Capital Wheel
- Cost: $11-$15
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-10pm Friday-Sunday 10am-11pm
- 0.5 miles
- 141 American Way National Harbor, MD 20745
- Check out the marvelous views the Capital Wheel has to offer. Elevated 180 feet above the Potomac River, with its glass exterior gondolas for maximum panoramic views, it is one of National Harbor’s most impressive attractions.
- Visit Website
Washington Monument
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Closed (under construction)
- 11 miles
- 15th St. & Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20001
- A defined feature of the District’s skyline, the Washington Monument still holds the title of world’s tallest stone structure. As a tribute to George Washington, it is one of the nation’s most significant structures.
- Visit Website
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 8 AM - 7 PM
- 15 miles
- 33001 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20008 Woodley Park
- The Smithsonian National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C., the zoo is home to over 2,700 animals. The zoo is one of the many free attractions in the D.C. area.
- Visit Website
Albert Einstein Planetarium
- Cost: Ticket prices vary
- Hours: Show times vary
- 601 Independence Ave S.W. Washington, DC 20560
- The Albert Einstein Planetarium is one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the country.
- Visit Website
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- 11 miles
- 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. S.W. Washington, DC 20024 National Mall
- The United States’ official memorial to the Holocaust. The Holocaust Memorial museum contains more than 12,750 artifacts, 49 million pages of archival documents, 80,000 historical photographs, and 1000 hours of archival footage.
- Visit Website
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- 1050 Independence Ave. S.W. Washington, DC 20013
- Home to the largest collection of Asian art in the country.
- Visit Website
National Museum of American History
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- 11 miles
- 1300 Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20560 National Mall
- Come see our nation’s historical development at the National Museum of American History. The museum devotes to collecting, preserving, and displaying the heritage of the United States from colonial times to the present.
- Visit Website
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- 11 miles
- 950 Independence Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20004
- Discover rich and historical information that portrays how African Americans helped shape our nation at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Visit Website
National Post Museum
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5:30 PM
- 10 miles
- 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Washington, DC 20013-7012 Capitol Hill
- The National Postal Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of our nation’s mail service. The museum holds the largest and most thorough collection of stamps and philatelic material that you will find in the world.
- Visit Website
Lincoln Memorial
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily during daylight hours
- 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037
- The Lincoln Memorial is an American national monument built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., across from the Washington Monument.
- Visit Website
Newseum
- Cost: $13 to $30
- Hours: Monday - Saturday from 9 AM - 5 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- 10 miles
- 555 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20001 Penn Quarter/Chinatown
- Featuring 15 theatres and galleries, the seven level Newseum is an interactive museum advocating free expression and the first amendment of the United States Constitution.
- Visit Website
National Museum of the Marine Corps
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
- 18900 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Triangle, VA 22172
- A tribute to the U.S. Marines, the National Museum of Marine Corps allows visitors to immerse themselves into the past, present and future of Marines in action.
- Visit Website
Madame Tussauds
- Cost: $13 to $30
- Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 10 AM- 5 PM
- 12 miles
- 1001 F St. N.W. (corner of 10th & F St. NW) Washington, DC 20004 Penn Quarter/Chinatown
- The famous Madame Tussaud’s wax museum gives visitors the opportunity to touch, feel and hear major historical events and celebrities in a one of a kind interactive experience.
- Visit Website
National Gallery of Art
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM -5:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- 4th St. & Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20565
- The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. offers visitors the opportunity to indulge in Western art from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Visit Website
International Spy Museum
- Cost: $14 - $30
- Hours: Open daily 9:00 AM- 7:00 PM
- 800 F St. N.W. Washington, DC 20004 Penn Quarter/Chinatown
- The first and only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history and contemporary role of espionage, featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts currently on public display.
- Visit Website
City Segway Tours of Washington D.C.
- Cost: $35 - $250
- Hours: vary
- 502 23rd St. N.W. Washington, DC 20037
- (202) 626-0017
- Visit Website
Old Town Trolley Tours
- Cost: $43
- Hours: vary
- 10 miles
- 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20002 NoMa
- An all day tour of Washington DC that highlights the best attractions in 25 stops or more.
