Things to Do in DC

Covering more than 1,000 acres of parkland with many of the United States' most significant natural and cultural resources, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are a must-see for any visitor to Washington, D.C. You can reach the Mall via several Metro stations, including Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L'Enfant Plaza and Archives/Navy Memorial. Among the most popular sites on the Mall are the:

• Washington Monument
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
• World War II Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The 11 Smithsonian museums and galleries on the National Mall, the National Zoo, and six other museums in the greater Washington area offer some of the best places to take in culture in Washington, D.C. Admission is free, they are conveniently located near public transit and many have dining options on-site. Visit the Smithsonian website for locations and hours.

• African American Museum
• African Art Museum
• Air and Space Museum
• Air and Space – Udvar-Hazy Center
• American Art Museum
• American History Museum
• American Indian Museum
• Anacostia Community Museum
• Archives of American Art
• Arts and Industries Building
• Freer Gallery of Art
• Hirshhorn
• National Zoo
• Natural History Museum
• Portrait Gallery
• Postal Museum
• Renwick Gallery
• S. Dillon Ripley Center
• Sackler Gallery
• Smithsonian Castle
• Smithsonian Gardens

The Washington Nationals | Major league baseball returned to Washington with the Nationals’ arrival in 2005. They play at Nationals Park, located at 1500 South Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003.

D.C. United | Major league soccer has a home with the United in Washington, D.C., and plays at Audi Field, located at 32-60 R St. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024.

The Washington Wizards | The National Basketball Association team in Washington is the Wizards, and they play at the Capital One Arena, located at 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.

The Washington Capitals | Our National Hockey League Capitals play at the Capital One Arena, located at 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.

The Washington Redskins | The Redskins are Washington’s National Football League team, and play at FedEx Field, located at 1600 Fedex Way, Hyattsville, M.D. 20785.

• Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA 22102
• Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean, VA 22102
• Georgetown Neighborhood, Washington, D.C.
• Westfield Montgomery, 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
• The Shops at Wisconsin Place, 5310 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

National Cherry Blossom Festival | This annual celebration coincides with the blooming of cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

Independence Day | Washington marks America’s Independence Day each July 4 on the National Mall. Complete with the Capitol Fourth concert near the U.S. Capitol building, and fireworks over the Washington Monument, the event draws thousands to downtown Washington to celebrate.