Unlocking Washington DC: An Insider’s Ultimate Bucket List
Welcome to Washington, DC, my home town, capital of the US, and sadly, one of the more ignored cities in the nation. Often casted aside for being boring in favor of larger cities like Los Angeles or New York, Washington, DC has so many treasures that would take people weeks to explore. Here is a sampler platter of different activities to try out during your next visit in Washington DC. If you are a new transplant in the city, welcome, and enjoy the insider’s ultimate bucket list for Washington, DC!
A) Top Smithsonian Pics:
(1) Natural History Museum
Enter the museum that I basically grew up in, and, like all Smithsonian museums, it is completely free. While they haven’t updated their exhibits since I was a child (read: many years ago), it is still a wonderful museum that I get a kick out of today. Most well-known for the Hope Diamond exhibit, don’t forget to check out the dinosaurs, animals organized by continent, and oceans.
(2) Air and Space Museum
Recently renovated, the Air and Space Museum is a decades-old classic with a new face lift. Ogle at aircrafts, spacecrafts, and all the wonders of air and space technology. It’s a top fan favorite alongside the Natural History Museum. Your inner child will thank you later.
(3) American History Museum
My grandma was a tour guide at the American History Museum, so I may be a bit biased, but this museum is a fantastic sampler platter of American history exhibits. It’s big and deeply overwhelming, so definitely don’t try to see every exhibit. Instead, pick some favorites like the Star-Spangled Banner, the Hall of Transportation, or the Americans at War.
(4) National Zoo
A free zoo! And a panda zoo! Not only is the National Zoo completely free to enter as part of the Smithsonian Institute, but it is also one of three zoos in the United States that has pandas (but I bet Atlanta and Memphis charge for entry). A very well kempt zoo, the National Zoo has curated trails, animal ecosystem zones, and can take hours to explore if you love it as much as I do.
B) Top Museum and Monument Pics:
(5) Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial: a hard-to-miss memorial and a popular site for high school prom pics. Take the walk from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Washington Monument to pass the stunning reflecting pool, World War II Memorial, and to fully immerse yourself in the National Mall.
(6) Washington Monument
You’ve made it to the Washington Monument, the heart of the National Mall! While some consider making the trip up the hollow obelisk as a necessary experience, I have actually never even been to the top, so I can’t vouch for that, but it could be your bucket list for Washington, DC.
(7) White House
Needing little introduction, the White House is one of the United States’ most recognizable buildings. For an unforgettable experience, residents of US states can call their representative to schedule a tour. International folks are encouraged to reach out to their embassy or consulate in DC to apply for a tour. It is the home of the president and the executive branch of the US government.
(8) Holocaust Memorial Museum
One of the most moving museums in DC, the Holocaust Museum tells a gut-wrenching but deeply important story. While not part of the Smithsonian and therefore requiring purchased tickets, it is an experience that all should have to learn a lot more about the Holocaust.
(9) Capitol
Yet another DC landmark that needs no introduction, the US Capitol is the seat of the US Congress with the Senate and the House of Representative in separate wings. Though no longer the geographic center of DC, it separates the city into the four quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE) that we still use today. Marvel at the building from its gardens or schedule a tour to explore its many chambers. This is home of the legislative branch of the US government.
(10) Library of Congress
Welcome to one of the largest libraries in the world. As the name greatly suggests, the Library of Congress serves as the library of the U.S. Congress and also the famous backdrop for a National Treasure scene. Marvel at the architecture, the large reading room, and the copious amounts of marble. Don’t forget to pretend like you’re making plans to steal the Declaration of Independence (located in the US Archives).
(11) Supreme Court
Another incredibly important building for US politics, the Supreme Court Building deserves a walk-by to check out its beautiful marble columns. While often the site of very controversial rulings (some good, some bad), the Supreme Court stands as the judicial branch of the US government.
(12) Tidal Basin
Everyone is probably on the edge of their seat waiting for a mention of the cherry blossoms. While I discourage anyone from booking a trip only to see these trees, if you happen to be there during the spring (and are okay with a bit of rain destroying these flowers), then the tidal basin area is the place to be! Work your way down to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial for the best conglomeration of these gorgeous living gifts from Japan.
