Satuday, October 7

Free Things to do in Washington, D.C.

Dec 07, 2023 By Juliana Daniel

Are you looking for something fun to do in Washington, D.C.? Then look no further! Although the nation’s capital is full of attractions requiring tickets, many activities and events are available at no cost.

From exploring nationally renowned monuments and memorials to enjoying outdoor performances and festivals, this post will cover all the best places for free entertainment in Washington, D.C. Keep reading to find out more!

Visit the Free Smithsonian Museums

One of the best free activities in Washington, D.C., is exploring the Smithsonian Museums. This collection of 19 museums, galleries, and a zoo is the world’s largest museum complex and research organization! Free admission is available for all these venues with no tickets required - simply explore to your heart's content!

You can learn about American history at the National Museum of American History; marvel at contemporary artworks at Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden; admire iconic works from the world’s greatest artists at The National Gallery of Art; or even get up close and personal with exotic animals at The National Zoological Park! The possibilities are endless for experiencing this amazing collection of cultural institutions.

Tour the White House Visitor Center and surrounding monuments.

The White House Visitor Center is a great free attraction in Washington, D.C., that offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history of the U.S. presidency and its iconic building – The White House.

You can view artifacts, photographs, and videos of presidential history inside the visitor center while exploring interactive exhibits such as "The President's Desk" and "Name That President." Free tickets are also available for guided tours of the White House itself, but these must be requested up to three months in advance!

In addition to the White House Visitor Center, many monuments surrounding it offer spectacular views of the cityscape. Free public entry is allowed at all times for these landmarks, including: The World War II Memorial,

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and much more! These monuments make amazing vantage points to appreciate Washington, D.C.'s vibrant architecture at no cost.

Take a free art tour of the National Mall.

Take a Free Art Tour of the National Mall: For art lovers visiting Washington D.C., one of the best ways to explore its cultural heritage for free is to take an art tour! While exploring this iconic area, you can find many public sculptures, murals, and monuments dedicated to famous figures from American history.

A great starting point would be The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial which features statues, fountains, and walls decorated with quotes from President Lincoln’s speeches.

Of course, there are many other works on display along the mall. Free guided tours highlighting these works can be found online or through local organizations such as Cultural Tourism DC or Free Tours by Foot.

These tours highlight monuments such as the Washington Monument and statues like Marian Koshland’s ‘Women in War,’ which was commissioned to commemorate World War II. Other notable works include The Vietnam Memorial Wall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Civil War Soldiers, Sailors Memorial, and many more! Appreciating these masterpieces is a great way to explore D.C.'s vibrant culture for free.

Enjoy the beautiful gardens at the U.S. National Arboretum

The U.S. National Arboretum is a sprawling 446-acre public garden featuring numerous gardens and collections of plants worldwide. Free admission is available for all visitors, allowing them to experience the beauty of this natural outdoor space without any cost!

You can stroll through themed gardens such as Cherry Blossom Viewing Hill, The National Capitol Columns Garden, or even explore an ancient forest grove called The Dove’s Nest! Free guided tours are also offered throughout the year, providing insight into the history and significance behind many of the conservatory's distinctive features.

At the U.S. National Arboretum, you can truly appreciate nature in all its beauty while learning something new at the same time. With no admission fee, it is an ideal place to spend a relaxing day in Washington, D.C., without breaking the bank!

Experience Black Lives Matter Plaza

Black Lives Matter Plaza is a public space in the heart of Washington, D.C., Free to the public, and this plaza serves as a powerful reminder of the fight for racial justice and an important symbol of hope for many.

The plaza features art installations such as murals and sculptures that depict figures from African American history and remind visitors that every life matters. Free interpretive tours are also available, providing insight into this space's importance and connection to current issues surrounding race and equality in America.

The Black Lives Matter Plaza is free to visit any time during the day or night, making it a great place to experience D.C.'s vibrant culture without any cost! Whether you’re looking to learn more about the fight for racial justice or simply appreciate powerful displays of art, this plaza is a must-see!

Endless Free Outdoor Performances and Events in D.C.

Washington, D.C.,fers plenty of free outdoor performances and events all year round that will keep you entertained. From live music shows to festivals and cultural performances – there’s something for everyone!

FAQs

Q: What free events and performances can I find in Washington, D.C.?

A: Free outdoor performances and events range from live music shows to festivals and cultural performances – there’s something for everyone!

Q: Are admission fees required for any of the attractions in D.C.?

A: No, all attractions featured in this post are completely free of charge! Enjoy exploring the city without breaking the bank!

Q: Are guided tours available at any of these attractions?

A: Many of these attractions offer free guided tours that provide insight into their unique features and history. Check online or with local organizations such as Cultural Tourism DC or Free Tours by Foot for more information.

Conclusion

Washington, D.C., is full of free attractions and activities perfect for anyone exploring the city without breaking the bank! From visiting nationally renowned monuments and memorials to enjoying outdoor performances and events, this post has covered all the best places for free entertainment in D.C. Hopefully, you’ve found some inspiration to start planning your next adventure – enjoy!

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