Washington D.C. Things to Do

 
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  •   Things to Do
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  • Wisconsin Ave, Georgetown
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Washington D.C.

1.

Lincoln Memorial   Washington D.C.

Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C.

 185 Reviews  The Memorial is a moving tribute to a great American President and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil War, (the country's bloodiest conflict ever.) It seems that not only "We the... 

2.

The White House   Washington D.C.

The White House, Washington D.C.

 165 Reviews  In all of the USA we can say these three simple words, "The White House," and everyone will know what we mean. It all started in 1814, when the British burn Washington. It was by 1817 that the... 

3.

Washington Monument   Washington D.C.

Washington Monument, Washington D.C.

 150 Reviews  Update- October 05, 2011 The Washington Monument remains closed to visitors until further notice. Recently, TV news showed engineers rappelling down the monument, checking the stones in detail with... 

4.

U.S. Capitol Building   Washington D.C.

U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

 172 Reviews  Going on a parliamentary tour is free in many nations. The U. S. Capitol Building is no exception – get your political juices flowing with a tour of the United State’s political nerve center. Be on... 

5.

Arlington National Cemetery - House   Washington D.C.

Arlington National Cemetery - House, Washington D.C.

 133 Reviews  I am able to see the changing of the gaurd at the Arlington National Cemintary. It was great to see. I then went to Georgetown and got on the river cruise and cross the Potomac river, which was great... 

6.

The National Mall   Washington D.C.

The National Mall, Washington D.C.

 110 Reviews  Maybe the best illustration for a common Portuguese joke about USA ("In America everything is so big that even the smallest things are big", or its more fun variant "In USA everything is so big that... 

7.

U.S. Holocaust Museum   Washington D.C.

U.S. Holocaust Museum, Washington D.C.

 43 Reviews  In his review, MindCrime wrote: "...Of course it’s devoted to the holocaust in Europe in case you think there was any US holocaust!" Mind you, MindCrime, that the mass destruction of Native Americans... 

8.

Jefferson Memorial - The Tidal Basin   Washington D.C.

Jefferson Memorial - The Tidal Basin, Washington D.C.

 109 Reviews  The site for the Jefferson Memorial in relation to the Washington and Lincoln Memorials was of extraordinary importance. The Capitol, the White House and the Mall were already located in accordance... 

9.

Chinatown   Washington D.C.

Chinatown, Washington D.C.

 21 Reviews  This is called the Friendship Arch a traditional Chinese gate, which was an entrance to a historical neighborhood, but sadely replaced by the Verizon Center and Metro. Yet, there are loads of... 

10.

National Gallery of Art   Washington D.C.

National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

 69 Reviews  The National Gallery of Art is a marvelous museum of art located on the National Mall. There are so many fabulous artworks to admire here: painting, prints, photography, sculpture, tapestries,... 

11.

Ford's Theatre - Petersen House   Washington D.C.

Ford's Theatre - Petersen House, Washington D.C.

 38 Reviews  Abraham Lincoln died at the Petersen House at 7:22 AM on April 15, 1865, across the street from Ford's Theatre where he had been shot in the head the night before. The house contains the bed where... 

12.

Smithsonian Institute Castle   Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Institute Castle, Washington D.C.

 62 Reviews  The Smithsonian Castle opened its doors to the public in 1855. Though the world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian offers attractions like the Air and Space Museum, the American... 

13.

S.I.Natural History Museum   Washington D.C.

S.I.Natural History Museum, Washington D.C.

 66 Reviews  The Museum became even more popular after “Night at the museum” movie. If you kid is not a museum fan tell her (him) it’s the same museum as at that movie, they will start looking for familiar... 

14.

Library Of Congress   Washington D.C.

Library Of Congress, Washington D.C.

 46 Reviews  What a absolutely beautiful building. The wall and ceiling paintings and sculptures carved into the pillars and stairways are stunning. What is great about this building is it belongs to US Congress... 

15.

Korean War Veterans Memorial   Washington D.C.

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.

 88 Reviews  One of the newer War memorials on the National Mall, the Korean Memorial was dedicated in 1995 to honor the service of Americans in the first armed conflict during the Cold War. On June 25, 1950 North... 

16.

World War II Memorial   Washington D.C.

World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.

 73 Reviews  The National Memorial is dedicated to all who served during WW II, and it is to honor the 16 million who served with the American Armed Forces, and to honor the more than 400.000 who died. Symbolic of... 

17.

S.I. National Air and Space Museum   Washington D.C.

S.I. National Air and Space Museum, Washington D.C.

 110 Reviews  To visit this marvellous Museum of Aeronautical Space History and Exploration is to visit another of The marvellous Smithsonian Institutions Museums...and what amazing Museums they are..Like other... 

18.

National Archives   Washington D.C.

National Archives, Washington D.C.

