
Visiting Washington DC for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your first trip to DC.
From larger-than-life monuments to world-class museums, there’s a lot to experience in Washington DC, and it can be hard for a newcomer to know where to start. To get the most out of your visit, here are our top picks for a first-time visit to America’s capital city.
Free admission at the Smithsonian Museums makes it easy to sample a little of everything, and guided tours help find the gems in the collections. The International Spy Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture also invite exploring.
Visit Capitol Hill, where the United States Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court are practically neighbors. Go inside for a glimpse of DC power brokers (and some of the city’s finest art and architecture).
Hitting the water means big views of DC’s many riverside landmarks. Choose between a lunch or dinner cruise on the Potomac, or opt for an amphibious tour that covers the city by both land and water.
Some of America’s greatest leaders and most tragic wars are honored in DC monuments, which you can explore by hop-on hop-off bus, bicycle, Segway, trolley, or tour vehicle. For extra drama, take an after-dark tour and see the monuments illuminated.
Gravestones in this United States military cemetery date back to the Civil War, with moving memorials to soldiers, presidents, and astronauts. Options for exploring include hop-on hop-off tours, walking tours, and more.
President George Washington lived, farmed, and worked from this Virginia plantation, which is easy day-tripping distance away from DC. Since it’s close to Arlington National Cemetery, consider making a day of it by combining the two popular destinations.
Vermont travel writer Jen Rose Smith covers adventure, remote places, and traditional cuisine from a home base in the Green Mountains. Her articles have appeared in National Geographic Adventure, American Way, Nexos, Condé Nast Traveler, Backpacker, AFAR, Rolling Stone, USA Today, and Outside Online.
Likely to Sell Out
Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator.
Promoted
This experience is showcased by Viator and has met our quality standards. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more.