- Visit Website
FBI Education Center
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Monday - Thursday for public visits
- 935 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20035
- Request a tour of the FBI headquarters through your congressional leader's office.
- Visit Website
National Mall
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
- Between Constitution & Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20050
- Washington Monument plus memorials to Lincoln, MLK, FDR, WWII & Vietnam vets along a grassy mall. The National Mall is America’s most-visited national park. The monuments and memorials in this park honor American's forefathers and heroes.
- Visit Website
Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily
- George Washington Memorial Pkwy. Rosslyn, VA 22209 Georgetown
- A small island dedicated as a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Visit Website
National Museum of Natural History
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- 11 miles
- 10th St. N.W. Washington, DC 20013
- From dinosaur exhibits to displays of rare gems, this acclaimed museum celebrates the natural world.
- Visit Website
D.C. Trails
- Cost: $23 to $42
- Hours: Open daily
- 420 L'Enfant Plaza S.W. Washington, DC 20024
- Hop on Hop off Tours
- Visit Website
White House Visitor Center
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- 11 miles
- 1450 Pennsylvania Ave. NW U.S. Dept. of Commerce Bldg. Washington, DC 20230
- Security screening is required for entry to the visitor center.
- Visit Website
D.C. Ducks
- Cost: $32-$42
- Hours: Open daily 10:00AM - 4:00PM
- 10 miles
- 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20002
- Float down the Potomac River with a unique Washington DC tour experience.
- Visit Website
National Geographic Museum
- Cost: $10.00 - $15.00
- Hours: Open daily 10:00AM – 6:00PM
- 13 miles
- 1145 17th St. N.W. Washington, DC 20036
- Compact museum displaying photographs & rotating exhibits on scientific expeditions & explorations.
- Visit Website
National Air and Space Museum
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- INDEPENDENCE AVE AT 6TH ST, S.W. WASHINGTON, DC 20560
- An exciting journey through the history of aviation & space exploration.
- Visit Website
Big Bus Tours
- Cost: $27
- Hours: Open daily
- 50 Massachusetts Ave. N.E. Washington, DC 20002 Downtown
- An easy way to see all of Washington DC.
- Visit Website
George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Cost: $18
- Hours: Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM
- 12 miles
- 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. South end of GW Pkwy Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- George Washington's vast estate, furnished with period pieces & the president's own belongings.
- Visit Website
Tudor Place Historic Garden
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM –4 PM
- 1644 31st St. N.W. Washington, DC 20007
- DC Trails is the premier Washington, D.C., charter and tour bus company. The tours bring you right into the heart of the historic scenes and figures that made America great.
- Visit Website
U.S. Capital and Capital Visitor Center
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- E Capitol St. & 1st St. N.E. Washington, DC 20004 Capitol Hill
- The US Capitol offers tours to the public. View a short film with the tour, and a gift shop to purchase souvenirs.
- Visit Website
National Portrait Gallery
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 11:30 AM - 7 PM
- 8th & F St. N.W. Washington, DC 20001 Penn Quarter/Chinatown
- Historic art museum that focuses on portraits of famous Americans.
- Visit Website
Arlington House
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- 214 McNair Rd. Arlington, VA 22211 Virginia
- Former home of Robert E. Lee, this Greek Revival mansion features a flower garden & on-site museum.
- Visit Website
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
- Cost: $6
- Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 7 PM
- Constitution Ave NW and 7th St. NW Washington, DC 20024 National Mall
- Set amid the Sculpture Garden, this outdoor ice skating rink offers a cafe for light fare & drink.
- Visit Website
MGM National Harbor
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily
- 101 MGM National Ave.Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- This polished casino resort is a 12-minute walk from the National Harbor on the Potomac River, 11 miles from the memorials in the National Mall and 13 miles from Arlington National Cemetery.
- Visit Website
China Town
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily
- Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown is a small, historic area east of Downtown Washington, D.C., consisting of ethnic Chinese and other Asian restaurants and small businesses.
