What are the top-rated the best Washington dc tourist spots? Whether you’re interested in traveling for fun or for work, it can be hard to narrow down your options when there are so many places to see.
That’s always a highly subjective question, but if you’re looking to find out what are the most popular places that people like to visit when they’re in the state.
Then this list of the top 50 tourist attractions in Washington DC should help you out. What makes these places so great? Why do tourists love them so much?
The Evergreen State has many tourist places to choose from, whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors or learn about the history of the Washington, D.C. These are the top 50 tourist places in Washington DC that offer something for everyone.
Table of Contents
List Of Top Rated 50 Best Washington DC Tourist Spots
The United States DC has so many tourist destinations to visit that it can be hard to narrow down the choices of where to go next! Here are the best Washington dc tourist spots along with other options you may not have heard of before.
Just mind that your visit to Washington State would not be complete without visiting these top 50 best famous sights in Washington DC.
Before traveling to Washington State, you should know that there are many beautiful tourism that are definitely worth visiting—but you’ll want to plan your trip carefully so you can get to all of them.
1. National Mall
If you’re looking for a tour of some of DC’s historic sites, look no further than our nation’s capital. Our most famous national park, the National Mall, offers expansive views of landmarks such as Capitol Hill and the White House.
Home to many tourist destinations in Washington DC, including museums and memorials, it’s a popular area for exploring. When visiting, you can spend as much or as little time here as you like; there’s no pressure to move along quickly, especially if it’s your first time visiting D.C.
Most of these attractions are free to enter and are visited by millions of tourists every year. If you’re interested in sightseeing Washington DC, then you should definitely include a visit to The National Mall on your vacation checklist!
2. Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial is one of America’s most iconic monuments and a must-see sight for any first-time visitor to DC.
The memorial attracts upwards of four million visitors per year, which makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to see the famous places in Washington DC.
Better yet, visiting one of America’s best and most historic Washington dc tourist spots won’t cost you anything; however, be prepared to stand in line—there are long waits during peak tourist season.
3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is home to over 127 million artifacts and specimens. The museum was founded in 1790, making it one of the oldest museums on Earth.
Some of its most popular attractions include gems, minerals, fossils, dinosaurs and artifacts from ancient Egypt. These exhibits showcase natural history from all across our planet.
If you want to spend a day exploring places like Seattle and Los Angeles—without actually leaving your current location—then a trip to DC’s Natural History Museum is for you. Just remember that children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
4. Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is one of only three national zoos and houses more than 2,700 animals representing more than 400 species. It’s no wonder it’s a popular tourist places in Washington DC.
The National Zoo hosts millions of visitors each year who come to see their favorite creatures up close.
From new baby pandas to lovable sea lions, you’re sure to be delighted by some animal or another at this must-see spot for all tourists visiting Washington, D.C.
5. National Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest Smithsonian museum, The National Museum of African American History and Culture are must-see tourist attraction in Washington DC and among locals alike.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture has a large collection of exhibits that showcase African-American culture through history—from art to sports to music to pop culture.
Whether you’re looking for an educational day trip or planning a family vacation with kids, The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers something for everyone.
6. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a great place to learn about America’s history. Located on the National Mall between Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue S.W.
Just south of 3rd Street, NMAH is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on December 25 when it closes at 2 p.m.
There are fees for admission and special exhibits; however, national holidays including Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day are free days at most museums owned by the Smithsonian Institution (including NMAH).
Make sure you check out American Enterprise—the permanent exhibit on American business history.
7. National Gallery of Art
When it comes to art museums, there are few that can compete with Washington, D.C.’s National Gallery of Art (NGA).
The National Gallery of Art is one of the best tourist Washington dc tourist spots. Located at 4th and Constitution Avenue, it houses a large collection of Western art that spans from ancient times to the present day.
Northwest, D.C., NGA is currently ranked as one of the top five most-visited art museums in America, bringing over 2 million visitors a year through its doors.
This museum has something for everyone; from paintings from centuries ago to modern-day works of art, you’ll find something here you like no matter what your taste or preferences are.
8. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) commemorates and teaches about the Holocaust, which occurred during 1933–1945 when German dictator Adolf Hitler and his followers persecuted and murdered approximately six million Jews.
The USHMM is located on 16th Street NW between W, Constitution and Independence Avenues in downtown Washington, D.C., near many of America’s most cherished monuments and institutions.
Its exhibitions tell some of history’s most dramatic stories while its other programs seek to elevate consciousness about human rights issues at home and abroad.
A visit here is a serious but deeply meaningful educational experience; tourists from around the world flock to what was once intended as a place for solemn reflection about one of humanity’s darkest hours.
9. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Established as a memorial to honor American service members who have died during the battle, it’s no surprise that Washington, D.C.’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is on almost every list of Washington dc tourist spots.
The site is accessible to any U.S. citizen and military personnel but is protected by guards 24 hours a day—and they’re not there for photo ops.
Visitors are prohibited from bringing purses, backpacks or camera bags inside, so you’ll need to check your belongings before entering; however, cell phones and wallets are allowed.
10. Nationals Park
Located in Washington, D.C., Nationals Park is a ballpark for Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Washington Nationals.
Opened to baseball fans in 2008, it is just one of many Washington state tourist attractions making it possible for visitors to enjoy a game during their trip to our nation’s capital.
Nationals Park is as much a recreation of the traditional American ballpark experience as it is a refreshing look at what we expect from our stadiums today.
As one of the most visited tourist sites in Washington DC be sure to check out all it has to offer—from its excellent on-field team (the Nationals) to its great food and expansive views, you won’t be disappointed.
If you visit during the off-season, you can also take advantage of free tours where you can see some of their unique features up close.
11. United States Botanic Garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden features a huge variety of beautiful plants and is a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike.
It’s one of several gardens and greenhouses maintained by staff at The Smithsonian, who are responsible for taking care of collections that include over 60,000 types of plant life.
If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors while you visit DC, consider exploring some of these most popular tourist attractions in Washington DC.
They may not be as recognizable as other sites found throughout our nation’s capital but they offer plenty to see—and photo ops abound.
Why not head out on your own personal adventure? Use these most visit tourist places in Washington DC as inspiration—but don’t be afraid to branch out.
12. National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery is a Smithsonian Institution art museum, and one of its main functions is to preserve, restore and maintain a collection of portraits of historically important figures.
The National Portrait Gallery is chock full of masterpieces from both amateur and renowned artists alike.
The museum has more than 6,000 pieces—including paintings, photographs and sculptures—by artists like Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Gilbert Stuart and Andy Warhol.
Whether you visit for educational purposes or just for entertainment purposes (or both), there’s no denying that it should be high on your list of Washington dc tourist spots.
However, if you’re looking for a place that’s free and interesting, then be sure to include it on your next trip.
13. International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is a privately funded museum, located on L’Enfant Plaza in downtown Washington, D.C.
Its mission is to explore and celebrate espionage through art, history and popular culture with a unique collection of artifacts.
This top tourist attraction offers something for everyone—movie buffs who want to relive James Bond’s greatest moments (we won’t tell you how many movies were actually filmed here), and anyone who wants to learn more about international politics.
There are lots of activities on-site including scavenger hunts, a Hall of Legends and other interactive exhibits designed for all ages.
Guided tours are available but visitors can also explore on their own or take advantage of special offerings like Spy School workshops for kids 7–12 years old.
14. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is located on 17 acres of land along Potomac River.
The Kennedy Center houses several performance halls, including: Concert Hall (the largest hall), Opera House (for musicals), Eisenhower Theater (smaller scale operas),
Theater Lab (for experimental works or smaller ensembles), Terrace Theater (outdoor performances that sometimes include acrobats on wire above the audience).
For classical music fans there’s no better place to enjoy a live show than at one of these acclaimed venues.
It’s a great place to visit if you want to see some top-notch entertainment as well as learn more about our country’s rich history and culture.
