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Top 10 things to do in Washington DC

Updated on May 20, 2012

Washington DC attractions

The capital city of America, Washington DC has so many attractions that you should visit when you go there. Some of the things to do in Washington DC include DC by foot, Smithsonian (free admission), Washington national monument, Lincoln memorial, great falls parks, chesapeake and ohio canal, mount vernon, georgetown, etc. Washington DC offers plenty of activities including sporting events, monuments, guided tours, festivals, outdoor activities, museums, world class dining, and art galleries.

Top 10 things to do in Washington DC

Washington DC national monument
Washington DC national monument

1. Washington DC by foot

 DC by foot, one of the top things to do in Washington DC, is a free walking tour and takes about one and half hours. The tour includes all the main sites including the capitol building, the white house, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and the Korean War Memorial.

2. Smithsonian: Must-do thing in Washington DC - Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research center composed of 19 museums. It features art works, historic icons, dinosaurs, Italian renaissance painting and much more.

3. Washington national monument: Washington monument was built in honor of the first U.S president George washington. Located at the western end of the Mall. The 555-foot monument is the tallest masonry structures in the world. A free elevator ride takes you to the top floor for an amazing view. The Washington monument is free, but it require a ticket. The ticket for the monument is located at the base of the monument.

4. Lincoln memorial: Lincoln memorial was built in honor of the 16 U.S president Abraham Lincoln. It is located in the national mall in Washington D.C and definitely one of the top things to do in Washington DC.

5.Great falls park: Great falls park is an 800 acre park located on both sides of the potomac river 4 miles upriver from Washington D.C. The falls offers stunning river views. The park is known for its scenic beauty and the patowmack canal. Rushing whitewater pours through steep, jagged rocks into a narrow mather gorge. Hikers, and nature lovers find much to enjoy here. The park offers plenty of activities including picnicking, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, horseback riding and bicycling. The park offers trails and the towpath of the chesapeake and ohio canal parallels the river. Fishing is allowed, but only with a valid permit. Great falls park is another main attraction in Washington DC.

Great falls park, Washington DC
Great falls park, Washington DC

6. National zoological zoo: A park like zoo is home to more than 5000 animals and over 500 species. You can see lions, bears, giraffes, hippos, pandas, elephants, big cats, birds, reptiles, insects and mammals. Washington zoo is a great attraction and one of the top things to do in Washington DC especially if you have kids.

7.Chesapeake and Ohio canal: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is a canal that begins in Georgetown in Washington DC and travels westward to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal and its accompanying towpath trail extend 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland. Hiking and biking along the towpath are excellent ways to see the park.

8.Mount vernon: Mount vernon trail is a favorite of area cyclists. Cyclists can reach Mount Vernon from Washington, D.C. via the Mount vernon trail.It is nearly 18 miles long and the trail offers wonderful views of the Potomac and DC monuments. There are also several sights along the way, including George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Olde town Alexandria, and Arlington National Cemetery.

9. Georgetown: Georgetown is the oldest standing building in Washington. George is home to world class shopping, restaurants, nightlife, waterfront harbor and georgetown university.

10. Eastern market: Eastern market is one of the oldest farmers market in the United States. You can get fresh meat, fish, baked goods, cheese and dairy products. Flea market is another main attraction and attracts lots of people on sundays.

Top things to do in Washington DC

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