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Museums To See In Washington Dc

Kenilworth Park Aquatic Gardens Boardwalk

| SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF DC | Washington DC’s famous monuments and museums

The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a stunning park dedicated to the wetlands around the Anacostia River. With over 4,000 years of history, the area before the arrival of European Settlers was a fantastic ecosystem that supported a variety of life and Indigenous people.

Sadly, as the modern farming practices and the industrial revolution took over the area, trees were cleared and it altered the ecosystem forever.

Today, there are several ponds full of lilies and lotuses that have grown in the ponds for hundreds of years. Use the boardwalks to walk over the marshes that stretch down to the Anacostia River. Along with beautiful flowers, the area is home to a vast number of birds and reptiles.

Address: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019

National Portrait Gallery And The Smithsonian American Art Museum

Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

The Smithsonian American Art Museum shares space with the National Portrait Gallery in a historic Greek Revival building that is one of the oldest public buildings in Washington, D.C. The American Art Museum is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. More than 7,000 artists are represented in the collection, including major masters such as John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, Georgia OKeeffe, Edward Hopper, Joseph Cornell, Jacob Lawrence, Helen Frankenthaler, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Lee Friedlander, Roy Lichtenstein, Nam June Paik, Irving Penn, Martin Puryear, Robert Rauschenberg and Bill Viola. Be sure to visit the National Portrait Gallery and see the only complete collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.

Are All The Museums In Washington Dc Free

Washington, DC is filled with free museums, from Smithsonians including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, to art-filled museums like the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery of Art.

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List Of Museums In Washington Dc

This list of museums in Washington, D.C. encompasses museums defined for this context as institutions that collect and care for objects of cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical interest and make their collections or related exhibits available for public viewing. Also included are university and non-profit art galleries. Museums that exist only in cyberspace are not included.

Play Mini Golf At Swingers

The best (secret) Washington DC museums tourists dont ...

Exploring museums and historical sights can get a bit tiring after a while and you will need something laid-back and fun to enjoy!

Enter Swingers Crazy Golf! This new mini-golf place in Washington DC is part of the successful entertainment venues throughout the UK that finally crossed the Pond and opened in the US.

Located in Dupont Circle, Swingers combines cocktails and gourmet street food with live DJs and crazy golf .

At Swingers Crazy Golf in Dupont Circle, you will get a chance to enjoy some super delicious street food from vendors like Kneada Pizza, Mah-ze-Dahr Bakery, tuTaco, and Lil Succotash.

Check the website for Swingers Crazy Golf Washington for more information !

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Washington National Cathedral One Of The Most Religious Places To See In Washington Dc

  • Glorious architecture
  • Active place of worship
  • Stunning interiors

Why its awesome: Officially named The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, the stunning religious building is commonly referred to as simply Washington National Cathedral. Although its sublime designs and architecture may lead people to believe the church is very old, construction only began in the early 1900sand, it took many years until it was completed in 1990! Details are continually being added too.

One of the biggest churches in the USA, the spectacular church was designed to resemble the English Gothic style from the Middle Ages. From exquisite and colourful stained glass windows to detailed carvings and sacred chapels, there are many fine details to admire both inside and out. Attractive gardens surround the cathedral. It is an active place of worship, with regular religious services,

What to do there: Admire the magnificent cathedral from the outside, with its soaring Gothic spires, 112 grotesque gargoyles, bell tower, flying buttresses, ornate windows, carvings, and other fine details. Dont miss seeing the unusual Darth Vader gargoyle! Stroll through the pleasant 59-acre grounds, which include delightful gardens, places for reflection, a Norman archway from the 13th century, and walking trails through wildlife-rich woodland.

The National Museum Of The American Indian

This is actually three museums in one. The five-story building on the Mall is an exhibit in itself, designed to look like a natural rock formation. Once youre inside the building youll find something a little different from the mainstream, as the outdoor landscape flows into the building. There are organic curves, fluid spaces and quite often performances too. And dont miss the Native regional foods in the café. This is a must-visit for anyone wondering what to do in DC.

Find the nearest Big Bus Stop to The National Museum of American Indian

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Is The Washington Monument Closed To Visitors

The Washington Monument has reopened, but you cant visit without two things. The Washington Monument reopened to the public Wednesday, after being closed for six months due to COVID-19 safety measures. The monument will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets will be required for all visitors.

