Things to do in Washington DC

Touch a moon rock and stand under the Spirit of St. Louis at the world's most-visited aviation museum, always free.

Climb the marble steps where Dr. King spoke and take in the Mall's most moving view, free and open 24 hours.

Ride 500 feet up the world's tallest stone obelisk for the only aerial panorama of the White House, Capitol, and Mall.

Crack codes, adopt a cover identity, and squeeze through ductwork at the world's largest espionage museum.

Giant pandas, elephants, and 2,000 animal residents in Rock Creek Park, one of America's best zoos, and it's free.

A powerful journey through African American history and culture, from the slave trade galleries to Motown and beyond.

Hop on, hop off at stops across the city while conductors dish DC history, the easiest first-day overview in town.

Watch the monuments glow from the Potomac on narrated sightseeing, brunch, and dinner cruises from The Wharf.

Free guided tours under the Rotunda's frescoed dome, the heart of American democracy, up close.

Stand in the theatre where Lincoln was shot, then cross the street to the Petersen House where the story ended.

DC's buzziest food hall: dozens of vendors slinging oysters, arepas, pasta, and ice cream in a revived 1930s market.

Capitol Hill's 1873 market hall, butchers and famous pancakes inside, weekend farmers and flea markets outside.

George Washington's riverside estate: mansion tours, gardens, farm animals, and sweeping Potomac views.

Da Vinci, Vermeer, and the Impressionists for free, plus a sculpture garden that becomes an ice rink in winter.

The 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.

Dorothy's ruby slippers, the actual Star-Spangled Banner, and Julia Child's kitchen, America's attic, free on the National Mall.

A profound, self-guided journey through Holocaust history just off the Mall, free, with timed passes for the Permanent Exhibition.

Stand before the originals: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in the marble Rotunda.

The world's largest library, and arguably DC's most beautiful interior, the Great Hall, the Main Reading Room, and a Gutenberg Bible.

Hallowed ground across the Potomac: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the changing of the guard, and the Kennedy gravesites.

The domed rotunda on the Tidal Basin, a 19-foot bronze Jefferson, his words carved in marble, and DC's best cherry-blossom backdrop.

Leap off a platform above a flooded quarry at Harpers Ferry, the area's newest adrenaline stop.

A wooded sculpture garden and arts center in Solomons, Maryland, with a walking trail past rotating outdoor artworks.

A Baltimore-area seafood restaurant known for its raw bar and steamed crabs.

A Kearneysville, West Virginia craft distillery and tasting room producing whiskey, moonshine, vodka, and bourbon.

A Maryland county bordering DC, home to National Harbor, Six Flags America, and NASA Goddard.

The largest cavern system in the eastern US, famous for towering formations and the Great Stalacpipe Organ.

An Eastern Panhandle WV town blending Civil War and railroad history with rivers, mountains, and Main Street shops.

A 16th-century-themed village near Annapolis with jousting, artisans, and costumed performers every fall.

A Baltimore-born breakfast-and-brunch restaurant known for crab cake Benedicts and creative pancakes.

A waterfront development on the Potomac near DC, with the Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor, shops, and hotels.

A basilica and museum in Emmitsburg, MD honoring the first American-born Catholic saint.

A rural Virginia peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, birthplace of George Washington.

A family-run farm market and orchard near Martinsburg with pick-your-own fruit, a petting barnyard, and a fall pumpkin patch.

An open-air outlet center near the Gettysburg battlefield with name-brand stores for a shopping break between historic sites.

A Washington DC shrine and museum dedicated to Pope John Paul II, with exhibits on his life and papacy.

A show cave near Front Royal with guided cavern tours, a mini train, mirror maze, and a free nature trail.

An in-the-round dinner theatre in Columbia serving a full meal alongside professional musical productions.

A walkable historic downtown of red-brick rowhouses, clustered church spires, and a lively arts and dining scene an hour from DC.

Maryland's largest city, known for its historic Inner Harbor, rowhouse neighborhoods, and blue-crab dining scene.

A Western Maryland city surrounded by Civil War battlefields, state parks, and the Appalachian Trail.

Harbor cruises, sunset sails, and water taxis on the Chesapeake out of Annapolis and Baltimore, running since 1972.

Shenandoah Valley county home to Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive, and mountain cabin getaways.

A historic riverside city just south of Washington, D.C., known for cobblestone Old Town and the King Street waterfront.

A Gettysburg diorama museum re-creating Civil War battles with hand-sculpted cat soldiers.

A Chesapeake Bay county in Southern Maryland known for fossil hunting beaches, waterfront parks and small bay towns.

Maryland's historic capital region on the Chesapeake Bay, home to the Naval Academy and a walkable colonial downtown.

Outdoor living-history museum and archaeological site at Maryland's first colonial capital.

A Southern Maryland county on the Potomac River known for Underground Railroad history and waterfront trails.

Eastern Shore Maryland county of waterfront towns, farms, wineries and Chesapeake Bay recreation.

County-run network of four Southern Maryland heritage sites, including a lighthouse museum and a historic schoolhouse.

Maryland heritage area covering Civil War sites across Frederick, Carroll and Washington counties, including Antietam.

A sprawling Martinsburg gallery of vintage posters, antique prints and maps, African art and antiques since 1997.

Downtown Martinsburg shop selling new and vintage West Virginia art glass from Fenton, Blenko and more.

A Maryland-certified heritage area promoting historic sites, trails and cultural attractions across Prince George's County.

The official visitor center for the US Naval Academy, with exhibits, a gift shop and guided walking tours.

The official visitor welcome center for Howard County, Maryland, in historic Ellicott City.

Restored 1,143-seat 1920s movie palace in downtown Frederick hosting concerts, comedy, dance and film.

The City of Alexandria agency that runs the city's historic museums and sites, headquartered at the Lloyd House.

A Georgetown boathouse on the Potomac renting kayaks, canoes and paddleboards with guided tours available.

Annual spring celebration around DC's Tidal Basin with cherry blossoms, a parade and cultural events.