Exploring Washington, DC doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. While exploring Washington, DC, I discovered trips filled with iconic monuments, free museums, and scenic green spaces—each one offering an inspiring blend of history, culture, and budget-friendly adventure in the nation’s capital. "These activities in Washington, DC let you soak up history, art, and green spaces while keeping your wallet happy."
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique Affordable Activities in Washington, DC:
1. The Smithsonian Institution
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
If you're planning a trip to D.C., don’t skip the Smithsonian Institution. It’s a one-stop wonderland of art, history, science, and culture—all free to explore!Recommended For:
Families, museum lovers, history buffs, science fans, and anyone exploring Washington, D.C. on a budget.What I Love: ♥
Free admission to world-class museums, an unbeatable variety of exhibits, and the beautiful setting along the National Mall.- Discover over 154 million artifacts spanning art, science, technology, and culture across 11 museums and galleries.
- Explore visitor favorites like the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum.
- Visit other gems including the American Art Museum and Postal Museum.
- Enjoy free entry every day of the year (except Christmas Day)—a budget traveler’s dream!
- Experience beyond the Mall with six additional locations, including the National Zoo in Woodley Park.
Address:
Smithsonian Institution, 600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DCPhone: 202-633-1000
2. Arlington National Cemetery
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Location:
Arlington, VAHighlights:
If you're near D.C. and want a meaningful, reflective experience, don’t miss Arlington National Cemetery. It’s a profound place of remembrance and history, with incredible views and stories that stay with you.Recommended For:
History lovers, military families, students, and anyone seeking a powerful and respectful visit near Washington, D.C.What I Love: ♥
The sense of honor and national pride, the eternal flame at JFK’s gravesite, and the peaceful setting with panoramic views of the capital.- Honor American military service at this 624-acre cemetery that dates back to the Civil War.
- Visit the final resting place of President John F. Kennedy, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and thousands of veterans.
- Reflect on the legacy of over 3,800 enslaved Africans and other national figures buried on site.
- Explore at your own pace with self-guided tours available year-round.
- Discover the wider historic district including Arlington House and the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Address:
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211Phone: 877-907-8585
3. The United States National Arboretum
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Need a break from the monuments? The United States National Arboretum is a peaceful, scenic escape just 10 minutes from Capitol Hill—with gardens, bonsai trees, and plenty of space to wander.Recommended For:
Garden lovers, photographers, families, and anyone seeking a relaxing outdoor experience near the city.What I Love: ♥
Free admission, blooming azaleas in spring, the iconic Capitol Columns, and the stunning National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.- Stroll through 446 acres of landscaped grounds featuring ornamental plants, meadows, and wooded collections.
- Marvel at the National Capitol Columns—22 Corinthian-style pillars relocated from the U.S. Capitol's old East Portico.
- Visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and admire miniature trees with centuries of history and artistry.
- Explore for free daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, except on Christmas Day.
- Catch the vibrant spring bloom, especially the beloved azalea collections.
Address:
3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002Phone: 202-245-2726
4. White House Tours
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
If you're visiting D.C., a White House Tour is an unforgettable chance to step inside the nation’s most iconic home. It's a rare peek into the history, art, and architecture of the U.S. presidency.Recommended For:
First-time D.C. visitors, history buffs, families, students, and anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at American government.What I Love: ♥
The chance to walk through rooms like the State Dining Room and Rose Garden, and the educational exhibits at the White House Visitor Center.- Tour the East Wing of the White House, including the China Room, State Dining Room, and Rose Garden.
- Admire the White House’s historic architecture and art collections from its early 1800s roots.
- Request access well in advance through your local Congressional representative—government-issued ID or passports required.
- Visit during Tuesday–Thursday mornings or Friday–Saturday mornings and afternoons, depending on availability.
- Explore more afterward at the White House Visitor Center, with interactive exhibits and real artifacts.
Address:
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500Phone: 202-456-7041
Romantic Affordable Activities in Washington, DC:
5. The United States Botanic Garden
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Want a peaceful, plant-filled break right by the Capitol? The United States Botanic Garden is a free, year-round oasis filled with tropical blooms, desert landscapes, and garden inspiration.Recommended For:
Plant lovers, families, photographers, urban explorers, and anyone seeking a relaxing green space near the National Mall.What I Love: ♥
Free entry every day, the lush conservatory, rare orchids, seasonal exhibits, and the hidden charm of Bartholdi Park.- Explore one of North America's oldest botanic gardens, established in 1820 near the U.S. Capitol.
- Wander through the conservatory with exotic plants from tropical, subtropical, and arid regions.
- Visit the National Garden with its rose garden, butterfly garden, and First Ladies' Water Garden.
- Relax in Bartholdi Park, a quiet corner with classical sculpture and seasonal flowers.
- Enjoy thematic summer exhibitions and free daily access during daylight hours.
Address:
100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024Phone: 202-225-8333
6. Meridian Hill Park
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Looking for a chill green space with a creative vibe? Meridian Hill Park offers peaceful gardens, historic architecture, and the city’s longest cascading fountain—plus a legendary Sunday drum circle.Recommended For:
Locals and travelers alike, history buffs, artists, music lovers, and anyone craving serenity in the city.What I Love: ♥
The neoclassical design, iconic Joan of Arc statue, free public access, and the spontaneous rhythm of weekend drum circles.- Stroll through a National Historic Landmark once home to President John Quincy Adams in the early 1800s.
