Free Things to Do in Washington DC – 18 Must-Try Activities

Follow along to discover the 17 best things to do in Washington DC for free.

Pay your respects at the mighty Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, or take yourself on your own walking tour of the National Mall.

Spot curiosities and special treasures such as a giant whale and a Neanderthal skeleton at the Museum of Natural History. Or, get your fill of warm and fuzzy feelings when you pay a visit to the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo.

Whether you are in the mood for museums or would prefer to snap a selfie in front of the President’s home. There’s never enough time to tackle all of the incredible free things to do in DC.

Free Things to Do in Washington DC

Put down that wallet! Save those precious dollars for a Nationals Game or a smattering of Chesapeake Blue Crabs when you take advantage of the abundance of free DC attractions, sights, and activities. Uncover hidden gems without breaking the bank with these free things to do in Washington, DC!

Wondering what to do in DC today? Exploring the renowned museums and awe-inspiring monuments is one of the most enriching and captivating things to do in Washington, DC for free that won’t cost you a penny. Lace up your walking shoes and tour the DC’s many monuments and memorials!

Washington Monument: Visiting the Washington Monument is one of the top things to do in DC today free. Built to honor George Washington, this 555-foot marble marvel affords visitors a bird’s eye view of the Nation’s Capital.

Please note while there is no admission fee for the monument, timed tickets are required to ride the elevator to the observation deck and require a $1 service fee.

Address: 2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

World War II Memorial: Offering visitors a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made during the war, exploring the World War II Memorial is one of the notable free things in DC.

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Pay homage to the brave Americans who served during this bloody international conflict. Make your way through the stone architecture, bronze sculptures, and bubbling fountain of the World War II Memorial.

Address: 1750 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Stopping by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ranks among the most moving free things to do in DC, providing a solemn space for reflection and honoring those who served.

Constructed to help heal our wounded country, it serves as a reminder of the loyalty, sacrifice, and honor of the 58,318 Americans who gave their lives in service. Find a loved one’s name on the wall or snap a photo in front of the moving Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

Address: 5 Henry Bacon Dr NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial: Immerse yourself in the legacy of civil rights at one of the most profound free things to do in Washington, heading to the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.

A towering testament to the legacy and story of Dr. King, this alabaster monument located in downtown DC pays tribute to his work for freedom, equality, and justice. As a prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr King was an inspiration not only to Americans but oppressed citizens worldwide.

Address: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004, United States

Korean War Veterans Memorial: Among the free stuff to do in DC, honoring the Korean War Veterans Memorial is a solemn and deeply moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War. Called on to defend a country they never knew and people they never met, it is a true manifestation of heroism.

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Perfect in its solemn simplicity, visitors can meander through the Triangle Field of Service where a group of 19 stainless steel statues stand depicting a patrol in Korea. This symbolic representation shows the combined forces of the US Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy.

Address: 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

National Arboretum: Dogwood, Azaleas, and ferns oh my! Take a break from monuments and American History, when you enter a world of verdant landscapes at the National Arboretum. Always free to enter, this Arboretum was established in 1927 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Take your time traversing the grounds over 400 acres of flora, which are peppered with special gardens, pavilions, and perennial collections. Relish the lush blooms of historic roses in the Herb area or wander into the Friendship Garden to observe ornamental grasses and the Demeter sculpture.

Conclude your visit with a stop by the beloved Administration Building to seek a moment of solitude by the giant 150,000-gallon water pool, featuring aquatic plants and brightly-colored Japanese koi fish.

Address: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States

White House: Name an address more iconic than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Carve out ample time to pay a visit to the hallowed halls of the White House. Much more than the residence of the President and the First Family, this stately home is also known as the ‘People’s House.’

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The complex contains over 130 rooms, the most famous, of course, the Oval Office. Uncover the fascinating history of this epicenter of government and power when you book a free tour with your representative.

Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, USA

Smithsonian Museums: Natural history, priceless portraits of Darwin and Obama, and naked mole rats! As the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, the Smithsonian covers a wide breadth of subjects. This sprawling system contains 19 museums and the National Zoological Park, all of which are free to enter.

See both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives Museum, or browse special exhibits that illuminate the celestial bodies of the night sky at the National Museum of Natural History. For a complete list of the Smithsonian institutions, click here.

National Gallery of Art: A gift to our Nation that seeks to link us through our art and humanity, the National Gallery of Art serves as a mecca for visual art, education, and culture. The museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 150,000 pairings, prints, and photographs. Travel the globe as you are immersed in artifacts and works ranging from Renaissance Europe through first-century chalices.

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Guests of all artistic backgrounds will be in awe of works from Da Vinci, Edward Hopper, and Joan Miro. Admission to the gallery is always free, and visitors can even link up with complimentary one-hour guided museum tours.

Address: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Never forget! The Holocaust was a global genocide event that would forever change the political and cultural landscape of our world. Come to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to view a narrative history of this WWII tragedy. Through historical artifacts, video footage, and personal stories, the touching tributes of this blight will come to life.

The museum is home to numerous permanent and traveling exhibitions, all of which document some aspect of the Holocaust or genocide. Feel moved to tears by Daniel’s Story, or witness the individual images of blue skies above every known Nazi concentration camp and killing center across Europe.

