Washington, D.C. guide

Things to do in Washington, D.C.

Things to do in Washington, D.C.: start with 9:30 Club, Eastern Market, and Library of Congress. Use the 204 places below to build a plan around this theme; each place has source-backed details behind its description.

204 places

Places to start with

United States National Arboretum

Source-backed place · Parks and outdoors

United States National Arboretum

A sprawling 451-acre public garden and research facility in northeast Washington, D.C., featuring 16 major gardens and the renown…

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Source-backed place · Landmarks

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A poignant national memorial in Washington, D.C., honoring the 58,318 Americans who died in the Vietnam War, featuring a reflecti…

Source-backed place · Landmarks

Washington Monument Grounds

Explore the sprawling lawns surrounding the iconic 555-foot obelisk dedicated to George Washington, a central hub for national ce…

West Potomac Park

Source-backed place · Parks and outdoors

West Potomac Park

A sprawling 400-acre national park in Washington, D.C., home to the Tidal Basin, world-famous cherry blossoms, and several iconic…

Source-backed place · Landmarks

World War II Memorial

A powerful tribute on the National Mall honoring the 16 million armed forces members and millions of home-front supporters who se…

Source-backed place · Museums

African American Civil War Memorial and Museum

A powerful national monument and museum honoring the 209,145 African American soldiers and 7,000 white officers of the United Sta…

Source-backed place · Public art

Albert Einstein Memorial

A monumental 12-foot bronze statue of Albert Einstein, seated with manuscript papers, tucked away in a serene grove on the ground…

Source-backed place · Museums

Anacostia Community Museum

Founded in 1967, this Smithsonian institution was the first federally funded community museum in the United States, dedicated to…

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Source-backed place · Parks and outdoors

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

A scenic, paved trail system winding along the Anacostia River, connecting historic neighborhoods, sports arenas, and lush ecosys…

Source-backed place · Theaters and music

Atlas Performing Arts Center

A cultural anchor in the Near Northeast, this historic nonprofit venue is housed in a restored 1930s Art Deco movie house, presen…

Barracks Row

Source-backed place · History

Barracks Row

The oldest commercial district in Washington, D.C., this historic corridor on 8th Street SE blends military history with a vibran…

Bookable Eventbrite

Source-backed place · History

Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument

The oldest residence on Capitol Hill, this historic home served as the epicenter for Alice Paul and the National Woman's Party in…

Blagden Alley

Source-backed place · History

Blagden Alley

A hidden gem in the Shaw neighborhood, Blagden Alley blends 19th-century history with the DC Alley Museum's vibrant murals, eclec…

Capital Jewish Museum

Source-backed place · Museums

Capital Jewish Museum

The Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum is a state-of-the-art facility exploring the diverse history, culture, and socia…

Source-backed place · History

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site

The former residence of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the "Father of Black History," this Victorian row house served as the headquarters…

Chinese Embassy (former Walsh Mansion)

Source-backed place · History

Chinese Embassy (former Walsh Mansion)

A historic Gilded Age mansion at 1600 21st Street Northwest, designed by Henry Andersen in 1903 for gold miner Thomas F. Walsh, n…

Constitution Hall

Source-backed place · History

Constitution Hall

Washington, D.C.'s largest concert hall, built in 1929 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to host their annual conventio…

Tickets Ticketmaster
DC Arts Center

Source-backed place · Theaters and music

DC Arts Center

A pioneering alternative arts center in Adams Morgan, dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists across all disciplines in W…

Bookable Eventbrite
Display ship Barry

Source-backed place · Museums

Display ship Barry

A former Forrest Sherman-class destroyer that served as the Navy's premier display ship at the historic Washington Navy Yard from…

District Pier

Source-backed place · Landmarks

District Pier

The longest pier in Washington, D.C., District Pier extends 425 feet into the Washington Channel, serving as a premier public eve…

District of Columbia War Memorial

Source-backed place · Landmarks

District of Columbia War Memorial

A serene, open-air Doric temple of Vermont marble honoring 499 District residents who died in World War I, serving as the only lo…

Dumbarton House

Source-backed place · Museums

Dumbarton House

A Federal-period historic house museum in Georgetown, built in 1799, featuring 18th- and 19th-century artifacts and an acre of ga…

Dupont Circle Farmers Market

Source-backed place · Markets

Dupont Circle Farmers Market

A premier year-round Sunday market in the heart of Dupont Circle, featuring local produce, artisan cheeses, and District-made spi…

Dupont Circle Fountain

Source-backed place · Landmarks

Dupont Circle Fountain

An iconic memorial fountain honoring Rear Admiral Samuel Francis Du Pont, serving as a vibrant community hub and gathering place…

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