Explore The Top Things to do in Washington, DC

Washington, DC is more than America’s capital. It’s a destination immersed in natural beauty, history, culture, a cosmopolitan energy, a trendy food scene, and the most iconic attractions, landmarks and museums in the world. The Melrose Georgetown Hotel puts you in the heart of DC, steps from Georgetown, George Washington University, the Potomac River, and the Kennedy Center, and within five minutes of the National Mall, where you’ll find the majestic Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and Smithsonian museums, including the National Gallery of Art and the National Museum of Natural History.

Washington, DC is a kid-friendly town with fun attractions and activities for the family. The best kid’s attractions in Washington, DC are the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, the 10-acre Georgetown Waterfront Park, Newseum, International Spy Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Discovery Theater, United States Botanic Garden and Nationals Park.

Art lovers, culture seekers, and history hounds will love exploring the many free museums of Washington, DC. From classic art to marvels of aviation to the natural world, you can enjoy free experiences at all the Smithsonian museums and monuments on the National Mall, including: the National Gallery of Art, National Air & Space Museum, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, National Museum of African American History and Culture, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and The Freer | Sackler Galleries.

If you want to explore DC on a weekend, you’re in luck as all the monuments and museums on the National Mall are open on Saturday and Sunday, except for holidays. On Sunday the National Gallery of Art is open 11am – 6 pm. The Smithsonian Museums are open 10 am -5:30 pm, except the Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture open 11:30 am -7:00 pm.

You can park for free in DC on streets with metered parking all day on Sundays and holidays, but it’s best to find a spot early in the morning. If you want to tour DC monuments or walk the National Mall at night, there’s free metered parking on the street after 6:30 pm., Monday through Saturday. 

Washington, DC is a beautiful and accessible city best explored on foot, bike or boat. There are several walking, bike and Segway tours of DC and the National Mall, which offer incredible sightseeing adventures. DC also offers several bus tours, Washington DC Old Town Trolley Tours, Potomac River cruises, and the super fun DC Duck Tours. The concierge at the Georgetown Melrose Hotel has insider tips on the best DC tours.