14 Interesting Things to Do in Washington, D.C. – America’s Capital

Washington, D.C., is full of historic tourist attractions. It has been home to almost every U.S. president and has many museums and monuments to explore. For anyone visiting America’s capital, there is an unlimited amount of things to do.

It would take weeks to explore everything there is to do in Washington, D.C. There is simply too much to see and do. To help you get the most out of the city and plan the perfect itinerary, we’ve listed 14 of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. 

1: National Mall & Washington Monument

The National Mall is a park in downtown Washington, D.C., that borders many of the city’s museums. It features a long reflecting pool and pathways leading to nearby attractions. Walking through the National Mall is among the most popular things in Washington, D.C.

In addition to being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the USA, the National Mall has other uses. Due to its open plan and location in the capital, it is the site of many protests and rallies. Large crowds of people also gather there during presidential inaugurations.

The most iconic part of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. Construction on the monument began in 1848 but was not completed until forty years later due to a lack of funds and the American Civil War.

The monument stands 169 metres tall and is dedicated to George Washington, the first President of the United States. The structure is made of granite and marble and holds the record for the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk.

Visiting the National Mall and Washington Monument is one of the most iconic and historical things in Washington, D.C.

2: Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, it encompasses 19 museums, 9 research centres, 21 libraries, and a zoo. 

Over 30 million people visit the Smithsonian Institution annually, and over 150 million items and artefacts are displayed. Most of the institution’s attractions are accessible to the public.

If you’re interested in wandering the halls of the most extensive museum collection worldwide, touring the Smithsonian’s many attractions is one of the most exciting things to do in Washington, D.C.

3: Lincoln Memorial

Located at the end of the National Mall, visiting the Lincoln Memorial is one of the most popular things to do in Washington, D.C. The memorial honours Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States.

Inside the temple surrounding the monument, a seated Lincoln statue is the memorial’s main feature. On the chair of the statue, inscriptions of Lincoln’s 2 most famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, can be found. 

While seeing the memorial itself is one of the most fascinating things to do in Washington, D.C., the Lincoln Memorial is also iconic for being the site of many historical speeches. It is where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

4: United States Capitol

The Capitol Building became the meeting place for the American government in 1800 and is still used today. Touring the building and learning about American history are among the best things I have learned about Washington, D.C.

The Capitol Building features a beautiful visitor’s centre where guests can view historical exhibits, get a bite to eat, and book a tour. Tours and activities at the Capitol are free, and guests can take the tour through the building’s history and important events.

5: United States Botanic Garden

Walking through the United States Botanic Garden is one of the most relaxing things in Washington, D.C. The garden is located at the United States Capitol Building and is the country’s oldest continually operating botanic garden. It is open every day of the year.

The conservatory at the garden is divided into sections, each representing a unique habitat to explore. Twelve habitats, including the Hawaiian tropics, the desert, and the jungle, are simulated in the conservatory.

6: Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial, built in 1943, is dedicated to America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is a vital person in American history; he wrote the Declaration of Independence, founded the Democratic party in the country, and was a driving force during the American Revolution.

Touring the memorial is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. Along the walls of the monument are quotes from Jefferson regarding his ideals. His ideology included supporting religious freedom and being anti-corruption.

7: International Spy Museum

For anyone interested in the history of espionage, visiting the International Spy Museum is one of the most exciting things to do in Washington, D.C. It is a non-profit museum with the largest display of international espionage artefacts worldwide.

Guests are given a spy badge upon entry to the “Briefing Center” at the front of the museum. The galleries display espionage artefacts dating from the Ancient Greeks to the present. Exploring the museum’s exhibits is one of the most unique things to do in Washington, D.C.

8: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Visiting the MLK Jr. Memorial is one of the most influential things to do in Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King Jr. was an important figure in America’s Civil Rights Movement. The memorial opened on 22 August 2011. It was the 4th memorial to a non-president near the National Mall.

The memorial features an Inscription Wall, where quotes from King’s speeches and sermons can be found. The quotes chosen reflect his primary goals of hope, love, democracy, and justice. Reading through these quotes is one of the most emotional and inspirational things to do in Washington, D.C.

9: The White House

No list of things to do in Washington, D.C., would be complete without the White House. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It has housed every U.S. President since John Adams in 1800. George Washington was the only president who did not live in the White House.

The building was modelled after Dublin’s Leinster House. It is six storeys tall and features 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms. The White House has 28 fireplaces and a large kitchen to serve nearly 150 people.

During the War of 1812, British armies set the White House ablaze during the Burning of Washington. The fire charred the exterior and destroyed most of the interior. Restoration of the White House began immediately after the invasion and was completed in 1817.