Put yourself in the shoes of the American soldiers who first came across the horrors of the concentration camps in 1945, or watch an immersive 38-minute film detailing the Nazi’s rise to power. While the Holocaust Museum is always free, you will need to reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States

The Library of Congress: Calling all bibliophiles! A visit to the library might not sound that thrilling, but the Library of Congress is not like your run-of-the-mill book lender. The world’s largest library is filled to the brim with millions of books, films, videos, and even comics. This edifice seeks to both preserve and provide access to free knowledge and content.

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View the spectacularly ornate reading rooms, or find your way to the Gutenberg Bible. From the world’s largest collection of cartographic materials to Presidential Papers from George Washington and Calvin Coolidge, there’s not much you can find here. Reserve a timed entry pass and get ready to hit the books.

Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20540, United States

The National Zoo: Originally founded as a way to combat the American Bison’s near extinction, today the National Zoo is an oasis of conservation, sustainability, and animal care that educates nearly 2 million visitors each year. Animal lovers from all over find common ground here, as they soak in more than 2,100 animals from 400 diverse species.

In addition to the Zoo’s famous cuddly Giant Black and White panda cubs, guests can get up close to Asian Elephants, Wallabies, Cheetahs, and more. Don’t forget to take a peek at the Zoo’s event schedule to stay abreast of daily animal demos which include sea lion feedings and Flamingo keeper chats.

Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States

Hike Rock Creek Park: Shift gears from museums to majestic trees, when you hit the trails at Rock Creek Park. Gorge yourself on fresh air and physical movement when you swing by this vibrant urban park. For over 130 years Rock Creek Park has offered lush refuge to the residents of DC.

Topping out at over 1,700 acres this plentiful green space is run by the National Park System and contains Civil War fortifications, working mills, colonial houses, and thousands of years of DC history.

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Bring along some hiking boots and explore over 30 miles of trails. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, as you may even spot furry inhabitants such as foxes, coyotes, and shrews.

Address: 5200 Glover Rd, NW Washington, DC 20015, United States

National Mall: One of the most enchanting free things to do in DC for couples is a leisurely stroll through the National Mall’s gardens. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere provide a perfect backdrop for a romantic outing, where couples can appreciate nature’s beauty amidst the city’s historical landmarks.

Surrounded by iconic monuments, the National Mall offers a picturesque setting for couples to enjoy moments of tranquility and reflection together.

Whether admiring the scenery or finding a quiet spot to share a tender moment, the National Mall’s gardens offer an unforgettable experience for couples seeking romance in the heart of Washington, DC.

Address: 1100 Ohio Drive SW Washington, DC 20024, United States

Free Things to Do in DC at Night

See the Lincoln Memorial at Night: Immortalized in marble, our 16th President is forever enshrined in this timeless tribute. Built to honor our slain president shortly after his assassination in 1865, the Lincoln Memorial is a celebration of this titan of our National Heritage. A true American hero, Lincoln was a poor frontiers boy who would go on to unite our nation.

Curious about what to do in Washington DC at night? While the Lincoln Memorial is stunning to visit any time of day, nothing compares to a romantic evening stroll around the statue. Moreover, with the lights aglow a nightly visit makes for an epic photo op.

Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002, United States

Kennedy Center Shows: Need to inject your nightly DC plans with a little razzle-dazzle? Give your ears a tantalizing treat, when you partake in any of the free concerts or music events at the Kennedy Center. No matter if you are yearning for some orchestral arrangements, chamber music, or country, the center caters to it all.

Thanks to a robust schedule of free events you’ll never be too far from a fantastic date night. Dial it up with a Millenium Stage performance by local multi-instrumentalist Langston Hughes II, or opt for a free movement-based dance class on a Saturday morning.

Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566, United States

Stroll around Georgetown Waterfront Park: A sunset stroll around Georgetown Waterfront Park is an enchanting (and free) way to wind down your Capital City trip.

Stretching along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street NW to the Key Bridge, this tranquil park follows the path of the Potomac River and spoils visitors with charming rain gardens and sweeping views of the Key Bridge and Theodore Roosevelt Island.

After your languid meander through the park, beeline it to Georgetown and spring for a nightcap or tasty gelato in DC’s original neighborhood. With stunning views of the Potomac River, vibrant dining options, and a lively atmosphere, strolling along the picturesque park is certainly one of the best things to do in DC tonight free.

Address: 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States

Washington DC Free Things To Do: Explore The Nation’s Capital Today

The beating heart of America serves as a beacon of eternal creativity, knowledge, and power. Washington DC may borrow design inspiration from Paris. However, the marvels, monuments, and museums of the Federal City are all her own.

From Boise to Bosnia, tourists flock here to uncover everything from concentration camp history to massive dinosaur skeletons. Thankfully, all of this learning won’t make a dent in your vacation fund with a treasure trove of things to do in DC for free.

Pass hours by the reflecting pool or searching for a loved one’s name at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Or, awaken your creative spirit by observing the seemingly irreverent brushstrokes of Monet’s Japanese Footbridge.

From Alexander Calder sculptures to after-hours escapes by the Potomac, the eternal magic of the District is impossible to deny.

Washington DC Hotels

Revved and ready to take on all of the free things to do in DC this weekend? No matter if you’re visiting the Capitol City for a quick getaway for scouting out DC for a week, you’ll need to secure some sublime lodgings. While we still don’t have a way to deliver you gratis accommodations, we can offer you the best rates online.

Enjoy stunning riverfront views, sleep just moments from the National Mall, or refresh with a dunk in your indoor pool. From 24-hour fitness centers to onsite restaurants, our Washington DC hotels offer something for every budget and traveler.

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