Your complete guide to Washington, D.C.
Verified itineraries, honest advice, and no-fluff tips on the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown, plus day trips across the region, from the battlefields of Gettysburg to the summit views of Skyline Drive.
Top-rated activities in Washington, D.C.
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Top destinations in and around Washington, D.C.
From the National Mall and Capitol Hill to Georgetown and the Tidal Basin, plus day trips to Arlington and Old Town Alexandria further afield.
The National Mall & Its Memorials
The National Mall's memorials are free, outdoor and open 24/7 — here's how to walk it without underestimating the distance.
The Tidal Basin & the Cherry Blossoms
The Tidal Basin's cherry blossoms peak on a shifting forecast, not a fixed date. Here's how to plan the walk, the light and the mementos right.
Capitol Hill & the Library of Congress
How to visit the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, and why the building tour and the congressional gallery pass are two separate things.
Georgetown
Georgetown is DC's historic riverside district: cobblestone streets, Georgian architecture, waterfront dining, and shopping — no tickets needed.
Northern Virginia Suburbs: Fairfax, Tysons and Leesburg
Fairfax-Tysons-Leesburg: where to stay, shop and eat near DC by car, and why it's not a monuments destination.
Baltimore
Baltimore's Inner Harbor, 35-60 minutes from DC by train or car: what's free, what's paid, and how to plan your day.
Things to do in Washington, D.C.
A walk through the Smithsonian museums, a stroll through Georgetown, a cruise on the Potomac, and more — the best activities in Washington, D.C.
Washington DC Walking Tours
Guided walks link the Mall's memorials, the White House exterior and Capitol Hill, with a separate Georgetown route along the C&O Canal.
Potomac River Cruises
Sightseeing and dinner cruises depart from The Wharf and Alexandria, passing Georgetown and National Harbor along the Potomac waterfront.
Day Trips From Washington DC
Popular routes reach Mount Vernon, Annapolis and the Naval Academy, Colonial Williamsburg, Charlottesville's Monticello and Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Washington DC Food Tours
Walking tours through Georgetown, The Wharf and Capitol Hill sample regional specialties, from Chesapeake crab to Ethiopian fare near U Street.
Essential travel guides
Our most popular guides to help you prepare.
Washington DC Museums and Galleries: The Complete Guide
The Smithsonian isn't one building. Here's how DC's free museums and galleries actually work, plus the two that need a timed pass.
Washington DC Monuments and Memorials: The Complete Guide
Lincoln, Vietnam, MLK, Jefferson and WWII memorials: free, outdoors, open 24/7. What to know before you walk the National Mall.
Outdoors and Parks Near Washington DC
Where DC's green space and waterfront actually are, and why cherry blossom peak bloom is a forecast updated weekly, not a fixed date.
Washington DC Walking Tours: Seeing the City on Foot
How to explore Washington, D.C. on foot, from the National Mall to Georgetown, and when walking beats the Metro.
Washington DC Day Trips: Comparing Your Best Options
Compare day trips from Washington DC by drive time, cost, and what you'll actually see, from Mount Vernon to Gettysburg and Baltimore.
Washington DC Food Tours: Georgetown, The Wharf & Capitol Hill
Guided walking food tours in Georgetown, The Wharf and Capitol Hill—what they cover, how tipping and tax work, and how they differ from cooking classes.
Suggested itineraries
Tested routes to make the most of your time.
One Day in Washington, D.C.: The Essentials on Foot
A realistic one-day Washington DC itinerary on foot and Metro: two memorials, one free museum, no car, and no illusion of seeing it all.
Three Days in Washington, D.C.: A Relaxed First Introduction
A relaxed 3-day Washington, D.C. itinerary: the Mall, Capitol Hill, and a slower day for the Smithsonian's other museums and Georgetown.
Seven Days: The Capital Region Grand Tour
A 7-day road trip linking Washington DC, Gettysburg, Shenandoah's Skyline Drive and Colonial Williamsburg, with a rental car for days 3-7.
Why trust Washington DC Trip?
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