15. Museum of the Bible
The Museum of The Bible, located near Capitol Hill is one of the top Washington dc tourist spots is located right here, at The Museum of The Bible.
If you’re ever visiting our nation’s capital, make sure to check out our museum—we promise you won’t be disappointed.
A history buff who is visiting DC should absolutely not miss it. Not only will you see some rare biblical artifacts (including part of a Gutenberg Bible and ancient papyrus scrolls).
But there are also fascinating interactive exhibits like flying hot air balloons over Ancient Egypt or walking through scenes from King David’s life at Jerusalem’s City of David archaeological site.
While many tourist spots are fun for children, we offer a family-friendly experience that’s perfect for everyone.
History buffs and those who are curious about more modern subjects will find plenty to enjoy. Be sure to stop by on your next trip—we look forward to seeing you soon.
16. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
In 1843, President John Tyler and Congress established a competition to create a monument honoring American hero Thomas Jefferson.
Although he was a Virginian, Jefferson requested that his monument be built in DC to represent all of America.
The winning design, by architect Robert Mills (who also designed The Washington Monument), was completed and dedicated on April 13, 1843.
If you’re looking for a reason to visit Washington, DC, you don’t have to look much further than its wonderful museums and monuments.
The city is steeped in American history, so there’s never a shortage of things to see and do. One of my favorite places is The Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
It’s an impressive structure that pays tribute to one of our nation’s founding fathers; it’s located right across from The White House.
17. National Museum of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian is just one of many popular tourist attractions in Washington DC that honors America’s indigenous people.
The museum is located on beautiful Independence Avenue, but if you are planning a trip from abroad and want to visit, be sure to plan ahead because it doesn’t have its own parking lot and street parking is difficult to find during busy seasons.
The museum has an education center, gift shop and library open daily and features exhibits ranging from ancient fossils to Native American art.
The museum also hosts events for children and adults including traditional dancing performances by tribal members so check their schedule before your trip.
18. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Located on The National Mall, along with other sites such as The Lincoln Memorial and The Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a site honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to fighting for equality for African Americans.
In August 2011, it was officially opened to visitors after a long wait of its construction being delayed due to a lack of funding from Congress.
It features a pool of water with several stones that represent Dr. King’s ideals: justice, equality, peace and brotherhood among them.
It’s located near many other monuments and tourist spots as well as some famous museums, making it one of the most visited tourist sites in Washington DC.
19. Union Market
Nestled in one of Washington’s oldest buildings, Union Market sits smack dab in the middle of DC’s trendy H Street Corridor.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing on your next visit to Union Market and be sure to plan enough time—Union Market gets busy.
At Union Market, you’ll find all kinds of things to see and do including arts, crafts, live music and entertainment. It is home to several restaurants, bakeries and retail stores that set it apart from other markets.
You can also grab a bite to eat from one of many local food vendors. This is a popular tourist place in DC so be sure to check it out if you are looking for some fun.
20. Georgetown Waterfront Park
It is a great tourist place in Washington DC concrete jungle and enjoys a slice of nature just minutes from downtown.
If you want to people-watch and enjoy a picnic on a nice day, Georgetown Waterfront Park is a great option.
It’s also home to several concerts during warmer months and has stunning views of both DC and Virginia.
And if you’re hungry, you can pick up food at one of several nearby restaurants or just order delivery right to your blanket.
For better views, try going early in the morning or later in the evening. (Fun fact: Washingtonians call it a blanket instead of a picnic blanket.)
21. Ford’s Theatre
A true monument to American history, Ford’s Theatre played a role in one of America’s darkest moments: Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
Since its founding on August 3, 1863, Ford’s Theatre has been a place where local and international tourists come to see one of American history’s most important locations.
The theatre not only preserves Lincoln memorabilia, but it also brings new life to performances by staging original works based on important historical figures and events.
If you’re planning a trip around DC or Maryland and plan on visiting top tourist destinations in Washington DC – especially if you’re interested in Lincoln – you’ll want to stop by.
22. United States National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum is a 3,200 acre (13 km2) botanical garden located at 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, D.C., in Northeast Washington.
