2020-10-23 02:35:01
Washington, DC offers attractions and activities for every visitor, whether traveling on a budget or looking for added value. With unmatched access to incredible free museums, monuments, memorials and one-of-a-kind events, DC is in a class by itself. Discover your own free adventure in the nation’s capital. 1 EXPLORE THE FALL FOLIAGE IN ROCK CREEK PARK Explore one of the largest urban parks in the country, where 1,800 acres snake along a scenic creek with picnic spots, both paved and unpaved trails and plenty of towering trees. 2 SEE THE DC MONUMENTS BY NIGHT Whether you rent a bike or walk, the glowing tributes to Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, plus memorials to World War II and other major conflicts, may be most moving up close, and least crowded by moonlight. 3 MARVEL AT THE RENOVATED MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. LIBRARY This fall, Mies van der Rohe’s iconic 1972 downtown glass-and-steel masterpiece reopens after a $211 million renovation that includes a green roof, cafe and other enhancements. 4 VISIT THE DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER MEMORIAL This Frank Gehry-designed memorial to the nation’s 34th president and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II is a spectacular new addition to the National Mall. 5 TOUR THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN Pore over historical and cultural artifacts at the Smithsonian museum dedicated to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Seeing the museum’s jaw-dropping facade on the National Mall is worth the trip alone. 6 WANDER AROUND THE U.S. NATIONAL ARBORETUM The 446 rolling acres that are home to roughly 14,000 different species of plants make peeping fall foliage a colorful and vibrant experience. 7 DISCOVER SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL ZOO Explore the 163-acre zoological park known for its winding paths, giant pandas (and a cub!), a large elephant habitat and 390 species of animals. 8 HONOR VETERANS DAY Wreath layings take place across the region on Nov. 11 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and more, with many providing special tributes. 9 WITNESS THE WONDER OF CRAFT AT THE RENWICK GALLERY Located just steps from the White House, this marvel of modern architecture features a permanent collection of American craft works, as well as rotating exhibits that will dazzle you with their innovation and creativity. Expect to see pieces from the 19th century to the present at this Smithsonian museum. 10 SPOT MASTERPIECES AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART With two buildings (East and West), The National Gallery of Art features more than 150,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, decorative arts, prints and drawings that span the history of Western art. The gorgeous Sculpture Garden features an ice rink during the winter. For more free things to do, visit WASHINGTON.ORG/FREE
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