What to do In Washington, MD
Explore thousands of activities, attractions and tours with free cancellation and no added fees.
Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.
Access exclusive deals, only with the Travelocity app
Recommended activities in Washington
Tours & day trips
See all 436 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 165 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature
Adventure & outdoor
See all 44 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 32 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 10 activities
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC
Places To Go In Washington
There exists a place: a place where power flows from more than the electric lines zigzagging chaotically overhead; a place where modern-day dignitaries rise to command one day and fade into history the next; where marble-flecked monuments tower toward the heavens. History percolates on every bustling corner, so simply knowing where to begin is the first step of your capital journey. Come explore what to do in Washington, DC and craft your own legacy in the pages of our nation.
Things to Do in DC
Pedal atop the dogwood-lined bicycle trails along the shores of the Potomac, where paddleboats are steered by couples bobbing on the river’s gentle ebb. When you’ve had your fill of sunshine, head north to where opulence awaits along the rococo cobblestone and brick avenues of Georgetown. Church bells gently chime throughout the day as you languidly stroll amongst the lavish boutiques.
No Washington, DC vacation is complete without paying homage to our Founding Fathers; alight aboard a trolley and marvel at the feet of the colossal Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson monuments. Nearby, prepare to be dazzled by the incomparable beauty of the icy-blue Hope Diamond at the Museum of Natural History. Cap the evening with a visit to the velvet-draped halls of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where the acoustics are flawless and magnificent arias soar through the air.
Traditions continue to reign supreme in the capital city—come dusk, hotels in Washington, DC bustle with travelers and locals alike, fraternizing over clinking cocktails. For the adventurous foodie, ceramic bowls of savory ramen await your arrival on H Street, while mussels simmering in buttery pools of garlic give Paris itself a run for its money near Logan Circle. Washington, DC’s culinary prowess means gourmands are guaranteed gratification, from ceviche-topped tapas to cumin-laced Ethiopian cuisine.
While plenty of Washington, DC attractions serve as exquisite snapshots for your trip, it’s the culture of Washington that allows you to make your own mark upon history itself. With Travelocity’s expertise and your capacity for exploration, there’s simply no telling what awaits you in our nation’s capital.
Popular places to visit

National Mall
Inspiring architecture, magnificent museums and the icons of American history await on Washington’s famous two-mile (three-kilometer) strip.

White House
Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

Arlington National Cemetery
Pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for their country in the best-known military cemetery in America.

Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.

United States Capitol
Sitting on top of Capitol Hill is a Washington landmark that’s been the home of American democracy for more than 200 years.

University of Maryland, College Park
Explore the campus of University of Maryland, College Park, a top university in College Park. Experience the area's fascinating museums and lively festivals.
Explore More Ways to Travel with Travelocity
Explore More Ways to Travel with Travelocity
- B&B in West Hyattsville Station
- Hotels near Bladensburg Waterfront Park
- Bethesda Hotels
- Hyattsville Hotels
- National Harbor Hotels
- Brentwood Hotels
- Resorts in Brentwood
- Silver Spring Hotels
- 2 Star Hotels in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- 3 Star Hotels in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- Cabins in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- Hilton Hotels in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- Independent Hotels in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- Motel 6 Hotels in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- Viceroy Hotel Group in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath
- 4 Star Hotels in Chillum
- Kid Friendly Hotels in Chillum
- Hotels with Suites in Chillum
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Chillum
- Hotels with Hot Tubs in Chillum
- Chillum Hotels
- 4 Star Hotels in Mount Rainier
- Apartments in Mount Rainier
- B&B in Mount Rainier
- Condos in Mount Rainier
- Cottages in Mount Rainier
- Extended Stay Hotels in Mount Rainier
- Guest Houses in Mount Rainier
- Hyatt Hotels in Mount Rainier
- Mount Rainier Hotels
- Houseboats in Mount Rainier
- Motels in Mount Rainier
- Vacation Homes in Mount Rainier
- Resorts in Mount Rainier
- Villas in Mount Rainier
- Apartments in Takoma Park
- B&B in Takoma Park
- Condos in Takoma Park
- Cottages in Takoma Park
- Extended Stay Hotels in Takoma Park
- Hostels in Takoma Park
- Cheap Hotels in Takoma Park
- Gay Friendly Hotels in Takoma Park
- Golf Resorts & in Takoma Park
- Hilton Hotels in Takoma Park
- Historic Hotels in Takoma Park
- La Quinta Inn & Suites Hotels in Takoma Park
- Red Roof Inn Hotels in Takoma Park
- Hotel Wedding Venues Hotels in Takoma Park
- Takoma Park Hotels
- Motels in Takoma Park
- Vacation Homes in Takoma Park
- Resorts in Takoma Park
- Villas in Takoma Park
- Apartments in Naylor Rd. Station
- Extended Stay Hotels in Naylor Rd. Station
- Motels in Naylor Rd. Station
- Things to do in Ellicott City
- Things to do in Gaithersburg
- Things to do in Columbia
- Things to do in Annapolis
- Things to do in Central Maryland
- Things to do in Jessup
- Things to do in Riverdale
- Things to do in Bethesda
- Things to do in Oxon Hill
- Things to do in Millersville
- Things to do in Capitol Heights
- Things to do in College Park
- Things to do in Chevy Chase
- Things to do in Fort Washington
- Things to do in District Heights
- Things to do in National Harbor
- Things to do in Hanover
- Things to do in Largo
- Things to do in Silver Spring
- Things to do in Linthicum Heights
- Things to do in Edgewater
- Things to do in New Carrollton
- Things to do in Glen Burnie
- Things to do in Waldorf
- Things to do in Bowie
- Things to do in Mount Rainier
- Things to do in Upper Marlboro
- Things to do in Laurel
- Things to do in Takoma Park
- Things to do in Rockville