Appreciate Art And Landscape At Glenstone
PotomacGlenstone is technically around a 40-minute drive outside of the city, but its a quick and scenic trip that delivers you to nearly 300 acres of beautiful landscape, sculpture, and other art. A privately-owned gallery, Glenstone is always free but a reservation is necessary and slots can book up well in advance. After arriving there, youll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the citysurrounded by nature and in an artsy world of your own.
Check Out A Free Show On The Millennium Stage At Kennedy Center Free
The Kennedy Center is gorgeous, and going to a performance there is definitely something incredible, but it can be so expensive! But, did you know there are free performances literally every night there? Its amazing! Go for a free show.
Here is a list of the upcoming free shows. They happen every night!
Dc Improv Comedy Club
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This subterranean comedy club has an awesome atmosphere that you wont find anywhere else in Washington, DC.
As you might expect from an underground building, it features a lot of dark walls and dimly-lit alcoves, but it gets filled with so much laughter that it never feels gloomy.
Instead, theres a warm, almost cozy atmosphere as the comedians take the stage.
Theyre close enough to reach out and touch.
As a member of the audience, youll be able to eat and drink while they perform, so everything has a very casual feeling.
Shows are hosted every week.
Special events include classes in improv, sketch and stand-up comedy.
If youre traveling for work, you can even rent the venue for fun and unique team-building exercises.
Maybe youre spending time with colleagues.
Maybe you need a cool place for a date tonight.
No matter what the occasion, the DC Improv Comedy Club will be a side-splitting spot!
Address: 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
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Check Out Some Local Art At Blind Whino
Hidden away from all the tourists in the streets of Southwest DC is a formerly abandoned church that fell into a vat of neon pixie dust, and opened its doors to the art community.
Now known as Blind Whino, this construction has become an iconic part of DCs culture, hosting live talks and shows, and exhibits from local artists. Theres also work space for artists to come and learn from each other.
The place is also featured in a famous recent publication of obscure attractions.
For people who simply want to see local art, Blind Whinos rotating exhibit is open on Wednesday nights and weekends to the public. You can also check out their website for upcoming events.
Fireworks On The National Mall
You cant miss the fireworks on the 4th of July in Washington, DC! The National Park Service hosts the 4th of July fireworks celebration right on the National Mall . The fireworks go off along the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial You can sit anywhere along the National Mall and get a great view of the fireworks. If you are staying at a hotel in the DC area, ask if they have fireworks viewing from the rooftop!
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United States Botanic Garden
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With all of its vintage theaters and gleaming government buildings, you might not expect Washington, DC to have a lot of greenery.
However, the United States Botanic Garden would prove you wrong.
Its a natural oasis in the middle of an urban landscape, and its hands-down one of the best places to visit in the city.
Flowers bloom in every shape and shade that you can imagine.
Gardens are arranged by theme, so one might have rare and endangered species while another is focused on jungle, desert or tropical plants.
Theres a canopy for looking at the trees and flowers from a top view.
There are trails and courtyards if you want to walk, talk, sit or just breathe deeply among the orchids.
You dont have to be a botanist to appreciate a large and impressive house of botany.
If you want to escape the high-rise buildings of Washington, DC for awhile, stop by the tranquil spring that is the United States Botanic Garden.
Address: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
Fourth Of July Parade
Kicking off at 11:45 a.m. is the annual National Independence Day Parade, with participants marching up Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets. Performers include bands from across the country, drum corps, military and special units, and floats. Make sure you show up along the parade route a few hours before start time to get a good spot.
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National Gallery Of Art
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Hailed as the nations museum, the National Gallery of Art is considered one of the best in the United States, and its located right in the heart of Washington, DC.
Its actually comprised of two buildings: East and West.
The East Building is made with pink marble and a sharp, almost geometric flair that includes things like open rooftop terraces and sky-lit atrium galleries.
The interiors are just as impressive as the exteriors.
Dozens of art collections include paintings, portraits, sculptures and busts from all around the world.
The works of many famous artists can be found here.
A trip to the National Gallery of Art is one of the top things to do in Washington, DC.
Not only will you be stunned by the scale and scope of its exhibitions, but youll also be moved by the immerse amount of meaning that the gallery holds for the United States of America.
Address: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States
Learn About History Through Art
The National Gallery of Art is one of the largest museums in North America. This stately gallery houses numerous collections that span different centuries and time periods. It also contains an attached sculpture garden.
