Best Places To Visit In Summer In Washington Near Me

United States National Arboretum George Washington's Mount Vernon Rock Creek Park Tudor Place Lincoln Memorial United States Botanic Garden Smithsonian Castle Dumbarton Oaks Museum National Museum of the American Indian Washington Monument Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool International Spy Museum Smithsonian National Zoological Park Hirshhorn Museum National Mall Washington National Cathedral Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History National Building Museum National Museum of African American History and Culture

1. United States National Arboretum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 4825 reviews

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Address Website WhatsApp
United States National Arboretum: what do users think?

Eduardo Moser: We visited during cherry blossom days. They have a great variety of cherry trees and magnolias. It is a complement to know different cherry blossoms from those of the Tidal Basin. There is no proper public transportation, so the place is fairly free of tourists. We came to this place by car on the recommendation of a friend who lives in DC. The Bonsai collection is amazing. There is much to walk and explore. On a plain they have mounted the original columns of the Capitol. Bring some snacks and drinks, because there is no service in the place. Access and parking is free.

Da-Wang Wu: We came here in late April, and the Azalea blossoming was pretty amazing! Walking on the trail with the Azalea blossoming along the way was very nice. Parking inside the park can be tricky, so we parked in the lot right next to the entrance and walked 5-10 minutes to the main campus. Overall, it’s a beautiful place, and I would definitely come back.

CJ: Depending on when you visit the US National Arboretum, something different is peaking. In mid April, the fruit trees were just past peak, but the lilacs shrubs were close to full bloom. As I strolled thru the lilac grove, the soft lilac fragrance permeated the air. One of the US National Arboretum’s most prominent and a little puzzling landmarks is the old Corinthian National Capitol Columns residing on the Ellipse Meadow. The US National Arboretum was not the column’s intended home when they were quarried back in the early 1800s. Originally, the columns were built as a part of the east portico of the US Capitol Building now located about 3 miles away from the US National Arboretum. By the 1860s, when the dome of the Capitol was completed, the columns were deemed inadequate to support the new dome. It wouldn’t be until the mid 1980s before the columns would find their final home at the US National Arboretum. Twenty-two of the original 24 columns are on majestic display in Ellipse Meadow. During our trip to the US National Arboretum in mid April, the Azaleas were just starting to bud and bloom. So no good pictures this trip. Peak time for the Azalea garden at the arboretum is late April. I hear the Azaleas are a beautiful sight when the hillside is painted with splotches of different colors.

Karthikeyan Rajaram: Luck is when you run into a beautiful place like this without planning. Better luck is when you get into it in the company of a person who used to volunteer at this place. We didn’t really plan to be at the arboretum, considering that the Spring is still not Springy enough. We had seen enough of Cherry Blossoms in the Tidal basin area that we thought we could do something else. We just made it to this place on recommendation from one of our relatives, who also accompanied us. Since he was a volunteer here, he helped us navigate and gave us so much insights about the different kinds of plants, flowers, bonsais and the what the lovely people who work here, do. We drove around this place and still got to see more cherry blossoms, along with different other species of flora. The enchanting Bonsai museum is a must visit as it did take our breathes away. The old columns of the capitol and the grove of different state trees are some of the special features of this place. The flowers were not in full blossom and we definitely look forward to checking this place again in summer.

Logan Heilman: Visited for the Bonsai event they were having and had a blast. All the vendors were great and the museums bonsai and penjing exhibit was phenomenal. Will definitely be back.

Elisabeth “Beth” Ostrander: We only had about an hour and headed to the bonsai area. Wow! To see living gifts from Japan and China that were started and cared for since before the birth of our nation was truly outstanding. Befitting our National Arboretum! Will return to see more treasures!

2. George Washington's Mount Vernon - Mount Vernon

Verified

Verified

· 12290 reviews

3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA 22121

Address Website WhatsApp
George Washington's Mount Vernon: what do users think?

David Cardone: If you’re a history buff then this is a must. Great little tour of the interior of the mansion with other available tours to add on. They do offer a National Treasure tour that provides some interesting facts about the mansion and grounds in relation to the movie. This tour takes you into the basement of the mansion whereas the $2 mansion tour does not. Beautiful gift shops and there is food available. Good for kids. Check out the Inn next door to entrance for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Rodricka Elliott: Great for a nature walk. I did some birdwatching while there and enjoyed the scenery while there. A lot of open space to have a picnic after seeing the house and grounds. Overall, it’s a great day all day activity for the family. I did go during the day on a weekday so it was not too crowded.

Green Angel: Great services, very helpful staff, good for all ages. I learned that Washington real body was transferred to the new tomb. The tomb of George Washington on the right along with his wife Martha on the left and 25 other families members are entombed there. The gift shop is huge, they are two sides for shopping. One for decoration stuffs cost up to $2k+, another one for souvenirs gift. Spending about 3hours to walk around and learning history about Father of our country.

Darwin Parker: What a great place to visit! George Washington worked hard to serve and improve life. It was amazing to see where he lived, his tomb, and his legacy. Side note- my son passed out in front of the entrance and the staff was incredibly helpful and prompt to take care of him and get an ambulance to come check him out. The staff checked on him throughout the day multiple times to make sure he was okay.

Stephens Basement: I have always wanted to visit My. Vernon but for some reason never did till yesterday. I am so glad I did. It was a very well maintained national landmark. I did think the entrance fee was a little high but they provide a free audio self tour and the tour of the house is included in the price. The staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I have a habit of asking lots of questions and they had an answer every time. George Washington was an outstanding man and leader.

Diana Hidalgo Díaz: The location looks very well preserved and taken care of. The tour guide we had during the house tour was knowledgeable and friendly. The museum was remarkable too. The souvenir shop is big and has a wide variety of items to purchase. I had a very good experience overall!

