recently search
Everyone knows about the D.C.’s “Big Three:” The National Mall, the White House, and Capitol Hill. But there’s so much more to our nation’s capital than just the seats of government and the beautiful monuments and museums.
If you’re spending a few days in Washington DC, why not take a look at some of the other amazing things you can do when you venture away from Capitol Hill?
Take a look at these 15 top experiences and things to do in Washington, DC from a local expert…
Georgetown, the tony D.C. suburb, has been home to celebrities for decades—Julia Child tested recipes for her first cookbook in a bright yellow house at 2706 Olive Street. JFK made his home at 3307 N Street while he was campaigning for the presidency. Today, powerful politicians like President Obama, John Kerry, and Nancy Pelosi make their home here.
The Georgetown waterfront is the perfect place to while away a warm afternoon. There are excellent restaurants, upscale shops and boutiques, and a lovely boardwalk at the Washington Harbour where you can watch the boats, toss treats to the ducks, or just enjoy a sunset. If you visit in winter, you can even go ice skating or even better – take our DC Holiday Lights Tour!
If you’re an outdoorsy sort, you’ll love the C&O Canal—you can kayak, fish, canoe, and hike in this lovely park. In fact, you can even go camping, if that’s your thing. The 180-mile-long park has multiple access points and is chock full of historical structures, natural marvels, and the gurgling sounds of the canal. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Arlington National Cemetery lies just across the Potomac from Washington DC. You can reach it on the metro or by bus—or on an award-winning city tour by USA Guided Tours. You can witness the changing of the guard, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and watch the flame at the JFK gravesite. There’s even a free app you can download for a self-guided walking tour of the cemetery.
Mount Vernon Trail connects George Washington’s estate with Theodore Roosevelt Island and connects with popular regional trails like Rock Creek and Potomac Heritage. It’s a great place to walk or ride a bike and just enjoy the gorgeous D.C. skyline. If you’re visiting Mount Vernon, allow a little time to explore the trail.
Any U.S. citizen can book a Pentagon tour online between 14 and 90 days before visiting Washington, D.C. The tour is free and you can see things like the Hall of Heroes, the POW-MIA corridor, the 9/11 chapel and memorial, and a memorial to the servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. There’s even a courtyard with food concessions, perfect for enjoying a little picnic lunch.
If you’re looking for something different than the same-old, same-old big-name shops in Georgetown, you’ll love the pretty shops that line Connecticut Avenue in Dupont Circle. Most are locally owned—like lou lou boutiques, Tabletop, and Proper Topper, to name a few.
Located in the historic Kalorama district (where the Obamas currently make their home), the Spanish Steps and fountain are built into a steep slope. The steps are flanked by a fragrant mix of magnolias and other flowering trees and provide a shady oasis and pedestrian park connecting S Street with Decatur Place. If you’re looking for a romantic place with awesome views, the Spanish Steps fill the bill.
There are over 160 embassies and diplomatic missions along the stretch of Mass Ave known as Embassy Row. These elegant old mansions, with colorful flags flying, make for an enjoyable afternoon walk. Many of the embassies host regular open houses and other events to share their countries’ culture—check the calendar of events to see what’s available during your visit to DC.
In Old Town Alexandria, along the Potomac waterfront, the Torpedo Factory is a place where over 80 artists work and keep their studios. When you visit the Torpedo Factory, you’ll see artists creating everything from paintings to ceramics to jewelry to glasswork, and have an opportunity to browse the numerous galleries. When you’re finished, you can grab a light lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Old Town dates back to the mid-1700s and played an important role in the colonial, Revolutionary, and Civil wars. A walking tour of the area is a great way to spend an afternoon on your trip to DC. Visit Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams all quartered for a time, the boyhood home of Robert E. Lee, and the Lyceum, a free museum with objects and artifacts dating back to 1749. Then take a stroll along King Street and visit the bistros and boutiques.
Few presidents are as beloved as Abraham Lincoln, and Ford’s Theatre pays tribute to the man and his presidency, as well as the assassination and its aftermath. After you explore the museum, exhibits, and Peterson House, where Lincoln spent his last hours, lift your spirits with a performance.
Ford’s Theatre is just one of the many attractions in Penn Quarter—if you’re a foodie, you’ll love any of the four Jose Andres restaurants in the area. There’s Jaleo, his renowned tapas bar, minibar by Jose Andres, the two Michelin-starred restaurants, Oyamel, the Mexican Cucina, and China Chilcano. If you really want to indulge, book the 21-course “Tour de Jose,” and visit all four restaurants!
The National Harbor is located on the Maryland side of the Potomac and is packed with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues—with the massive Capital Wheel standing sentinel over it all. Rising over 180 feet into the sky, a ride on the Capital Wheel offers unparalleled views of D.C. and Alexandria. If you’re up for a little active adventure, rent a kayak or standup paddleboard and take to the water.
