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51 Scoops of Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is more than just the capitol of the U.S.! From famous monuments to countless museums and beautiful places to visit, this city has endless entertainment. We’ve got the scoop on the 51 best places to visit, dine, and explore in Washington D.C.

Tudor Place Historic House and Garden

This mansion has some of the best gardens in Washington D.C. Take a stroll through the inside and stop outside to view the beautiful nature, as well as the Potomac River. It costs $10 for adults and $3 for anyone 17 or under.

1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoo is open 364 days of the year and has free entry. Go visit all the animals, including Pandas, and do some dining and shopping!

3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008 // Website

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is located directly in front of the beautiful Reflecting Pool. With large white columns at the front of the memorial, and a larger than life statue of Lincoln, this place attracts a lot of tourists and is definitely one you should not miss!

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037 // Website

Reflecting Pool

This pond, which is directly in front of the Lincoln Memorial, is the perfect spot to take a picture. With the Washington Monument clear across on the other side, the photo opportunities are endless and the view is gorgeous!

2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website

National Arboretum

This beautiful area, consisting of 446 acres, has many gardens. From the Flowering Tree Collection, to the National Bonsai Museum, this place has lots to explore.

3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 // Website

National Museum of American History

This national museum has a lot of interesting exhibits, portraying different events in American history. Check out an exhibition of all the First Lady dresses, and wander around Julia Childs’ famous kitchen in this museum!

1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560 // Website

Georgetown Cupcakes

This cute cupcake shop has a wide selection of cupcakes and is located in Georgetown. Fun fact: they also had their own TV Show called D.C. Cupcakes!

3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

If you are a history lover, this museum is the one for you! Though not the most happy place to walk around, this museum houses some real artifacts from The Holocaust as well as endless facts.

100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website

Rasika Restaurant (Indian)

This famous Indian restaurant always makes it on the lists of best restaurants in Washington D.C. If you are looking for some flavorful Indian Cuisine in a modern and sleek indoor setting, this is the restaurant for you!

633 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

National Air & Space Museum

Tour this museum to find out more information about airplanes and space! There are many models of different airplanes housed inside the museum as well as a spaceship rocket!

600 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 // Website

U.S Botanic Gardens

These gardens are located on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and have different exhibits of flowers and more for tourists to wander around.

100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website

The Old Post Office Clock Tower

This tower is the second tallest building in Washington D.C., only shorter than the Washington Monument. It gives a great view and is open from 9-5 daily.

1100 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

Its not Broadway, but it’s pretty close! With a wide variety of shows, this place is buzzes with entertainment. This is definitely worth a night out, especially if you are a theatre lover!

2700 F St NW, Washington, DC 20566 // Website

Washington National Cathedral

This beautiful church has amazing architecture and a great view from the top. The gardens right behind it are also beautiful to walk around in!

3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 // Website

The Mansion on O Street

This Mansion was named one of the top five historic venues to explore and is great for private parties and corporate events. If you are exploring with a group, definitely consider checking this place out!

2020 O St NW, Washington, DC 20036 // Website

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Holding one of the world’s most inclusive collections of art, the museum represents over 700 artists.

F St NW & 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

Spanish Steps

Located in the Kalorama neighborhood, these Spanish steps are a gem! These steps add a European flare to the neighborhood.

1725 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20008 // Website

The White House

This one is pretty obvious, but you cannot miss visiting this famous building while in D.C. It is pretty to just marvel at from the outside, but you could also reserve tickets to walk around the inside if you book months in advance!

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500 // Website

Lincoln’s Cottage

This may be a small cottage, but it is a part of American history and where Lincoln used to reside. Check it out if you want to explore Lincolns old residence.

140 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, Washington, DC 20011 // Website

The Technicolor Church in Southwest D.C.

This church may be hidden, but it is one of the most interesting buildings to look at in D.C. What used to be a plain small church, is now a funky, multi-colored building. This is a great picture spot!

700 Delaware Ave. SW, Washington, DC

Constitution Gardens

Located within the boundaries of the national mall, the 38-acre Constitution Gardens provide an oasis away from the busy capital.

Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website

Le Diplomate Restaurant

This French restaurant is popular for it’s complete French feel. the interior and exterior make it seems like you just stepped onto the streets of Paris!

1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 // Website

District Doughnut

If you’re a doughut lover, this is the place to go. This cute donut shop offers lots of different donut flavors and has made quite a name for itself in Washington D.C.

749 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003 // Website

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Presidential memorial dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, one of the most influential of the Founding Fathers, is a historic site that cannot be missed.

701 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, DC 20242 // Website

Fiola Italian Restaurant

Fiola is a high-end restaurant, offering rustic Italian food in an upscale space.

