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Things to do in Washington, DC

The US capital offers up plenty of famed monuments and museums for your touring pleasure.

Our most recommended things to do in Washington, DC

Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey

1. Washington DC:Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey

Cruise on the Potomac River and see the sights of Washington DC from a luxury boat, The Odyssey. Get a keepsake photo taken by the ship's photographer, then embark on an elegant dining cruise along the Washington DC shoreline. After being seated at your private table, enjoy a brunch or 3-course dinner, with meals prepared fresh daily by your onboard executive chef. Menu items are subject to change. After your meal, relax on any of the 3 climate-controlled decks as you watch the monuments glide by. Sample Brunch MenuEarly Riser:Breakfast pastries Scottish smoked salmonScrambled eggsBreakfast meats Breakfast potatoes French toast Late Risers:Caesar salad Greek salad Sun-dried tomato pasta saladBaked orecchiette pastaBirria-style chicken Chesapeake Bay rockfish Hand-carved tri-tip steak Kid's station Dessert: Individual dessertsIn-season fruit Sample Dinner Menu Starters (choice of one): Caesar salad Lobster soup Main Course (choice of one): Jumbo forest mushroom ravioli Oven-roasted frenched chicken breast with rosemary and thyme Broiled salmon filet Braised beef short rib Pan-seared fresh Pacific cod Desserts (choice of one): New York-style cheesecake Triple chocolate mud pie Duo of sorbet Freshly cut fruit Odyssey signature warm butter cake

Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

2. Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour

See the most popular monuments of the U. S. capital illuminated at night on a guided trolley tour. The route follows streets that have been traveled by presidents and makes three stops for you to get off the trolley and explore the memorials on your own and take photos. Enjoy entertaining commentary from a professional tour guide who will entertain you with stories about the Capitol’s colorful past. The three stops on the tour are: 1. The Martin Luther King Memorial & the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 2. The Iwo Jima Memorial (aka US Marine Corps War Memorial) 3. The Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Besides stops at the major memorials, you will also get spectacular views of the Washington Memorial the White House, the National Mall, the Capitol Buildings, the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums and Castle, the FBI & Dept of Justice Buildings, and the World War II Memorial.

Washington DC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

3. Washington DC: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

Visit iconic and historic landmarks in Washington, DC, and enjoy sweeping views from open-top buses. Take advantage of the freedom to explore and hop on and hop off at any stop on two routes around the city. First, ride the city loop, which stops at historic sites, monuments, and landmarks including the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol, Jefferson Memorial, National Cathedral, and Arlington Cemetery. Then, enjoy unlimited access to the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, and a bike rental offer. Upgrade to the 48-hour Premium or the 72-hour Deluxe ticket for more flexibility to explore at your leisure. Finally, hop off the bus and try biking around the sites for a more intimate look at Washington. Take advantage of 1 hour of free rental with the purchase of an hour, giving you the time to cycle at your own pace before heading home.

Washington, DC: ARTECHOUSE Immersive Art Experience Ticket

4. Washington, DC: ARTECHOUSE Immersive Art Experience Ticket

Explore ARTECHOUSE DC in Washington, DC with an entry ticket and discover multi-sensory digital art. Immerse yourself in the enchanting exhibits with large-scale installations and choose to indulge with a cocktail at the XR Bar. Make your way to ARTECHOUSE DC, located just off the National Mall and nearby Smithsonian museums. Enter the nation's first multi-sensory innovative art destination with exhibitions that intersect art, science, and technology. Admire large-scale installations and witness creative innovation without limits in unique art spaces designed for curiosity seekers of all ages. Take a break and talk about the art on display at the ARTECHOUSE Extended Reality Bar inside the exhibit space. Choose from a list of exclusive cocktails inspired by the art and brought to life by extended reality. Download the ARTECHOUSE XR App to enrich your experience while exploring the digital playgrounds. Staff is on-hand to explain the uses of the app during your visit. PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies (March 11 – June 11, 2023): Discover an all-new visual narrative takes visitors through a virtual world of cherry blossoms to experience the ephemeral beauty of butterflies. Enjoy a joyous audio-visual story that pays tribute to nature’s exuberance and the arrival of spring. Explore the various layers of a butterfly's life cycle and its relationship to the environment through a series of interactive installations.

Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

5. Washington DC: Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit

See the sights of Washington DC from onboard the Spirit of Washington with a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac River. Enjoy a buffet dining experience as you sail, and delight in panoramic views. Board your vessel and receive a personal greeting. Have your photo taken by the ship's photographer to capture the memory before being seated at your private table. Once there, gorge on your lunch or dinner buffet consisting of creative entrees prepared fresh daily and listen to the onboard music. After your meal, visit any of the three climate-controlled decks as you glide by the sights. LUNCH/DINNER BUFFET SAMPLE MENU SALADS FIELD GREEN SALAD (G*)(VG)Tomatoes | Cucumbers | Carrots | Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Dressing KALE QUINOA SALAD (G*)(VG)(V)Quinoa | Roasted Red Pepper | Spinach | Lemon Oregano Vinaigrette GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD (V)Sweet Peas | White Beans | Scallions MAIN HONEY SESAME CHICKEN (G*)Scallions | Fresno Chillies OVEN ROASTED WHITEFISH (G*)Spicy Tomato | White Bean Ragu BAKED ZITI PASTA (V)Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach Cream Sauce ROOT VEGETABLE FRICASSEE (G*)(VG)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Broccoli | Grape Tomatoes | Gremolata | Cauliflower Coconut Cream Sauce COMPLEMENTSROASTED BROCCOLI (G*)(VG)(V)Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes GARLIC MASHED POTATOES (G*)(V)Idaho Potatoes | Roasted Garlic DESSERTSIGNATURE DESSERT STATION (V)Cakes | Brownies | Seasonal Fruit | *May Contain Nuts *Menus subject to change

