Top Attractions in Washington DC

Museums, zoos, landmarks, and must-see attractions in Washington DC. The best spots for locals and visitors.

50 results found

Free

Mixed Media Approaches with Chinedu

Tomorrow · Tue, Apr 14, 3:00 PM–4:30 PM UTC · Georgetown Neighborhood Library · 3260 R St NW, Washington, DC 20007, Washington, DC · Ages 60+

In this course, participants will explore a variety of mixed-media approaches to art! Mixed media can unlock a variety of textures, styles, and imaginative avenues. Applying techniques such as perspective, shading, and color theory, participants will have the opportunity to work from reference...

KidsFree

Author Talk: "Through Mom's Eyes" with Sheinelle Jones

In 1 week · Mon, Apr 20, 10:30 PM–12:00 AM UTC · Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library · 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, DC

Registered attendees will receive the opportunity to get a signed copy of the book. Books will be sold by a local bookstore. The DC Public Library Foundation has donated copies of the book to give to attendees in need. Learn more about the Author and the book below. About the Author Sheinelle Jones.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Carter Barron Amphitheatre

Carter Barron Amphitheatre · 4850 Colorado Ave NW, Washington, DC

NPS-managed 3,767-seat outdoor amphitheater in Rock Creek Park. Free summer concerts from Shakespeare Theatre Company and other performers. Paid ticketed concerts from the Kennedy Center and other promoters. Beautiful wooded setting. Free Shakespeare performances are a beloved DC summer tradition.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Japan Information & Culture Center

Japan Information & Culture Center · 1150 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Part of the Embassy of Japan's Public Affairs Section, this cultural center houses an art gallery and a 130-seat theater. Hosts lectures, workshops, cultural panels, film screenings, stage performances, and exhibitions promoting Japanese culture and strengthening US-Japan relations. Free entry for m

KidsFree

Arab American Heritage Festival

In 5 days · Sat, Apr 18, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library · 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, DC

Experience a vibrant celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Enjoy an exciting afternoon featuring fashion, food, music, visual art, a traditional Arab Souq brought by Bayt Vienna, and...

KidsFreeOutdoor

National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival · National Mall, Washington DC, Washington, DC

March 20 - April 12, 2026. Celebrate spring in Washington DC. Four weeks of iconic events, live music, and breathtaking blooms await you.

Outdoor

Union Stage

Union Stage · 740 Water St SW, Washington, DC

500-capacity intimate music venue and bar at The Wharf waterfront development. Great for up-and-coming and mid-tier touring acts. Full bar service and excellent sightlines. Adjoins Union Market DC food hall. Regular 18+ and all-ages shows. One of DC's best intimate concert experiences.

KidsFreeOutdoor

National Aquarium — Washington DC

National Aquarium — Washington DC · 14th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC

The oldest federally operated aquarium in the US, located in the Department of Commerce building. Tanks featuring freshwater and marine species from around the world. Free admission. Limited hours. A smaller, quieter alternative to the Natural History Museum's ocean exhibits. Unique inside-a-governm

KidsOutdoor

National Gallery Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

National Gallery Sculpture Garden Ice Rink · Constitution Ave NW & 7th St NW, Washington, DC

Iconic outdoor ice rink in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on the National Mall. Skate surrounded by sculptures Nov-Mar. Open Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 11am-9pm in season.

KidsOutdoor

District Clay Center

District Clay Center · 2414 Douglas St NE, Washington, DC

Ceramic and pottery center in DC with classes, art gallery, community outreach, and workshops. Wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing for all skill levels. Kids' classes and summer camps available.

Free

Musicology Club

Mon, Apr 13, 10:00 PM–11:30 PM UTC · West End Neighborhood Library · 2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037, Washington, DC

We are currently reading: Morning Glory : A Biography of Mary Lou Williams by Linda Dahl. About Us: Primarily focused on Jazz, this club is intended for people who are interested in music appreciation, have always wanted to learn more about music history, or for those who want to learn about...

