The capitol

My Top 5 Things to Do in Washington DC

There are so many things to see and do in Washington DC that it’s tough to narrow down the list to just five! If you’re visiting the nation’s capital or if you live in the area and need some suggestions for attractions to visit, check out these five amazing things to see and do in Washington DC.

1. The National Mall

The National Mall is not for shopping! You’ve probably seen pictures of the National Mall on Inauguration Day, and this beautiful area has been featured in films such as “Forrest Gump,” “No Way Out,” and the 2005 comedy “Wedding Crashers.” The Mall offers a beautiful reflecting pond as well as tributes to Lincoln, JFK, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the nation’s veterans. It’s a must-see for history buffs and patriots alike!

2. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The designers behind the wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wanted visitors to get up close and personal when visiting this attraction. The wall contains the names of over 53,000 dead and missing soldiers from this war, and standing in front of all those names is an experience you’ll never forget!

3. The Smithsonian National Zoo

The Smithsonian Zoo is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see giant pandas in person. The zoo is free and houses thousands of animals and a variety of species. I personally feel like I see something new every time I visit this zoo and I’m sure you’ll agree there’s always something fun here for everyone.

tiger in zoo

4. The International Spy Museum

I don’t know if I would describe this attraction as a museum as much as I would call it a fun place for grownups to act out their favorite spy fantasy! The museum has hundreds of artifacts and pieces used for espionage and many displays are interactive, sure to keep adults and kids busy and entertained for hours.

5. The Tidal Basin

Not all attractions in my beloved city are museums and memorials; some aren’t even indoors! When you want to enjoy fresh air and a beautiful view, visit the Tidal Basin, a reservoir with cherry trees that offer an amazing view when in bloom.

So there’s my top five things to do in Washington DC. I hope you enjoy these and be sure to visit my blog often as I’ll be adding even more stunning attractions you won’t want to miss in our nation’s capital.