 65 Reviews  On July 4, 1776 We had taken the first step to becoming a free nation, but without its toll on our lives and economy. Yet, we prevailed and have become a nation I am very proud to be part of. "The... 

19.

FBI Headquarters   Washington D.C.

FBI Headquarters, Washington D.C.

 25 Reviews  Headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the J Edgar Hoover Building is named after the former Director of the FBI, J Edgar Hoover. It was named through Public Law 92-520, which was signed... 

20.

Union Station   Washington D.C.

Union Station, Washington D.C.

 31 Reviews  Union Station is a big building (the largest at the beginning of 20th century) that was built in 1907 in beaux-arts style by D.Burnham. It used to be the main transfer hub for anyone traveling into... 

21.

FDR - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial   Washington D.C.

FDR - Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Washington D.C.

 42 Reviews  Located on the Western edge of the Tidal Basin near the National Mall, you'll find this memorial to our nation's 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, also known to Americans as FDR. There are... 

22.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial   Washington D.C.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.

 109 Reviews  Viet Nam was a controversial issue in this country. As war raged on the country was split in opinion about the morality of this fight. Soldiers who survived did not find a warrior's welcome when they... 

23.

The Pentagon   Washington D.C.

The Pentagon, Washington D.C.

 17 Reviews  The next day we go to Pentagon city the mall with very good shops and good restaurants. We where goiing with the metro, a very good system in Washington DC and very clean. Here a map of the metro. 

24.

U.S. Supreme Court   Washington D.C.

U.S. Supreme Court, Washington D.C.

 41 Reviews  A federal court; the highest body in the Judicial Branch. The Supreme Court is composed of a chief justice and eight associate justices, all of whom are appointed by the president and confirmed by the... 

25.

Old Post Office Pavilion   Washington D.C.

Old Post Office Pavilion, Washington D.C.

 34 Reviews  I was suggested to visit the Old Post Office Pavilion because they have some budget restaurants and it’s a short distance from the Mall. It was built in 1899 and it was the first government building... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

District of Columbia War Memorial

by GentleSpirit

Originally dedicated in 1931 to honoring the service in World War I of citizens of the District of Columbia, the national capital. It is one of the lesser known memorials, located in West Potomac Park, the only District monument on the National Mall. In the cornerstone you will find the names of 499 Washingtonians who lost their lives in the Great War. The last surviving US veterans of World War I petitioned congress that the DC War Memorial be expanded to serve as a memorial to World War I for the nation.The memorial was refurbished and reopened on November 10, 2011 after a year of work.

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VISIT THE JOHN "BLACK JACK" PERSHING MEMORIAL

by DennyP

PERSHING As you walk down Pennsylvania Ave it surely is a kaleidascope of buildings and memorials everywhere in this amazing city. This particular memorial that I was looking for was an easy one to find, and that was the Memorial To General John J ("black jack") Pershing. 1860 -1948.This really famous General of all Generals lead the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War 1 in Europe.. His vintage went back to his many campaigns in the Indian wars where he was making a name for himself. Pershing was the only soldier in the US army in his own lifetime to ever reach the highest command of General of all the Armies of the United States A rank that was higher even than George Washington. Pershing holds the United States Officers number of 0-1. He was regarded as a mentor by a generation of US Army generals from the second World War ie:General Dwight D Eisenhower, General Omaha...

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Textile Museum

by GentleSpirit

One of the museums I like best in this city of great museums is a smallish place just off embassy row in the Kalorama neighborhood, a few blocks up from Dupont Circle.The museum shows a very nice collection of tapestry, various forms of weaving from all over the world. Its has an outstanding collection of Turkish carpets and weavings from Turkey and the neighboring countries. Also some fine pieces of Molas from Panama.

VISIT THE VIETNAM WARS NURSES MEMORIAL

by DennyP

This small but extremely very significant Memorial is dedicated to all the brave nurses that served and suffered tending to the countless wounded in the Vietnam War are honoured here in this marvellous memorial..of the 265,000 women that served in the Vietnam era 11,000 were nurses that accomplished with severe hardship and quite often with medical and transport shortages and also bad weather conditions treated nearly 300,00 wounded soldiers and of these their selfless dedication saved a fantastic 90% of wounded that reached the hospitals.

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STOP BY AND SEE THE US NAVAL MEMORIAL

by DennyP

When heading down Pennsylvania Ave, stop by and look at the the United States Navy Memorial ...Located at # 701 Pennsylvania Ave , firstly you will see the Ships masts and flags flying from them.easily marking the site of the Navy Memorial Plaza.. also there are two lovely fountains and around the base are 26 various bronze bas-releifs commemorating events and personnel and many different battles that the Naval services were involved in ... A service that is not as prominent as most .this is a wonderful dedication to the many personell that have served and are currently serving in the Navy, the Coast Guard ,and the Marines. I must say my favourite is the statue of "The Lone Sailor" a marvellous intricate portrayal of a sailor and his duffel bag waiting on the dock!!!...it is excellent...This Memorial is also administered by The National Park Service..INFO C/- Wikipedia...After President...

