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A view of the Washington Monument and the Tidal Basin awash in morning light.
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Your DC Bucket List

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There are just some things you NEED to do in the nation’s capital.

You don’t have to experience these in any order, but you do have to experience them all. Each activity illustrates how There’s Only One DC and many can be enjoyed for free.


What’d we leave out? Does your DC Bucket List differ? Follow us on Instagram & TikTok and let us know your favorite activities in the District.

01

See the Charters of Freedom: the U.S. Bill of Rights, the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Visitors explore the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom at the National Archives in Washington, DC, surrounded by murals and historical displays.


Plan a visit to the free National Archives Building.

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02

View the Star-Spangled Banner.

National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History


Experience the National Museum of American History for free.

03

Tour the expansive National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A museum-goer peers into glass cases with information on the slave trade in the U.S.


Timed passes are required for this incredible museum.

04

See a show in DC.


Historic theaters include The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Ford’s Theatre.

05

Experience two museums and a beautiful courtyard, all in one building.

A woman gazes at a stylized portrait of Michelle Obama at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.


The Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery reside in the same building. After you tour both, hang out and have a bite to eat and some refreshments at the Kogod Courtyard.

06

Explore DC's distinct neighborhoods.

Person walking through Georgetown during Fall season


They're all worth exploring. Popular gathering spots include Georgetown, Southwest & The Wharf, Dupont Circle and U Street.

07

Visit the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.

NGA Ice Skating


The amazing museum's outdoor abode hosts ice skating in the winter and free live jazz music in the summer.

08

Dine at one (or many) of DC’s award-winning or high-value restaurants.

A diner lifts the lid of a bamboo steamer to reveal siu mai dumplings at China Chilcano.

© Rey Lopez


The city's dining scene is filled with can't-miss spots that include restaurants shrouded in accolades and others that provide outstanding value.

09

Enjoy a Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park during their 20th anniversary season.


Before you go, read up on the team's history, reasons to attend a game and food and drink options at Nationals Park.

10

Plan a spring trip and feast your eyes upon the wonder of the cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin.

A view of the Tidal Basin during peak bloom, with people walking along the path and the Jefferson Memorial in the background.


Plan a spring trip during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

11

Walk, run, bike or hike through the 1,754-acre Rock Creek Park.

Two people walk on an empty road through the bright green trees of Rock Creek Park.


The incredible park is one of many awesome outdoor spots in the District.

12

Attend a concert at a legendary DC venue like 9:30 Club.


There are also lots of other awesome music venues across DC.

13

Stay at a historic hotel in the heart of the city.

The exterior of the historic Jefferson Hotel on a sunny day with flags, trees and parked cars out front.

The Jefferson


DC offers numerous famous hotels with unique stories.

Next, visit can't miss museums, monuments and memorials on the National Mall.

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