KidsFreeOutdoor

Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Walk

Tidal Basin Cherry Blossom Walk · 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC

The iconic 1.8-mile path around the Tidal Basin is most famous during the National Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to April) when 3,000 Japanese cherry trees bloom. The walk passes the Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Spectacular at sunrise. Free. Open 24 ho

KidsOutdoor

National Building Museum

National Building Museum · 401 F St NW, Washington, DC

Dedicated to architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. Housed in the spectacular 1887 Pension Building with its soaring Great Hall and massive Corinthian columns. Family programs and immersive summer installations. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Smithsonian Folklife Festival · National Mall, Washington, DC 20560, Washington, DC

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual exposition of living cultural heritage on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Outdoor

Spanish Stories – The National Museum of Language

Spanish Stories – The National Museum of Language · Washington, DC

Mi Mascota de Ojos amarrillosMy Pet with Yellow Eyes A story about a special doll and her pet with yellow eyes.  This story was written and told by Dr. Louise I. Greene-Rodríguez, from Puerto Rico.  S

KidsOutdoor

National Aquarium (DC)

National Aquarium (DC) · 1401 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC

America's first public aquarium, located in the basement of the Department of Commerce building. Features freshwater and saltwater displays including sharks, piranhas, and alligators. Small but historic. Budget-friendly admission. Open Tue-Sat.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Meeps DC

Meeps DC · 2104 18th St NW, Washington, DC

Adams Morgan vintage boutique that has been a DC neighborhood institution since 1993. Stocks colorful vintage clothing from the 1950s through 1980s with an emphasis on bold prints, mod styles, and retro character. Also carries vintage Halloween costumes. Beloved by longtime DC residents and vintage

KidsFreeOutdoor

Yards Park — DC Waterfront

Yards Park — DC Waterfront · 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC

Contemporary waterfront park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood adjacent to Nationals Park. Interactive water features, boardwalk, pavilion, and great lawn. Free summer concerts and events. Best views of the Anacostia River. Dog-friendly. Metro accessible (Green/Yellow Line — Navy Yard).

Outdoor

Codes, Ciphers & Mysteries: NSA Treasures Tell Their Secrets

Codes, Ciphers & Mysteries: NSA Treasures Tell Their Secrets · Washington, DC

Unique covert communication objects from the collection of the NSA are now on display at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. This pop up exhibition continues through May 2021.

KidsOutdoor

Capital One Arena — Washington Capitals & Wizards

Capital One Arena — Washington Capitals & Wizards · 601 F St NW, Washington, DC

Major professional sports arena and entertainment venue in downtown DC. Home of the Washington Capitals (NHL) and Washington Wizards (NBA). Also hosts concerts, WWE, boxing, college basketball, and major entertainment events. 20,000-seat capacity. Metro accessible (Gallery Place-Chinatown).

KidsFreeOutdoor

National Gallery of Art Ice Rink

National Gallery of Art Ice Rink · Constitution Ave NW & 7th St, Washington, DC

Beloved free outdoor ice skating rink between the National Gallery's East and West Wings on the National Mall. Open November through March. Skate rentals available. One of DC's most iconic winter experiences with the Capitol dome as backdrop. Free admission to skate; rental fee applies.

KidsFreeOutdoor

National Arboretum

National Arboretum · 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC

446-acre federal garden in Northeast DC managed by the USDA. Known for stunning azalea collections, a bonsai museum with 200-year-old trees, the iconic Capitol Columns, and the National Herb Garden. Free admission. Open daily 8am-5pm. Dogs allowed on leash.

KidsFree

Senior Strength & Balance

In 2 days · Wed, Apr 15, 5:00 PM–5:45 PM UTC · West End Neighborhood Library · 2301 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037, Washington, DC · Ages 60+

Class incorporates smooth, rhythmic moves done to a mix of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Good for all fitness levels. This class is intended for DC Residents age 60+. Maximum participant number is capped at 15.