Virginia VanKeulen: Went on a Tuesday in May. Several school groups but they were easy to avoid. Otherwise not very busy. Learned a lot about George Washington. Really enjoyed the enslaved people tour, the house tour, Martha Washington, the fifer and the beautiful flowers. Rangers were plentiful, helpful and informative. Definitely worth a visit.

3. Rock Creek Park - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 3304 reviews

5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008

Address Website WhatsApp
Rock Creek Park: what do users think?

Maame N: Great picnic areas. Spacious and clean spaces. Bathrooms were relatively clean for a park. No funky smell, well lit, and ac controlled. Kayaking, pedal boat, and row boat available on the lake. Playgrounds are really nice. Home/bike trail available too.

Esther Y: You can park anywhere with a picnic area. However, traffic can get pretty bad during the day. Lots of trees! There is also a biking path on the side :)

Rosie C: A great place to hike especially during the fall. There are different routes you can take all ranging in distance and intensity. Make sure you get back to your car before dark.

Jessica Long: Beautiful paved trails. Wooded trails that were by the creek. It wasn’t the clearest which direction to go to stay in the main wooded region because there weren’t easily accessible or visualized signs with route maps. But lots of ground to discover.

EDP: Love this park. I wish I had more time to discover more of the location. There’s one section closed off to traffic which made it much more enjoyable.

4. Tudor Place - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 384 reviews

1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Address Website WhatsApp
Tudor Place: what do users think?

Sara Ceresa: I was mostly interested in seeing the gardens, which didn’t disappoint. I also quite enjoyed the tour of the house including the historical context of the property’s ownership and recognition of the critical roles of slaves and caretakers in the history of the property.

pooria riahi: This is a very charming place hidden in Georgetown and visiting it is free. places in a cute neighborhood and its gardens could be a relaxing destination for an afternoon. However, I have to voice my concern on the state of the place and how badly it is being kept. In my mind, if they need money, it is ok to charge visitors but gardens are delicate things to maintain and need attention.

B Daisy: Gorgeous. We got to rest in the garden for half an hour before our tour of the house started, which was beautiful and so serene. The house itself comes with a great amount of history, and the people who work here really care about the story and try to provide you with as much information as they can, which was really inspiring to see. You could tell, just by looking at Francis (our amazing guide) and the rest of the staff, how significant the house and the narrative was to them. Their enthusiasm and dedication was beautiful, and the garden and the house itself was such a treat to see. Loved every minute of it.

Natalie Thomas: We did the elegant Victorian tea party and toured the Historic House. 👌🏽👌🏽

Michelle Mitton: A beautiful stop in our tour of Georgetown. The house was closed due to COVID but the gardens were worth the visit. We loved the neighborhood around the estate and the fountains and gardens are well kept and lovely. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Natalie Moore: I am a wedding photographer specializing in film photography. Myself and another photographer hosted our workshop, The Film Theory Workshop at the Tutor Place and it was the perfect place for our small get together! They were accommodating with helping us navigate the ins and outs of making our workshop come to life, and the backdrop was perfect for multiple shoot locations. The historic grounds in Washington, D.c. tell an incredible story and was the perfect fit for our workshop! Hope to shoot wedding there one day! ps. We were so excited when our workshop ended up going on to be featured in Style Me Pretty! Big thanks to Tudor Place! Images by Natalie Jayne Photography

Rachel McCoy: Beautiful in the spring time with the flowers in full bloom. Gardens can be visited for just $3. There are plenty of benches to sit and admire the view of this little idyll in the middle of Georgetown.

5. Lincoln Memorial - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 43231 reviews

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20002

Address Website WhatsApp
Lincoln Memorial: what do users think?

Lee Loo: Reality Vs. Expectations 😊 These pictures I posted are reality . The place is crowded with tourists or locals , just people all over the place . It was fun , a lot of walking going around all the tourists spots In Washington . Going to Lincoln Memorial is quite a challenge for your feet. Make sure you have a good pair of sneakers 😊 or rent a scooter or bicycle . It was fun going around on scooter . Just need your phone and credit card. Different scooter has different price. Goodluck 😊 Lincoln Memorial reminds me of the movie “ Night at the Museum” . Lots of tourist taking pictures . Nice to sit down after a long walk and pictures taken . Breathe in and breathe out and enjoy .

Nathan Santos: I flew to DC in November. We decided to visit the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. No regrets! The park is very historic with lots to see. The souvenir shop nearby is worth checking out. They have postcards and other gifts. It was checked off my bucket list.

Bethany Wang: Lovely monument and the memories of great history that happened here is amazing! It is well taken care of and honored. I recommend visiting If you are young, old, single, a couple, or a family. Beautiful place to just sit and relax.

Vishal Chaudhary: Good memorial. Well maintained. Washroom is also available here plus there are few fast food vendors also here. Do wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you will have to walk quite a lot to see everything around this place. Even white house is at a walking distance.

Shine Thomas: Great place to see, the statue is very huge in size and the over all memorial looks marvelous, with lot of historical value. You get a totally different vibe when you are here. One could seee the national monument war memorial Korean war memorial, Whitehouse etc around this park. Reflecting pool and jefferson memorial are few other major attractions around this place.and the good thing is all of these are located with in walkable distance. And could cover all these with less than half a day.

Kristen Alger: One of my favorite monuments! Including a few vintage family shots from the early 1920s along with recent views 2022. Standing the test of time...100 years!

6. United States Botanic Garden - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 11750 reviews

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001

Address Website WhatsApp
United States Botanic Garden: what do users think?

