10 Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is one of my favorite cities in America, though I may be partial due in part to the fact that I spent four glorious years in college there. It is a great city full of young professionals, families, and of course the government of the United States of America. Check out my list of 10 things to see and do during your visit to the nation's capital!

1. Tour the Monuments

The National Mall is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and breathtaking monuments. While some can be quite sobering, others celebrate the life of great people who have influenced our nation.

• National Monument – Towering over the National Mall, this monument is one of Washington, D.C.'s centerpieces. Tickets are available for a chance at a bird's eye view of the nation's capital. Make sure to check in advance and reserve your tickets! If not, get there at least an hour and a half before their ticket window opens for a chance at same day tickets. The line gets really long!
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial – Located on the edge of the Tidal Basin, Thomas Jefferson memorial stands as a monument to the author of the Declaration of Independence and visionary for the founding of the nation.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial – Located along the western shore of the Tidal Basin, this memorial chronicles his four terms in office through quotes carved in stone and bronze statues.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial – Located on the northwest quarter of the Tidal Basin, as the first monument to an African American on or near the National Mall and only the fourth non-president to be honored.
• World War II Memorial – At the other end of the reflecting pool leading to the Lincoln Memorial is the World War II Memorial, which honors the 16 million who served, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort.
• Korean War Memorial – The memorial is made up of a Wall of Remembrance and 19 stainless steel statues that commemorate the sacrifices of the millions of Americans who fought during the war.
• Vietnam War Memorial – This memorial can be hard to miss since it is submerged into the ground rather than towering over it. Located of the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial remembers the men and women who fought and lost their lives during the controversial war.
• Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool – Inside his temple at one end of the National Mall, sits our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. Check for the marker on the steps where MLK gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream' speech.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: Many of the monuments offer free Ranger Talks every hour, on the hour. Try to plan your visit to the one you are most interested in to learn little bit more about its history and significance. The most tranquil time to visit most of the monuments is during the early morning and evening, when you can avoid large crowds.

2. Visit Historic U Street

U Street is important historically to Washington, D.C. due to the large African American community that blossomed there between 1900 and 1948. Before the turn of the century, the area was predominantly middle class and white. As Washington, D.C. become more and more segregated, the area emerged as an important concentration of commercial businesses, entertainment facilities, fraternal and religious institutions owned and operated by African Americans and was called ‘Black Broadway.' This era of development can be seen along U Street in the architecture and houses on adjacent streets made by and for the African American community.

Today, U Street is a popular shopping and dining area. Stop by and make sure to see Lincoln Theatre and grab a bite at Ben's Chili Bowl, which has been in operation since 1958. Many famous historical people have eaten Ben's famous half smoke with chili, such as Martin Luther King Jr, Bill Cosby, as well President Obama! Look for his picture inside!

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: To avoid a long line at Ben's Chili Bowl, visit after the peak breakfast, lunch, or dinner hours. Also, parties of 5 or more get table service – just walk all the way to the back for a table and someone will come around shortly to take your order.

3. Visit the National Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The National Zoo is one of the most family friendly activities in DC. In warmer months it can get very crowded, but is totally worth it. Make sure to stop by and see the Giant Pandas, which were always one of my favorite animals there. Also make sure to look up and keep en eye out for the orangutans swinging between enclosures. Many of the animals are very active so it is sure to please everyone!

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: There is very limited parking at the Zoo for a fee. If you do opt to park there, make sure to get there early. An easy and cheaper way to get there is to just take the Metro and walk only about 10 minutes up the hill!

4. See Historic Documents

The National Archives in Washington, D.C. house some of the most important documents in the history of the United States. Inside the rotunda, visitors can get an up close view of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. In addition to the documents, there is a public vault full of other fascinating documents as well as the Magna Carta, which the founding fathers used as the inspiration for our own fledgling nation.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: While it is possible to reserve timed tickets in advance, the line for the National Archives moves pretty quickly and efficiently. Just plan to get there closer to opening times before it gets super crowded inside.

5. Visit the Smithsonian Museums

There are a ton of free Smithsonian Museums to visit in Washington, D.C.

• National American History Museum – Stop by here to see the Star Spangled Banner that inspired the National Anthem. The ever popular exhibit ‘First Ladies' also features the inaugural ball dresses of many of the first ladies.
• National Museum of Natural History – Learn about the evolution of man, dinosaurs, mammals, and creatures from the oceans and seas. They also have a special exhibit with live butterflies (cost extra)!
• National Museum of the American Indian – This museum is dedicated to the life, languages, history, literature, and arts of the Native Americans of the Western Hemisphere.
• National Air and Space Museum – Learn about space travel and planes in the out-of-this-world museum. Stop by the planetarium for shows that are sure to educate and amaze.
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden – This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art and includes works by Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Jackson Pollock, and Francis Bacon and many more. Make sure to check out the sculpture garden outside!
• Freer Gallery of Art & Arthur M. Sackler Gallery – Together these museums make up the National Museum of Asian Art. They house the largest Asian art research library in the country and showcase art from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Islamic World, the ancient Near East, ancient Egypt, as well as Asian American art.
• National Museum of African Art – Visit this museum to see the largest publicly held collection of African art in the United States. The current collection consists of musical instruments, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, a library, early maps and photographs.
• American Art Museum – A celebration and showcase of American artists and their artwork. There is a super cool courtyard in the middle with a closed roof that is a perfect place to rest weary feet.
• National Portrait Gallery – Housed in the same building as the American Art Museum, the Portray Gallery features portraits of all the presidents as well as modern Americans, like Michael Jackson and even LL Cool J.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: To avoid a huge line, get there close to 10 AM, when they open. They are often busier on the weekends, so visiting on a weekday may also help for those looking to avoid large crowds.

