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Things to Do in Washington, United States
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Washington, United States
1. National Mall
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore a vast outdoor museum full of historic landmarks and vibrant seasonal blossoms. Walk among the country’s proudest symbols and soak in unforgettable views.
Quick facts: An expanse of green stretching over 146 acres connects iconic landmarks in the nation's capital. Over 24 million visitors stroll its paths each year, soaking in history and culture.
Highlights: More than 17 famous monuments and memorials line the area, including the towering Washington Monument and the stirring World War II Memorial. Cherry blossoms burst into a vivid pink spectacle each spring, enchanting visitors with a fleeting floral display.
2. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore where human flight history soars. Experience legendary aircraft and spacecraft up close, from early experiments to moon landings.
Quick facts: Catch a glimpse of the Wright Brothers' original 1903 Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module that orbited the moon. The museum holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft on the planet.
Highlights: Step inside the original Wright Flyer cocoon and imagine the whispered secrets of 12 seconds in flight. The Space Race gallery dazzles with the actual lunar module used in Apollo 11, framed by immersive visuals of the moon's surface.
3. United States Capitol
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore the heart of American democracy. Experience grand architecture and historic artwork up close.
Quick facts: The iconic dome weighs nearly 9 million pounds and took 11 years just to cast in iron. Over 600 paintings and sculptures inside celebrate important moments and figures in American history.
Highlights: Marvel at the Whispering Gallery where voices travel across the rotunda with surprising clarity. The Capitol's crypt holds the resting place intended for George Washington, though he was later moved to Mount Vernon.
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4. Lincoln Memorial
View details, tips, opening times & moreReflect on history in the stunning neoclassical temple. Experience powerful speeches carved in stone and a towering marble statue that commands reverence.
Quick facts: This iconic monument features a massive 19-foot tall seated statue made of Georgia white marble, surrounded by 36 columns symbolizing the states in the Union at Lincoln's time. Visitors often spot the inspiring inscriptions of two of his most famous speeches etched on the walls, drawing a reflective atmosphere.
Highlights: Secretly, the acoustics inside the memorial allow whispers from one end of the hall to be heard clearly across the 192-foot length, surprising many first-time visitors. The eternal flame crafted in Lincoln’s honor changes oddly little despite natural weather changes, adding to its aura of timelessness.
5. Washington Monument
View details, tips, opening times & moreExperience breathtaking views from the city's tallest stone structure. Step inside for a thrilling elevator ride and a unique glimpse at historic commemorative stones.
Quick facts: This towering stone obelisk stands at 555 feet, making it one of the tallest masonry structures in the world. A fascinating fact is that the color change visible about one-third up marks the pause in construction during the Civil War.
Highlights: Inside, an elevator whisks visitors straight up to a viewing room lined with 897 commemorative stones from various states and countries. From the top, you get panoramic views of the National Mall and iconic landmarks sparkling under the sky.
6. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore millions of natural wonders under one roof. Experience dazzling gems, giant fossils, and lifelike wildlife exhibits.
Quick facts: Over 126 million specimens fill its vast collections, from dinosaur fossils to dazzling gems. The iconic Hope Diamond, one of the world's most famous jewels, sparkles here under special lighting.
Highlights: Visitors can stand beneath the giant African elephant in the rotunda, a whopping 12 feet tall and 24 feet long. The Hall of Mammals showcases lifelike dioramas that bring animals' natural habitats vividly to life.
7. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore the brilliance of a founding father through stunning architecture and inspiring words. Experience serene views and rich history perfectly combined.
Quick facts: The memorial honors the third U.S. president, who penned the Declaration of Independence. Its neoclassical architecture is inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, featuring a grand dome and majestic columns.
Highlights: Look closely at the inscriptions inside featuring excerpts from his writings, revealing his vision for America. The memorial's location offers stunning reflections on the Tidal Basin, especially striking during cherry blossom season.
8. White House
View details, tips, opening times & moreDiscover the heartbeat of American leadership. Step inside where history and power meet in grand rooms and lush gardens.
Quick facts: The iconic residence has hosted every U.S. president since John Adams. Visitors know it as both the executive mansion and a symbol of American power.
Highlights: Guests often marvel at the intricate Blue Room where presidents greet dignitaries amid historic paintings and rich decor. Behind the scenes, gardeners tend to 18 different garden areas, each with unique flowers that change seasonally.
9. National Gallery of Art
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore an unparalleled collection of art spanning centuries. Immerse yourself in breathtaking masterpieces and stunning architectural contrasts.
Quick facts: The collection houses masterpieces from artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vermeer, and Jackson Pollock, making it a treasure trove across centuries. Millions of visitors stroll through the grand West Building's neoclassical halls every year, soaking in art and history side by side.
Highlights: A standout feature includes the Sculpture Garden's 14-acre outdoor space where visitors encounter iconic works like Claes Oldenburg's giant cherry. The East Building's modern architecture by I.M. Pei contrasts sharply with the classical West Building, offering a visually dynamic art experience.
10. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
View details, tips, opening times & moreExplore America’s rich history through vibrant artifacts. Experience iconic treasures like the Star-Spangled Banner and presidential relics up close.
Quick facts: Over 3 million artifacts unlock stories of America's cultural, social, and political history. The museum's Star-Spangled Banner flag, flown during the War of 1812, measures a whopping 30 by 34 feet.
Highlights: Visitors can see the original presidential artifacts including George Washington's sword and Abraham Lincoln's top hat, offering a tangible connection to pivotal moments. The piano that once belonged to Thomas Edison adds an unexpected personal touch to the vast collection.
Additional popular things to do in Washington, United States
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Marionberry Pie
Marionberry Pie is a beloved dessert in Washington, made from a variety of blackberry developed in Oregon but widely grown and cherished in Washington for its rich, sweet flavor.
Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp showcases Washington's famous apples with a warm, cinnamon-spiced topping and has become a staple comfort dessert in the region.
Geoduck Cake
Geoduck Cake is a unique sweet treat inspired by the state's famous geoduck clam, incorporating flavors that pay homage to the local marine life in a dessert form.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Dungeness Crab Cakes
Dungeness Crab Cakes highlight Washington's abundant seafood, featuring fresh crab meat from the Pacific Northwest wrapped in a crispy crust.
Smoked Salmon
Smoked Salmon is iconic in Washington due to its premium quality and is often enjoyed as an appetizer or in various dishes showcasing the state's fishing heritage.
Teriyaki Chicken
Teriyaki Chicken is a widely popular dish in Washington, reflecting the state's strong Asian culinary influences with its sweet and savory glaze.
Traditional Beverages
Coffee
Washington is known for its coffee culture, home to globally recognized coffee brands and countless local artisan roasters.
Craft Beer
The state's craft beer scene is flourishing, with a variety of breweries producing unique and award-winning beers reflecting local tastes.
Apple Cider
Apple Cider is a popular traditional drink in Washington, made from the state's abundant apple harvest and enjoyed both fresh and fermented.
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Most popular day trips
Annapolis
Historic waterfront town with colonial charm and United States Naval Academy.
Harper's Ferry
Scenic town known for its outdoor activities and Civil War history.
Alexandria
Historic district with waterfront dining, boutiques, and museums.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Amtrak, MARC, VRE, Metro Red Line
From airports, use shuttle or metro lines for efficient transfers to city center.
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