Top 50 Best Things to Do in District of Columbia
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in District of Columbia

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • United States Capitoltop_1
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.6
    Washington D.C..Northeast2.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° view of Washington
    󰀆Neoclassical architecture, 200+ years
    󱨠Saved by 130 users󱨠120 positive reviews
  • The White Housetop_2
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.5
    Washington D.C..The Mall962m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWhite House Tree Lighting and Pageant of Peace | Dec 3, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
    Highlights:
    󰋄White House & gardens view
    󱨜Iconic building for presidents' work & residence
    󱨠Saved by 168 users󱨠275 positive reviews
  • Washington Monumenttop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.3
    Washington D.C..The Mall1.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Panoramic Washington view at 555ft
    󰋄169-foot marble Washington monument
    󱨠Saved by 122 users󱨠282 positive reviews
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
    4
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.0
    Washington D.C..The Mall2.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Free aerospace exhibition visit
    Apollo 11 & aerospace treasures
    󱨠Saved by 119 users󱨠217 positive reviews
  • National Mall
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.0
    Washington D.C.2.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in District of Columbia
    Highlights:
    󱨜Camping by the spaceship overnight
    󱓊360° view of National Mall
    󱨠34% positive reviews
  • Lincoln Memorial
    6
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.5
    Washington D.C.2.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆Lincoln statue & reflective lake
    󰋄Greek temple honors President Lincoln
    󱨠Saved by 117 users󱨠158 positive reviews
  • Capitol Hill
    7
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.5
    Washington D.C..Capitol Hill3.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in District of Columbia
    Highlights:
    󰋄Free Capitol tour: 35-minute explanation
    󰀆Symbol of American democracy
    󱨠26% positive reviews
  • Library of Congress
    8
    4.9/5
    󰺂6.3
    Washington D.C..Capitol Hill3.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Renaissance-style interior & sculptures
    󰋄Over 170 million historical artifacts
    󱨠30% positive reviews
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    9
    4.7/5
    󰺂5.7
    Washington D.C..The Mall1.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in District of Columbia
    Highlights:
    IMAX theater shows space exploration
    󱨜Washington's iconic castle-style landmark
    󱨠Saved by 104 users󱨠176 positive reviews
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial
    10
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.7
    Washington D.C.2.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Admire ancient Roman domed architecture at the Tidal Basin
    󱨜Visit the landmark Thomas Jefferson Memorial
    󱨠27% positive reviews

Best things to do in District of Columbia (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in District of Columbia? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, District of Columbia offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in District of Columbia

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full District of Columbia experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

United States Capitol

• Washington D.C..Northeast | 2.8 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Washington,Neoclassical architecture, 200+ years

The White House

• Washington D.C..The Mall | 962m from downtown

• : White House & gardens view,Iconic building for presidents' work & residence

Washington Monument

• Washington D.C..The Mall | 1.8 km from downtown

• : Panoramic Washington view at 555ft,169-foot marble Washington monument

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near District of Columbia

If you want to explore attractions just outside District of Columbia, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of District of Columbia, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in District of Columbia special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in District of Columbia

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in District of Columbia

Ready to explore the best of District of Columbia? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in District of Columbia?
These are all Best Things to Do in District of Columbia:United States Capitol, The White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, National Mall
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in District of Columbia?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in District of Columbia include:United States Capitol:4.6, The White House:4.5, Washington Monument:4.5, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum:4.6, National Mall:4.6
At what locations in District of Columbia can Best Things to Do in District of Columbia be found?
The Best Things to Do in District of Columbia are mainly located in:United States Capitol:Washington D.C., The White House:Washington D.C., Washington Monument:Washington D.C., Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum:Washington D.C., National Mall:Washington D.C.
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