ThePinkfreak805: A really beautiful and enjoyable place! They’ve got some really awesome plant species here! The tropical room is especially great! Not only is it beautiful, but with the humidity you’ll really feel like you’re in the rainforest! Also very cool to see the endangered plants you aren’t likely to see anywhere else.

Alex Navarro: Always lovely. The inside and outside gardens are full of flowers. Great place to take kids. They even have a children’s garden where kids can plant something and water it. So cute! You can spend a lot of time here if you like, but you can also easily see everything in about an hour.

Richa Rashmi: This is such a delightful retreat for an afternoon lunch or just a date in the different ecotones of the world. You could walk into a completely tropical climate full of tropical trees that have terrace views, or walk into a desert of cactus. There’s a section on medicinal plants followed by rare and endangered species which is mind blowing. I absolutely loved my shortest trip to Hawaii and then to a garden of orchids and roses. Be sure to checkout the inner and outer gardens. There are interesting wall murals of tea from China and other such use. But the most amazing part was the TOILET. Yes, you heard it right. It’s full of ornamental plants that smells amazing and the sound of water and birds will make you feel you’re in the cleanest part of the world, unlike what public restrooms are known for.

Jeremy Andra: The botanical gardens are a beautiful hideaway from the normal everyday views of the world. An amazing display of some of the wonderful offerings this world has to offer in the way of beautiful plants and miscellaneous greenery. We were shocked to find there is no charge to see any of this and would highly suggest you stop in and check it out.

Hyo Jin Moon: Beautiful garden that is open to the public for free. There are spots where you can sit and enjoy the weather and also the indoor green house that has so much to see (and learn. Lots of educational components). I highly recommend visiting here with kids of all ages.

Ben Matthews: If you’ve spent the day walking up the mall and around the museums, then this is a fantastic place to unwind. The glasshouse is beautiful in its own right, and features plants from many different climates. And the outdoor gardens are equally lovely. Definitely worth a stop if you’re near the Capital Building.

7. Smithsonian Castle - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 796 reviews

1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
Smithsonian Castle: what do users think?

Madhu Kalepu: Great Place to spend few hours for relaxing views in the heart of DC! Stunning architecture. Entry is free, street parking is likely impossible to get. We have parked 0.6 miles away from this place! But the walking is worth it as you can explore DC.

DENISSE GOMEZ: Interesting building with lots of things to see inside and outside. Right now they have real-life size 3D printed sculptures of notorious women in different areas of expertise. Definitely worth a visit! Restrooms available (very clean)

Skhye Walden: Beautiful, educational and free! Great place to take the family. They had a gift shop and cafe area but they were closed around the time I went.

Josiah Keilson: Arguably one of the most beautiful buildings in DC. The gardens are great to explore and you can do a full walk through of the grounds pretty quickly (under 15 minutes). Beautiful all times of year, but spring and winter (especially after snow) is when I most recommend stopping by!

Tyler Harris: Struggling with rating this 4 or 5 stars (went with 5 so it helped the overall Smithsonian brand). Absolutely beautiful architecture and the grounds are phenomenal as well. They are especially nice in the cooling season of September. Only reason I was leaning towards a 4 is that everything inside the castle is either closed or a restaurant right now. There is a visitor center there but when I went in on a Sunday afternoon around 4pm there was nobody at the desk. So in 2021 if you are going for the grounds and the scenery, it is a must-see 👀...if you want see exhibits, hit up a different venue.

8. Dumbarton Oaks Museum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 463 reviews

1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Address Website WhatsApp
Dumbarton Oaks Museum: what do users think?

Traveling Terrezzas: This was my favorite place of all of Washington DC. You will never know this place existed as a tourist or to visit. I feel like it is a hidden gem. It is tucked away from the city center and all the monuments and memorials and within the estate, you are like it this beautiful enchanting garden with peace. The gardens are pretty big with so many different aspects to it from mossy stairs, and breathing green houses and vibrant flowers with rabbits scurrying away with fruit growing from the trees. I wanted to stay there forever. It was such a refreshing place to be. As of right now there is timed entry for the afternoon and it gets sold out so def buy your tickets in advance. The tickets are cheap.

Olga Crawford: Incredible place and collection. Stravinsky and Copland composed music for the place. It is a precious gem in the heart of Georgetown.

Chris Meyer: Historic garden in DC’s Georgetown, gifted to Harvard. Hills with various themed terrace gardens. Also a museum that is worth visiting. Some of the buildings additions architected by luminaries (i.e., Philip Johnson, Robert Venturi. Need online tickets in the age of COVID. Worth a visit, but need to be able to hike a bit to visit the gardens.

KAVEH JAHED: Well crafted museum and beautiful gardens. The front desk host, Page, was professional and informative. He made the experience first class

9. National Museum of the American Indian - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 7411 reviews

4th St SW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
National Museum of the American Indian: what do users think?

Cat Lady: The museum and its contents were well worth seeing. There are four floors of exhibits, a cafe (see my other review), a gift shop, and various education rooms. The accessibility leaves a bit to be desired. First, although there are some benches throughout the museum, there are not enough! I can’t say this enough, for anyone who has limited mobility, we need benches to be able to enjoy the exhibits. Also, the website does say there are complimentary wheelchairs on the first come first serve basis. I finally broke down and bought a scooter so I did not need that, but this museum is very large and if you struggle with mobility you will need it. That being said, the museum is so large it easily accommodated my scooter. I had no problem getting around and I was able to easily see the exhibits. The gift shop was ok. There was a lot of jewelry in it and a good selection of gifts. I thought it was very pricey and there was not a great selection of books. Finally, be prepared there is no parking at the museum. We lucked out and found street parking right out front. Also, when you enter you will need to go through a metal detector and they will search your bags. I have metal implants in my back so they had to use the wand to check me. They were all very nice. This museum is worth the trip!

