There is a reason that millions of tourists visit DC every year. We have lots to do here! There is never, ever any reason to complain that there’s nothing to do in DC. We have plenty of attractions that everyone can enjoy. Here are some of the top 12 attractions in DC!
- Lincoln Memorial
Flickr/Christopher Neugebauer The Lincoln is definitely one of the most impressive attractions in DC! Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing quite compares to impressive site of the 19-foot tall Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Reflecting Pool. Our best tip is to go at night or at sunrise for the best views and least amount of tourists!
- Holocaust Museum
Flickr/Eli Sagor The Holocaust Museum is one of the most moving museums in the district and maybe in the country. The museum is four floors and takes you through the Hitler’s rise to power through the end of War World II. It’s not suitable for young children but it’s unforgettable for adults.
- National Gallery of Art
Flickr/Darren Poon The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s premier art museums. It has a large and diverse collections of painting,sculptures and decorative arts from many different eras.
- National Air and Space Museum
Flickr/Pedro Szekely The Air and Space Museum is a fantastic museum with air and spacecrafts. You can see the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. Many of the exhibits are interactive.
- United States Capitol
Flickr/Moody Man The Capitol is one of the most well-known symbols of the United States government. The interior is absolutely beautiful with paintings detailed architecture. There are free tours offered throughout the week.
- The White House
Flickr/Diego Cantbiaso You can’t visit The White House without reserving a tour beforehand. However, you can visit the free White House Visitor Center, which has interactive exhibits that offer insight to the history of the building and the families who have lived there.
- The National Zoo
Flickr/m01229 The National Zoo is a giant free zoo in Northwest DC. They are home to more than 1,500 animals and 300 different species. You can walk the grounds and see lions, tigers, elephants, cheetahs, and much more!
- The Newseum
Flickr/Stacey Huggins The Newseum is a unique museum where you can experience modern American history. The museum features iconic events as they were reported through different forms of media. There are sections of the Berlin Wall, a collection of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs and reports of the assassination of the President John F. Kennedy.
- Washington National Cathedral
Flickr/ehpien One might not think that a church is a great attraction but that one probably hasn’t seen the gorgeous Neo-Gothic National Cathedral. It took 83 years to build and has many artistic details from stained glass windows to gargoyles.
- Georgetown
Flickr/Rictor Norton & David Allen Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC. It actually pre-dates the city itself and is a fantastic destination. There are charming houses, great restaurants, unique shops and a gorgeous waterfront.
- The Washington Monument
Flickr/Craig Fildes The 555 foot marble obelisk that towers over DC was built to commemorate George Washington. The Washington Monument is currently closed due to repairs and there are plan to overhaul and modernize the elevator and it will open by 2019.
- The National Mall
Flickr/trevorklatko While you’re out exploring the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, you should take some time to enjoy the beauty of the National Mall. From there you can explore all the Smithsonian museums and the many veteran memorials.
These are just few of the many fantastic attractions in DC! Did we list your favorite? If you’ve been to all these, check out the best underrated attractions in DC!
Flickr/Christopher Neugebauer
The Lincoln is definitely one of the most impressive attractions in DC! Even if you’ve seen photos, nothing quite compares to impressive site of the 19-foot tall Lincoln Memorial overlooking the Reflecting Pool. Our best tip is to go at night or at sunrise for the best views and least amount of tourists!
Flickr/Eli Sagor
The Holocaust Museum is one of the most moving museums in the district and maybe in the country. The museum is four floors and takes you through the Hitler’s rise to power through the end of War World II. It’s not suitable for young children but it’s unforgettable for adults.
Flickr/Darren Poon
The National Gallery of Art is one of the world’s premier art museums. It has a large and diverse collections of painting,sculptures and decorative arts from many different eras.
Flickr/Pedro Szekely
The Air and Space Museum is a fantastic museum with air and spacecrafts. You can see the 1903 Wright Brothers Flyer, Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module. Many of the exhibits are interactive.
Flickr/Moody Man
The Capitol is one of the most well-known symbols of the United States government. The interior is absolutely beautiful with paintings detailed architecture. There are free tours offered throughout the week.
Flickr/Diego Cantbiaso
You can’t visit The White House without reserving a tour beforehand. However, you can visit the free White House Visitor Center, which has interactive exhibits that offer insight to the history of the building and the families who have lived there.
Flickr/m01229
The National Zoo is a giant free zoo in Northwest DC. They are home to more than 1,500 animals and 300 different species. You can walk the grounds and see lions, tigers, elephants, cheetahs, and much more!
Flickr/Stacey Huggins
The Newseum is a unique museum where you can experience modern American history. The museum features iconic events as they were reported through different forms of media. There are sections of the Berlin Wall, a collection of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs and reports of the assassination of the President John F. Kennedy.
Flickr/ehpien
One might not think that a church is a great attraction but that one probably hasn’t seen the gorgeous Neo-Gothic National Cathedral. It took 83 years to build and has many artistic details from stained glass windows to gargoyles.
Flickr/Rictor Norton & David Allen
Georgetown is the oldest neighborhood in DC. It actually pre-dates the city itself and is a fantastic destination. There are charming houses, great restaurants, unique shops and a gorgeous waterfront.
Flickr/Craig Fildes
The 555 foot marble obelisk that towers over DC was built to commemorate George Washington. The Washington Monument is currently closed due to repairs and there are plan to overhaul and modernize the elevator and it will open by 2019.
Flickr/trevorklatko
While you’re out exploring the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, you should take some time to enjoy the beauty of the National Mall. From there you can explore all the Smithsonian museums and the many veteran memorials.
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