Outdoor

Directions to the Spy Museum

Directions to the Spy Museum · Washington, DC

Tips on getting to the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Information on nearby parking spaces, discounted parking rates, and the nearest metro stop.

KidsFreeOutdoor

Adams Morgan

Adams Morgan · 1800 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC

Diverse, vibrant neighborhood known for its international restaurants, bars, live music, and eclectic shops along 18th Street NW. One of DC's most walkable and lively areas with a strong community character. Home to the beloved Meridian Hill Park. The annual Adams Morgan Day Festival draws thousands

Outdoor

Advisory Council – The National Museum of Language

Advisory Council – The National Museum of Language · Washington, DC

NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL The National Museum of Language is delighted to announce that the following individuals have agreed to join our newly created National Advisory Council: Dr. Joan Houston Hall

Outdoor

Blues Alley

Blues Alley · 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC

Founded in 1965, Blues Alley is the nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club, having showcased internationally renowned concert hall artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Grover Washington Jr., Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Byrd, Maynard Ferguson, in a small intimate setting.

KidsFreeOutdoor

National Postal Museum

National Postal Museum · 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC

Located in the historic City Post Office near Union Station. Houses one of the world's largest stamp collections and exhibits on the history of the US mail, including historic mail planes and stagecoaches. Open daily 10am-5:30pm. Free admission.

KidsOutdoor

International Spy Museum

International Spy Museum · 1644 31st Street, Washington, DC

Visit International Spy Museum, a museum in Washington, DC. Exhibits and attractions include Making Sense of Secrets, Collection Highlights, Briefing Center, Stealing Secrets and 46 more. Hosts upcoming events.

KidsOutdoor

The Escape Game DC Downtown

The Escape Game DC Downtown · 950 F St NW, Ste 106, Washington, DC

Premium escape room experience downtown near the National Portrait Gallery. Multiple themed rooms including Prison Break, Gold Rush, The Heist, and Playground. Family-friendly with unlimited hints. Accommodates 2-8 players. 60-minute games. Open daily 8am-midnight.

KidsFree

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose

In 5 days · Sat, Apr 18, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM UTC · Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library · 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, Washington, DC

About the Authors Alexa Patrick is a vocalist and poet from Connecticut. She is the author of Remedies for Disappearing (Haymarket Books, 2023) and holds fellowships from Cave Canem, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and more. Previous artistic partnerships of Alexa’s include...

Outdoor

Ana Mendieta — Torrance Art Museum

Ana Mendieta — Torrance Art Museum · Washington, DC

Ana Mendieta - written by Jason Jenn Like many people, especially those raised in a small rural community in Iowa as I was, my early appreciation of art could be described as conservative, influence

Outdoor

Bohemian Caverns

Bohemian Caverns · 2001 11th St NW, Washington, DC

Historic jazz club in the U Street neighborhood with deep roots in DC's Black Broadway jazz scene. Basement cave-like atmosphere hosts jazz, soul, and blues performances. Part of DC's vibrant jazz heritage since the 1920s. Live music multiple nights per week. Small capacity intimate atmosphere.

Outdoor

Plan a Visit

Plan a Visit · Washington, DC

Spy Museum tickets and opening hours. Discounts available for students, seniors, and children. Step into the shoes of a spy in DC's most interactive museum.

KidsOutdoor

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop · 545 7th St SE, Washington, DC

Community arts center on Capitol Hill with classes in pottery, painting, drawing, printmaking, dance, yoga, and music for kids and adults. Gallery exhibitions and performances. After-school programs and summer camps. Open Mon-Sat with classes throughout the day.

KidsFree

Friday Morning Music Club at DCPL

In 3 weeks · Sat, May 2, 7:00 PM–8:00 PM UTC · Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library · 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Washington, DC

The program will be announced the day of the concert, but look forward to some passionate music-making! Concerts will take place on Saturdays, November 8th, February 7th, and May 2nd at 3 PM in the fifth floor Auditorium.