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Washington, DC Attractions & Things to Do

Here's everything you need to know about attractions and things to do in Washington, DC. Find information on the Smithsonian, the National Mall, museums, monuments, government buildings, sightseeing tours, national landmarks, special events, and much more. Find information for things to do in the Washington, DC area including the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia.
Washington DC – Frequently Asked Questions About Washington, DC
Find the answers to everything you want to know about Washington, DC. How did Washington, DC get its name? What attractions should I see? Is Washington, DC safe? How do I tour the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court? and much more.
50 Free Washington, DC Attractions
Washington, DC is a fascinating city with dozens of free attractions. There is so much to see and do in the nation’s capital that you can easily save money by spending your leisure time exploring free museums, parks, memorials, and historic sites.
25 Historic Buildings in Washington, DC
See a guide (with pictures!) to the historic buildings of Washington, DC. Learn about the 25 oldest and most significant Washington, DC historic landmarks.
Top 10 Places to Visit with Out-of-Town Guests in Washington, DC
When family and friends come to visit from out-of-town, here are some suggestions of interesting places to visit in Washington, DC. Get beyond the National Mall and show them the best pick of Washington, DC sights.
Top 10 Things to Do in the DC/Capital Region
Top 10 Things to do in the DC/Capital Region. From museums to theatre to exploring the C & O Canal. Fun for the whole family in the Washington DC area. Tips from your About guide.
15 Best Places To Go With Kids in the Washington DC Area
15 Best Places To Go With Kids in the Washington DC Area, top family-friendly fun activities for children in the capital region, including Maryland and Virginia
On the National Mall
Highlights of the National Mall in Washington DC.
George Washington Memorial Parkway
George Washington Memorial Parkway, locally known as the GW Parkway, runs along the Potomac River providing a gateway to the nation’s capital. Find Washington DC attractions along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Top 10 Things to Do in Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, VA is a quaint historic town in Northern Virginia with a wide variety of attractions and things to do. The following guide provides tips on activities for the whole family highlighting the top historic sites, restaurants, outdoor recreation ideas, special events and more.
Top 10 Northern Virginia Attractions
Northern Virginia offers a variety of attractions including monuments, museums, parks and more. Here's a guide to the top things to do in Northern Virginia.
Top 15 Maryland Attractions
Maryland offers a wide variety of attractions and things to do with its landscape extending from the seashore to the mountains to urban areas. In one day you can enjoy wonderful scenery and outdoor activities as well as visit museums, historic sites and cultural events.
Washington, DC Parks - A Guide to All of the Parks
See a comprehensive guide to the parks located in Washington, DC, find the best parks for walking, picnicking, relaxing and participating in sports activities. An alphabetical guide to the parks in Washington, DC including National Parks and small city parks.
The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC
The man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River is most known for its beauty during cherry blossom season.
Future of the National Mall in Washington, DC
Future of the National Mall Revitalization Project, The National Park Service is initiating a nationwide planning effort to improve ways that visitors experience the National Mall.
Best Dates in the Washington, DC Area
Are you looking for some fun ideas of things to do on a date? The Washington, DC area has plenty of great places to go on dates. Get creative and try some of these suggestions.
Washington, DC Attractions That Require Advance Planning
Which Washington, DC’s attractions require reservations, tickets and advance planning? Find out how to visit these popular Washington, DC attractions.
National Zoo
Visit one of the best family activities in the Capital Region, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Institute's 163-acre zoological park located in the heart of Washington DC.
National Cathedral – Washington, DC
See a visitor's guide to the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and find out about tours, concerts, special events.
U.S. Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is located on the National Mall across from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. Find hours and exhibits at the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park and the National Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Photos of the National Mall in Washington, DC
See photos of the National Mall in Washington, DC, including photos of the Washington Monument, the U. S. Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian Museums
George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens
Visit George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, find out about Mount Vernon, Virginia, the spectacular tourist attraction along the Potomac River near Washington, DC
IMAX Movie Theaters in Washington, DC
Find information about IMAX Movie Theaters in Washington, DC at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
The U.S. National Arboretum - A Visitor's Guide
The U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, DC contains 446 acres of trees, shrubs, and plants that are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.
Eastern Market - Washington, DC’s Favorite Farmers Market
Eastern Market on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC is a farmers market and flea market with everything from local produce and flowers, to fresh fish to arts and crafts.
Washington Navy Yard
Washington Navy Yard, the former shipyard for the United States Navy, serves as the home to the Chief of Naval Operations and headquarters for the Naval Historical Center in Washington, DC. Visitors can explore the Navy Museum and the Navy Art Gallery
Gardens in the Washington, DC Area
Find here places to view thousands of varieties of flowers, plants and trees at various gardens in the Washington, DC area. Enjoy a great outdoor activity visiting gardens in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
Union Station – Washington, DC
Union Station is the most visited destination in Washington, DC with over 25 million visitors a year. Union Station, Washington’s train station and premier shopping mall, also serves as a venue for world-class exhibitions and international cultural events.
Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
The Torpedo Factory Art Center, one of the largest visual arts centers in the U.S., 84 working art studios, 5 galleries, 2 workshops, the Art League School and the Alexandria Archaeology Museum.
Chesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park
Explore the sites along the C & O Canal near Washington, DC. From Georgetown to Great Falls, you can explore a variety of beautiful spots along this historic canal.
East Potomac Park- Hains Point
East Potomac Park is a 300+ acre peninsula located between the Washington Channel and the Potomac River on the south side of the Tidal Basin. Public facilities at East Potomac Park include a golf course, a mini-golf course, a playground, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, picnic facilities, and a recreation center.
Arlington National Cemetery
America honors American heroes at the Arlington National Cemetery, a national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, just across the river from Washington, DC
Brookside Gardens at Wheaton Regional Park
Brookside Gardens, a Montgomery County park, is a 50 acre garden located within Wheaton Regional Park in Wheaton, Maryland.
National Aquarium in Washington, DC
The National Aquarium in Washington, DC, the nation’s oldest aquarium, is home to more than 200 species including shark, eel, gators, the dreaded invasive snakehead fish and a baby loggerhead turtle. See a visitors guide to the National Aquarium in Washington, DC.

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