FREE Things To do When Visiting in Washington DC [WASHINGTON DC TRAVEL SERIES]

There are many reasons to visit and explore Washington DC. FREE activities available in Washington DC for tourists and locals are one major reason why Washington DC is a popular destination.

There are many free things to do that I can’t name them all here on this MoVernie BLOG. However, during my Press Trip covering the World Culture Diversity Festival (free event) in Washington DC, I managed to find some free time to explore what this city has to offer.

Below is a list of FREE things that I visited and experienced during my visit in Washington DC and I hope they become your travel inspirations when you visit Washington DC in the near future.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON DC:

United States Capitol – FREE

The United States Capitol, aka “The Capitol” is the legislative branch of the federal government. It is located on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, DC.

United States Capitol (The Capitol) – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: Washington, DC 20004, United States
Construction started: September 18, 1793
Opened: November 17, 1800
Phone: +1 202-226-8000
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z3fxyr5b2CUUuMxE7

National Mall – FREE

The long, grassy National Mall is home to iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Located at the eastern end is the U.S. Capitol. The White House is located to the north. It’s also surrounded by many museums and art galleries. Along the way there are lawns and pathways that people can sit and appreciate the outdoor activities. I got to experience this first hand during the outdoor World Culture Diversity Day (WCF) this past September-October 2023.

National Mall – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: Washington, DC, United States
Phone: +1 202-426-6841
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJKZ9gFh335bx5CA9

National Gallery of Art – FREE

National Gallery of Art – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States
Founded: March 24, 1937, Washington, D.C., United States
Phone: +1 202-737-4215
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b4eYvBrjSoUbNuK57

National Museum of African American History and Culture – FREE

National Museum of African American History and Culture focuses on collections related to the African-American history, art, music and sports.

National Museum of African American History and Culture – Washington, DC, USA
Website:
Located in: National Mall
Address: 1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Opened: September 24, 2016
Phone: +1 844-750-3012
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PbLjqqPnH44c5DdU8

Smithsonian National Zoological Park – FREE

Smithsonian National Zoological Park (aka Smithsonian Zoo) – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States
Opened: 1889
Phone: +1 202-633-4888
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RmMzef34uwvahHiB8

The White House – FREE

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the president of the United States. Standing outside the fences and looking at the White House is adequate for a photo opportunity in my opinion.

The White House – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500, United States
Opened: November 1, 1800
Phone: +1 202-456-1111
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hi3TpQUHp3vXRqFA7

National Portrait Gallery – FREE

National Portrait Gallery – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Founded: 1962
Phone: +1 202-633-8300
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kH3DCQzymjqjdnpN6

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – FREE

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides for the documentation, study, and interpretation of Holocaust history.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Address: 100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States
Founded: 1980, Washington, D.C., United States
Phone: +1 202-488-0400
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2wQ9oBTL6aUXavAg6

National Museum Asian Art – FREE

National Museum Asian Art – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Located in: National Mall
Address: 1100 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20004, United States
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/miRVKEjUX2sQPUZg7

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art – FREE

Smithsonian National Museum of African Art – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Located in: Enid A. Haupt Garden
Address: 950 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Founded: 1964
Phone: +1 202-633-4600
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ridCPREmjTbFucEv9

Smithsonian Castle – FREE

The Smithsonian Institution Building, aka the Smithsonian Castle functions is a building on the National Mall serving as the Smithsonian Institution’s administrative offices and information center. During my Press Trip to cover the World Culture Festival, this building was closed. But I really like this building coz it has an unique architecture and outer colour bricks.

Smithsonian Castle – Washington, DC, USA
Website
Located in: Smithsonian Institution
Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
Opened: 1855
Phone: +1 202-633-1000
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KJzL5Qg1nW8j9P1r5

Want to learn more about Washington DC? How about things to do, the festivals and special events happening each month in 2024? Click here to the official tourism site of Washington DC to find out more.