- Visit Website
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
- 5 Henry Bacon Dr. N.W., Washington, DC 20245
- Monument to Vietnam War service, featuring a wall with over 58,000 names of dead & missing soldiers.
- Visit Website
Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
- 900 Ohio Dr. S.W., Washington, DC 20024
- Outdoor memorial commemorating people who served in the Korean War through lifelike statues & more.
- Visit Website
Smithsonian Institution Building
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 8:30AM-5:30PM
- 1000 Jefferson Drive S.W., Washington, DC 20560
- The Victorian style, red sandstone building was built in 1855 and designed by architect James Renwick, Jr. It was originally the home of the first Secretary of the Smithsonian, Joseph Henry, and his family and is the oldest building on the National Mall.
- Visit Website
National Museum of the American Indian
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10AM-5:30PM
- Independence Ave S.W., Washington, DC 20560
- The Artifact exhibits & modern interactive displays examine the history & culture of Native Americans.
- Visit Website
Spirit of Washington DC Cruise
- Cost: $50 and up
- Hours: vary
- 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
- Spirit of Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise
- Visit Website
Big Bus Tours
- Cost: $35-$45
- Hours: Open daily 9AM-6PM
- 610 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
- Discover the nation's capital city with Big Bus Tours. Our open-top sightseeing buses will take you on a journey through Washington DC's most impressive and iconic sights, with stops at the city's famous landmarks and attractions.
- Visit Website
Smithsonian Libraries
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 10AM–5:30PM
- 1000 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
- Smithsonian Libraries, formerly known as Smithsonian Institution Libraries, is a library system comprising 20 branch libraries.
- Visit Website
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily, 24 hours
- 701 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242
- The Jefferson Memorial is a presidential memorial in Washington, D.C., dedicated to Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), one of the most important of the American Founding Fathers as the main drafter and writer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Visit Website
Library of Congress
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 8:30AM–9:30PM
- 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540
- Library of Congress is the second largest library in the world by number of items (164 million+).
- Visit Website
Washington National Cathedral
- Cost: $12
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-4PM
- 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
- Everything about this Cathedral invites us to reflect on something greater than ourselves: our story as a nation, our call to service, and our walk with our Creator.
- Visit Website
Arlington National Cemetery
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Open daily 8AM–5PM
- 1 Memorial Ave, Fort Myer, VA 22211
- Arlington National Cemetery is located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. at the end of Memorial Avenue, the parkway which extends from Memorial Bridge, near the Lincoln Memorial.
- Visit Website
National Inventors Hall Of Fame Museum
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM–5PM Saturday 11AM-3PM
- 600 Dulany St, Alexandria, VA 22314
- A tribute to America's rich history of inventors.
- Visit Website
Glenstone Modern Art Museum
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Thursday–Sunday 10AM – 5PM
- 12100 Glen Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
- A collection of contemporary art in a modern gallery building & an expansive sculpture garden.
- Visit Website
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9AM–5PM
- 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015
- The park's visitor center exhibits area plants & animals in addition to housing a planetarium.
- Visit Website
Now Pass
- Cost: $59.95
- Hours: Open daily
- 1010 Wisconsin Ave NW #240, Washington, DC 20007
- The Pass covers: Newseum International Spy Museum Madame Tussauds Big Bus — A hop-on, hop-off tourist bus service.
- Visit Website
Great Falls Park
- Cost: $10 per vehicle
- Hours: Daily 7AM–9PM
- 30 min. drive from D.C.
- 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
- The 800 acres of scenic parkland consists of hiking trails, cascading rapids and spectacular waterfalls.
- Visit Website
Hillwood Museum & Gardens
- Cost: $5 - $18
- Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10AM – 5PM
- 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
- The former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. A beautiful garden and estate decorated with Post's collection of 18th and 19th century French art and art treasures from Imperial Russia
- Visit Website
The Kennedy Center
- Cost: Ticket Prices vary
- Hours: vary
- 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566
- A cultural center that hosts plays, music performances, recitals and art tours.
- Visit Website