National Harbor: Capital Wheel Entry Ticket

6. National Harbor: Capital Wheel Entry Ticket

The Capital Wheel is located just minutes from downtown Washington DC, at the National Harbor. Relax inside a fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondola with family and friends as you soar 180-feet above the Potomac River. With each gradual rotation, experience a bird’s eye view of the Washington Monument, Capitol Rotunda, Masonic Temple of Alexandria, and much more. Every spin offers a unique way to take in the sights. Admire a breathtaking sunset or capture a photo in front of the dancing light show that illuminates The Capital Wheel every evening. The National Harbor is the perfect one-stop destination offering great restaurants, shops, hotels, and outdoor fun. You can enjoy a drink from the Flight Deck located directly under The Capital Wheel while you unwind by the water’s edge.

Washington, DC: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour

7. Washington, DC: Capitol Hill and Library of Congress Tour

Immerse yourself in the sights of Washington, DC on a guided walking tour. Enjoy entry tickets to the Library of Congress and Capitol Building. View the Supreme Court building and walk on Capitol Hill and learn about the country's legislative and judicial branches. Begin your tour at the top of "the Hill" and hear fascinating anecdotes and facts about the country's legal system. Originally named Jenkins Hill, find out how this area quickly expanded to become the epicenter of American government and politics. Walk by the Supreme Court building, known as "The Marble Palace", and the surrounding Congressional office buildings. Tour inside the Library of Congress, the national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the country. Proceed to the Capitol Building to marvel at its neoclassical style and iconic architecture, while your guide details its rich history. Before concluding your tour, your guide will bring you into the US Capitol Visitor Center to arrange for your tour of the capitol.

Washington DC: Small-Group 3-Hour Night Tour

8. Washington DC: Small-Group 3-Hour Night Tour

Experience the history and culture of the nation’s capital on this comprehensive, 3-hour, small-group tour. You will travel in a comfortable vehicle, complete with phone chargers, umbrellas, and a flat-screen TV. This tour is lead by a Professional Guide. You will encounter such sites as the US Capitol building, the White House, the National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial & World War II Memorial. You will also drive past several Smithsonian Museums, the FBI Headquarters, the US Treasury, and much more.

Washington DC: Museum of the Bible General Admission

9. Washington DC: Museum of the Bible General Admission

Steps from the National Mall, the Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, and educational institution with the purpose to invite all people to engage with the Bible. Showcasing rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 3,500 years of history, the museum offers visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible, and its ongoing impact on the world. Admission includes access to 7 floors of informative and interactive displays and exhibits including a 12-minute film immersing viewers in the remarkable story of how the followers of Jesus grew into a thriving community and a 30-minute Hebrew Bible experience, where viewers encounter significant narratives including the stories of Noah's ark, the burning bush, and the Passover. This ticket allows you to explore the museum without the crowds with exclusive early access to the Museum from 9 AM, 1 hour before the Museum is open to the General Public at 10 AM (except on Sundays, when there is no Early Access). You also have the option to upgrade your ticket to include the 6-minute “Washington Revelations” Flight Simulator video. Take a dazzling, multi-sensory tour, "flying" past biblical references in and around Washington, D.C., from the Lincoln Memorial to the Library of Congress. Guests must be at least 42” in height to purchase this option.

Washington DC: Walking Tour and African American Museum

10. Washington DC: Walking Tour and African American Museum

Join a walking tour of Washington and see iconic monuments like Capitol One, Washington Monument, and more with a guide. Later, use your entry tickets to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture at your own pace. Meet your guide at the White House and begin your tour of Washington DC. From the outside, learn about the history of the White House and the people who inhabited it. Your local guide will share stories about America’s history and the influence of African Americans in DC. Next, see Capitol One, one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in the world. Hear about the neoclassical United States Capitol, which is home to the House of Representatives and Senate. Finally, your guide will take you to the Washington Monument. Made of white marble and 550 feet tall, the obelisk is an iconic Washington DC landmark. After the walking tour, use your reserved entry tickets to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Explore the museum on your own at your own pace.

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Frequently asked questions about Washington, DC

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The best day trips and excursions from Washington, DC are:

Mount Vernon, Virginia

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Other Sightseeing Options in Washington, DC

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What people are saying about Washington, DC

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 7,442 reviews

Enjoyed this with my tour guide Robert. He was very knowledgeable and fun and I leaned a lot from him

Harold was our guide. Great trip, je tools is a lot of tips about History. I recommend this

Nur was an excellent guide! Friendly, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable.

Great cruise with very professional and friendly staff

Nice bus friendly and very knowledgeable tour guide.