Credible Critic: A very large museum, telling stories about the the indigenous people of North America. Its four floors with the open atrium at the center provides a grandeur for the museum, matching the beauty of the building from the outside. The exhibits tell the stories of many lives in the tribes, and what is the meaning of being Indians over many years in America.

Alexander Johnston: Great exhibits about the history and culture of the Indigenous peoples of North America, with a primary focus on their history from the 1600s to present day. Gift shop has plenty of accessories, clothing, literature and cultural items for purchase. Went on a Sunday, afternoon; not too crowded.

Amy Tucker: We thoroughly enjoyed every bit of this museum. Immediately when we walked in we were welcomed by a person at the information counter. He told us all about the exciting special exhibit we were going to get to view and where to look out for special details throughout. Around every corner was another fascinating, breath taking, confounding display. Do not miss this museum if you make it to DC. See our video of the museum on YouTube LINKINBIO

Vivian Pitts: A must see! Fun for children of all ages. Elevators available, so it was handicap accessible. We saw art and heard stories from various tribes. We went as a group and the kids loved it!

TimYeh: A must visit place! It is extremely sad to learn about the Act of Removal, trails of Tears and many other injustices that happened to the Americans!! At the end it teaches us a lot..!! The gift shop is full of art and wisdom..bought a book!! We have to learn so much from them! Disney has to be mindful of the words "savages" I found it very offensive while watching Pocahontas

10. Washington Monument - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 16888 reviews

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024

Address Website WhatsApp
Washington Monument: what do users think?

Erika Gardner: This monument is impressive and amazing to visit the grounds are really clean, a lot security around. Great place to walk around, ride a bike, relax, take pictures and/or have lunch from the food trucks. The structure is magnificent piece of Art, the monument is more beautiful in person, I definitely recommend it to anyone. The Washington Monument is an obelisk within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States (1789–1797).

Amol More: This Monument is way bigger in actual than expected. Amazing place to visit in DC and mark it in your wish list. I visited during Cherry Blossom 🌸 festival and enjoyed kite festival as well. Couldn’t go at the top as it needs to have tickets in advanced. This is located in between Capitol and Lincoln Memorial. Flags around the monument make it more beautiful. Just visit, enjoy and make memories.

Ryan: The day we went was a bit of a bad day, but I assume the view would be amazing on a better day. I’m glad they reopened the elevator to the top, because they have an interesting little museum up there too. It surprised me when I approached it in-person, it’s much bigger when you’re up close. I had previously only seen it from afar or online.

John Myers: Dude, so good! Been a long time since I went to the top. Well worth it. Kind of exciting. Get tix at recreation.gov. look at least a few days ahead. Right now only 6 tickets at a time. Great place to make memories.

Daniel Steiminger: Enjoy the view, enjoy the elevator ride down, and good luck in getting your tickets. Wait early in the morning at the Washington Monument Lodge and cross your fingers and your toes you get there early enough to get tickets. I recommend 6:30 am if you are getting same day tickets.

Kristen Alger: You need to get tickets online. When I went to DC they were not giving tickets out. You had to get them online and they were NOT available for that day. Meaning...if you want to go, get your tickets online and in advance. Since this is new (Covid), I went through security alone, went up the elevator with 5 people and we were the only ones at the top! Great views! Plan ahead and ENJOY!

Dragan Ange: Take the elevator up there to enjoy the beautiful view. There is some info about the Washington Monument: Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches. Construction of the Washington Monument began in 1848 with enslaved Africans as laborers, according to several sources. Construction stopped in 1854 due to lack of funds, and then resumed from 1877 until its completion in 1888.

Mendy Henderson: If you are flying in from I know the south. You can sit on the left side of the plane and see everything. Like the Lincoln Memorial. Washington Memorial. The white house and so much more. I really enjoyed myself here.

Ashok Patel: This 555 ft marble monument was built to honor the first President of USA, George Washington. The political and military leadership of George Washington was indispensable. This is built in the shape of Egyptian obelisk. This was the tallest building in the world when it was completed. It is still world’s tallest stone structure. You need a timed ticket of an elevator for the observation deck at 500 ft to get a bird’s eye view of the capital. You have to go through the security screening. The Washington Monument is located near the west end of the National Mall, with spectacular views of the National Mall and other important memorials. This Monument has been the witness to the history that shaped our nation. Must visit if you are in Washington DC and if you can manage to get the ticket.

11. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 37004 reviews

600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: what do users think?

Cat Lady: This is a must see for everyone! This museum is huge! It encompasses this history of aviation in America and around the world. That particular day the museum was super crowded yet we were able to navigate it due to its size and organization of the exhibits. In regards to being accessible it was well laid out and accessible for my scooter. The bathrooms were also easy to navigate. My one complaint is that they have a scattered array of benches. In some areas there are more than enough and in others there are no where near enough for those that may need to take a break and sit down. My favorite exhibit was the one on the space ship. I also like how they have ramps all throughout the building to be able to see the air craft from all levels. Two other areas that could improve are the fact that they do not have any cafe or place to have lunch. You can get popcorn and soda if you are seeing one of the IMAX movies. You could literally spend all day here and it would be nice if there is a place where you could get a small lunch. Also, they had a private event going on and had an area blocked off where visitors should be able to see. We literally had to go around the entire building to get to the other side. They could’ve made a path for visitors to get through without having to run a marathon to see everything. This really is a great place to visit and it’s pretty amazing that these exhibits are over flow from the other museum.