Are All The Smithsonian Museums Free

Top 5 Free Museums in Washington DC

There is no charge to visit all Washington Smithsonian museums. This castle features a visitors center. It was estimated that nearly 22 million people visited the museums and the National Zoo in 2019. There is admission to all the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. You can check it out for free.

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Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens

Owned by a wealthy businesswoman, the Hillwood Estate is a beautiful and unique place to visit in Washington DC. Throughout her life, Marjorie Merryweather Post collected a vast range of art, mainly from pre-Revolutionary Russia.

Throughout the house, there are many impressive paintings, including a full-size portrait of Catherine the Great. There are decorative art pieces throughout the home as well, such as Faberge Eggs.

The houses beauty transcends outside, where there are several beautiful gardens, including a Japanese-style one. The admiration of pre-Revolution Russian culture continues outside with a traditional wooden Dacha built amongst the gardens.

Address: 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Stand At The Top Of The Washington Monument

There are incredible significant and famous landmarks in Washington DC. One of the best places to get some great photos is from the top of the Washington Monument, named for Americas first president.

It is surrounded by 50 flags, one for each state, and was closed for three years for renovations, but reopened in 2021. You can buy tickets to ascend to the very top .

The renos included adding an elevator which takes a full two minutes to get to the top, enough time for you to appreciate the internal architecture lined with stones commemorating George Washington. Tickets need to be booked online. Walk-ups not accepted.

Look down the Mall towards Abraham Lincoln sitting knowingly in his massive monument, the Lincoln Memorial, watching over the 2000 ft long Reflecting Pool, but first take a left and walk through the WWII Memorial.

This impressive site includes towering stone walls commemorating not just every State, but also other nations who served alongside the Americans.

Another very moving memorial is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is a giant wall has every name of every American lost in that war etched into it. Youll see family members taking rubbings with paper and pencil over their ancestors names.

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Ruins Of The Columbian Cannon Foundry

One of the latest discoveries in Washington DC is the Ruins of the Columbian Cannon Factory. Operational in the first half of the 19th-century, the foundry had great successes producing a large number of munitions for the Army.

The factory miraculously survived an assault by the British Redcoats, who set it alight, but an unseasonal downpour put out a fire that would have burnt it to the ground.

The foundry eventually became outdated, and while the buildings were used for other means, they were mostly destroyed with the construction of railroads and by time. All that is left today is the walls of outbuildings that can be found along the Capital Crescent Trail.

Amazing Things To Do In Washington Dc

Natural History Museum In Washington Dc

Megan Starr This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Washington DC is one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the United States. This is a guide to the best things to do in Washington DC .

Are you planning your trip to DC at the last minute?

Top Tours in Washington DC:

Best Hotels in Washington DC: Hotel Lombardy , Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. Georgetown , Washington Court Hotel , Grand Hyatt Washington

The city of Washington DC was purposefully built to be the nations capital and is based around the fundamental institutions that built America as a whole. While politics often creates a lot of noise in the capital, DC is still full of excellent places to visit and see.

This guide will take you through some of the best attractions in Washington DC. After visiting the places on this list, you will be sure to fall in love with the place!

If you feel something is missing from the list, please leave a comment below! Be sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Washington DC if you have more than a few days in the city! Thanks!

Contents

  • Pin this Washington DC Things to Do Guide
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    Is Washington Dc Open For Sightseeing

    U.S. Capitol & U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The public entrance to the U.S. Capitol is through the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. The U.S. Capitol is open to the public for tours Monday Saturday from 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Inauguration Day.

    Planning A Trip To Washington Dc Dont Forget Travel Insurance

    Whether you are traveling domestically or coming from an international destination, travel insurance is a must for anyone coming to Washington, D.C. You will be exploring both inside and outdoors hiking may even happen if you get adventurous. You could find yourself on a Segway or bike tour. The city is highly populated and accidents and crime do happen. This is not to scare you, but to prepare you for what could occur when you are checking out the free museums, exploring neighborhoods, finding the best food and learning about the local street art. Should something happen, travel insurance has you covered. Check rates and availability here.

    We recommend and use Allianz Travel insurance. Our family iscovered under a household plan, but their individual plans are just as robustif you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to get away. Ive been acustomer for more than five years and have always been in good hands with theAllianz team.

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    Observe As Art Is Conserved

    Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. Its the first art conservation facility to allow the public permanent access to view essential conservation work of paintings and other art pieces. Inside, youll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.

    10

    Art Museums & Galleries

    8 Tips for the Smithsonian and FREE museums in DC

    DC has a number of art museums to cover an array of tastes. We have a guide to the art museums of DC here.