Here, you can find the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the US and admire famous paintings from Gilbert Stuart to Vincent Van Gogh.
A well-organized building with several levels of gorgeous artwork!
- Entrance: Free
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Admire The Cherry Blossoms Around The Tidal Basin
In early April, one of DCs most iconic sights is the cherry blossoms, whose pastel pink blossoms can be found across the city. However, the most famous place to view these gorgeous blooms in at the Tidal Basin.
Grab a jacket and take a walk, admiring how the pink colors reflect off the water. Or, if youre feeling ambitious, enter the lottery for the Cherry Blossoms 10 miler and go for a run through these beautiful, flowered streets. This is an excellent complement to a museum day in late March/early April.
Visit An Island In Dc
Theodore Roosevelt Island is a beautiful small island located in the Potomac River. It spans 88 acres and is both an island and a national memorial dedicated to the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
Its great for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of DC. Youll find various walking and hiking trails and plenty of wildlife waiting for you. You can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore it!
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is located in Rock Creek Park and is open year round. Summers can be hot and crowded, which is why I love to visit in the spring and fall. Even a winter stroll is fun when you get to hang our with pandas and elephants.
The Zoo stretches across 163 acres and has mall sorts of animals you will want to meet. Buffalo, red pandas, snakes, spiders, flamingos and even catfish and cows are ready and waiting to meet you.
There is a historic carousel for kids to ride, and plenty of learning stations to get to know the animals better.
One fun event they offer is the Snore and Roar, an over night camping adventure at the zoo. At the Snore and Roar you get to pitch a tent and sleep on the lawn while listening to the lions roar and even get a behind the scenes look at the animals.
You do need tickets for this special event, so stalk the National Zoo website for dates and details.
Discover Yayoi Kusama At The Hirshhorn All Summer Long
The Hirshhorn has been collecting the prolific work of Yayoi Kusama since 1996. The museums 2017 survey of her work traveled to five North American art museums, introducing Kusamas spellbinding visions to record audiences. Now through Nov. 27, the Hirshhorn display five of Kusamas works from the museums permanent collection, including two of the artists transcendent Infinity Mirror Rooms. One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama in the Hirshhorn Collection is a tribute to the life and practice of the visionary artist. Free timed passes are required.
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The National Museum of American History is located on Constitution Avenue NW and runs along the National Mall. Through research, in-depth exhibits, extensive collections and public outreach, the museum presents Americas history in all of its complexity. The museum’s collection features more than three million artifacts, from Dorothys ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz to sheet music written by DC legend Duke Ellington.
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Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Concert
Fairfax County Park Authoritys Summer Entertainment Series is back and the Silver Tones are honored to be a part of the 2022 lineup! These are free performances and movies. This performance will be held outdoors, so pack a picnic basket, umbrella, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of music with the Silver Tones.
Washington Nationals Game Or Ballpark Tour
Summer is the perfect time of year for baseball! The weather is sunny and the games are a great way to spend a long, lazy afternoon with a few beers and a hotdog or two. Visit Nats Park for a chance to see one of Major League Baseball’s newer stadiums . If you don’t have time for a game, consider a tour of the park. It’s got a lot of cool areas to explore, and your tour will take you behind the scenes. It’s perfect for sports lovers! Getting In:Washington Nationals Ballpark Tour tickets are available as an option with the Go Washington DC pass game tickets are separately priced and are not included with the pass.
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Sit Back At A Locally
DCs coffee scene is fabulous, and this is coming from someone who spends a LOT of time in coffee shops working onahemthis site. You can head to a city favorite like Compass, Peregrine, or La Colombe, or go to a one-off tea shop like Calabash in Shaw.
If you dont want to decide between your coffee brews and your cocktails, check out Tryst in Adams Morgan, which serves coffee, tea, AND cocktails behind their bar. Why choose if you can have both?
See A Performance At A Legendary Landmark
Paul Sableman
The Howard Theater first opened its doors in 1910 and was originally built for performers of color during American segregation. Many music legends have performed here, including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday.
The venue has since then been renovated and returned to its old school state, with sweeping balcony seating and amazing acoustics.
Today, its a jewel of the citys nighttime entertainment scene. Swing by and enjoy a magical evening seeing a top-notch performance.
- Entrance: varies by show
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Hit Up Jazz In The Garden
In the summer, the National Gallery of Arts sculpture garden opens its gates for live jazz music and pitchers of sangria.