Mount Vernon, George Washington’s beautifully preserved estate, gives you a glimpse into 18th-century colonial life. Spend a day on your trip to DC touring the mansion itself, room by room, as well as the gardens, grounds, outbuildings, and even the blacksmith shop, where demonstrations of the craft take place during the warm months. Kids especially enjoy visiting the farm animals kept on the farm, many of which represent breeds and species originally kept by George Washington himself.
If you’d like to see all these must-visit places in Washington DC, take a private tour that’s already pre-set or contact us if you wish to customize the itinerary.
If you’re planning a visit to our nation’s capital this year, we’d love to help you put together the perfect itinerary, including interesting and exciting places outside Capitol Hill.
Why not get in touch today and put some plans in motion?
Join our award-winning Washington DC tours and explore the iconic landmarks and breathtaking sights of the US capital. Choose from bus tours, walking tours, or private tours, all led by expert local tour guides. Book now for an unforgettable Washington DC sightseeing experience!
DC’s first truly innovative art space lives in ARTECHOUSE – Art + Technology + House. It is DC’s first interactive digital art gallery. DC is known for its “national” museums, but did you know that it also has a great private gallery scene? One of the newest private galleries has already received international coverage since its opening!
Show your support at an event that advocates for military members that are missing in action (MIA) and brings awareness to the veteran suicide crisis at Rolling to Remember. This motorcycle demonstration hosted by AMVETS (American Veterans) takes the place of the relocated Rolling Thunder “Ride for Freedom” that started in 1988 to seek accountability for POW and service members missing in action (MIA). If you’d like to join on your two-wheeled ride you can register to participate.
The National Memorial Day Concert returns for the 33nd year with a televised special on the Sunday before the holiday. The longstanding performance is usually live but this year there will be a special pre-taped presentation honoring the men and women in uniform, their families back at home, and those who have given their lives while serving in the military.
The Super MAGFest is a multi-day event that hosts fans of gaming, art, and music from all over the world. Running January 23 – 26, 2025, the Super MAGFest is held at the Gaylord National Resort, a luxurious state-of-the-art hotel and conference canter in National Harbor, Maryland.
Sample Exotic Beers and Drag Queen Bingo at NoMa’s Red Bear Brewing Co – a brewery located in the NoMa neighborhood of DC It is known for its selection of exotic and unique beers, which revelers can sample at the taproom. In addition, it has a traditional style, modern and experimental brews for testers. They may also have seasonal and limited-edition beers available.
Phillips After 5 is an event series held at the Phillips Collection, a historical museum of modern art in Washington D. Also known as the Ringing in the New Year, the celebration is packed with music, jam sessions, exotic foods, and drinks. There’s also a large collection of exhibitions and art-related activities. The event is known for hosting a variety of programs and a collection of contemporary, modern, and impressionist art.
Fight Club is popular for hosting events, sumptuous meals, and exotic drinks. The events are held at the location and include punches, sandwiches, and numerous food options. Normally the Club opens for all-day service every day of the week, including brunch on weekends.
Get ready for a memorable trivia night at Atlas Brew Works in the Ivy City location. Every Thursday, attendees join in on the action and participate in trivia contests to show off their impressive knowledge. And on the first Thursday of every month, there will be special-themed trivia events where you and your team compete for glory.
Get $2 Beers and Free Bluegrass at the Union Stage in Washington DC, is hosting a bluegrass concert this week that is part of their annual series of events featuring local breweries. These concerts have become popular as they offer a platform for breweries to showcase their top beer brands to a receptive audience.
The 9:30 Club is a famous music venue in DC that has received multiple accolades for its exceptional live music performances. Indeed Rolling Stone named it one of the top ten live music venues in the U.S. in 2018. It was also named the “Venue of the Decade” by VenuesNow in 2019.
Dance, Eat, Drink and Experience French-Canadian Vibes at the Le Mont Royal is opening its door at Adams Mill Rd NW, Washington, DC. Visitors can expect a night of music, dancing, and enjoyment set to the sounds of skilled DJs who will be spinning a blend of soul, funk, and French-Canadian disco beats on vinyl records. The atmosphere will surely be energetic and lively as fans let loose to the groovy melodies and tunes.
Washington DC is a dynamic cultural and historically rich city, and whether you like amazing food, museum browsing, the arts, or hard-core shopping as a tourist, there are so many things to do in Washington DC. The hardest part might be deciding what to choose.
Visit our blog page on more ideas about things to do in Washington DC and check out our award-winning tour options while you are in the city!
USA Guided Tours Blogging Team
