What to do in Washington, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Places to Visit in Washington

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Washington, Maryland while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Washington attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Washington tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 471 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Washington. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Washington

Tours & day trips

See all 432 activities
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Activity duration is 1 day
7.6 out of 10 with 636 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$82 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 161 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$109 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 39 activities
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In Nature

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$109 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 33 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 32 reviews
Price is NZ$134 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch CruiseOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 9 activities
LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.

Activity duration is 3 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$47 per adult
LEGO Discovery Centre Washington, D.C.Opens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Washington

Number of things to do
471
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: NZ$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Washington

Discover the most popular places to visit in Washington

National Mall showing an administrative building, heritage architecture and a city

National Mall

The National Mall is where America comes to play, protest and promenade, with some of its best-known icons lined up along this long green strip.

National Mall
White House

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.

White House
Arlington National Cemetery showing a memorial, a cemetery and a square or plaza

Arlington National Cemetery

Less a sight to be seen, more a journey to take, through the loss, valour and service of the US armed forces over a century-and-a-half of conflicts.

Arlington National Cemetery
National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution is a popular museum in Washington with a rich history. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.

Smithsonian Institution
United States Capitol

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.

United States Capitol
University of Maryland, College Park

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.

University of Maryland, College Park
Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard

Washington Navy Yard is just one of the places to see in Washington, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and fascinating museums.

Washington Navy Yard
Capital One Arena

Capital One Arena

Catch an event at Capital One Arena during your trip to Washington. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and shops.

Capital One Arena
National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of African American History and Culture

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of African American History and Culture, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Washington. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Explore areas of Washington

Downtown Washington D.C. showing a city, night scenes and street scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(95 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums and theaters as well as vibrant entertainment, nightlife and shopping districts await in this city center neighborhood.

Downtown Washington D.C.
Default Image

Northwest

2/5(1 area review)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Capital One Arena, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

Northwest
Georgetown which includes street scenes, a city and a house

Georgetown

5/5(5 area reviews)

A pleasant suburb on the banks of the Potomac River, home to the city’s oldest buildings, great shops and stylish bars.

Georgetown
Alexandria which includes heritage elements

Old Town Alexandria

3/5(1 area review)

This well-preserved historic district a short drive from Washington D.C. has modern art and designer fashions lining 18th-century cobblestone streets.

Old Town Alexandria
Default Image

Capitol Hill

4/5(34 area reviews)

Home to the emblematic U.S. Capitol Building, this central neighborhood is famous for its historic landmarks, markets, museums and nightlife.

Capitol Hill
Dupont Circle featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Funky shops, historic houses and fascinating museums have turned this once-exclusive neighborhood into a fun-loving bohemian district.

Dupont Circle

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Washington

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

Photo by nazila

Takoma Park

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

McLean

McLean

Photo by Vin Lane-Kieltyka

Hyattsville

Bethesda, MD which includes a house and a park

Bethesda

Lake Artemesia showing a lake or waterhole

College Park

National Harbor

National Harbor

Frequently asked questions

Is Washington worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Washington. Remember to experience the area's blend of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Washington?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture, spend some time enjoying Washington's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Washington?
National Mall is one of the top tourist attractions in Washington and should feature high on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Washington?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city attractions, including National Mall, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. The average stay in Washington is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Arlington isn't far away.
Is Washington a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Washington is a great destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Smithsonian Institution and National Museum of African American History and Culture. Then take a stroll around Downtown Washington D.C, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Connecticut Ave - K Street, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Washington with kids?
Planning what to do in Washington with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Washington for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Washington, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to K Street or Ellsworth Place.
Are there free things to do in Washington?
In Washington, National Mall is an unmissable spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's an easy way to find out about the best free things to do in Washington.