CityBuddy
Congressional Cemetery
Best time to visit
Late afternoon in spring or fall, when the light softens the stone monuments and the dog park is busiest with local pups.
Budget tips
Entry is free and open to the public daily. Parking is also free on site, saving you the headache of DC meter fees.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Dog lovers, Photography buffs, Local culture seekers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: More than 65,000 people are buried here, including FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and composer John Philip Sousa. The cemetery doubles as an active burial ground, a public park, and the site of the only licensed dog park in a U.S. cemetery.
Highlights: Headstones shaped like logs dot the landscape, marking the graves of 19th-century members of the Indian Peace Commission who chose that design in solidarity with Indigenous communities. The cemetery also runs a resident cat program where feral felines roam the grounds and keep the rodent population in check.
Insider tips
- Grab a map at the kiosk near the entrance to find famous graves quickly, including Sousa's and Belva Lockwood's.
- Visit on a weekend morning when the dog park is hopping and the cemetery feels less like a graveyard and more like a community park.
- Bring binoculars: the hilltop near the public vault has one of the best unobstructed views of the Washington Monument and Capitol.
- Skip the guided tour if you're short on time; the self-guided route is well marked and takes you past all the highlights.
Where to Stay in Washington
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in WashingtonPowered by agoda
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Washington, United States, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
More attractions in Washington
All attractions in Washington →
Most popular itineraries!
Browse trip plans created by other travelers