- Admire North America's longest cascading fountain, stretching through 13 stone basins in a terraced layout.
- Relax in formal gardens lined with patterned walkways and shaded benches.
- Visit the striking Joan of Arc statue—the only equestrian statue of a woman in D.C.
- Experience the vibrant Sunday drum circle, a beloved weekly tradition since the 1950s.
- Enjoy free entry every day during daylight hours.
Address:
16th St NW & W St NW, Washington, DC 20009Phone: 202-895-6000
7. Rock Creek Park
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Need to escape the buzz of D.C. without leaving the city? Rock Creek Park is a sprawling urban forest full of trails, nature, and fresh air—perfect for a hike, picnic, or peaceful reset.Recommended For:
Hikers, families, nature lovers, cyclists, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking green space in the city.What I Love: ♥
Historic roots, over 30 miles of trails, ranger-led programs, and hidden gems like the Carter Barron Amphitheatre and planetarium.- Explore one of the oldest national parks, established in 1890, now spanning 1,754 acres in D.C.’s Northwest quadrant.
- Discover more than 30 miles of hiking trails, ideal for walking, biking, or horseback riding.
- Play at the 18-hole golf course, year-round tennis center, and kid-friendly playgrounds.
- Enjoy outdoor concerts at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre or relax by the boating center and picnic areas.
- Learn with ranger-led nature walks, planetarium shows, and seasonal school tours at the nature center.
Address:
5200 Glover Rd, NW, Washington, DC 20015Phone: 202-895-6000
Family-friendly Affordable Activities in Washington, DC:
8. The National Zoo
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Traveling with kids or just love animals? The National Zoo is a free, world-class wildlife experience in the heart of D.C.—perfect for a fun, educational, and unforgettable day out.Recommended For:
Families, animal lovers, photographers, school groups, and visitors of all ages looking for an exciting outdoor activity.What I Love: ♥
Free admission year-round, interactive animal experiences, the charming Woodley Park setting, and festive events like ZooLights.- Meet over 2,700 animals representing nearly 400 species, from giant pandas and Sumatran tigers to golden frogs and elephants.
- Enjoy daily animal encounters, sloth bear feedings, and elephant training sessions for a behind-the-scenes look at zoo life.
- Ride the free shuttle to navigate the grounds, or refuel at multiple cafes and eateries with kid- and allergy-friendly options.
- Visit any day of the year—except Christmas—for a full day of discovery and fun.
- Celebrate the holidays at the magical ZooLights event, lighting up November and December evenings.
Address:
3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008Phone: 202-633-4888
9. The National Archives Museum
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
If you want to see the original Declaration of Independence with your own eyes, this is the place. The National Archives Museum brings history to life with priceless founding documents displayed just steps from the National Mall.Recommended For:
History lovers, students, families, educators, and anyone exploring America’s founding in a meaningful and authentic way.What I Love: ♥
The incredible access to foundational documents, the quiet reverence of the Rotunda, and the museum’s free admission every day.- View the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights in the museum’s centerpiece Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom.
- Explore other pivotal documents like the Emancipation Proclamation, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, and the Articles of Confederation.
- See the rare 1297 Magna Carta, one of the few surviving originals issued by King Edward I.
- Visit daily between 10:00am and 5:30pm (closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas). Last entry is at 5:00pm.
- Note: Photography is not allowed inside to protect the documents.
Address:
700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408Phone: 866-272-6272
10. The National Gallery of Art
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Location:
Washington, D.C.Highlights:
Love art? The National Gallery of Art is a treasure trove of masterpieces—from da Vinci to Degas—right on the National Mall, and it’s completely free to explore.Recommended For:
Art lovers, culture seekers, students, families, and visitors who enjoy stunning visual storytelling indoors and out.What I Love: ♥
Leonardo da Vinci’s only painting in the U.S., world-famous artists, the peaceful outdoor sculpture garden, and the fact that admission is always free.- Browse an exceptional collection of Western art spanning from the Middle Ages to today.
- See Ginevra de' Benci, the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the United States.
- Admire works by El Greco, Rembrandt, Rodin, Degas, and many more.
- Wander the 6.1-acre outdoor sculpture garden, ideal for a tranquil break in nature surrounded by creativity.
- Enjoy free admission daily, perfect for budget-conscious travelers or spontaneous cultural adventures.
Address:
Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565Phone: 202-737-4215
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
Are there free attractions in Washington, DC?
- Yes, Washington, DC offers a wide variety of free or low-cost attractions that are open daily to visitors.
-
Which Smithsonian museums and sites are free to visit?
-
There are 11 museums and sites throughout the city that are open
to the public for free as part of the Smithsonian Institution, including:
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Zoo
-
There are 11 museums and sites throughout the city that are open
to the public for free as part of the Smithsonian Institution, including:
-
Can visitors tour government buildings in Washington, DC?
- Yes, all three branches of the United States government offer public tours of their historic buildings.
- There is also limited free-admission courtroom seating available for visitors to watch history in the making as Supreme Court cases are decided.
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What special event should visitors check out in the spring?
- Visitors should check out the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, a stunning springtime event celebrating the beauty of cherry blossoms in the city.
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