There is no shortage of things to do in Washington DC. Although small, DC is full of history, culture, art, sports, delicious restaurants, fun bars and plenty of shopping. You can have any type of adventure you want in Washington DC and if you live here, or even if you are just visiting for a few days, we came up with 21 things for your Washington DC bucket list. Don’t miss out on everything DC has to offer!
- Take a hike in Rock Creek Park.
Yelp/Jim U. Rock Creek is Washington’s prominent park that gives all Washingtonians a perfect place to experience nature right in the heart of the city.
- Get a cupcake at Baked & Wired.
Flickr/Rachel Kramer Bussel Skip the lines at Georgetown Cupcake and get the best baked goods in the city at Baked & Wired.
- Watch a Nats game at Nationals Park.
Flickr/Scott Ableman There’s nothing quite like watching America’s game in America’s capital on a hot summer night. It doesn’t hurt when Bryce Harper is hitting home runs.
- Tour the three houses of government: the White House, the Capitol, and the US Supreme Court.
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond You can’t experience DC without experiencing the government. You can schedule tours and visits of each of the three branches of government for free.
- Enjoy a food truck meal.
Flickr/Ted Eytan The food truck scene is huge in DC and every truck has delicious meals at great prices.
- Shop at Eastern Market.
Flickr/Zach Stern Experience the hustle and bustle of the thriving market where you can find fresh produce, prepared meals, and handmade crafts.
- Visit the Spy Museum.
Flickr/Mathew and Heather The Spy Museum is truly one of the coolest museums in the entire city. Learn about the secret history of spies and go on a mission of your own!
- Kayak, boat, or paddle board the Potomac.
Flickr/Michael Cisneros The Potomac provides the perfect place for enjoying water sports in the city.
- Get fresh fish at Maine Avenue Fish Market.
Flickr/Melissa Robison You can find fresh fish, prepared seafood, and a one of a kind experience in the oldest operating open air fish market in the country.
- Tour the Arboretum.
Flickr/Geoff Livingston The National Arboretum is a true hidden gem where you can wander for hours enjoying peaceful nature.
- Try out Capital Bikeshare.
Flickr/Eric Gilliland Getting around DC has never been easier than hopping on and off one of the 3,500 bicycles situated around the district.
- Try your culinary tastes at minibar.
Yelp/NJ A. José Andrés unique dining experience is unlike anything else there is in this world! You will be talking about it for years to come!
- Get a half smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Yelp/John N. Everyone from President Obama to Bono has enjoyed a half smoke at this iconic DC restaurant.
- Taste a DC brew at one of the local breweries.
Facebook/3 Stars Brewing Company DC craft beer scene has exploded over the last few years and you can find unique, flavorful and satisfying local brews all over the district.
- Head to the Air and Space Museum.
Flickr/m01229 The Air and Space gives visitors a look at the past and future of air and spacecraft in the country and it has the largest collection of aircrafts and spacecrafts in the world.
- Go around the world at the embassies.
Flickr/Ted Eytan Explore the world without ever leaving DC every May at Passport DC, a month-long event that highlights DC’s diplomatic community and international scene.
- Visit the National Gallery of Art.
Flickr/ctj71081 The National Gallery of Art has a diverse collection of historical arts, as well as a beautiful sculpture garden.
- Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Flickr/Ted Eytan This moving museum offers a powerful look at one of the darkest times in the country’s history. It’s a must-see tribute.
- Walk and shop through Georgetown.
Flickr/Rictor Norton & David Allen The charming streets of Georgetown provide tons of shopping and elegant row homes that are Instagram-worthy.
- Relax on the National Mall.
Flickr/Ed Schipul Play in DC’s front yard! Relax, picnic, people watch and soak in the culture and history of the surrounding memorials, monuments and political buildings.
- Visit the monuments and memorials at night.
Flickr/ehpien Everyone needs to experience the majestic beauty of the glowing light of monuments around the Mall at night.
How many of these things can you cross off your list? While you are at it, you might want to add the 16 best things to do in Washington DC to your list!
Yelp/Jim U.
Rock Creek is Washington’s prominent park that gives all Washingtonians a perfect place to experience nature right in the heart of the city.
Flickr/Rachel Kramer Bussel
Skip the lines at Georgetown Cupcake and get the best baked goods in the city at Baked & Wired.
Flickr/Scott Ableman
There’s nothing quite like watching America’s game in America’s capital on a hot summer night. It doesn’t hurt when Bryce Harper is hitting home runs.
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
You can’t experience DC without experiencing the government. You can schedule tours and visits of each of the three branches of government for free.
Flickr/Ted Eytan
The food truck scene is huge in DC and every truck has delicious meals at great prices.
Flickr/Zach Stern
Experience the hustle and bustle of the thriving market where you can find fresh produce, prepared meals, and handmade crafts.
Flickr/Mathew and Heather
The Spy Museum is truly one of the coolest museums in the entire city. Learn about the secret history of spies and go on a mission of your own!
Flickr/Michael Cisneros
The Potomac provides the perfect place for enjoying water sports in the city.
Flickr/Melissa Robison
You can find fresh fish, prepared seafood, and a one of a kind experience in the oldest operating open air fish market in the country.
Flickr/Geoff Livingston
The National Arboretum is a true hidden gem where you can wander for hours enjoying peaceful nature.
Flickr/Eric Gilliland
Getting around DC has never been easier than hopping on and off one of the 3,500 bicycles situated around the district.
Yelp/NJ A.
José Andrés unique dining experience is unlike anything else there is in this world! You will be talking about it for years to come!
Yelp/John N.
Everyone from President Obama to Bono has enjoyed a half smoke at this iconic DC restaurant.
Facebook/3 Stars Brewing Company
DC craft beer scene has exploded over the last few years and you can find unique, flavorful and satisfying local brews all over the district.
Flickr/m01229
The Air and Space gives visitors a look at the past and future of air and spacecraft in the country and it has the largest collection of aircrafts and spacecrafts in the world.
Explore the world without ever leaving DC every May at Passport DC, a month-long event that highlights DC’s diplomatic community and international scene.
Flickr/ctj71081
The National Gallery of Art has a diverse collection of historical arts, as well as a beautiful sculpture garden.
This moving museum offers a powerful look at one of the darkest times in the country’s history. It’s a must-see tribute.
Flickr/Rictor Norton & David Allen
The charming streets of Georgetown provide tons of shopping and elegant row homes that are Instagram-worthy.
Flickr/Ed Schipul
Play in DC’s front yard! Relax, picnic, people watch and soak in the culture and history of the surrounding memorials, monuments and political buildings.
Flickr/ehpien
Everyone needs to experience the majestic beauty of the glowing light of monuments around the Mall at night.
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