601 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Want to see how money is made? Check out the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to witness the magic behind the process.

301 14th St SW, Washington, DC 20228 // Website

Washington Monument

This monument, located across the Lincoln Memorial, actually has a great view of the city! Ride the elevator to the top to see the sights!

2 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website

National Archives

Holding many historic and government records, the National Archives should definitely be on your itinerary.

700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20408 // Website

Albert Einstein Statue

Calling all science nerds! Want to hang with a larger than life statue of Albert Einstein? Check out this memorial in front of the National Academy of Sciences building.

2101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20418

Washington D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms

Stop to experience the blooming Cherry blossoms during March or April! Visit the National Cherry Blossom Event

1250 H Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 // Website

Newseum

Though this is one of the few museums without free admission, it is worth it to go! If you are interested in broadcast, journalism, and/or current events, this interactive-style museum will grab your interest!

555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website

Zaytinya

This restaurant offers an innovative menu inspired by Turkish, Lebanese, and Greek cuisines. It has a very classy setting and is one of DC’s most popular restaurants!

701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website

Lincoln Park

This is a beautiful park located in the Capitol Hill Neighborhood. It is the largest park in Capitol Hill and even features a monument of Abraham Lincoln!

Washington, DC 20003 // Website

China Chilcano Restaurant

This is the perfect restaurant for mixing up your taste palette. The interior is chic and modern, with some asian flare sticking true to its Peruvian fusion style cuisine.

418 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

Baked & Wired

This cute spot is an artsy neighborhood coffeehouse and bakery offering espresso drinks, cupcakes, and their signature granola.

1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

Farragut Square

This city square has a beautiful park and is a great stop if you want to take a rest from walking around the bustling city.

912 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006 // Website

P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace

This rooftop bar has a great view of the city and is a great place to relax and get some drinks with friends or family. It is open throughout the day and at night, so stop by to marvel at the views and drink some fun cocktails!

515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

National Gallery of Art

Located on the national mall, the National Art Gallery is an art museum that is open to the public and free. It is also one of the largest museums in the United States!

6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565 // Website 

Smithsonian Institution

As the world’s largest museum, the Smithsonian Institution aims to preserve heritage, discover new ideas, and share resources with the world.

600 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20002 // Website

The Old Stone House

This is the oldest building in D.C. to still be standing on its original foundation. It is located in Georgetown, so take a walk around the town and stop by for a visit!

3051 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

Georgetown Waterfront Park

This park is the perfect place to relax after a stroll around Georgetown. Stop by and enjoy the view of the Potomac River. This park even offers boat rides!

3303 Water St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

Washington Harbor

Bordering the Potomac River on the Georgetown waterfront, the Washington Harbor offers restaurants, live entertainment, and more!

3050 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007 // Website

Chinatown

With a great selection of authentic Chinese cuisine, this historic borough is a great place to visit! It holds about 20 Chinese and Asian restaurants as  well as small businesses.

604 H St NW #600, Washington, DC 20001 // Website

Graffiato

This Italian restaurant is known for serving modern comfort food. It has seasonal menus complete with pizzas and small plate dishes.

707 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 // Website

International Spy Museum

Get your spy on and visit this museum! This museum is very interactive and will have you solving puzzles and investigating all sorts of cases. You will be a professional spy by the time you get out!

800 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

Restaurant Eve

This restaurant is popular for its elegant setting and American Cuisine! It has a multi-course menu full of delicious options!

110 S Pitt St, Alexandria, VA 22314// Website

Natural History Museum

If you’re into natural history, come tour the different collections of animals here for free!

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

United States Capitol Building

A tour of the inside of this building is a must! It is home of the United States Congress, and is a really worthwhile place to visit!

East Capitol St NE & First St SE, Washington, DC 20004 // Website

Korean War Veterans Memorial

This memorial honors those who served in the Korean War. Walk along the wall and read all the names of fallen soldiers, who gave their lives up to serve their country.

900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024 // Website

National World War II Memorial

This memorial attracts tourists because of its gorgeous fountains and architecture that honors the soldiers who fought in World War II.

1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20227 // Website

National Capital Columns

These Corinthian columns once towered over Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson’s inauguration. They are still in good condition and now sit in an open field.

3501, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 // Website


 

We hope you enjoyed this list of 51 places to see and things to do in Washington D.C.  Have the best time on all of your travel adventures.

Make sure to check out the rest of our “51 Scoops” series!

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Julie

Monday 18th of September 2017

The Spanish Steps are in Rome (Italy), not in Spain.

Kelly Mahan

Wednesday 13th of September 2017

Love this list! All of these places look super interesting. I'm already saving this post so I can check it out on my next trip there!

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