capitol Idea.
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