The city pulses with an intellectual energy, demanding you engage rather than just observe, whether in the quiet solemnity of the National Mall or the vibrant jazz clubs of Shaw. It is a place where power is performative yet deeply personal, inviting travelers to walk through the corridors of influence while finding unexpected warmth in its diverse neighborhoods and historic row houses.
Do Washington the way locals do: start slow at Great Falls Park, eat where the regulars do at Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, let the evening run long at Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC.
Top things to do in Washington
Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
National Mall
Washington Monument plus memorials to Lincoln, MLK, FDR, WWII & Vietnam vets along a grassy mall.
Check tours & tickets2
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
From dinosaur exhibits to displays of rare gems, this acclaimed museum celebrates the natural world.
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Lincoln Memorial
Parthenon-inspired tribute to Abraham Lincoln with a 19-ft. marble statue, murals & reflecting pool.
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Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Free museum telling the story of human flight via exhibits of many actual aircraft & spacecraft.
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Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum
Museum documenting the history of aviation & space exploration, with displays of vehicles & more.
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National Museum of African American History and Culture
Popular Smithsonian museum with unique exhibits on African American history, culture & community.
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Famous zoo housing more than 2,200 animals from around the world, plus free admission.
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Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Vast, venerable museum chronicling American history through displays such as Julia Child's kitchen.
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National Aquarium
Iconic landmark offering marine-life exhibits, a dolphin show, shark tank & walk-through rainforest.
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National Gallery of Art
Permanent collection holds American & European works in 2 buildings & a sculpture garden.
Check tours & ticketsWhere to eat
Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar
Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
Website12
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
Website13
Old Ebbitt Grill
Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.
Website14
Founding Farmers DC
Cooperative-grower-owned spot serving farm-to-table-themed American fare in rustic digs.
Website15
Pink Tiger on the Wharf
Website16
Unconventional Diner
Industrial-chic bistro and bar for upscale comfort fare, coffee, beer, wine, and cocktails.
Website17
The Hamilton
Hip American eatery with late hours, plus plenty of room in a live music space downstairs.
Website18
Zaytinya
Chef José Andrés' light, airy mainstay offers Eastern Mediterranean small plates & regional wines.
WebsiteHungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Washington
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Tours worth booking ahead
These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
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Boomerang Boat Tours
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Union Market
Warehouse-like food market with a host of artisans offering charcuterie, empanadas, gelato & more.
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Unlimited Biking
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USA Guided Tours
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DC by Foot
Check tours & ticketsGet outside
25
Great Falls Park
Boasting spectacular falls & rushing white water, this park offers picnic areas, trails & boating.
Website26
Sandy Point State Park
Local beach & picnic area offering views of the Sandy Point Shoal Light & the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
Website27
Rock Creek Park
Urban oasis with hiking trails, tennis & golf, plus ranger-led wildlife programs.
Website28
Meridian Hill Park
Leafy city park offering a cascading fountain, statues & a tradition of Sunday drum circles.
Website29
Prince William Forest Park
Sprawling natural terrain with miles of scenic walking & bike riding trails plus cabins for camping.
WebsiteAfter dark
30
Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley - DC
Website31
The Park at 14th
Lively nightclub & restaurant serves comfort food & drinks amongst contemporary decor & chandeliers.
Website32
Decades DC
Retro-themed, 3-story nightclub featuring '80s & '90s music amid throwback decor & artwork.
Website33
Off the Record
Subterranean-level bar in the Hay-Adams Hotel serving classic cocktails & upscale bar food.
WebsiteEverything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
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