What to do in Washington, MD

Activities, attractions and tours

Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington
Washington

Washington Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Washington AU$8. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 487 activities in Washington, Maryland.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Washington attractions from AU$8, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Washington

Tours & day trips

See all 451 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 641 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was AU$76 and current price is AU$68 per adult
Washington DC Hop-On Hop-Off Bus TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 168 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 AU$100 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 45 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 AU$100 per adult
Waterfalls Adventure, A Hidden Gem In NatureOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 34 activities
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
7.6 out of 10 with 34 reviews
Price is AU$113 per adult
Spirit of Washington D.C. Signature Lunch CruiseOpens in new tab

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 10 activities
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DC

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$231 per adult
Boat Tour & Sunset Cruise DCOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Washington

Number of things to do
487
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-guided Waterfall Hiking Tour through Great Falls National Park: AU$8
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

Washington’s famous strip is teeming with American history in each and every monument and museum that you’ll see.

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

A beautiful and vast space, America's most famous military cemetery is a fitting tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.

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 acclaimed theatre scene and notable monuments.

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 fascinating museums and great live music.

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 great live music and notable monuments.

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)

Shopping, fine dining and museums aplenty: Downtown really is where the business happens.

Downtown Washington D.C.
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
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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
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
Dupont Circle featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Get ready for incredible architecture, restaurants and pubs in Dupont Circle.

Dupont Circle
Default Image

Capitol Hill

4/5(34 area reviews)

This neighbourhood boasts the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, and enough familiar news backdrops to make your jaw drop.

Capitol Hill

 

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

Alexandria featuring a small town or village, street scenes and café scenes

Alexandria

Silver Spring

Silver Spring

Photo by nazila

Takoma Park

Photo by mlur_RN

Falls Church

Photo by Alavia

Lanham

McLean

McLean

Oxon Hill

Oxon Hill

Bethesda, MD which includes a house and a park

Bethesda

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.

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