- Our list of the best things to do in Washington, D.C., features the top 626 nearby activities — including 221 great attractions with user approval ratings of 90% or more!
- Washington, DC has a variety of great sights and experiences nearby. Top categories include: Outdoor Places, Sights & Landmarks, Entertainment & Shows, and Museums & Galleries.
- The results below include the top 34 things to do within the city of Washington, DC , followed by 591 popular activities in nearby cities, including Arlington, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Alexandria, Bowie, Sterling, Fairfax, Laurel, Reston, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Woodbridge, Chantilly, Potomac, Columbia, McLean, Annandale, Springfield, College Park, Fort Washington, Herndon, Falls Church, Oxon Hill, Greenbelt, Lorton, Waldorf, Centreville, Germantown, Ashburn, Odenton, Olney, Crofton, Clinton, Severn, Hanover, Manassas, Mount Vernon, Elkridge, Wheaton, Glen Echo, Burke, Savage, Annapolis, Davidsonville, Brandywine, Baltimore, Edgewater, Ellicott City and Sandy Spring
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            Two-hour cruises in a pirate-themed party yacht coast along the Potomac River while music plays and drinks flow        
    
    
        1.2 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    83%
                4188 votes
                            
			
            
                
                Constitution Ave. NW, Between 12th and 14th Street Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20560
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            Displaying highlights of American history from the Revolutionary War to present day, National Museum of American History has a large amount of artifacts to explore in their collection. The museum holds the original American flag, 'Start Spangled Banner', on display.        
    
    
        2.9 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            Located in Southeast Washington is the popular National Park. Home to MLB baseball, the park redefines modern sports facility architecture and offers beautiful views of the surrounding city.        
    
    
        1.5 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    79%
                675 votes
                            
			
            
                
                Independence Ave. SW, Smithsonian Institutions, Washington, DC 20560
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            The Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden is an art museum featuring several permanent and temporary art exhibits. The sculpture garden houses over twenty unique sculptures. The museum also hosts various educational programs and offers guided tours on request.        
    
    
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            Specializing in walking tours, On Board Tours DC leads visitors to the Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol Building, World War II Memorial, and other sites. One the DC It All Tour, visitors can enjoy a yacht ride down the Potomac River.        
    
    
        1.8 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    79%
                2882 votes
                            
			
            
                
                3000 Block of Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20008
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            The National Zoological Park is a zoo containing 4,000 animals and 500 different species that offers three different guided tours and a separate elephant-themed tour. There are several dining options throughout the zoo.        
    
    
        1.1 Miles 
    
    
        
        
            The National Museum of Crime & Punishment covers the country's incarceration system, offering interactive learning experiences on topics like the judicial system and consequences of crime. The museum also offers forensic science workshops for guests who wish to learn about CSI techniques.        
    
    
        1.9 Miles 
    
    
        
            
        
                                    80%
                515 votes
                            
			
            
                
                3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
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            Located in the heart of the nation's capital, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park features multiple animal habitats ranging from domestic to rare and exotic species from around the world. The zoo is open daily and has free admission.        
    
    
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                                    88%
                24 votes
                            
			
            
                
                Washington, DC 
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            The Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture is an art museum that features both portraits and folk art works. The location contains a gift shop for those who are seeking a souvenir.        
    
    
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            The Christian Heurich House Museum is dedicated to the city's most successful brewer. The location hosts public events in its gardens and private tours for groups of ten or more.        
    
    
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            International Spy Museum is devoted to both true and fictional espionage, and accordingly visitors can see exhibits relating to real life spies as well as James Bond. Both children and adults can enjoy the many interactive exhibits.