The nation's capital awaits! If you’re looking for cheap things to do, then consider booking a trip to Washington, D.C., a bustling and energizing place to visit with family. The destination features many free museums and other inexpensive things to see, especially if you travel during shoulder season or an off-peak time.
Capitol Hill Hotel
200 C St. S.E.
This boutique hotel in Washington, D.C., is the place to stay by the United States Capitol. Not only is the boutique hotel convenient but also beneficial; there's a complimentary breakfast and a wine hour in the library. (Many rooms also offer kitchenettes, a bonus if you plan to travel with kids.) To save money during your stay in Washington, travel in August, a great but slow time to visit the capital city.
Mitchell Park
1801 23rd St. N.W.
This beautiful neighborhood park, though slightly off the beaten path, offers lots to love since it’s a dog-friendly park with sports courts and a playground for kids. If you’re looking for things to do in the summer in Washington, D.C., watch a free movie with Mitchell Park Films in the Field. (On the way there, you’ll want to visit the cultural landmarks in Embassy Row and take pictures of the Spanish Steps and its historic fountain.)
AAA/Sherry Mims
National Air and Space Museum
655 Jefferson Dr. S.W.
With five all-new galleries, you can almost feel the excitement that aviators, astronauts and scientists had when they pushed envelope to go faster, farther and higher. Powerful exhibits include The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age, Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets, and Thomas W. Haas We All Fly. Kids of all ages will find inspiration in the “real deal” artifacts, their stories, gallery interactives and planetarium shows (for a small fee). Museum admission is free, but timed-passes are required.
Note: Some exhibits will remain closed until renovations are completed in 2026.
National Gallery of Art
4th St. & Constitution Ave. N.W.
Keep your Friday evening open as this Smithsonian museum provides one of the best things to do in D.C. at night (weather permitting); nearly 2 million people have enjoyed this summer concert series since the collaboration with D.C. Jazz Festival began. Each Friday, visitors are welcomed among the works at the Sculpture Garden to hear a variety of jazz—blues, Dixieland, Latin and swing to name a few.
National Mall
3rd to 23rd sts. N.W. between Constitution and Independence aves
Visiting the monuments and museums along this impressive stretch of open space is among the most meaningful things to do in Washington, D.C. You may even find free events in summer, such as a performance by the United States Marine Band at the Lincoln Memorial; check the band’s calendar for precise dates. Highlights include the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial.
National Museum of African American History & Culture
1400 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Opened in 2016, this Smithsonian museum features some 37,000 objects relating to the African American experience. These include items from a sunken slave ship, manacles from the 19th century, a segregated water fountain and Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves. To see the popular museum, request the free timed passes before you travel, though it’s possible to visit with “walk-up weekdays” in September or other specially announced dates if you time it right.
United States Capitol
1st St. & Independence Ave. S.W.
Starting with an opening film about the United States, a guided tour takes visitors through the historic structure, including the rotunda and its well-known artwork. After the tour, continue your education at Exhibition Hall, which features several models of the U.S. Capitol. Then use the tunnel to visit the nearby Library of Congress — without having to step outside. The free tour can be booked through your legislator’s office up to 90 days in advance, though sometimes you can check with the information desk about availability. (There are a number of prohibitions, such as liquids, so check what to do in advance.)
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
This historic landmark is where to go in Washington, D.C. You’ll often see a crowd in front snapping pictures, but a tour will get you special access to the East Wing, including the Blue Room, and a view of the White House rose garden. Like the United States Capitol, tours must be requested through a member of Congress (or your embassy if you’re not a citizen of the United States) at least 21 days ahead of time; restrictions on what to bring also apply.