The U.S. National Arboretum is a system of gardens and trees that are a national resource and part of a larger family of 175 arboreta around the world.
Of all of the tourist attractions in Washington DC one that doesn’t get as much press as it should in the United States National Arboretum. The U.S.
The National Arboretum was established by Congress in 1927 to collect and study trees from across America; it now contains more than 5,000 varieties on 1,200 acres of land.
In addition to being a beautiful and expansive green space, there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby for post-hike refueling.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon outside but also inside some of DC’s most iconic buildings.
23. Washington National Cathedral
The National Cathedral is a historic church and landmark located in Washington, D.C., United States and it is a must-see for those visiting our capital city.
One of its oldest buildings. Construction began on it while George Washington was still alive and continued until he died. This has led to rumors that workers took his corpse out at night and continued building.
The Washington National Cathedral is an awe-inspiring example of Gothic Revival architecture, which makes it one of the most famous tourist places in DC.
The cathedral was built to commemorate George Washington, our first president. Constructed of white marble, it sits on a hill overlooking Capitol Hill.
It also serves as a burial ground for important politicians such as Woodrow Wilson and George Mason, who helped to found Virginia along with other states.
24. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial commemorates America’s 32nd president, whose reign ushered in a transformative period of peace and prosperity known as The New Deal.
The memorial itself is one of the most popular tourist spots in Washington DC. A statue of FDR stands at its center; nearby, an inscribed marble wall serves as a timeline to his presidency.
Nearby also stands a visitors’ center and theater, providing visitors with information about FDR and his legacy.
25. United States Capitol
Located on Capitol Hill, D.C., The United States Capitol is one of America’s most impressive landmarks.
Its dome is topped with a statue of Freedom—symbolizing America’s liberty—and a huge American flag that can be seen from miles away.
This is where Congress meets and where laws are made; it’s open to public tours every day except Christmas.
The United States Capitol is home to both houses of Congress, and also contains one of our nation’s most popular tourist attractions.
26. Hirshhorn Museum
The museum is located at Independence Avenue and 7th Street SW. Founded as a private museum, Hirshhorn Museum is ranked among the top tourist places in Washington DC for its collection of contemporary art.
The museum displays work by internationally acclaimed artists including Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollock, Rodin and Andy Warhol.
The museum also houses The Spirit of Independence sculpture by Kwame Akoto-Bamfo which was a gift from Ghana to America in recognition of the support provided during their independence struggle.
For American art enthusiasts, there are many original works displayed at Hirshhorn Museum that will surely catch your eye.
27. Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of a kind. Housed inside a historic former textile store,
The Renwick hosts rotating exhibits throughout each year featuring an array of mediums and styles, including photography, painting, mixed media and sculpture.
Walk-in tours are offered daily by museum docents—although it’s not uncommon to be joined by a class or two eager to learn more about art history.
When you arrive at The Renwick make sure to look for its beautiful spiral staircase made entirely out of steel—it’s open to public viewing.
28. Torpedo Factory Art Center
The Torpedo Factory Art Center was founded in 1977 as a non-profit organization and is located on a waterfront site along Old Town Alexandria’s bustling waterfront.
The mission of The Torpedo Factory Art Center is to support creative expression through art, education, and public engagement.
There are many Washington dc tourist spots to visit at the Torpedo Factory Art Center including an art gallery, gift shop, sculpture garden, café and artist studios.
The work that takes place at The Torpedo Factory Art Center ranges from painting and photography to craft making such as jewelry design and glassblowing.
Visitors to The Torpedo Factory can catch live art demonstrations or view a current exhibition.
29. Eastern Market
A true oasis in a sea of concrete, Eastern Market is an open-air market that has been serving locals and tourists alike since 1873.
Every Saturday you can find fresh flowers, baked goods, fresh produce and more. The indoor farmers’ market features over 200 vendors selling local farm products as well as handmade jewelry, pottery and clothing.
In addition to its vast array of food, Eastern Market is also home to a variety of activities from puppet shows to live music.
30. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Located at 400 Michigan Avenue NE, in Washington, D.C., the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of three minor basilicas.
The construction was completed by 1913. It is a United States basilica and one of ten national shrines dedicated to Mary as patroness of America.
It also houses relics associated with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Pope Saint John Paul II (formerly Karol Wojtyla).
In addition, it has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception is open daily from 7:00 am-6:00 pm.
31. Brookside Gardens
With a name like Brookside Gardens, it’s no surprise that you’ll find vast gardens at every turn when visiting.
The park is located on twenty-five acres of land and has views of Red Mountain and Mount Rainier. It was created to give visitors an opportunity to experience landscapes not typically found in metropolitan areas.
In addition to beautiful flora, you can also enjoy fauna such as bunnies, deer, ducks, geese, herons, hawks and hummingbirds.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or just want to get out of town for a day with your family or friends, Brookside Gardens is definitely worth your time.
32. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Washington DC. It’s a 2,000-acre urban park that includes numerous hiking trails, picnic areas and Rock Creek itself (an actual creek).
There are also various museums and even campsites if you plan to visit on a longer trip. If you find yourself in D.C., visiting Rock Creek Park should be at or near the top of your to-do list.
If you have time for only one sightseeing spot while in Seattle, make it Pike Place Market. This iconic tourist destination has been a fixture in Seattle since 1907 when farmers brought their produce to sell directly to consumers.
33. National Building Museum
You can’t talk about Washington, D.C., without mentioning a visit to National Building Museum. Its extensive collection of artifacts will appeal to architecture buffs.
Its extensive collection features over 3,000 exhibits created by contemporary artists to educate visitors about important issues facing our world today.
Be sure to stop by and experience its phenomenal collection of sculptures. While visiting, you can also enjoy their live programs and events or take a tour that is offered every day of the week at no additional cost.
As one of the top tourist places in Washington DC, it’s worth spending time here to explore what it has to offer whether you are an art or architecture enthusiast.
34. ARTECHOUSE DC
Housed in a historic, turn-of-the-century firehouse, ArtECHOUSE has become one of D.C.’s favorite art and cultural destinations.
It’s easy to spend an entire day here admiring both traditional and contemporary artworks. There are also rotating exhibits, which showcase both local and international artists.
If you’ve got a thing for art, don’t miss it! The city is full of incredible places to visit that will make your jaw drop—don’t miss our list of top tourist attractions in Washington DC.
Located at 1238 Potomac St NW, Washington, DC 20007 is a must see attraction. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun afternoon with your family, Artechouse offers something for everyone.
35. Meridian Hill Park
Although Meridian Hill Park isn’t technically a sight, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Washington DC.
The recently renovated park was designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted and features an amazing view of downtown DC.
Visitors can enjoy walking along Hill Number One and reflecting on significant historical events that have taken place at Meridian Hill Park.
There are also many great food options nearby as well. Check out our DC dining guide to find some great places to eat after you visit Merdian Hill Park.
36. The Pentagon
The Pentagon is both America’s largest office building by floor space and its most recognizable military structure due to its pentagonal shape. It takes an entire day for employees to fill it up.
As top tourist places in dc go, there are few as important as The Pentagon. Home to 3.2 million square feet of floor space, as well as thousands of defense and military employees.
It’s one of America’s most vital and impressive institutions (and another reason why being a defense contractor is such a good job to have).
If you ever get a chance to visit, try and make an appointment with The Pentagon Force Protection Agency so you can see something cool like some exercises or weapons training.
But really — it’s worth visiting even if you don’t know anything about its history or modern purpose. It’ll blow your mind!
37. Smithsonian American Art Museum
It’s always free, but bring a donation for your ticket price. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is perfect for any art lover.
You can see works from James Peale and Rembrandt to contemporary work by Robert Rauschenberg and Roy Lichtenstein.
There’s also a café located within that serves coffee, wine, and sandwiches during normal museum hours.
They have themed exhibitions throughout each year as well as rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see here.