Brandy Hoegg (Brandy Hoegg): What a great museum in the city to enjoy. If you love history and space, you should definitely check out the museum. A lot of exhibits were closed, however there was still plenty to do including watching the Discovery launch, touching a piece of the moon, reading about what happens to your body when you go to space, seeing space toilets, and different countries astronaut gear. There is an interactive exhibit where you can choose to ride in a space ship and complete a VR( virtual reality) experience, fly your own craft or ride a roller coaster… the prices for this ranged from $8.00 to $12.00 per person. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop and get your very own space suit, hat or mission patches for your backpack!! No tickets are required, however we waited an hour and a half in line to get into the museum.

Maya: I love it here !!! This was me and my husband’s first time visiting and we enjoyed ourselves. This is definitely a museum to bring your family , kids would love it and it’s very educational. They have stimulation rides for adults and children . There will be new exhibits in 2022 and they’re renovating as well so definitely go visit now and in the future.

Nik Kei: Going through a renovation so many areas are closed off and displays have been removed. It’s Great to see the our proud history of space travel and it was intriguing but far from my favorite museum. Talk to the guides. They are a wealth of information and very interesting facts.

Anthony Steele: Always a good place to check out. The exhibits are good to check out and see firsthand. A few places were roped off when we went. But still had a good time visiting. One of the most convenient museums on the national mall in my opinion.

Ganindu Madhawa: Absolutely a wonderful place to go through the development and astonishing discoveries in the Aviation industry and space exploration. You literally can just walk through the meuseum in 3-4 hrs but it would definitely take an entire session of the day to go through it worthfully. There are enough and more informative leaflets and virtual experience inside the meuseum. I loved walking inside the space shuttle and Touching the moonstone fragments. 😁

12. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 1876 reviews

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024

Address Website WhatsApp
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool: what do users think?

Yvonne: Absolutely beautiful. The perfect place to take a walk and to enjoy the day. Not many words can capture the whole feeling and vibe when strolling along.

Jose Ortega: Does it get better then this place? Sure the water is not that clean and there are so many people trying to take selfies that it can get nuts at times but if you go early in the morning, you can have the whole place to yourself. Walk around and just take it all in. Put the phone away and just enjoy it.

Saad Althabiti: Fabulous place to visit and have a nice walk, especially in the winter :)

Joered05: This place is very nice looking. The pool itself is very large and properly taken care of to maintain its clean looking water. The pool can be seen from the Lincoln Memorial and other structures in the area. I would reccomend walking by this pool if you get the chance!

Rodrigo Gonzalez: It is a fantastic place. The view is amazing. You can feel a very good vibe just by watching the landscape.

Naseer Faheem: Although we went on a cloudy evening, still lots of places to see.

Rachel Milito your Realtor: The reflecting pool is a great walk and beautiful scenic views! Definitely recommend waking around the area and viewing the large fountain also. Loved seeing the veterans in this space as well it was heart warming. 💓

Kailash Mongar: What a amazing place to visit. Limited parking, be prepared to walk and have some water. Love to visit in coming days

13. International Spy Museum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 10024 reviews

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024

Address Website WhatsApp
International Spy Museum: what do users think?

Klau Pao: We booked our tickets a month in advanced, they were $26 per person and there is a minor wait time when you arrive. You go up in an elevator and they give you a fun and cool welcome, then a code that you have to decipher throughout the museum. The museum is not too big but you still need plenty of time, there is so much to read and see, it is so cool and educational. I highly recommend it!!!

The Maldonado’s: This place is amazing, full of eye opening information, and more. We watch the movie first, and then we were given a game mission. Kids, and kids like (me) love it. You’ll start from the top level and work yourself down to the shop. The shop is book heavy for the readers like me, but it has other stuff like shirts , mugs, and more. Modern and clean bathrooms on the back of the display rooms at all levels. Come with time, it is busy and there is a lot to look at. Drop a comment if I missed something.

Al Liang: they said the recommended time to spend here is 2 hours when we entered, but we ended up staying for 7.5 hours because I read every single piece of text in the building. definitely recommend getting early tickets if you want to devour the entire museum’s content. a really fun and interesting time delving into the history of espionage and related topics!

Stephen Postier: The museum and history part was fantastic. We gave up on the interactive spy mission pretty early, as the lines for the computers for each part were pretty long. If you have kids that are into mysteries like that, it would be worth it, but plan for plenty of time (3+ hours). Otherwise the exhibits were great and you could easily visit this museum without completing the interactive part.

Lori Petersen: Wow!!! So much fun. Interactive screens to "test" your skills. So cool. Definitely wish the no stroller rule would have been followed. We spent about 4 hours!!! Awesome for older kids!

Inna Rudenko: It’s a very interesting place! Lots of stories about spies around the world! Real people, real life… During your trip you are involved to be a part of spy mission! We like it! Don’t forget there are two floors and takes around 3-4 hours to explore it!

14. Smithsonian National Zoological Park - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 31826 reviews

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Address Website WhatsApp
Smithsonian National Zoological Park: what do users think?

Alex Pierce: If you are a local or just visiting from out of town, the National zoo is a must go-to location. They have a wide array of animals to sight see and interactive learning activities throughout the park. Entrance is free for everyone, but you should note you do have to download tickets before entering. You can bring your own food in, no alcohol is allowed in from outside but is sold within the park. As a local, I come here for the experience and also to walk when it is warm outside. Parking is slightly a hassle as you have to find parallel parking on the narrow streets of DC, the zoo also has parking but it is $30 per car. The shows are now back, which i really enjoyed this interactive bird show hole I was there. My only suggestions are removing the lines for indoor exhibits. Masks are not required nor is social distancing within the park, but they limit the amount of people in some of the indoor exhibits causing extensive lines which took about 15-20 minutes to get inside. Also, the bathroom facilities were not clean and did not have paper towels. Additionally, there was hardly an security and no one checking bags at entrance. Just a heads up I also went on Memorial Day weekend, in the morning there wasn’t much of a crowd but after 12 there were so many people it was difficult to walk. I would recommend during the weekday or coming at opening if you want less crowd. Overall though I had a wonderful experience and will be back.

