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Things to do in Washington DC, offer an exciting blend of history, culture, and iconic landmarks.You can start exploring from the National Mall, where the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial stand proudly, and reach the National Gallery of Art for art lovers while visiting the Smithsonian museums, which offer endless inspiration. The United States Botanic Garden showcases stunning plant collections, while the Capitol Building and White House provide a peek into American governance. These historical landmarks in Washington, D.C. promise a memorable experience with something for everyone.
Famous Things To Do In Washington DC
The list of Things to do in Washington DC, that are among the most popular tourist attractions in Washington, D.C.
1. Visit Washington Monument
Photo: Laura Jaeger / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In honour of the first U.S. president, George Washington, the monument was constructed. It is a stone obelisk located on the National Mall that was built around the years 1848 to 1884. The Washington Monument is 169 meters (554 feet) in height and is built with the amalgamation of numerous types of stones, which include various kinds of marble. It was known to be the world’s tallest structure when it was completed around 1884, as it was made in several parts. However, it still has the title of being the tallest structure made up of stones and the tallest obelisk in the world, attracting thousands of tourists every day.
Location: Second 15th Street North West, Washington, D.C
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
2. Visit The United States Botanic Garden
Photo: Farragutful / Wikimedia Commons
Whenever there is a mention of Things to do in Washington DC the mention of the United States Botanic Garden is almost always there. It is a living plant museum that aims to educate people about the importance of plants. It was built in 1820. This awareness about plant conservation is spread through the tours, exhibits, and various programs conducted here. The United States Botanic Garden receives visits from people of all ages and cultures who get to explore courtyard gardens and garden rooms under the glass. There is a whole room dedicated to the orchids and endangered plants.
Location: 100 Maryland Avenue South West, Washington, D.C
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
3. Visit The National Gallery of Art
Photo: The National Gallery of Art / Wikimedia Commons
The National Gallery of Art is mentioned among various lists of iconic things to do in Washington DC and is also considered a national heritage. The gallery offers diverse experiences related to history, art, and culture. It houses almost 1,40,000 pieces of art in different forms, such as paintings, drawings, photos, and sculptures. The art pieces are built on various subjects surrounding different decades and eras. The original classical revival architecture of the West building can be seen here on its campus, whose plan was laid out by John Russell Pope.
Location: Constitution Ave. North West, Washington, D.C
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
4. Visit The National Mall
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia Commons
Among the Washington DC tourist places list, the National Mall is the most visited. It is a tree-lined boulevard stretching over two miles. Monuments such as the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial are situated on the opposite ends (east and west) of the National Mall. The idea of the Mall began in 1791 when former president George Washington asked a French engineer to create a plan for America’s capital. The National Mall, located in the middle of Washington, D.C., is renowned as America’s front yard.
Location: Centre of Washington, D.C. USA
Timings: 24*7
5. Visit The Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Photo: Rodrigo Ardilha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Smithsonian National Zoological Park is among the major tourist Things to do in Washington DC. This national zoological park was opened to the public in 1889, which makes it one of the oldest public zoos in the USA. It is spread over 7.2 hectares (18 acres) and is home to 300 different species of animals. More than 1,500 animals are kept in good condition and taken care of. Some of the animals that reside in the Smithsonian National Zoological Park are pandas, Sumatran tigers, and Asian elephants. The zoo offers feeding activities and animal training experiences, which are given by an experienced guide.
Location: Woodley Park, Northern Washington, D.C.
Timings: 8 AM -4 PM
6. Visit Lincoln Memorial
Photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons
Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States of America, is known to be the national hero of America. The Lincoln Memorial is made as a tribute to him for putting efforts into abolishing slavery and preserving the Union. The construction of the Lincoln Memorial finished in 1922, which was started in 1914. The thirty-six columns of the memorial represent the reunited states at the time of Abraham Lincoln’s burial, which were thirty-six in number. The interior structure of the memorial houses three chambers, among which the central chamber has a nineteen-foot-tall statue of Abraham Lincoln in a sitting posture.
Location: Second Lincoln Memorial Circle NW, Washington, D.C
Timings: 24*7
7. Visit The White House
Photo: Urban / Wikimedia Commons
The White House has been the official home and workplace of every U.S. president, except George Washington. Before being known as the White House, it was known by names like “President’s Palace,” “Executive Mansion,” and “President’s House.” It got its present name from President Theodore Roosevelt in 1902. The White House is modelled on Ireland’s Leinster House, and its construction started in 1792 and kept on going till 1800. The complex consists of the west wing, the executive residence, and the east wing. For visiting the White House, a tour request is necessary for all; however, photos can be clicked from the street outside.
Location: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue North West, Washington, D.C
Timings: 8 AM – 12:30 PM
8. Visit The United States Capitol
Photo: David Maiolo / Wikimedia Commons
The United States Capitol is home to the United States Congress, with the Senate in the north wing and the House of Representatives in the south wing. It is located at the eastern end of the National Mall and is both an office building and an art and history museum. The museum’s architecture is inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek architectural styles. The construction of the Capitol started in 1793 and underwent numerous additions and renovations over the past 200 years. The building features include a big ceremonial space (the Rotunda), the National Statuary Hall, and the crypt, which is a venue for hosting historical exhibits.
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
9. Visit The Library Of Congress
Photo: Mathieu Landretti / Wikimedia Commons
The Library of Congress, opened around 1800 CE, is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Washington DC. The library has grown to be the largest library to exist in the world, with 170 million articles, including books, maps, and illustrations. It is known to house some of the rarest and most valuable books present in today’s time and has Thomas Jefferson’s library. There is a fun fact about Jefferson’s Library: if you stand in the middle of it, only you can hear the echo of your voice. Other than the books and scriptures, the Library of Congress is known to have magnificent architecture and is based on the Beaux-Arts style.
Location: 101 Independence Avenue South East, Washington, D.C
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
10. Visit Washington National Cathedral
Photo: Martin Künzel / Wikimedia Commons
The Washington National Cathedral is an Episcopal Cathedral and is 6th among the largest cathedrals in the world. In the United States of America, this cathedral is known to be the second largest among all. Its construction started in 1907, which kept on going till 1990. Several events and national ceremonies take place here, such as state funerals, presidential inaugurations, and memorial services. It is widely known for its mesmerising architectural beauty, which includes its intricate carvings and glass windows. It stays open on weekdays for visitors, and on Sundays, it stays closed.
Location: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue North West, Washington, D.C
Timings: 10 AM – 3:30 PM
The list of things to do in Washington DC captures the city’s rich heritage and iconic landmarks. From the architectural beauty of the Washington National Cathedral and Library of Congress to the political heart of the U.S. Capitol and White House, D.C. offers history and grandeur. Discover more of Washington, D.C.’s marvels by planning your trip with TripXL and exploring attractions that captivate travellers from around the world.
