Creating Really Awesome Free Trips: Washington DC Area

Creating Really Awesome Free Trips is back, and it will happen most Thursday’s from now until the end of August. Hopefully, you will find a few fun, free family friendly things to do in a city near you! Or use these lists to plan an unforgettable road trip the whole fam can enjoy!

Hi there! I’m Shannah from Just Us Four. I am really excited to be a part of Jamie’s Creating Really Awesome Free Trips series! I know she visited Washington DC back in January (Here is the post) but there are a TON more things to do here and in nearby, surrounding cities just across the river. Around here, Northern Virginia, Washington DC and parts of Maryland are really all viewed as one place because they are so close and pretty easy to travel between. I’ve got a great list of things for you to do next time you are here visiting (or if you already live here).

In Washington, DC proper…

1) Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

This isn’t one of the most popular monuments in the city and it is a litter further away but it is one of my absolute favorites. It has the most beautiful waterfalls. When you go, be sure to take a picture with Fala, Roosevelt’s dog! You are free to visit the memorial 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information visit the National Park Service.

2) U.S. National Arboretum

You seriously have to take in the beauty of this place! The plants and flowers are simply amazing! They have a new National Herb Garden which is my favorite. For more information, check out the U.S. National Arboretum.

3) Eastern Market

Eastern Market is a historic craft, art and food market. It had a terrible fire a few years back but has re-opened and is as popular as ever. The market has happened every Sunday for 29 years. It is filled with anything you can imagine from pet supplies to rugs to jewelry!

4) Union Station

Sure, it may be a train station but it is also home to some of the most unique architecture. Oh, not to mention great shopping and restaurants too. A bonus: a stellar view of the Capitol Building!

5) Georgetown

A visit to Georgetown is an absolute must when visiting DC. It is filled with tons of shopping and restaurants. Walking through the streets, you can admire all of the row houses. Want some history while you’re there? Try the Old Stone House which is the oldest standing building in DC. Oh, and of course, Georgetown is home to the famous Georgetown Cupcake!

Across the River in Northern VA…

1) Arlington Cemetery

Just over the bridge in Virginia is Arlington Cemetery. Visit here to see the Changing of the Guards and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

2) Iwo Jima

A stone’s throw from Arlington Cemetery is the Iwo Jima memorial. It is an amazing monument to see!

[source]

3) Old Towne Alexandria

Old Towne has streets filled with quaint shops, lots of history, and a view of the water. Sit on a bench and admire the water while listening to street performers or walk through the streets and see some of the historic buildings.

[source]

4) Udvar-Hazy Center

Now home to the Shuttle Discovery, the Udvar-Hazy center is an annex to the Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Note: They do charge you to park but it is free if you get dropped off.} See an extensive collection of planes and information on aircraft including the newest addition: the Shuttle Discovery!

5) W&OD Trail

Like to bike or hike? This 45 mile paved trail runs from rural{ish} Northern Virginia all the way to close-in Arlington, VA. Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint villages filled with lots of history and cute stores.