Things to Do in the Washington, DC/Capital Region
By Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide to Washington, DC
Here's everything you need to know about things to do in the Washington, DC area, including the suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. Find information on attractions, sightseeing, entertainment, shopping, special events, recreation, sports, and much more.
Attractions for Kids
The Washington, DC area has endless opportunities for kids. You'll find a variety of attractions, family programs, arts, sports, special events, enrichment programs, summer camps and more in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.
- 15 Best Places to Go with Kids
- Best Museums for Kids
- Best Playgrounds
- Visit the National Zoo
- Junior Ranger Programs
- Annual Parades
- Seasonal Family Fun
- Indoor Playgrounds and Amusement Centers
- Washington, DC for Teens
- Children's Theater
- Nature Centers
- Summer Camps
- Amusement Parks Near DC
- Water Parks in Maryland and Virginia
- Best Christmas Events for Kids
- Top 10 Summer Events for Kids
- Maryland and Virginia County Fairs
Day Trips & Getaways
The Washington, DC/Capital region offers a wonderful variety of day trips and weekend getaway destinations within a few hours drive. Plan a romantic weekend, a family getaway or a relaxing break from your regular routine.
- Top 10 Northern Virginia Attractions
- Top 15 Maryland Attractions
- Camping in Maryland and Virginia
- Ski Resorts Near DC
- Best Beaches Near DC
- Top 10 Romantic Getaways Near DC
- Top 10 Weekend Getaways Near Washington, DC
- Annapolis, Maryland Visitor's Guide
- A Walking Tour of Old Town Alexandria
- Williamsburg, Virginia Visitor's Guide
- Amusement Parks Near DC
- Jamestown, Virginia Visitor's Guide
- Shenandoah National Park
- National Battlefields Near DC
- Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Maryland Eastern Shore Visitor's Guide
- Prince William County, Virginia
Festivals & Special Events
The Washington, DC area hosts a wide variety of special events throughout the year. Find the dates, times and visiting tips for festivals and special events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Please note that all dates and times will be updated as the information is made available.
- Monthly Event Calendars
- Festivals & Special Events (Listed A-Z)
- Calendar of Major Annual Events
- National Cherry Blossom Festival
- White House Easter Egg Roll
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival
- National Book Festival
- Maryland and Virginia County Fairs
- Annual Parades
- Top 10 Spring Events in DC
- Top 10 Summer Events for Kids
- Top Fall Festivals
- Top 10 DC Holiday Activities
- Film Festivals
- Food Festivals
- Music Festivals
Food & Dining
The Washington, DC area has a wide variety of restaurants and bars. Experience cuisines from all over the world at formal dining, casual or family friendly restaurants and sports bars in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Here you can also find restaurant reviews and information about food & wine events.
- Restaurant Reviews
- Best of Washington, DC Food, Beverage and Dining
- Annual Food Festivals
- Holiday Dining
- Farmers Markets
- Pre-Theater Dining
- Outdoor Dining
- Late Night Diners
- Brunch
- Breakfast
- Pick Your Own Farms in Maryland
- Top 8 Gourmet Food Stores
Holidays
Celebrate holidays, seasonal and special events in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Wonderful seasonal festivals are held throughout the year in the Washington, DC area. Please note that all dates and times will be updated as the information is made available.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday
- Valentine's Day
- Presidents' Day
- St. Patrick's Day
- Easter
- Mother's Day
- Memorial Day
- Father's Day
- 4th of July
Museums
Explore a wide variety of museums and see the world's most extensive collection of artifacts of history, science, art, space and more. Find information on the best museums in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
- 5 Best Washington DC Museums
- The Smithsonian - Frequently Asked Questions
- Art Galleries & Museums
- Black History Museums
- Historic House Museums
- Women's History Museums
- Best Museums for Kids
- National Archives
- International Spy Museum
- National Building Museum
- Washington Navy Yard
- Crime Museum
- Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- Holocaust Memorial Museum
- National Archives
- Newseum
- National Geographic Museum
- Museums in Northern Virginia
- Museums in Maryland
Nightlife
The Washington, DC area has a wide variety of nightlife options. Find a range of places to socialize from casual bars to large nightclubs with dancing, music, and live entertainment.
- Gay Bars and Nightclubs
- Adams Morgan Nightclubs
- Dupont Circle Bars and Nightclubs
- U Street Nightclubs
- H Street District
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
The Washington, DC area has a wonderful variety of parks with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Find the best places to enjoy the outdoors while walking, picnicking, relaxing and participating in sports activities.
- A Guide to Washington, DC Parks
- Maryland Parks
- Virginia Parks
- Camping in Maryland and Virginia
- Best Playgrounds in the Washington, DC Area
- Lakes and Swimming Near Washington, DC
- Flowers and Gardens
- Nature Centers
- Fall Foliage in the Washington, DC Area
- Civil War Battlefields
- George Washington Memorial Parkway
Shopping
The Washington, DC area has a wide variety of places to shop, from large shopping malls to small neighborhood specialty stores.
- Best Neighborhoods for Shopping
- Shopping Malls and Shopping Centers
- Outlet Shopping
- Top 8 Gourmet Food Stores
- Museum Gift Shops
- Farmers Markets
- Best Antique Shopping
- Best Chocolate Stores
- Nurseries and Garden Centers
- Holiday Shopping Guide
- Save Money with Discount Coupons
- Flea Markets
- Thrift Stores and Vintage Clothing
- Shopping in Alexandria, Virginia
Sightseeing
People come from all over the world to visit the monuments and museums on the National Mall. There are also many interesting places to explore throughout the Washington, DC/Capital region. Find information about sightseeing tours and visiting the major sites in Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
- Washington DC - Frequently Asked Questions
- Top 10 Things to Do in the DC/Capital Region
- Best Sightseeing Tours in Washington, DC
- On the National Mall
- Monuments & Memorials
- 25 Historic Buildings in DC
- 50 Free Washington, DC Attractions
- Touring the Three Houses of Government
- Attractions That Require Advance Planning
- Cruises Along the Potomac River
- Top 10 Places to Visit with Out-of-town Guests
- Enjoying Washington, DC on a Budget
- Top 10 Northern Virginia Attractions
- Top 15 Maryland Attractions
- Georgetown Tours
- Alexandria Virginia Sightseeing Tours
- Gardens in the Washington, DC Area
- Best Views in Washington, DC
- Getting Around the Washington, DC Area
- Whats New? Newest Attractions in Washington, DC
Sports
Sports enthusiasts of all ages enjoy a variety of professional and recreational sports in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find information here about local sporting events and the best places to participate in a wide range of activities.
Theater, Music & Dance
The Washington DC area has a wide variety of arts and entertainment ranging from formal theaters to casual nightclubs. Find up-to-date information on arts and entertainment including performance arts, concerts, movies, and more.
