With it being Labor Day weekend, I thought it would be fitting to explore my top recommendations for visiting our nation’s capital, Washington DC.
DC is a great place to visit for a long weekend and even the perfect family-friendly trip. One of my favorite parts about DC is how much there is to do for FREE! From museums to national monuments, there is plenty to see and do on a budget.
Here are my top must-sees and must-dos when visiting Washington, DC!
Arlington National Cemetery
This was my favorite part of our DC trip. There is so much history and many rituals that take place here. While we visited in early December, they had a wreath laying ceremony, which was a really special tradition to be a part of. Every visitor was able to lay a wreath on a tomb of someone who fought for our country.
The Tomb of the Unknown Solider is another must-see at Arlington. Be sure to check the times for the changing of the guard ceremony. It is an historic and well-respected tradition, and a really cool thing to witness.
You will also need to checkout the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy during your visit.
National Zoo
This zoo, always free of charge, is home to many different animal species and, mostly famously, home to a few giant pandas and their new cub – just born this summer.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
This is the world’s most popular natural history museum. Spanning 15 football fields, you will find a variety of different types of exhibits display different areas of our current and historic natural world. Admission here is free.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Located at the National Mall, you can see real life exhibits and learn about the history of air and space travel. Admission here is free.
Newseum (New Home Coming Soon)
This is my favorite museum in DC. This is an interactive showcase of the evolution of communication and how that ties into the First Amendment of the United States’ Constitution. Here, you will walk through a real life history book as you relive historic moments in our country’s history through newspapers and television reports. A must-do when visiting the Newseum is the 9/11 display. It is truly powerful. Tickets are $22 per person.
Sadly, the Newseum was closed to the public on Dec. 31, 2019, but they still host traveling exhibits around the globe, and they hope to find a new home for the Newseum in the future.
National Mall and Memorial Park
The National Mall is home to the most iconic landmarks in DC. Strolling along the Mall, you can visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial, just to name a few.
The National Archives
The Rotunda of the National Archives Building displays the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.
Georgetown
If you need a break from all the history, be sure to visit the charming neighborhood of Georgetown. Here, you will find upscale boutiques and some of the best dining in town.
The US Capital Building
Besides the White House, the Capital building is one of the most iconic buildings in our country, home to both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Visitors are permitted inside, and if Congress is in session, visitors are permitted to watch from the gallery.
The White House
Of course, you can’t visit DC without seeing the home of the President, and one of the most symbolic buildings in our country. If you plan ahead and contact your local congressional representative, you may even be able to snag a priceless tour of the first family’s house.