(13) Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A little-visited memorial, Thomas Jefferson is tucked away on a peninsula, offering elegant views of the Tidal Basin. Take a walk around this memorial for a break from the crowds and some serenity.
(14) National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is a beautiful neo-gothic cathedral of the Episcopal Church. It sits on picturesque gardens and is impressive to marvel at, especially at night. And yes, the rumors are true. You can spot a Darth Vader gargoyle up on the northwest tower, although you will need a hefty pair of binoculars to spot him.
(15) International Spy Museum
While it your visit to the Spy Museum could be your biggest ticket price, it is a well worthwhile visit. Once sitting in a overrun building too small for the size of the exhibits, the International Spy Museum has now moved to a multi-story complex in L’Enfant Plaza and has grown into a truly mouth-opening immersive experience. A fun activity to add to your bucket list for Washington, DC.
(16) Arlington Cemetery
You probably remember Arlington Cemetery from your school trip to DC in 8th grade. While you may have thought it was boring in middle school, take some time to return as an adult and pay tribute to the brave men and women who are buried there. The countless rows of white gravestones will truly take your breath away.
C) Top Neighborhood Pics:
(17) Georgetown
Debatably one of the most famous neighborhoods in DC, Georgetown earns its good reputation for a reason. It’s the home of Georgetown University, a beautiful waterfront park, colonial architecture, a lively shopping street, and countless restaurants. This was the most popular hang-out spot for my friends and me throughout middle and high school due to the plentiful activities and wonderful ambiance.
(18) The Wharf
Newly renovated and fresh, The Wharf is one of DC’s latest neighborhoods, having been completely re-made into a walkable waterfront. Enjoy concerts at The Anthem, oysters at their plethora of restaurants, or enjoy the all-time classic Municipal Fish Market. A new addition to any bucket list for Washington, DC.
(19) 14th Street
Growing up, 14th Street was the no-go neighborhood (street?), but over the years, new renovations have taken over completely. It is now a hip and trendy gathering spot for young adults to indulge in the restaurant and bar scene. A trip to DC is incomplete without at least one meal along 14th Street to take a break from all the museums and government talk.
(20) Union Market
Union Market is a vibrant culinary destination for a diverse array of food vendors. The bustling atmosphere, patio seating, and specialty shops attract both visitors and locals alike.
D) Parks, Nature, and the Outdoors:
(21) Gravelly Point
Talk about a underrated but fantastic spot. Yes, technically Gravelly Point is in Virginia, but it’s right across the river so you won’t even realize you’re in another state. Sprawl out on the grass with a picnic, throw a frisbee around, or just look up at the planes right above you. Gravelly Point is a park located next to Ronald Reagan National Airport, and the feeling like you can almost touch the planes passing above you is hard to ignore.
(22) Bike to Mount Vernon
Here’s a DC (Virginia technically) activity I hear nobody talk about. Mount Vernon is a stately landmark and former plantation belonging to George Washington and Martha. This estate sits on the bank of the Potomac River in Virginia, further South from DC. The bike ride there is one of the most relaxing and picturesque rides you can take, with specific bike paths and a mainly-forested trip. Bike from downtown DC for a longer 20-mile ride, or rent bikes in Alexandria, VA, to cut this trip down to 10 miles one-way.
(23) Rock Creek Park
There’s no need to go far to find nature in Washington DC. Rock Creek Park sits in the heart of the city and offers a good retreat from bustling downtown. Enjoy the winding trails, picnic spots, awesome wildlife, and try not to get lost in the nature that is over twice as large as Central Park in New York.
(24) Nationals Game
Located in Southeast DC, Nationals Park is home to DC’s Major League Baseball team, the aptly named Washington Nationals. Catch a game in this comfortable stadium and explore Navy Yard, a recently developed neighborhood offering new craft breweries to seasoned Nats fans and visitors alike.
(25) Hanes Point
Last, but not least, Hanes Point is a scenic peninsula offering stunning views of the Potomac River. For more time in the outdoors, spend time walking, biking, or picnicking on this underrated land.
I hope you enjoyed this bucket list for Washington, DC and have fun during your next trip! Happy sampling!
Check out other North American guides here.