Sassy Sauce: The zoo is great and we really enjoyed the experience. You have to request tickets ahead of your visit. You can print them or it can be scanned on your phone/tablet. Not overly crowded when we arrived around 11 am. Some of the vendors were closed but for the most part everything was open and easily accessible. You have to walk a lot so I advise parent to bring strollers and any buggy/cart for the smaller kids. I overheard some younger people complaining about the strollers but it’s a lifesaver during the visit. There are carts you can rent as well but bring your own to save money. Also, bring your own food, drinks, snacks etc. The prices for food and souvenirs isn’t crazy expensive but we managed with our own snacks. We only bought ice cream for the kids and a small toy. Definitely recommend for young kids and all the young at heart. The animals were delightful to see.

Melissa C: You need to make reservations if you want to visit. I reserved my tickets a week in advance. I left my car parked in the parking garage and then took public transportation to the zoo. Street parking around the zoo is limited. Once in, I just took in the breathtaking environment. It was organized, clean and you can just walk around looking at the animals and the people. It was truly a lovely experience.

Aaron Ochse: Really wonderful experience. Great zoo. 6 year old niece had a blast. Pandas were playful and active. Other animals really diverse and beautiful. It’s a pleasant experience and the zoo is laid out really nicely and clean. Perfect day! Tickets free as well but book in advance.

Tiffany L: Excellent zoo and the best part its free! Wide pathways and the best animals to see. The pandas were the best. If you go early it is not crowded at all. Many restrooms and snacks throughout entire zoo. Our favorite were the pandas and the bears. We will definitely be back! The maps are posted but not handed out so print a copy if you want before you go.

Kimberly Menjivar: I love love love this zoo. I had the greatest experience being here. Get there early and wear your most comfortable shoes. Lots of walking. It cost 30 dollars to park your car inside. Make sure you reserve your ticket. Don’t forget to do that. I drove all the way to this zoo because this is the only place close to me that have PANDAS!!!! Yes pandas. Any panda lovers I recommend taking the drive to go see them in person. Everything is section out nicely. We ate the bbq food at the food center and it was really good. Try to get food at a decent time because their food runs out. Highly recommend this zoo. Take your family and kids !!!!

Julie Helms: Lovely shade for the walkways throughout the zoo. Food and drink stations strategically placed so you can get something easily. Smooth walkways so good for strollers and wheelchairs. Some interesting animals I had never seen in person like the ant eaters and Pandas. The elephant sanctuary had a nice interactive facility.

15. Hirshhorn Museum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 4408 reviews

Independence Ave SW &, 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
Hirshhorn Museum: what do users think?

preservefootprints: It was under renovation but you still can visit and enjoy art show inside without being distracted by. The Marcel Duchamp legacy exhibit “It’s Art If I Say So” was informative and interesting, if you plan your next visit, pay attention on the white toilet that was almost mentioned in some of the artworks. Can you count how many are they? 😉 Don’t miss out the drawing your shadow in “Call it A Little Game Between ’I’ and ‘Me’” exhibit. While you walk between exhibits, don’t forget to feel the Mark Bradford “Pickett’s Charge” that goes around the building. Check on the Laurie Anderson “The Weather” Exhibition! It was a breathtaking! Also don’t forget to stop by the lower level exhibit of Barbara Kruger “Belief + Doubt” around the shop area. And when you leaving to the Sculpture Garden, don’t be surprised of the wide coffee tables from tree root in the lobby! Awesome!

Gary Seybold: The Laurie Anderson exhibit was simply awesome! It’s so good! This woman is a genius and I am so glad I saw her work here! If you have the chance to see it you should. You will not be disappointed.

greg hakala: Phenomenal visit to see the yayoi kusama visit. Arrived at 10:15am for the free allotted tickets and was able to grab 2 for 11:45am. Seems if you go in morning should be able to get tickets for that day, none are online.

Isabel Berdeja: One of my favorite DC museums, it’s free! Saturday and Sunday get pretty packed, so make sure to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. Also, tickets for special exhibits sometimes ran out, so if you’re looking to see one of those, book the tickets in advance (they’re still free, they just use them to manage the amount of people in the exhibit)

16. National Mall - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 123198 reviews

Washington, DC

Address Website WhatsApp
National Mall: what do users think?

Warman Hall: It is simply amazing to be in one spot where you can take a Sunday stroll around a beautiful lake and blooming orchard of trees while seeing some of the most important and stunning monuments in the world! I only wish I had more time on my visit to simply walk around and take in the sights. I got to visit mid-morning on a Thursday in early March so the crowds were not bad at all.

Gee Queue: They do a pretty good job of maintaining the grounds despite the best efforts of the populace to screw them up. The scale of some of the monuments is difficult to comprehend until you are there in person. I recommend a night tour. They are much more stunning when lit up.

Leilani-Z: Full day of exercise and definitely could spend more days here. We parked at a nearby parking garage, and by the time we got back to the car at the end of the day, we had logged 9 miles. Beautiful and clean, so much to see and learn about. We went to almost all of the monuments and two of the museums. The ice cream / food trucks are great, but the music they play should be banned 🙈

Nikkicole8890: My boyfriend took me here for my first time in DC and I loved it! It was so beautiful and I really enjoyed walking around and seeing all of the monuments and statues! I would love to go back again one day!

