Museums
IconicSmithsonian National Museum of American History
FreeDorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
MuseumsHistory BuffIconic
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African American History and Culture is a museum in Washington, DC, part of the Washington DC guide. Cost: free.
1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC · Washington, DC
Why you should go…
This bronze-latticed landmark carries you from the depths of the slavery galleries up through the triumphs of Black culture, Chuck Berry's Cadillac and Muhammad Ali's gear among them. It's the Smithsonian's most affecting museum and free to visit; reserve timed passes early, especially for weekends.
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What's around here?
The closest stops to National Museum of African American History and Culture, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.
Steps awayMore like this
- SightseeingIconic
Washington Monument
FreeRide 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.
Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
- MuseumsPowerful
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
FreeA profound, self-guided journey through Holocaust history just off the Mall, free, with timed passes for the Permanent Exhibition.
0.3 mi awayMore like this
- SightseeingIconic
National Cherry Blossom Festival
FreeAnnual spring celebration around DC's Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms, a parade and cultural events.
0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
- MuseumsIconic
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
FreeThe Hope Diamond, the Nation's T. rex, and Henry the elephant, the Mall's busiest free museum packs the whole natural world under one green dome.
0.3 mi awayMore like this
- SightseeingIconic
World War II Memorial
FreeCircle a fountain plaza ringed by 56 granite pillars and two arches honoring Americans who served in World War II.
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
