Things to Do in Washington - Washington travel guide - Go Guides

People looking for things to do in Washington, DC, naturally gravitate toward the White House, the Capitol Building, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian. You'll find, however, that Washington offers a whole world of excitement and entertaining activities that, while not as famous, are just as iconic. For example, the National Gallery of Art, which covers 2 buildings, is full of American and European art in a range of media.

You can visit the Library of Congress and see one of the largest libraries in the world, featuring hundreds of thousands of works from throughout history. At the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, you can see giant pandas. Check out the International Spy Museum for the history of espionage or get away from the hustle and bustle at Rock Creek Park or Theodore Roosevelt Island. You can go shopping at Renwick Gallery, dine at any number of fantastic restaurants, and have a world of experiences you'll never forget.

Best things to do in Washington DC

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Washington DC
The best things for couples to do in Washington DC attract traveling couples and honeymooners with idyllic parks and lavish estates. The city may be known for its historical monuments and memorials, but there are plenty of fun and romantic...
10 Most Popular Streets in Washington DC
The most popular streets in Washington DC lead you to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country. The...
10 Movie Locations in Washington DC
Washington DC has been depicted in over 400 Hollywood movies of various genres, from romance, comedy, and drama, to sci-fi,...
10 Most Instagrammable Places in Washington DC
Washington, DC offers one of the greatest places in the world for lighting up your Instagram feed with history, memorials,...
10 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
Washington DC attracts history buffs with its national monuments and memorials, as well as impressive museums displaying various cultures, artifacts,...
10 Best Family Things to Do in Washington DC
When it comes to family things to do, one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the world is Washington DC....
10 Best Parks in Washington DC
Washington, DC parks offer a whole world of green space, serene ponds and lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor serenity across...
10 Best Historic Things to Do in Washington DC
American history is etched in Washington’s streets. Presidential monuments and the world’s largest museum complex bring the past alive. Book...
10 Best Road Trips Near Washington DC
Various exciting and enlightening road trips are within reach of Washington, D.C. Some offer windows into the past, others feature...
10 Best Free Things to Do in Washington DC
It’s easy to experience low budget things to do in Washington DC as the city is teeming with historical monuments,...
10 Best Museums in Washington DC
The best museums in Washington DC will inspire, challenge, entertain, and encourage you to look at life from a different...
10 Best Things to Do This Winter in Washington DC
Washington, DC in winter is truly a wonderland with tons of things on offer for visitors, from skating rinks and...

what’s around Washington DC

Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC

Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC

National Museum of American History in Washington DC

National Museum of American History in Washington DC

Browse Washington DC by category

Where to stay in Washington DC

Suite, 1 King Bed (Lapidus) | View from room

per night

$272 total

includes taxes & fees

Start planning your trip

Also popular in United States of America

Miami
Honolulu
Denver
Las Vegas

Keep exploring

Washington

Seattle

United States of America

North America

Africa

Asia

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Caribbean

Europe

Mexico and Central America

Middle East

South America