You may even recognize some of their pieces in movies like Man on Fire or The Other Guys. It may be a little bit off of DuPont Circle, but it is totally worth visiting if you enjoy art or history.
38. Arlington National Cemetery
With more than 300,000 graves and soldiers from every state and many foreign countries, Arlington National Cemetery is truly a sight to see.
One of the most sightseeing places in Washington DC, it hosts millions of visitors every year—and all of them can learn a lot about America’s military history while they’re there. You should set aside at least three hours to tour throughout its 624 acres.
This will give you time to look through all of its historical markers, which detail everything from commanding officers to soldiers killed in action.
And if you take a guided tour (recommended), you’ll learn even more about how Arlington has evolved over time and why it’s such an important part of American history. Definitely add a visit here if you find yourself in DC.
39. National Geographic Museum
The National Geographic Museum is located on 18th Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. The building that houses the museum was designed by architect John Russell Pope and completed in 1910.
Inside, you’ll find a large collection of artifacts from National Geographic’s rich history. While it only takes about an hour to go through all of its exhibits, visitors often spend hours more exploring every nook and cranny (and taking photos).
The museum offers events and programs for all ages as well as membership discounts. So take a trip around the world without leaving your hometown. Check out some of these other must-see tourist attractions in Washington DC as well.
40. Lafayette Square
Named after Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, Lafayette Square is known as America’s most historic square mile.
Lafayette Square is home to some of Washington’s famous places located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, right across from Ford’s Theatre.
The park is home to a statue of President Andrew Jackson, as well as beautiful gardens.
The park also offers many public events including Fourth of July fireworks, movie screenings and more.
There are several surrounding restaurants and shops in nearby Farragut Square that are perfect for shopping before or after your visit to Lafayette Square
In addition to these two parks being located within steps of each other, they also share another unique quality both feature equestrian statues of famous generals on horseback (Jackson & Pershing).
41. National Archives Museum
The National Archives Museum is one of the top tourist destinations in Washington DC for a reason: It showcases American history from its inception to today.
A must-see exhibit is a Life along the Potomac, which features hundreds of Civil War–era artifacts, including Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch and military uniforms.
Other highlights include an 18th-century presidential sealing press and George Washington’s handwritten correspondence.
If you can only do one thing during your visit, take a photo by Thomas Jefferson’s grave marker—the only building on U.S. soil dedicated to a president who never lived here.
42. Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum
The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is a great place to visit while visiting DC, and though it doesn’t get as much recognition as some of its other siblings (such as Air & Space), it’s also one of their best museums.
The museum is housed in a historic post office building near Union Station, and it shows off the history of our nation’s postal service with exhibits that range from antique postage stamps to letters written by notable figures like George Washington.
One of my favorite parts about a day at the National Postal Museum is just sitting down and looking through their stamp collection for an hour or two (my inner philatelist can’t help herself).
However you spend your time at NPM, you’ll enjoy yourself and learn more about US history than you might expect.
43. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
One of DC’s best-known landmarks, The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is one of many tourist places in Washington DC.
It sits just south of The National Mall and honors Abraham Lincoln, whose statue stands at its northern edge.
The pool is actually not a single body of water but three separate pools arranged side by side that are each about six feet deep and fifty feet long.
Since it was designed with symmetry in mind, there’s an identical set to its north as well. Both were drained when work began on a renovation project in 2012 but should be back to normal by 2016.
44. Constitution Gardens
Visitors to Washington, D.C., can spend hours exploring our nation’s capital. One of their most interesting stops should be Constitution Gardens at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue Northwest, which is just one block from our nation’s iconic White House.
Inaugurated in 1996, these three beautiful acres are home to a lovely lagoon as well as several statues and memorials that commemorate some of America’s greatest past leaders
Constitution Gardens is a great spot for Washington dc sightseeing. If you’re planning a trip to check out all that America has to offer, consider heading over to Constitution Gardens when you arrive—you won’t regret it.
45. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
It is one of the top Washington dc tourist spots. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a 2-acre national memorial in Washington, D.C. that was established to honor those who served in a theater of war during 1967 and 1968.