A satellite image of the eastern half of the National Mall with 10 Smithsonian museums located on it. On the northern side of the Mall are the National Museum of American History (2) and the National Museum of Natural History (3) as well as facilities of the National Gallery of Art (which is separate from the Smithsonian Institution): the Sculpture Garden (4), the West Building (5), and the East Building (6). On the southern side are the National Museum of the American Indian (10), the National Air and Space Museum (11), Hirschhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (12), Arts and Industries Building, which is currently closed (13), Smithsonian Institution Building, which has the visitor center (14), Freer Gallery of Art (15), Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (16), and the National Museum of African Art (17). The National Museum of African American History and Culture is slated to be built on the plot of land to the west of the National Museum of American History (2). Other landmarks shown in this image include the Washington Monument (1), the United States Capitol Building (7), the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (8), and the United States Botanic Garden (9).

The National American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery are located in Penn Quarter, near the Chinatown Stop on the Metro.

6. Admire the Cherry Blossoms

One of the prettiest times to visit Washington, D.C. is the end of March and beginning of April when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Each year, the city hosts the annual Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the gift of 3,000 cherry blossom trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city in 1912. The gift honors the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the hope for continued close relations between the two countries in the future. Millions flock to the nations capital to witness the flowering of the blossoms, which signal the start of Spring in Washington, D. C.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: Check a prediction of when the cherry blossoms will be at their peak bloom before booking your trip to make sure you see them at their absolute prettiest!

7. Remember the Assassination of a President

Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. is the location where Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States was assassinated on April 14, 1865. He was carried across the street to the Peterson boarding house to be cared for, but died two days later from his wounds. The theater still puts on performances and may not be open on the day you visit, so looking up the schedule in advance is recommended. On days the theater is closed for performances or rehearsal, the Ford Theater Museum and Peterson house are open for self-guided tours.

Cost: Free! Advance tickets are $2.50 each or $2.00 for groups over 15. A limited number of free tickets are available at the box office (which opens at 8:30 AM) for same-day tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

Insider Tip: It is wise to reserve timed tickets in advance during your visit. If you do opt for same-day tickets, it is recommended getting there early, as lines often form, especially during peak season from April to September.

8. Stroll through Georgetown

Georgetown is a historic neighborhood in Washington, D.C. down by the waterfront that is a perfect place to enjoy a stroll on a nice day. The main street going through the neighborhood is M street, which leads from Foggy Bottom and the George Washington University (my alma mater!) right into Georgetown. Make sure to check out the shops and restaurants, especially the ever popular Georgetown Cupcakes, on the corner of M St and 33rd St. You can also find the oldest stone building in Washington, D.C. on M street in between 30th and 31st. Look for the park on the north side of the street. Another really cool thing to do is walk along the C & O Canal on the old Towpath.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: Take a trip back in time by riding on a public canal boat on the C & O Canal and experience how it feels to rise 8 feet in a lock! The historic canal rides are pulled by mules just like in 1870! Rides cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors over 65, and $5 for children age 4 to 15 (Kids three and under are free). Boat rides are on Saturday and Sunday in summer months (usually beginning in April) at 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:00 PM.

9. See the Home of the US Government

• White House – Home to the President of the United States and head of the Executive branch of government. This building is a Washington, D.C. icon and a must-see when visiting the capitol.
• Supreme Court – Home to the Judicial Branch of the US government, the Supreme Court is open to visitors Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 4:30 PM for tours. Courtroom lectures start at 9:30, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no ticket or advance reservation required). These lectures educate visitors on the Supreme Court functions, history of the building, and courtroom architecture.
• US Capitol Building – While admission to the capitol building is free, all tours require advance reservations. This can be done on their website, or through the office of one of your senators or representatives.

Cost: Free!

Insider Tip: White House tours are available, but must be submitted through one's member of Congress. Requests can be made up to six months in advance and no later than 21 days in advance. If you are lucky enough to get a tour scheduled, make sure to check the list of items not permitted inside (including bags and cameras).

10. See History Come Alive at the Newseum

The Newseum in Washington, D.C. is one of the best museums in the city (besides the free Smithsonian museums). With a mission to champion the First Amendment to the Constitution, Freedom of Speech, this museum explores the way media has influenced our experiences of certain historical moments. The exhibits are all extremely dynamic, interactive, and engaging. Notable exhibits at the Newseum include the pieces of the 12 foot high Berlin wall along with an East German guard tower, first person accounts from reporters on 9/11, and Pulitzer Prize winning photographs.

Cost: $22.95 (Adults), $18.95 (Seniors over 65), $13.95 (Youth 7 to 18), Free for children under 6

Insider Tip: A ticket to the Newseum will get you a second day of free admission! There are also great chances to get good views on Pennsylvania Avenue, one of Americas most famous streets, and take pictures with the US Capitol building in the background.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

What are your favorite things to do and see in Washington, D.C.? Share in the comments below!