Ultimate Guide for Exploring Washington, D.C. – Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Washington, D.C. is more than just the political heart of the U.S.—it’s a living museum, a foodie haven, and a city full of surprises. Each year, over 20 million people visit D.C., but what’s the best way to spend your time there? In just a week, you can uncover so much, from iconic landmarks like the Capitol to hidden gems tucked away in quieter neighborhoods. Whether you’re into history, culture, or simply want to experience one of the country’s most walkable cities, this guide will help you make the most of every moment. Ready to plan the ultimate D.C. adventure? Let’s dive in!
Getting Around
I think driving in Washington, D.C. is an absolute nightmare. The traffic lights are not where you would expect them to be when you drive near the mall (they’re on the side, not above the intersections!), the parking is difficult (especially for someone like me who can’t parallel park to save their life), and there are just cars and pedestrians everywhere. But, the further you get away from the National Mall area, the better the traffic gets! If you are staying further out from the national mall, it might be worth it to have a car, so you can do other things that are a little further of a drive (like Great Falls National Park).
So, if you don’t have a car, how are you supposed to get around?? The Washington, D.C. are has public transit you can use! There are both buses and an underground subway system. While I think the underground Subway is a little nicer and the trains are more frequently on time than the buses, the buses are better connected than the underground trains. While I was in the area, I used both the underground train and the buses to get around!
While you are there, you can choose to purchase an unlimited pass or pay per ride. The unlimited passes are super expensive, but it is definitely worth it to do the math and see how much you think you’ll spend on public transportation. If you are going to spend more than what the unlimited pass costs, go ahead and get an unlimited pass to save money! I think it’s important to note that the buses are one price per entrance onto the bus whereas the underground train will cost will cost more the longer you ride the train. So, keep that in mind while you’re doing your math! There are a number of unlimited passes with access, costs, and length varying depending on which ones you want.
The transit authority in D.C. offers the ability to get a “virtual” SmartTrip card that you can store in your wallet on your phone and tap on the payment thing as you enter. I recommend you do this (unless your phone dies frequently lol) so you you do not have to be worried about losing a physical card!
One last transportation note before I move on. The D.C. Circulator runs around/near the National Mall, where most of the monuments and things on this list are located. The D.C. circulator stops near most of the monuments and memorials, and only costs $1 per ride! It is also included on the Regional Bus Pass, so you will be able to hop on and off as you would like to throughout your stay.
I think that is about all you’ll need to know about public transportation! In short, do your research on where you are staying, where you are going, and what public transportation is around those areas. Once you know those things, you’ll know whether a pass is the right choice for you and which one you should get.
Waiting for the bus at a bus station.
Monuments
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is one of the most iconic parts of the Washington, D.C. skyline and the National Mall. It towers 555 feet and is right in the middle of the National Mall! While you can see it from just about anywhere on the National Mall, it is fun to go inside and take the elevator to the top. There isn’t a whole lot to see up here other than the views (they are worth the trip up!), but I think it is worth the experience if you have time. If you don’t have a lot of time, I think this is one thing you can skip. You’ll miss some pretty good views of the National Mall, but it isn’t that important to see, if you do not want to!
If you do want to go to the top, you’ll need to get a timed ticket. These tickets have only a small fee of $1, and they sell out fast! You can get tickets 30 days before you are going to be at the Washington Monument. I recommend that you get on the website and reserve your tickets the day they are released to ensure that you get tickets. I wasn’t able to get tickets to go to the top this time, but I have gone in the past. If you are not able to get them in advance, they do have a limited number of same day, walk up tickets available. These tickets are available when the monument opens at 8:45am. Like I said, if you end up not getting tickets, do not worry! There are plenty of things to see and do in D.C. You’ll find something else! Also, it is still pretty and nice to look at from the outside, too.
2. WWII Memorial
The WWII Memorial is a tribute to the 16 million Americans who served during the war, including the more than 400,000 who lost their lives in the war. It is situated between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, so you will pass right by it if you are walking from one to the other. And, it is worth the stop as a reminder of the sacrifices made during WWII. The memorial features 56 granite pillars that represent the U.S. states and territories that were involved in the war. It also has two large arches that symbolize the Atlantic and Pacific theaters where the war was fought. But, one of the most striking parts of the memorial is the Freedom Wall, which has 4,048 gold stars, with each star representing 100 American soldiers who died in the war.
If you are visiting Washington, D.C. it is worth taking a moment to stop by this monument. It is free to do so and is very easy to access. Like I said, it is situated right between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, so it is very central to the National Mall and easy to access.
3. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a tribute to the service members who fought during the Vietnam War and honors the service members who did not return home.The memorial lists the names of over 58,000 fallen soldiers on a black granit wall.
It is also free and easily accessible, like most of the other monuments on the National Mall. It is a short walk from both the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial. It is located just north of the Lincoln Memorial and just a 10 minute short walk from the World War II memorial.
4. Korean War Veteran’s Memorial
The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial is a tribute to the millions who served during the Korean War, often called “The Forgotten War.” It features life-sized statutes of soldiers as they trudge through difficult terrain, symbolizing the harsh conditions the soldiers faced during the conflict. The meorial also has a reflective wall that is etched with the faces of soldiers.
Admission to the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial is free. And, it is located not far from the World War II Memorial (only a 5 minute walk!). If you walk towards the Lincoln Memorial from the WWII Memorial, you will find the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial to your right.
5. Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is a just a walk down the National Mall, right in line with the Capital Building and the Washington Monument. This monument honors President Lincoln, who was assisnated while attending Ford Theater on April 14, 1865. This monument is modeled after the Pantheon in Athens, Greece, and you can can walk right up the stairs and into the memorial to see the statute of Abraham Lincoln inside. On the walls to the left and right of Abraham Lincoln’s statute, there are inscriptions from his second inaugural address and his Gettysburg Address. You can see all of this for free and with no reservation. It really is just walk up and see the memorial!
6. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a little bit more difficult to get to than the other monuments and memorials on this list. It is across the basin from the National Mall so it is not easy to walk to. I took the D.C. Circulator to get here! While it is more difficult to get to, I think it is worth the effort to see it! The basin is pretty and the memorial is pretty. While I was here, the National Park Service was doing a lot of construction to add bathrooms and, I think, a gift shop or information center below the monument. Like the other memorials, this one is free and no tickets are necessary! You just walk right up!
II. Museums
International Spy Museum
In all of the times that I have been to Washington, D.C., I have never been to the International Spy Museum until this time! To be honest, I never went because I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Was it going to be interesting? Cool? Boring? But, I am sad I waited so long to go becuase the museum was fun, interactive, and interesting! Before you enter the exhibits, you are given a “secret identity” and there are stops throughout the museum for you to complete missions. These missions are great for children, but they were fun as an adult, too. Other than the interactive part, there was a lot of interesting information to read and things used by spies throughout history to look at. So, I think it is definitely worth the price and the trip!
If you are planning on going, you do need to purchase timed entry tickets. The tickets vary in price depending on the day you go and whether you add on access to whichever special exhibit they have at the time. But, you can expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $35 for a basic ticket.
2. Ford’s Theater Museum
This was my first time going to the Ford’s Theater Museum as well. This museum provides a lot of interesting information about the planning and execution of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. It was not as interactive as some of the other museums on this list and there were not a lot of artifacts to look at like other museums might provide. So, it was mostly just reading placards and boards and things like that. So, if you would rather an interactive museum, this one might not be for you! With that said, it was interesting and I did enjoy visiting it. It was cool to get the chance to visit the actual Ford’s Theater, though!
If you plan on visiting Ford’s Theater, you’ll need a timed entry ticket. This is still a functioning theater so their visitation schedule might vary. Be sure to check on the schedule on the date you would like to visit. Finally, the ticket will cost $3.50 per ticket. You can add their special exhibit to your ticket for an extra fee, if you would like. If you do not pre-book your ticket, you may be able to purchase same-day tickets in person at the box office.
3. Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum is one of my favorite museums in Washington, D.C.! It is a “must visit” for me every time I am in D.C. Currently, the museum is being renovated to add eight new exhibits, which will open over the next few years. The museum should be fully open by 2026. This museum is fun for both kids and adults. It’s interactive and fun but also provides a lot of interesting facts and information about space and flying.
If you do plan to go to the National Air and Space Museum on your trip, you must reserve a free timed-entry ticket (you can reserve up to 6). These tickets go pretty fast, so make sure to get the tickets you’ll needs as soon as possible to ensure you’re able to visit the museum. The museum releases the tickets in 6-week blocks, so be aware of when the tickets you want are released!
4. National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History was interesting as well! There are so many things to look at, read and learn about that you could spend hours in this museum. They have sections on American Culture, African American History, Asian Pacific American History, Food History, Latino History, Religion, and more! So, make sure to leave enough time to explore everything!
If you are planning on visiting the National Museum of American History, you can walk right in anytime during their open hours. There is no need for a ticket or anything.