    • American Art Museum– This is the nation’s first collection of American art and is home to one of the largest and most inclusive collections of American art in the world. here
    • African Art– This is the only national museum in the United States dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa and the exhibits expand all of Africa in its examples of traditional and contemporary art.
    • Portrait Gallery– This museum balances both traditional and contemporary art exhibits, and is best known for housing the largest collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House.
    • Archives of American Art– With over 16 million items and growing, this is the world’s largest and most widely used resource dedicated to collecting and preserving the papers and primary records of the visual arts in America.
    • Freer Gallery of Art & Sackler Gallery– These are the Smithsonian’s two Asian art museums.
    • Hirshhorn– If you love contemporary art, this one’s for you. The unique cylindrical building is impossible to miss and houses unique contemporary art and includes a sunken sculpture garden.
    • Renwick Gallery– This museum is located right across from the White House and houses contemporary art. It is also the first building in the United States built specifically to be an art museum.

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    How Many Rooms Are In The Pentagon

    Each of the five sides of the building has 280,728 meters. The whole complex includes: the main building, numerous parking lots, 30 miles of streets and 21 bridges. In the building you will find such rooms as a library with 300,000 volumes, 284 rooms for rest, 17 restaurants, 6 cafeterias and 8 fast-food bars.

    The Chocolate House Dc

    The Chocolate House

    If you just felt a little shiver of excitement at the name Chocolate House, this is the tourist attraction for you!

    Offering hundreds of bars, breads, truffles, crisps and bites made by world-class artisans, the Chocolate House DC is a luxury boutique and tasting room for chocoholics of all types.

    You can munch on everything from chocolate peanut brittle squares to orange-infused dark chocolate fudge bombs.

    You can also indulge yourself with wines, soaps, blankets and other care package goods to complement the cocoa.

    As for activities, youll have your choice of classes, workshops and cooking events.

    You can learn how to roll truffles you can sample various types of gourmet chocolate under the tutelage of an expert.

    The schedule varies.

    Your sweet tooth will definitely get a workout at the Chocolate House DC.

    Are you ready to treat yourself to some amazing desserts made by high-quality chocolatiers?

    Get your taste buds to the Chocolate House!

    Address: 1904 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States

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    Kenilworth Park And Aquatic Gardens Great Place To Visit In Washington Dc For Couples

    TJ Brown

    • Free admission
    • Peaceful and scenic
    • Diverse flora and fauna

    Why its awesome: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is located near the Anacostia River and close to the border with neighbouring Maryland. The area boasts the capitals last remaining tidal marsh along with a pleasant area for recreation. There are also artificial ponds, water gardens, wetlands, and walking trails. Numerous plant and animal species call the area home. Its among the lesser-visited points of interest in Washington DC, though the natural beauty and peaceful ambience make it a great place for couples and anyone who loves spending time in nature. Even better, there is no admission fee to enjoy the lovely gardens.

    What to do there: Discover the delicate balance between nature and man-made beauty as you explore the picturesque Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and follow the River Trail to admire the views of the flower-filled ponds and eco-diversity of the marshes. Look out for various fauna too, including numerous types of birds, otters, foxes, reptiles, and minks. Do note that while summer is the best time to see flowers in their full glory the winter months are better for catching glimpses of wildlife.

    Best 14 Washington Dc Museums

    At the Heart of the Capital: Unique Things to Do in ...
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    Washington, D.C. has dozens of wonderful museums that will appeal to virtually any traveler’s interests. From large publicly funded institutions to small historic homes, get ready to learn a great deal and find some welcome surprises when you visit many of DCs museumsand bonus, all of the Smithsonian Institution museums are blissfully free to the public.

    There is something for everyone at this world-renowned museum. Natural history appeals to all ages and there are so many artifacts that you cant possibly see them all in one visit. The dinosaur exhibits are fascinating and great for kids. The Family Hall of Mammals is especially fun to explore as well as the Sant Ocean Hall. Then there’s the cinematography and scenery in the IMAX films that’s so stunning you’ll wish you had time to see them all.

    Visiting Tips: This is the most popular Washington, D.C. museum for families. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Purchase IMAX tickets in advance or as soon as you arrive. If you are visiting with kids, be sure to see the Discovery Room where there are lots of hands-on activities. Allow at least 2-3 hours.

    Visiting Tips: Free Timed Passes are required for the permanent exhibit. Timed passes are distributed for the same day on a first come, first served basis. Allow 2-3 hours.

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