Although the White House is closed to the public today except for tours, this wasn’t always the case. Until the early 20th century, visiting the white house was one of the most common things in Washington, D.C. The public would follow presidents home after their inauguration to celebrate.

Today, tours of the White House are available five days a week. However, they are not easy to book. U.S. citizens must request a tour via their state representatives, and foreign tourists must apply for a tour at their embassy in Washington, D.C.

 If you are lucky enough to book a tour, it is one of the most exclusive and exciting things to do in Washington, D.C.

10: Ford’s Theatre

Visiting Ford’s Theatre is one of the most infamous things in Washington, D.C. The building was initially designed as a Baptist Church in 1833. The church was purchased in 1861 and renovated into a theatre.

Ford’s Theatre is the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination near the end of the American Civil War. On 14 April 1865, Lincoln and his wife went to the theatre to see a production of Our American Cousin. In an attempt to help the Confederacy, actor John Wilkes Booth snuck into the presidential box and shot Lincoln before jumping onto the stage and escaping.

After the assassination, the U.S. Government took control of the theatre and issued an order that banned the building from being used for public entertainment ever again.

Today, Ford’s Theatre has been renovated into a museum about Lincoln’s life, death, and legacy. The theatre has also been restored and can hold 665 visitors. The theatre still has the presidential box where Lincoln sat, which is kept empty to honour him.

If you are interested in American history, exploring Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., is a fantastic experience.

11: Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is just outside Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River. It is one of 2 national cemeteries that the U.S. Army maintains. Visiting the cemetery is one of the best things tourists and locals can do in Washington, D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery spans over 639 acres and has close to 400,000 graves. The cemetery was established in 1864 during the American Civil War. Over time, the cemetery has been expanded, allowing fallen soldiers from other wars, including WWI, WWII,  and the Vietnam War, to be buried there as well.

While families often visit the cemetery to see loved ones’ graves, some graves are popular with the public. Visiting President John F. Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most popular things in Washington, D.C.

The most iconic part of Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The unidentified World War I soldier was buried in 1921. Today, the tomb is dedicated to all fallen U.S. soldiers whose remains have not been identified.

Since 6 April 1948, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been continuously guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The guards stay at the tomb even during extreme weather and terrorist attacks.

Choosing a Sentinel at the tomb is considered one of the highest honours. The soldiers guarding the tomb do not show their rank on their uniform to avoid outranking the Unknown Soldiers buried there.

The guards are known worldwide for their strict routine. The soldier repeats the routine until the guard changes. The changing of the guard is a symbolic action that can be observed whenever the cemetery is open, and anyone watching the guard change is asked to stand and remain silent.

History flows through Arlington National Cemetery, from the graves of fallen soldiers and their families to the beautiful Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you have the opportunity, visiting Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most iconic things to do in Washington, D.C.

12: Tidal Basin

The Tidal Basin is a reservoir between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River, built in the late 1800s. It is the central location of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in Washington, D.C., each spring.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo, Japan, gifted Japanese cherry blossom trees to the United States. The first 2 trees were planted near the Tidal Basin and are marked with a plaque.

If you are visiting during the spring, seeing the vibrant cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin is one of the most beautiful things to do in Washington, D.C.

13: Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, located just outside Washington, D.C., is a plantation owned by George Washington, America’s first president. He had a mansion on the property, multiple gardens and a farm. George Washington also established one of the oldest distilleries in the USA at Mount Vernon.

Today, visiting Mount Vernon is one of the most exciting things for history lovers in Washington, D.C. Tours are available through the grounds, mansion, and distillery. There is also a museum, restaurant, and inn at Mount Vernon.

14: United States National Arboretum

The United States National Arboretum, which opened in 1927 and covers 446 acres, is centrally located in Washington, D.C., not even three miles from the Capitol building. Walking through the Arboretum is one of the most relaxing things in Washington, D.C.

The United States National Arboretum has 10 significant gardens, with an 11th proposed but cancelled due to concerns about counter-intelligence data collection. Since opening, the Arboretum has introduced over 600 plant species to America.

The Arboretum features other displays beside the gardens. In 2020, koi were reintroduced to the reflection pool on the grounds. Public works of art throughout the Arboretum and 22 Corinthian columns were once part of the Capitol building.

Visit the United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., for a calming stroll through nature.

There are Endless Things to do in Washington, D.C.

From visiting historic buildings like the White House to becoming a spy at the International Spy Museum, Washington, D.C., offers many exciting things. Due to its limitless attractions, it is an excellent destination for everyone.

Whether you want to learn about U.S. history, explore the city, or relax in the lush gardens, you will find it all in America’s capital. If you follow this list of 14 amazing things to do in Washington, D.C., your visit will be remembered.

If you plan to visit America, check out this list of Stunning Road Trip destinations in the USA.