Ashok Patel: National Mall is not a “Shopping Mall”. It is a National Park containing iconic monuments and memorials of some of the greatest people and events who shaped America as a nation. This is called the front yard of America and a symbol of democratic values. This is a green lush park between United States Capitol building to Potomac River. Every citizen of US should visit and explore these incredible memorials like Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, World War 2 Memorial and the list goes on and on. Park rangers offer variety of programs and activities free of charge, otherwise you can explore and enjoy the park in your way and pace. It’s lawns and pathways are mostly crowded by school children, joggers and visitors and tourists from all over the world. This is where the history is made and witnessed. The American forefathers and heroes are honored here who paid ultimate sacrifice for the country. This is the national stage where people gather and movements take place and their voices heard. Everyone should wander here in the tree-lined pathways and take in the scenery and history of America. There is lot of walking involved. This is open 24 hours and you can visit during anytime and enjoy the different beauty at different times.

Joe Hughes: This was our first time in Washington DC. First 3 days it was very hot and humid but over all we had a great vacation. The National Mall was interesting having everything pretty close together in walking distance. It was even more beautiful at night. We are glad that we went.

scott bowman: The museums are always great to visit. Masks are required in all museums, and there are bag checks at all of them, too. There are not many water fountains and no water bottle filling stations in the museums we visited. Hand sanitizing stations are available. There are plenty of food vendors/ food trucks around the Mall. This Is Not A Shopping Mall. This is the strip from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, called The Mall.

17. Washington National Cathedral - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 4459 reviews

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

Address Website WhatsApp
Washington National Cathedral: what do users think?

Claire Mizutani: I went to Sunday Morning service with my parents now that they have opened up again. There were plenty of available seats and the ushers have all of us programs. The programs were in English and Spanish and offered explanations of what was going on and why things were in a certain order in addition to the prayers, hymns, readings, and instructions of when to sit or stand. The cathedral is beautiful and I would suggest going in the morning to get the full impact of the stained glass windows. I didn’t even Renner that there had been an earthquake in 2011 but there were many signs showing what was damaged and how repairs are going.

Peter Mathys: A beautiful and well-kept building, and a very peaceful surrounding area. The gargoyles are quite interesting and there is one that looks like Darth Vader. A sign tells you how to find it but we had a hard time locating it. I highly suggest stopping by when visiting Washington DC. The cathedral was closed to the public at the time we went, which was about a week ago.

Daniel Duran: We briefly visited the National Cathedral which we were beyond impressed with how amazing it looks! It was really clean and organized as we walked around and saw it from different angles! I’ll definitely have to visit again to appreciate more of the interior!

Jason Clock: Beautiful gardens and green spaces adjacent to the cathedral are great for a relaxing stroll. The cathedral was unfortunately closed when I attended, but seeing the decorative architecture was amazing. Truly a massive structure, one worthy of the name.

Berkay Kaplan: Majestic venue and admission is free. The architecture of the building was captivating. I see no reason not to give here a five star.

John Thompson: Unfortunately, the building was not open, but we were able to watch a high school choir rehearsing in the courtyard. We were able to see some of the stones that fell or were cracked and taken out. They were lying on the ground beside the building. There is a nice garden behind the Cathedral where they were taking pictures of the wedding party.

Mark Kabbash: Truly magnificent Cathedral. By far one of the most unique buildings in all of America! Please note the Star Wars stain glass window. There are unique ah ha moments almost at every turn. This is a must see. It will please your soul.

Sean Faison: This was my second time visiting Washington National Cathedral. I was very excited to explore the building once again but sadly due to Covid-19 it is closed to the public. I spoke to one of the staff members and they were hoping to open to the public again in September 2021 but I highly recommend calling before visiting to make sure they are open. You can freely explore the perimeter of the building but if they are closed to the price all of the doors will be locked makes sure to visit when they open again! BTW, see if you can find the Darth Vader grotesque. I have circled where to find him on one photo.

18. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 35634 reviews

10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: what do users think?

Luke Chang: Free museum. Great for kids. Lots of interesting exhibits. I went during Cherry Blossom 🌸 peak week so it was pretty crowded on a Saturday. I spent 3+ hours exploring. There’s 3 floors. Definitely recommend. There something for everyone.

Ashok Patel: This is one of the most visited and most popular museums in the world and it’s free (of course from our tax money). The museum has the largest natural history collection (145 million specimens) in the world. It is really interesting, informative and fun to delve into the story of our planet from the beginning and how the life evolved over a period of time. There are excellent exhibits for kids as well for all ages of people. Unfortunately, there is no public parking facility there. If you are lucky, you may get the metered parking otherwise you have to park in the commercial parking garages nearby. There is nice cafeteria with great food in the museum. There are lots of food trucks outside the museum serving variety of food. I loved the exhibit of minerals and gems. There are so amazing pieces of gems and rocks, I bet you have never seen before. There is so much to see that you can’t finish in one day. Some of the exhibits we even didn’t explore due to time constraints. But we will definitely go back and enjoy the same or remaining exhibits. It was busy but not too crowded, we didn’t have to fight for the space. May be it was a weekday, so it wasn’t too bad. This is a must see attraction in Washington DC.