On Fridays from June to August, you can see DCs young professionals flocking there in high numbers to lay down picnic blankets and snack on wine and cheese, catching up about their busy weeks and enjoying the sometimes quaint, but always quality jazz music that fills the air.
When I first moved to DC, this was one of the first events I ever went to! Its so fun to sit back and unwind with friends amidst the towering sculptures in the garden.
If you are looking for a fun non touristy thing to do in Washington, DC in the summer, this is one of the most fun.
Discover Free And Affordable Summer Fun In Washington Dc From Memorial Day Weekend Through Labor Day
As you plan your family trip to DC, were here to remind you of all the free things to do this summer in the District. From July 4th fireworks and holiday concerts to special events like the Memorial Day parade, summer in Washington, DC makes for an unforgettable time, and it doesnt have to hurt your wallet. Here are some of our favorite free summer activities and events in the nations capital.
And if you’re looking for even more budget-friendly summer fun, you can save big on popular paid attractions with Washington, DCs best city and attraction passes. Discover discounted sightseeing tours, museum passes and so much more.
Its not summertime in the District without an epic Independence Day celebration featuring fireworks soaring over the iconic National Mall. After the music of A Capitol Fourth concludes, the night sky lights up with a colorful display that you will never forget. We’ve compiled a list of the best spots to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in Washington, DC.
If you think DCs National Mall is stunning during the day, youre in for a treat when you explore its monuments and memorials on a summer night for the first time. The Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and World War II Memorial are all stunning in moonlight, as is the . Picturesque moments await, which you should tag with #MyDCcool.
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Learn About The First Amendment And Freedom Of Speech
Newseum is a museum in DC dedicated to the history of journalism. Its an interactive space that addresses free expression and documents the history of news reporting from the 16th century to the modern-day.
Trace the development of communication, explore the FBIs role in fighting terrorism, and see the first pamphlet printing of the United States Constitution!
The seven-level museum also features fifteen theatres and fifteen galleries. Make sure to check out the balcony area, as its one of the best viewpoints over the Capitol.
- Entrance: not available
The International Spy Museum is one of the most unique places to visit in Washington DC!
It houses the most comprehensive collection of international espionage artifacts displayed anywhere in the world. Check out some real spy gear, like an original spy-car used in a James Bond movie, and a letter from George Washington addressing his spy network!
Visitors will learn about the vital role spy intelligence has played in the past, as well as the contemporary role of espionage. Youll also be able to test your spy skills through state-of-the-art, hands-on exhibits.
- Entrance: $16-25
National Museum Of Natural History
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The National Museum of Natural History is another place that youve probably seen in a lot of movies, but were here to tell you that reality is even better than fiction.
Its amazing collections have to be seen to be believed!
The first thing that youll notice is a gigantic elephant roaring at the center of a large, open-air rotunda.
From there, you can choose a direction and explore art galleries, fossil halls, meteorite collections, butterfly gardens and more.
Theres a Hall of Bones. Theres an Insect Zoo. The Hope Diamond is here.
Whether youre into astronomy, oceanography, paleontology, meteorology or any other type of natural history, you can probably find some kind of display for it.
Run by the Smithsonian Institution, the National Museum of Natural History lives up to its reputation and then some.
Its one of those rare places to visit that manages to combine education and entertainment, so even as youre having fun, youll be trying new things and learning new facts.
Address: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States
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Top 6 Museums In Washington Dc
All museums listed below are FREE.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
- This museum is incredibly moving, it is not uncommon for people to leave in tears. Its a tribute to the struggle and courage of African America life in the United States.
- Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required during peak times and seasons when visitation is high. Passes may be reserved up to 3 months in advance.
- To make your visit as easy as possible, I suggest making reservations here and avoiding the ticket/line headache altogether.
National Museum of Natural History
- This is the worlds most famous natural history museum. It is dedicated to the natural world and our place in it. A great place for adults and families with children alike!
- Open Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm.
National Gallery of Art
- This museum displays one of the largest collections of paintings from around the world. From drawings and sculptures to photographs and decorative arts, they have everything covered.
- Open 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Open Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
National Portrait Gallery
- See every official presidential portrait since George Washington this is the nations only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House.
- Open Monday through Sunday from 11:30am to 7pm.
United States Botanic Garden
National Museum of American History
Where to Eat in Washington DC
