Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

>> Cheap airline tickets >> Washington dc things to do

If you are traveling to Washington DC for pleasure, chances are you are at least vaguely interested in viewing the famous historic and political sites of the city. While it would be a shame to leave without strolling across The Mall or gazing at the White House, there is more to Washington DC than sightseeing.

Here are the highlights of Washington DC. Some are obvious tourist sites, while others are a bit off-the-beaten path.

Budget

Many of the most famous monuments are free to visit. From the National Mall, you can see some of the most recognizable structures in the country. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, the FDR Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial are all in or near The Mall. Of course, some of the less noticeable features of the area are equally interesting. Many government officials and important lobbyists have their offices in the buildings skirting the monuments.

There is plenty of wildlife and greenery at Rock Creek Park. It is a perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. For another taste of the natural world, head to one of the many university campuses located in Washington DC.

There are no Ivy League schools in the city, but there are some famous and historic colleges, such as Howard University, Georgetown, and Johns Hopkins. Each of these schools makes a major contribution to the academic and intellectual aspects of the US.

Value

There are plenty of companies that offer tours of Washington’s most famous sites. These include tours by trolley, subway, bicycle, or foot. There are also some themed tours, such as Monuments by Moonlight or the DC Party Shuttle.

The National Zoo, Smithsonian Institute and National Arboretum are three sites worth checking out. These are all quality exhibit spaces, not only because of the “National” in their name. The Zoo is internationally recognized for its collection of wildlife and conservation efforts.

Splurge

The Chevy Chase and Georgetown areas are full of upscale shops and designer boutiques. Georgetown is also where Washington’s well-healed and privileged elite go when the sun goes down. If you have a few bucks (well…more than a few) and want to see what the world’s power-brokers do when they kick back, head to G’town.

Venues like the Smithsonian host ticketed events regularly. Admission during these times isn’t cheap, but if you want to see some of the finest entertainment and exhibits in the nation, you might deem the cost worthwhile.