10 Free Things to do in Washington, DC

11 Free Things to do in Washington, DC

1. Smithsonian museums

2. National Zoo

3. Walking Tours of DC

There are 9 walking tours to choose from. Check the schedule because some happen daily while others happen weekly. Here is what the website says about the price, “This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone’s budget.”

4. See how money is made

You can literally watch millions of dollars being printed for free at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)! The ticket booth, located at Raoul Wallenburg Place (formerly 15th Street, SW), opens at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and closes when all tickets have been distributed for the day. Be sure to check the website for peak times and seasons.

5. Play in the field at the Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is closed until spring 2019 to modernize the elevator. When it opens back up you can throw a frisbee, throw a football, have a picnic, fly a kite, or take silly pictures in the field.

6. The White House

The White House is walking distance to the Washington Monument and National Mall. Be sure to check out the front and the back side of the White House. If you want to see the inside, you have to request a tour through a member of congress and all tours are free of charge. See the details here. This is actually the back of the White House. (I feel like this is always the view on tv?)

7. Monuments & Memorials

There are 150+ monuments and memorials in Washington DC. Here are 6 don’t miss memorials.

1. Lincoln Memorial
2. Washinton Monument
3. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
4. MLK Memorial
5. Korean War Memorial
6. WWII Memorial

8. Cherry Bloom Festival

The National Cherry Blossom Festival happens every year to remember the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. Today the festival takes place over 4 weekends and welcomes more than 1.5 million people.

9. Visit the National Archives

The National Archives is open 7 days a week from 10- 5:30pm and admission is always free. You can view the original Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence in the National Archives.

10. Tour the U.S. Capitol

The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. To schedule a free tour, you need to create an account and reserve your spot online.

11. Old Post Office Clock Tower Tour

Don’t miss this amazing birds eye view of Washington DC from the 270 foot observation deck of the old post office clock tower. Built in 1989, the clock tower is 315 feet tall and has 360 degree views. The clock tower also houses the official United States Bells of Congress, a bicentennial gift from England celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War.


Have you been to DC? Did you know ALL of the Smithsonian museums are free! That was such an exciting surprise! Check out 50+ cities on the Creating Really Awesome Free trips series!