21 free things to do in Washington, DC: experience the best of the US capital for nothing
7 min read • May 12, 2022
Have a low-cost visit to Washington, DC, with these fantastic experiences that are completely free.
Travel Stories
Washington Dc
- Beauty beyond the Beltway: favorite day trips from Washington, DC
7 min read • Apr 26, 2022
From wineries to oysters to hikes in the mountains, the region around Washington, DC, has a day trip to suit every taste.
- For the 110th anniversary of DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival, in-person celebrations return
3 min read • Mar 17, 2022
Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival on its 110th anniversary.
- Celebrate women's history in Washington, DC at these historic sites
6 min read • Nov 4, 2021
Women's history is celebrated in DC with sites that honor female educators, artists and activists. Here's where to go.
- Washington DC's newest and coolest rooftop bars
5 min read • Oct 25, 2021
Expect sweeping views of the Washington Monument and even the White House from these rooftop bars in Washington, DC.
- The best times to visit DC might surprise you: a year-round guide to Washington, DC
4 min read • Sep 10, 2021
When do the cherry blossoms bloom? When's the best time to avoid the crowds in DC? Here's your guide to DC year-round.
- Top neighborhoods to explore in Washington, DC
7 min read • Apr 22, 2021
Seeing the White House and Capitol will thrill, but it's the cobblestoned neighborhoods and bohemian quarters that really make you fall for Washington, DC.
- The 14 best day trips & weekend getaways in the US Northeast
6 min read • Sep 24, 2020
Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an easy family vacation destination, escape to these top destinations in the Northeast.
- Shop for vintage treasures at these Washington DC consignment and thrift stores
4 min read • Dec 13, 2019
Washington DC has no shortage of sweet finds waiting to be uncovered at a plethora of vintage boutiques, consignment shops, and thrift stores. Here are our…
- Capital cuisine: best vegan restaurants in Washington, DC
4 min read • Oct 31, 2019
The District is full of plant-based food, if you know where to look. If you’re a meatless eater, you won’t want to miss these eight vegan restaurants in…
- Root for your team at these NFL bars
4 min read • Oct 10, 2019
Nothing like cheering for your favorite NFL team with a few friends. Here's a list of the top eight places to root for your favorite squad across the US.
- America’s 10 most breathtaking buildings
5 min read • Oct 1, 2019
Celebrate the top 10 most beautiful buildings in America's relatively young but impressive history, as voted by the American Institute of Architects.
- The best things to do in Howard County, Maryland
5 min read • Aug 2, 2019
In a region proudly possessing world-famous sites, Howard County, northwest of Washington DC near Baltimore, gets little play. But if you give it a chance…
- Audiobooks to narrate your US road trip
6 min read • Jun 27, 2019
In our opinion, the best way to truly see the United States is by car. There are so many wide open spaces here that you end up missing so much when you…
- Weekend in Washington, DC: a guide for a quick trip to the capital
8 min read • Jun 26, 2019
There’s so much capital, so little time…but with a weekend in Washington, DC, you can wander the National Mall, see the best museums and monuments, snap a…
- Offbeat DC: 20 unusual things to do in Washington DC
6 min read • Nov 3, 2018
Lincoln Memorial? Done. Smithsonian troves? Seen 'em. But have you popped your eyes on the giant hairball or hugged your state tree? Did you see Helen…
- Washington, DC with kids: what to eat, see & do
3 min read • Sep 25, 2018
Visiting DC with the kids? You’ve come to the right place! The US capital offer up valuable history lessons everywhere you look, plus plenty of hands-on…
- Undercover DC: secret spots in the nation's capital
6 min read • Aug 6, 2018
The US capital has plenty of big-time attractions that lure visitors from far and wide. But to get a glimpse of the real DC, seek out some of the many…
- Dine, shop, stroll: the best of DC's new District Wharf
5 min read • Jun 18, 2018
Washington DC’s District Wharf is the US capital’s latest foray into trendiness. This thriving, mile-long stretch of restaurants, bars, entertainment…
- Surprising statues to see in Washington, DC
6 min read • Apr 11, 2018
Washington, DC is best known for its monuments to the nation’s founders and forebears, those grand marble memorials along the National Mall. But there are…
- How to live like a Local in Washington, DC
5 min read • Feb 27, 2018
Lonely Planet Local Barbara Noe Kennedy has been living in Washington, DC, for more than 20 years. She’s watched the cityscape transform from a staid…
- Special teams: six American football experiences worth the trip
7 min read • Jan 28, 2018
All due respect to baseball's boys of summer, but football might just be America’s pastime. Whether it's a town turning out to support a high school or…