Sassy Sauce: Great museum for kids and adults. We went on the weekend and it was packed with people but we were able to move around with moderate congestion. The gift store was reasonable and there was some unique items available. For the little ones, I would bring a stroller if you’re up to pushing it because their legs will get tired. There were places to sit but they weren’t plentiful. The food court was open but we didn’t purchase anything. You can bring your own goods and water inside the museum. There is plenty to see and read for everyone. Highly recommend for families with small kids (probably 2 and up)

Ken Miyakawa: For me was the most impressive collections of specimens from around the world I was able to see I can spend the whole day in here and not be able to watch everything. The dinosaurs bones was my favorite part this place is definitely for the whole family and I will strongly recommend to visit it! This will be in my top five favorite museums for sure. The only thing is they close at 5:30 pm I wish they close later because I will need at least Two full days to cover the whole place.

bEp pen: Great museum, fun and informative for all ages, children and adults alike. So much to see. Give yourself a few hours to take in how much there is here. In addition to the Hope Diamond, there is an extensive gem and minerals exhibit. There is something for everyones interest. Best of all, the admission is free! We had planned on seeing both the Natural History museum and the American History Museums of the Smithsonian, but had time for just one that day. Will go back and do the same to properly explore just as we did at the Natural History Museum. It is centrally located from the other Smithsonian museums and very close walk to Smithsonian Metro Station.

Lu: First time in D.C. and loved visiting this museum. Spent 3hrs here enjoying the exhibits. Nice that it’s free so anyone can go to enjoy learning something new. Gift shop is a must too! If you do make the trip I’d say bring a snack or lunch if you don’t feel like buying food there. Unfortunately the Space and air museum was closed due to construction when I was there.

19. National Building Museum - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 3147 reviews

401 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Address Website WhatsApp
National Building Museum: what do users think?

James Su: It is a great museum. Hoping one day it will have more building exhibitions or photo of building exhibitions. This museum building is former passion building. It was built in 1887 and the designed by Montgomery C. Meigs. He was one of the hero of the Civil war hero. This building became to the museum was in 1997. Furthermore, it is good for bring kids to visit. It can help children to learn a lot of knowledge. The tickets are in the first floor near the door of G St. If student will have student discount.

Paul A: A large museum with different subsections. Some sections are on areas not directly related to building hence a bit diverse coalition. A ton of informative photos and video displays at the museum. Could not explore all areas but enjoyed the sections I visited.

R Lin: The name sounds funny, almost like it was a mistake or something, but the National Building Museum is pretty neat. It’s contents are exactly how it’s named- there are tons of exhibits on architecture, building projects around the world and the vision behind them, as well as photography for architecture. I had never been here before (and I’ve been to DC a few times and hit up lots of museums), and I’m glad I went. I would say overall it was a cool experience- there really is a lot to learn and it’s a topical museum that isn’t near as popular or talked about. But here’s my advice: if you haven’t been to DC and still need to see the “big” museums, don’t go to this one until you’ve been to the others. I just don’t think it’s worth it, plus you do have to pay admission for this one. Honestly, just walking in to see how darn cool the lobby is is plenty. Cuz seriously, it’s stunning and mesmerizing and with all due respect was the coolest part of the museum to me. However, if you’re like me and have been to the other museums, then give this one a try!

Dan B: Take the 1:30pm tour. Good exhibits. Beautiful terracotta outside. Magnificent Corinthian arches inside.

Karthik Suresh: Great big brick building that was the pensions office. There are several exhibits related to buildings and architecture. They even had a AR (augmented reality) Notre Dame exhibit where users use a table to navigate through the history of the building to its restoration post fire.

INSIDE LOOK MEDIA (INSIDELOOKTVMAG): The historic building is a great setting for an special affair. The building is located close the Verizon Center and has plenty of parking around the building as well as various restaurants and bars close to it. Many celebrities and politicians have been inside the building so we consider it an iconic part of DC. the National Building Museum hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and special events. They welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the building world and its power to shape our lives and communities. The Museum resides in the historic Pension Building, which contains one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in the nation’s capital

Edward Garnett: Great spot to get out of the cold. Membership worth it versus entry and exhibition tickets as it’s one of the few non-free museums in DC. Kids play area with blocks is on 2nd floor.

20. National Museum of African American History and Culture - Washington

Not verified

Verify

Not verified
This business has not been claimed. Owners who claim their businesses can update their profile details, add photos, respond to reviews, and more.

Request your free profile now
· 22334 reviews

1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560

Address Website WhatsApp
National Museum of African American History and Culture: what do users think?

Shaniece Heath: 1st time visiting the museum and I highly recommend viewing the Concourse exhibit if you do nothing else. The concourse is where the Emmitt Till exhibit is located and that did have the longest wait time, but more than worth it. There were so many beautiful artifacts and amazing visuals to go along with some of the images and artifacts. The 1st floor when you walk in was also overwhelming hearing the audio of the slaves saying they rather jump ship than travel to an unknown world without their families!

Tamekia Buckner: Was amazing! 2nd floor was closed, so cannot wait until we return. Got free tickets 1 month in advance from their website.

Corey Trusty: It was a good trip to the museum. It was fast and easy to get access. I was able to get tickets the day of for the time I wanted. The museum exhibits were done very well and tastefully. The museum is absolutely huge and I would for shire come back. The only issue is the parking in the National Mall is terrible. But overall good experience. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you will for sure be getting your steps in and it is a must go!!!

Melvin Thomas: A great museum. Lots of history. Some of the images and artifacts cause sadness realizing the time span of the atrocities, some of them surprisingly recent. Some exhibits also celebrate black contributions, mostly in sports and entertainment. Maybe they will add more black inventors and contributors to the sciences.

Valencia Brown: This museum totally captures the horrific moments in time that African Americans endored. Its about time there is a historic National museum that acknowledges that that these events in American history did indeed occur, and the role Americans had in the slave trade. The overcoming of oppression, justice and equality is still a fight, however the advances and contributions made in history from African Americans are undeniable. This museum encompass all of this and more! Highly recommend attending. Best of all, its free!

add a comment of places to visit in summer in Washington

Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours.