Our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is not only home to our governing bureaucracy, but it also boosts one of the most tourist friendly cities in the United States. What makes Washington, D.C. tourist friendly? (almost) FREE ATTRACTIONS! D.C does not just have a free attraction here and a free activity there. D.C has an abundant number of attractions and activities that are offered in various areas of the city throughout the ENTIRE YEAR. Many cities and/or tourist areas usually have a time of year when they have an out pour of attractions and activities (usually not free); however, D.C’s attractions are year round. These attractions and activities are free to everyone. D.C’s boosts one-of- a-kind attractions that are not only enjoyable, but are also educational.
1. The Washington Monument
The Washington Monument stands five hundred and fifty-five feet tall and was built to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States. This monument is free to visit during the day and during the nighttime. While it is free to visit the monument, there is a small fee of $1.50 to ride the elevator up to observation deck that takes you to the TOP of the monument. It’s worth it.
2. Rock Creek Park
This expansive park has numerous trails that are great for biking, exploring, walking picnics, hiking, etc. This is a great outing for the entire family to enjoy that will cost next to nothing. It is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
3. The National Museum of Women in the Arts
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is one museum solely dedicated to acknowledging the works of women artists. There is free admission to this museum every first Sunday of the month.
4. National World War II Memorial
The National World War II Memorial is a tribute to the brave soldiers that served in the Second World War. The memorial features forty-three foot arches, a pillar for each state, and four thousand gold stars.
5. D.C Circulator
For the very low price of $1, the D.C Circulator will give you a ride around the National Mall and the Tidal Basin.
6. Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
The Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts a new and free show every day of the year at 6 p.m. The acts headlining these shows range from local artists to global acts.
7. National Zoo
The National Zoo boosts some of the most exotic animals in the world. Also, it features many endangered species. This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy.
8. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is one of the highlights of the National Mall. The Memorial is located in West Potomac Park on the Tidal Basin.
9. African American Civil War Memorial
Fort Reno Park, located in northwest D.C, is the area where African Americans who escaped slavery during the civil war had settled. This was one of the areas protected by Union soldiers. This area became known as a Freetown for former slaves.
10. African American Civil War Museum
The African American Civil War Museum opened in 2011. A little more than ten percent of Union soldiers were African American. African Americans in the war aided in some of the most significant victories of the war. The museum was built to honor their service.
11. Home of Frederick Douglass
The Home of Frederick Douglass is located east of the Anacostia River. This is the home where Douglass lived until his death. Douglass is one of the most popular figures of the 19th century and a famed abolitionist.
12. Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
The Mary McLeod Bethune Council House is located near Logan Circle. This site is where Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women.
13. Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is held on the National Mall over the last week of June and the first weekend of July. It is a festival the exhibits different cultures through music, arts and crafts. The international marketplace that is setup throughout the duration of the festival is a goldmine for those whole love unique, rare, one-of- a-kind arts, crafts, and other knick-knacks.