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VISIT THE HARDROCK CAFE WASHINGTON DC

by DennyP

Whenever I get the chance I always visit the local Hard Rock Cafe ,and when recently back in Washington DC I did just that ..I say that this is (when asked) that they are the "Rock and Roll Museum" of music...there is no doubt about that if you are a music fan. A visit to any Hard Rock Cafe will enable you to see amazing musical instruments and other musical memorabilia that is on display. all venues I have visited worldwide have been vastly different and always with the accent on music....not ony that ..it is always a great place to buy a burger fries and a beer...I find the staff at any of these venues to be exceptionall courteous and so friendly a chat is always in order and a purchase in the"Rock Shop" of a guitar pin to add to my collection..I really enjoy "Hard Rocks" wherever I travel.. "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC"

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VISIT THE NEW MUSEUM TO NATIVE AMERICANS..

by DennyP

This Museum is the 18th of the Smithsonian Institutions world renowned Museums..What a lovely new building they have now in place for The Museum of Native Americans..This is a very large building with four levels of exhibits..and as with most museums in Washington DC there is such an abundance of wonderfully colourful indigenous exhibits..from weapons to buckskin clothes.straw baskets to ceramic pottery . There are four permanent Exhibitions in place and they are: OUR UNIVERSE on the fourth level .. OUR PEOPLES: on the fourth level .. OUR LIVES on the third level .. and RETURN TO A NATIVE PLACE : on the second level..Here also is a plethora of photos and all forms of native arts and crafts..it is so easy to spend many hours looking at the various exhibits and watching native dances from various parts of the country while listening to native music.I must say that this is a wonderful look...

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VISIT THE WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

by DennyP

This is another of the wonderfully thought out War Memorials here in Washington DC dedicated to remembering and commemorating all those of the US Armed Forces that lost their lives in World War II reputedly the most devistating conflict ever. 1993 saw Congress authorise The American Battle Monuments Commision to establish a War Memorial to all the combined American Armed Forces that lost their lives in World War II The Memorial is made up of many monuments depicting the many different battles waged in WW II. . The Pillars are named after all 56 States,Territories and the District of Columbia that united togeather in the common cause. The Pavillion Fountains show all the major battles waged in the war.The 4000 gold stars on The Freedom Wall commemorate the 400.000 Americans that gave their lives. The majority of construction costs were funded by private donations, its construction begun...

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VISIT THE NEWSEUM WHEN IN DC

by DennyP

This is truly an amazing Museum to spend a lot of time..having six levels there certainly is a lot to see ..upon entering the the first thing ahead is the "ORIENTATION THEATRES"... about 'What's News"...a short film about attention grabbing News stories..at the end of the Concourse is the FBI section..G MEN and JOURNALISTS...with all sorts of artifacs from different FBI crimes and events.. at the end of the glass elevators are sections of the Berlin Wall...Level 1 contains the largest selection of Pullitzer prize winning photographs ..these are just wonderful exhibits and you will spend a lot of time here...this is interactive on touch screens.. Level 2 Located here is the Newseum Store with all sorts of items and souvenirs for sale.. Level 3 once again there are many different items to view here...an armoured reinforced truck...bullet riddled in the Balkans conflict that was used by...

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NBA Game

by RickinDutch

The Wizards are doing so poorly that even season ticket holders are picking what games to go to based on who they are playing. We lucked out and saw the Oklahoma Thunder trounce the Wizards the night we went.Living in a remote part of Alaska, a major league sporting event is and exciting thing to partake in. And with the home team not doing so well, tickets are fairly cheap....

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Fun things to do in Washington D.C.

Top 3 Hotels in Washington D.C.

Willard Inter-Continental Washington  Washington D.C.

 8 Reviews and 441 Opinions  Not just a typical hotel in the chain, this oozes presidential character. Located well, near the... 

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Doubletree Guest Suites Washington, DC  Georgetown

 170 Opinions

 Hotels in Georgetown

Hotel Rouge - A Kimpton Hotel  Washington D.C.

 5 Reviews and 564 Opinions  I loved the stylish deco! The red velvet curtains, the red bed and the funky retro lamps gave the... 

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170 Hotels in Washington D.C.
 
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Things to Do: Cities in Washington D.C.
  1. Georgetown Things to Do
  2. Cleveland Park Things to Do
  3. National Zoological Park Things to Do
  4. Anacostia Things to Do
  5. United States Navy Memorial Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

jmpncsu profile photo

Q:  Does anyone know the best time to see the cherry blossoms this year in Washington? Thanks, Justin 

YVRDave profile photo

A: depends on weather. Late March through to mid April would be about right, if my memory is good today 

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