15 Totally Free Things to Do in DC

A full itinerary, completely free of charge.

Washington DC is one of the country ’s most pop holidaymaker destinations , and for those of us who call the District nursing home , it ’s well-situated to see why . With dozens ofworld - course of study museums , murals that transform streets into galleries , and site brim with history , DC offers a full agenda — wholly free of charge . Whether you want to attempt a new farmer ’s market , explore a novel hike , or polish off your roller skating or canoe skills , here are some of our favorite free things to do in the District .

Hike, bike, or stroll along the C&O Canal

The historical Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is one of the most accessible nature escapes from the District . Thanks to a multi - class return project , the first international nautical mile of the duct is an idyllic walk that ’s easy to access in Georgetown . Stick to a short stroll there , or grab a cycle or lace up your hike shoes for a tenacious adventure along the 184.5 - mile canal .

Jump on the pickleball craze

Pickleball is working its way up the run past kickball and softball as one of America ’s preferent game . leap on the craze and practice your paddling at one of the District ’s pickleball courtyard inTakoma Park , thePalisades , and more . Plus , Washington DC Pickleballinvites Edgar Guest to drop in to beginner seance to try their hand at the athletics before signing up for a $ 30 one-year membership .

Bike the Mount Vernon Trail

DC is incredibly bicycle - favorable , and luckily that hold to the nation instantly outside of the city as well . Start in the city and cycle along the Mount Vernon Trail , a scenic route that hugs the piss and cuts through the Wood . It ’s about a 10 - mile stumble from DC to Mount Vernon but you could cut the misstep slightly brusque and finish at the Old Town Alexandria waterfront — just check that to factor out in clip for an ice emollient before wheel home .

Explore a sculpture park

While not located in the District proper , Glenstone , an grand sculpture park in Maryland , is deserving the 45 - instant campaign . Tickets to the parking area are detached ( just be trusted to book several weeks in advance ) , and the 300 - acre quad offers sensational artistry , architecture , and open Edwin Herbert Land . In addition to its indoor gallery spaces , you may pass hours walking on paths that scent through sculpture , meadows , and forest .

See the monuments at night

When the sun function down — and the summer humidness somewhat dissipates — channelize to the National Mall for the rare chance to see the monuments without busloads of tourist . Moonlight will give you a unlike view as you traverse the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial or stare up at the Washington Monument set aglow with Light .

Museum hop the day away

One of DC ’s greatest strengths is its world - grade Smithsonian museums that are open to the populace free of heraldic bearing . There is no shortage of options , from the intimateRenwick Gallery , to the sprawlingNational Museum of Natural History , the Smithsonians offer something for everyone . Pro tip : Some of the museum are open latterly in the even , making for an idealistic engagement dark .

Explore the city’s murals

Washington is home to one C of murals that are becoming as much a part of the city ’s landscape as the memorial on the National Mall . Take a self - guided tour of these colourful creative activity no matter which neighborhood you hap to be in . MuralsDC , the organization behind 150 of the District ’s public artworks , is a great resource for single-valued function out a route to explore the city ’s street art .

Take in a birds-eye view of the city

Washington looks pretty stunning from up luxuriously , and there are few spots within the urban center that make for phenomenal vantage detail . Rooftop barsand eating place offer heroic scene for the price of a drink or two , but there ’s no more iconic sight than seeing the city from the top of the Washington Monument , which is completely free . Book a ticketahead of metre and ride an elevator all the mode to the top of the repository and step out on the 500 - foot observance deck of cards .

Wander through a garden

DC is home to some of the most beautiful urban gardens in the res publica , and many of them are opened to the public for innocent . There is nothing like an good afternoon spend strolling through , or picnicking , at the talkative 446 - acreUnited States Arboretumor wandering through theBotanic Gardenon the edge of the Mall . For something a act smaller , explore the grounds atTudor PlaceorDumbarton Oaks(free in the winter ) , both of which are in Georgetown .

Hike the Billy Goat Trail

you’re able to take hold of one of the District ’s most democratic tramp trails , theBilly Goat Trail , from the C&O channel . The full lead is 4.7 miles and range from promiscuous to strenuous , so hike a section in and back or make the full loop for the variety .

Pay your respect at Arlington National Cemetery

Just across the Potomac from DC , Arlington National Cemetery is the last resting office for more than 400,000 veterans . The cemetery is an area of 639 hallowed acres and theANC Explorerallows visitors to locate Robert Graves , notable sites , and take ego - guide on walking circuit to spots include the grave of the nameless Soldier as well as the final resting position of President John F. Kennedy .

Lace up your roller skates

When ’s the last time you went rolling wave skating ? Chances are it ’s been too tenacious . So get back into this nostalgic activity at theAnacostia Park roller skating pavilion . you could rent skate for barren , just show substantiation of a government - publish ID , and the skating pavilion is unfastened from 9 to 5 every day .

Help clean up the Anacostia River

We all know there ’s a lot of work to be done to keep our waterways fresh . Do your part , and have some playfulness , by take part in the city’sGreen Boat initiative . On prime weekend , DCers can join a two - hour guided paddle along the Anacostia River to collect deoxyephedrine and monitor the river ’s advance .

Stroll your local farmer’s market

DC ’s tightlipped proximity to the farms of Maryland , Virginia , Pennsylvania , and beyond mean that the city ’s granger ’ markets always have something to offer . Check out the year - round markets likeEastern Marketin Capitol Hill and the Sunday market inDupont Circleor head to seasonal markets like the pop - up in front of theWhite Housethat draws trafficker likeCucina al VoloandCall Your Mother Deli .

Play tourist all around the city

It ’s well-to-do to forget that all those traditionally touristy activity can be fun for locals too . If you have n’t been on a term of enlistment of theWhite House , theNational Archives , theLibrary of Congress , or the Capitol , this is your sign . All are free with advanced reservations . Plus , gather in the northerly quadrant of NW , the Washington National Cathedralis gratuitous and open to all . Tour the cathedral ’s impressive architecture , 215 stained glass windows , 112 Gothically - inspired gargoyle , and enormous pipe harmonium . See if you’re able to spot the sculpture of Darth Vader .

Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery