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United States of America
Things to do in Washington, D.C.
467 attractions · United States of America
Photo: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, Public domain
Mid-Atlantic, United States of America · 38.895, -77.037
About Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. serves as the federal capital of the United States, defined by its monumental architecture and status as a global political center. The city features a radial street layout designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant, centered on the expansive National Mall [137]. Visitors often navigate the corridor between the US Capitol Grounds [32356] and the Lincoln Memorial [231] to explore extensive collections at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History [277]. It remains the only major American city not located within a state, operating as a federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress.
Good to know
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The city's height regulations are governed by the Height of Buildings Act of 1910, which prevents most buildings from reaching higher than the width of the street they front plus 20 feet.
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Washington, D.C. has a shadow representation in Congress, electing two 'shadow' senators and a representative who lobby for statehood but lack voting power.
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The city was built on land ceded by Maryland and Virginia, though the portion originally from Virginia was retroceded to that state in 1846.
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There are over 170 foreign embassies located in the city, many concentrated along a section of Massachusetts Avenue historically known as Embassy Row.
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Despite its name, the city does not have a professional baseball team that plays within its own city limits in a traditional sense; the District houses the stadium, but the city itself lacks the autonomy of a traditional state municipality.
Plan your visit to Washington, D.C.
Best time to visit
Late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October) provides mild temperatures and avoids the humid peak summer months.
How many days
3-4 days to cover the major museums and historical landmarks across the National Mall.
Getting around
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates an extensive subway system, complemented by high walkability within the central monument core.
Where to stay
Stay in Foggy Bottom or near Dupont Circle for convenient access to public transit and close proximity to the major museum districts.
Budget
Expensive, primarily due to high lodging costs and dining prices in the city center.
Highlights of Washington, D.C.
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
National Mall
This central park serves as the primary outdoor connector for the city's most significant federal monuments and museums.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The museum houses a vast collection of natural specimens, including the Hope Diamond and massive dinosaur fossil skeletons.
Lincoln Memorial
This landmark commemorates the 16th U.S. President with a towering marble statue housed in a classic Greek-style temple.
Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
The facility maintains the world's most comprehensive collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Flyer.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The architecture of the building draws inspiration from Yoruba crowns and holds a deep archive of African American historical artifacts.
World War II Memorial
A grand plaza featuring 56 granite pillars surrounding a circular pool honors the millions who served during the Second World War.
Washington Monument
Standing as the world's tallest stone structure, this obelisk offers an elevated perspective of the city's urban planning.
US Capitol Grounds
These expansive grounds house the legislative seat of the U.S. government, characterized by the iconic white dome.
Top things to do in Washington, D.C.
The 467 most popular places in Washington, D.C..
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271
Places of interest Hidden gem
The Arts of War Sculptures
The Arts of War sculptures, officially titled 'Sacrifice', serve as a thematic centerpiece of the District of Columbia W...
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272
Museums Hidden gem
D.C. Alley Museum
The D.C. Alley Museum is an open-air public art initiative located in Blagden Alley in downtown Washington, D.C. It tran...
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273
Parks Hidden gem
Butler Holmes Park
Butler Holmes Park is a compact 0.6-acre neighborhood park located in the Arlington View residential area of Arlington,...
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274
Parks Hidden gem
Woodlawn Park
Woodlawn Park is a neighborhood green space managed by Arlington County, located in the Westover area of Arlington, Virg...
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275
Parks Hidden gem
Folger Park
Folger Park is a historic, diamond-shaped urban green space located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C....
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276
Parks Hidden gem
Arlington Hall West Park
Arlington Hall West Park is a neighborhood green space situated at 290 S Taylor St in Arlington, Virginia. Maintained by...
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277
Temples Hidden gem
Founding Church of Scientology
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278
Zoos Hidden gem
Great Ape House
The Great Ape House at the Smithsonian's National Zoo features an indoor-outdoor facility designed for western lowland g...
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279
Historical places Hidden gem
Andrew W. Mellon Memorial Fountain
The Andrew W. Mellon Memorial Fountain is a circular, three-tiered bronze fountain designed by sculptor Sidney Waugh to...
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280
Venues Hidden gem
Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
The Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre is a multi-purpose performing arts venue integrated within the Thomas Jefferson M...
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281
Parks Hidden gem
Fort Bayard Park
Fort Bayard Park is a green space in Northwest Washington, D.C., preserving the earthen remains of a Civil War fortifica...
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282
Parks Hidden gem
Fort Ethan Allen Park
Fort Ethan Allen Park is a historic green space in Arlington, Virginia, preserving the remains of a Civil War fortificat...
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283
Venues Hidden gem
Carter Barron Amphitheatre CBA
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284
Historical places Hidden gem
Carter G. Woodson National Historic Site
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285
Museums Hidden gem
America's Islamic Heritage Museum
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286
Venues Hidden gem
Sylvan Theater
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287
Museums Hidden gem
The L. Ron Hubbard House Museum
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288
Temples Hidden gem
First Baptist Deanwood
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289
Historical places Hidden gem
Taft Memorial Carillon
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290
Historical places Hidden gem
First Infantry Division Monument
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291
Parks Hidden gem
Freedom Park
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292
Places of interest Hidden gem
Delta Solar Sculpture
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293
Venues Hidden gem
Constellation Theatre Company
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294
Parks Hidden gem
Rabaut Park
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295
Parks Hidden gem
Dark Star Park
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296
Parks Hidden gem
11th and Monroe Street Park
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297
Parks Hidden gem
Kathrine Dulin Folger Rose Garden
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298
Museums Hidden gem
United States Naval Observatory
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299
Places of interest Hidden gem
The Oak Hill Cemetery
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300
Historical places Hidden gem
Perry Belmont House
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Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Washington, D.C.?
Aventuro lists 467 curated attractions in and around Washington, D.C., sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Washington, D.C.?
National Mall is the most popular place to visit in Washington, D.C. right now.
What kind of attractions does Washington, D.C. have?
The largest category is parks, with 132 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore San Francisco, Boston, Chicago.
Explore more of United States of America
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
