Things to do in Washington, D.C
United States Botanic Garden -
This national garden, established in 1850, features an elegant glass conservatory, a rose garden, a butterfly garden, fountains, a large park, and a plant production facility. The garden is open free to the public. National Park and Conservatory hours vary. www.usbg.govThe Woodrow Wilson House -
Formerly home to Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President, this historic home was built in 1915 and is a prime example of Georgian revival style architecture. The home is now a museum that highlights Wilson's life and accomplishments through various displays, exhibitions, guided tours, and community education programs. Open Tues.-Sun., 10am-4pm. www.woodrowwilsonhouse.orgThe Phillips Collection -
Peruse a collection of classic and modern art at this unique museum that features small, intimate galleries, Sunday concerts and evening programming in a historic mansion location. www.phillipscollection.orgNational Geographic Society Museum -
Enjoy a full schedule of rotating exhibits that highlight the diversity of the world's cultures. The museum is open daily from 10am-6pm, with 30-minute guided tours offered Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am. Admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors and active military, $4 children aged 5-12. www.nationalgeographic.comThe Textile Museum -
Founded in 1925, the Textile Museum features more than 18,000 different objects dating from 3,000 B.C.E. to the present day. Collections include a variety of non-Western textiles, including Oriental rugs and carpets, pre-Columbian textiles, clothing, decorative arts, and more. Open Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm; Sun., 1pm-5pm. www.textilemuseum.orgSmithsonian National Zoological Park -
The National Zoo was founded in 1889 and features more than 2,000 animals, including giant pandas, bears, large reptiles, gorillas, elephants, turtles, and tigers. Open daily, from 10am-6pm. Admission to the National Zoo is free. www.nationalzoo.si.edu
National Air and Space Museum -
Located on the National Mall, this interesting museum is home to the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft in the world. Highlights include the original Wright brothers 1903 Flyer, the Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 11 command module, and more. Open daily from 10am-5pm with extended summer hours. Admission is free. www.nasm.si.eduNational Portrait Gallery -
Situated in the historic Old Patent Office building, this museum is home to a large collection of portraits depicting remarkable Americans from all walks of life, including Presidents, activists, poets, scientists, and others who have made a mark on this country. Open daily from 11:30am-7pm. Admission is free. www.npg.si.eduNational Museum of the American Indian -
This unique museum is dedicated to celebrating the language, history, lifestyles and arts of Native Americans, including tribes from the United States, Canada, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Exhibits include more than 800,000 objects of religious and historical significance as well as everyday tools, pottery, baskets, clothing, and jewelry. Open daily from 10am-5:30pm. Admission is free. www.nmai.si.eduLincoln Memorial -
Erected to honor Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, the Lincoln Memorial was completed in 1922 and features a stunning, neoclassical architectural style that is reminiscent of ancient Greek temples. Visitors will find carved inscriptions of Lincoln's most famous speeches and a 19-foot-high marble statue of the President. Open 24 hours per day, with rangers on duty to answer questions daily from 9:30am-11:30pm. www.nps.gov/linc/index.htmUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum -
Opened in 1993, this museum is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust. The museum collection includes more than 12,750 artifacts, archival documents, historical photographs, archival film footage, and oral histories displayed in two permanent exhibits and within numerous rotating exhibitions. Admission is free, however passes are required from March through August. www.ushmm.orgThe Shops at Wisconsin Place -
This open air shopping center features a variety of retailers and restaurants, including national brands such as Bloomingdale's, Anthropologie, Sephora, and White House Black Market. Open Mon.-Sat., 10am-8pm; Sun., 12pm-7pm. www.shopswisconsinplace.com
The United States Capitol Building -
Constructed in 1793, the historic Capitol Building is the seat of American government. Home to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the building features a visitor center, exhibits and original artwork. Visitors can enjoy a free, guided tour with advanced reservations at the visitor center. www.visitthecapitol.govHillwood Estate, Museum & Garden -
Founded by Post cereal heir, Marjorie Merriweather Post, this unique museum features an impressive collection of Russian imperial art, Fabergé eggs, porcelain, religious icons, tapestries, and more, all surrounded by formal estate gardens. Open Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm, from February through December. www.hillwoodmuseum.orgVerizon Center -
Home to the Washington Wizards basketball team, the Washington Capitals ice hockey team, the WNBA Washington Mystics basketball team, and the Georgetown University men's basketball team this 20,000-seat sports arena offers state-of-the-art facilities for sporting events, live concerts, religious events, and large-scale presentations. www.verizoncenter.comWashington National Cathedral -
This Episcopal Church was constructed in 1907, and features stunning neo-Gothic design with unique architectural details, such as pointed arches, flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, and vaulted ceilings. The cathedral hosts a variety of events, including daily religious services, live concerts, musical events and art exhibits. www.nationalcathedral.orgWalter E. Washington Convention Center -
With more than two million square feet of convention and meeting space, this large event facility hosts a range of major events, tradeshows and conventions, throughout the year. www.dcconvention.comWhite House -
Home to the President of the United States, the historic White House is an iconic mansion featuring six levels housing the executive residence, government offices and operations facilities. Visitors can tour the White House with advance tickets from their member of Congress or the Senate. International visitors must contact their embassy for tour information. www.whitehouse.gov
The Washington Monument -
As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Washington, D.C., the Washington Monument was erected in 1884 in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The Washington Monument is open to visitors daily from 9am-5pm, with extended summer hours. www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htmEast Potomac Golf Course -
This historic national golf course features a 9-hole course, an 18-hole course and a miniature golf course situated overlooking the Potomac River. The public course also features a pro shop, practice holes, a driving range, and a snack bar. www.golfdc.com