The monument, which consists of three long black granite walls, lists names alphabetically by county (or parish) within each U.S. state.
There are 58,272 names total and a name is added roughly every two weeks on average due to people requesting they be added to it.
The Vietnam War Memorial is one of five major monuments built between 1965 and 1985 that depict scenes from America’s wars that have shaped our country through their physical and emotional scars.
46. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a beautiful view, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is an ideal choice.
There are many types of flora here that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. These plants are valuable because they’re endangered or unique.
And if you want to learn more about them, there’s a greenhouse for education and research on native flora; it’s free to visit.
In addition to a beach with swimming and paddle boats, Kenilworth has lots of other features too such as a carousel, roller skating rink, ice-skating rink, and boathouse (with canoe rentals), picnic grounds, two playgrounds (one for younger kids), baseball diamonds and more.
The park also hosts special events throughout the year. When visiting, don’t forget to bring your camera.
47. Korean War Veterans Memorial
After a lengthy effort to create a memorial for Korean War veterans, it was announced that federal funds had been approved for such a memorial.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is located on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, SW.
One of my favorite things about being an American is living in a country with free speech (usually) and one where I can enjoy all kinds of different cultures while on vacation or traveling as part of my job.
Our nation’s capital—and our beautiful nation as a whole—has some great cultural offerings that are world class and you shouldn’t miss them if you find yourself in these major attractions in Washington DC.
48. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress on April 24, 1800. It maintains, for free public use, a collection of more than 162 million items including books, movies, music recordings and photographs; as well as manuscripts and maps.
The Library is also responsible for acquiring all materials published in America. Visitors to its reading rooms can search several databases online for a variety of information about library collections and about American culture.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something fun to do with your family in this interesting sightseeing in Washington DC that are worth checking out.
49. The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection is an art museum located in Northwest Washington, D.C., and focuses on impressionist and modern art.
The museum was founded by Duncan Phillips, an art collector and child of a wealthy local family who wanted to share his collection with others.
Opened in 1921 as a museum dedicated to collecting, it’s now overseen by a board of trustees and run by a staff of roughly 35 employees.
The collection is regularly rotated through temporary exhibits so that visitors can see different works of art each time they visit.
It’s certainly a different experience than other must-see Washington dc tourist spots like Ford’s Theater or Mount Vernon.
50. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Considered one of DC’s best-kept secrets, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a hidden gem that takes visitors back to another time period.
This beautiful estate was once home to Marjorie Merriweather Post, who grew up on a farm in Kansas and later became one of Washington’s most celebrated philanthropists.
Inside her opulent home are priceless antiques from around the world, including many purchased by Post during her travels abroad.
51. National Museum of Women in the Arts
It’s impossible to overstate how important museums are to a city. A museum is essentially a tourist attraction that’s guaranteed to please nearly everyone.
It’s also a significant contributor to your city’s arts and culture—and therefore, its livability factor. There are dozens of well-known museums in DC.
But one often overlooked gem is located just down 17th Street the National Museum of Women in the Arts is one of our top favorite tourist places in Washington DC.
52. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial
The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a memorial tower and museum dedicated to masonry located on Mount Saint Alban, near Alexandria, Virginia.
Completed in 1970 after 38 years of work, it is more than four times larger and 90 feet (27 m) taller than nearby structures.
With an elevator inside that goes to 168 feet (51 m), it stands as one of the Washington famous places offering a great view of downtown DC.
The memorial serves as headquarters for both the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, D.C.
Conclusion
Washington is full of nature, beauty, wonders and popular tourists places in the United States. There are many beautiful tourist attractions in Washington DC that bring in millions of visitors every year from all over the world.
For helping the tourists, I pick the tourist’s top-rated 52 best tourist Washington dc tourist spots for your happy traveling.
If you are visiting United States’s Washington, D.C. and want to know what the most popular tourist spots are,
I think this list of the best tourist places in Washington DC will help you very much to sort out which place you will travel to first.