5. National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum houses the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution. These documents are so old, it’s amazing to me that they’re still in such good shape and we can go look at them! You do not need to purchase a ticket or reserve an entry time, although the Museum recommends that you do so between Memorial Day and Labor Day to avoid long lines and wait times outside. Even with it being not very busy when I was there, there was still a line to see these documents and it was hard to get to the front of the crown to look at the documents. So, be patient and expect a wait when you go!
6. National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History was fun to visit and is a great place to take children! It might be my favorite museum on the National Mall. It has exhibits on all things about the natural world of our planet and even houses the largest natural history collection in the world. Exhibitions include the Ocean Hall, the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals (one of my favorites!), the Fossil Lab, the Bone Lab, and more! Like the other Smithsonian Museums, this one is free and you do not need a ticket for entry.
III. Other Things of Note
United States Botanic Gardens
For some reason, I have ignored the Botanic Gardens almost everytime I have been in Washington, D.C. I guess maybe I felt like there were more interesting things to look at and I wasn’t sure what would be here? But, I was so wrong! This place has so many plants to look at, and it is so pretty! There are plants outside in their garden, and they have a greenhouse inside full of pretty plants. If you’re a plant person or like nature at all, this is worth the stop while you’re in D.C.!
If you plan on visiting, there is no entrance fee and you can get in without a ticket.
2. Capital Building
The Capital Building houses the House of Representatives and the Senate and is interesting to tour. There are a number of tours you can take, but I have only gone on the regular tour. This tour goes through the Crypt, Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall. The tour is offered every 10 minutes, but the tours book up fast. So, be sure to book your tour as early as you can so you can ensure you get a ticket.
When you do go, be aware that there is what I would call “airport security” you must go through before you enter for your tour. And, there are a lot of security/police around the entrances to ensure the safety of those in the building. Make sure you know what you are and are not allowed to bring into the Capital Building before you go through security to make things easier on yourself. For example you cannot bring in liquid, food, aerosol containers, pointed objects, etc. (this is only an example, check the website for the full list). In summer, the line to go through security can get kind of long. So, give yourself plenty of time to get through security.
3. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is my FAVORITE THING to do in Washington, D.C. I literally go every time I am there and never tire of visiting. As you can see from the pictures, the inside is so pretty, and, as a person who is obsessed with books and pretty buildings, I love that the Library of Congress combines those things. An audio tour is available for you to use while you walk throughout the museum. The audio tour is accessed using your phone, so make sure it is charged and you have headphones you can use. The Library offers guests the chance to look over the Main Reading Room (the third picture from the left above). Don’t skip this! Its easy and free to access, and the room is so pretty! It is worth the stop. While the main reading room is typically reserved for only researchers, the Library offers visitors the chance to walk onto the floor on Tuesdays-Fridays between 10:30AM and 11:30AM and between 2:00PM and 3:00PM. If you can, visit the library during these times! While there was a rather long line to get into the Main Reading Room, I think the wait is worth it because visiting the Main Reading Room from the floor was so cool!
If you plan on visiting the Library of Congress, you will need to reserve a free timed entry ticket. If you cannot get a timed entry ticket in advance, the Library releases same day tickets at 9:00AM each day.
4. White House
When visiting the White House, you will mostly be looking at it from the outside, but there is an opportunity for you to take a tour, if you want to. I have never been able to secure a tour, so I have stuck to looking at it from the outside, which is still fun! If you do decide you want to try and get a tour, you need to contact your representative to schedule the tour through them. You will also need to secure your tour no later than 21 days before you want to visit and no earlier than 90 days before your tour will happen. Naturally, these tours fill up fast, so contact your representative as soon as you can! Finally, the tours are only offered on certain days, so check the link above to make sure the tour fits into your schedule.
5. Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is a cemetery for members of the military and other notable figures. Famous Graves include George C. Marshall, Audie Murphy, William Howard Taft, Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Thurgood Marshall, and Pierre Charles L’Enfant, among many others. While the trip might be a more somber part of your trip, it is worth a visit. Probably the most popular part of Arlington National Cemetery is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the changing of the guard that happens every half hour in the summer (April to September) and every hour the rest of the year (October to March).
The cemetery is huge and almost impossible (if you ask me) to walk, so, while entrance is free, if you want to see everything you can, book a tour! The tour gives you access to a trolley that will take you from one notable place in the cemetery to another while a guide gives a narration of what you are seeing and any important things you should know about the cemetery. Stops include John F. Kenedy’s gravesite, the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier, and Arlington House, among others. The tickets cost $20, but are definitely worth the price!
Here is a map of all of the locations discussed here as well as some restaurants we have eaten at while in Washington, D.C.: