Top Things To Do In Washington, D. C.

New deals from Groupon in Washington DC

As one of the most visited cities in the country, Washington, DC offers a variety of experiences only found in the nation’s capital. This vibrant city offers food, art, cultural attractions, and monuments galore. With so many downtown museums and government buildings, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in American history.

Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Bus Tour of DC
Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Bus Tour of DC
Constitution Avenue at 15th Street, Washington0.4 mi
4.3
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44 ratings
$99
Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Bus Tour of DC
Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo" (September 8 - October 22)
Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo"
8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons10.3 mi
$54
One Ticket to Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo"
30+ bought
4-Hour Small Group Guided National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions
4-Hour Small Group Guided National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Constitution Avenue at 15th Street, Washington0.4 mi
4.8
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731 ratings
$99
4-Hour Small Group Guided National Mall Tour with 10 Top Attractions
Exploring Washington's Iconic Landmarks
Exploring Washington's Iconic Landmarks
online_deal
$228.63
Exploring Washington's Iconic Landmarks
$39 for Range Package with Gun Rental and Two Targets at Maryland Small Arms Range ($61 Value)
36% Off Range Package for Two at Maryland Small Arms Range
9801 Fallard Court, Upper Marlboro12.4 mi
4.8
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7,525 ratings
$61 $39
36% discount_off
Range Package for Two: Range Time, 9mm Gun Rental, Plugs/Glasses, and Two Targets
Experience the Power of the Bible: Journey through History at the Museum of the Bible
Up to 45% Off Admission to Museum of the Bible
400 4th Street Southwest, Washington1.3 mi
4.8
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4,750 ratings
$14.99 $10
33% discount_off
Admission for One Adult (Ages 18+)
Discover Washington DC with Tickets Day Tours and Night Tours at Big Bus Tours DC
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Ticket at Big Bus Tours DC
700 L'Enfant Plaza Southwest, Washington0.9 mi
4.0
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2,365 ratings
$60 $48
20% discount_off
1-Day Discover Ticket for Adult or Child
Discover Washington DC at Your Own Pace: Hop On Hop Off Tour
Tour - Bus at DC Hop On Hop Off
700 L'Enfant Plaza, Washington1.0 mi
4.5
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270 ratings
$60 $42
30% discount_off
One Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Bus Ticket for Ages 3+; Valid Any Day
Jump Passes at Sky Zone Hagerstown (Up to 46% Off). Five Options Available.
Up to 46% Off Jump Passes at Sky Zone Hagerstown
12114 Insurance Way, Hagerstown
4.8
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981 ratings
$50 $32$27
 Sale Ends 6/9
90-Minute Jump Passes for Two; Valid Any Day

One of the best ways to see Washington, DC is to take a nighttime stroll around the monuments and memorials. Nicknamed America’s front yard, start anywhere on the National Mall for museums, top attractions, family fun, and more.

The best things to do near Washington, DC include:

  • Seeing the history of American journalism featured at Newseum
  • Taking a guided tour of the White House, the iconic home of America’s president
  • Visiting the Lincoln Memorial, a monument to the 16th president
  • Touring the United States capitol building, the home of the U.S. legislature
  • Visiting the famous Smithsonian

Events in Washington, D. C.View All

Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo" (September 8 - October 22)
Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo"
8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons10.3 mi
$54
One Ticket to Cirque du Soleil Presents "Echo"
30+ bought
Experience the Power of the Bible: Journey through History at the Museum of the Bible
Up to 45% Off Admission to Museum of the Bible
400 4th Street Southwest, Washington1.3 mi
4.8
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4,750 ratings
$14.99 $10
33% discount_off
Admission for One Adult (Ages 18+)
"Drunk Shakespeare" at The Sage Theatre
"Drunk Shakespeare" – Up to 46% Off Comedy
1100 13th Street Northwest, Washington0.7 mi
$43 $25
42% discount_off
One Balcony Ticket
1,000+ bought
One-, Two-, or Three-Day Ticket to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA (Up to 50% Off)
Up to 50% Off Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg
2 Locations
4.8
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4,391 ratings
$104.99 $72.99
30% discount_off
Single-Day Admission to Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Ages 3+): Valid Through 11/05/2023
Washington DC Premier Dinner from City Cruises (40% Off)
Washington DC Premier Dinner at City Cruises from City Cruises (40% Off)
580 Water Street Southwest, Washington1.6 mi
4.4
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943 ratings
$119.92 $71.95
40% discount_off
Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise for One; Multiple Days Available
Pentatonix – The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina on August 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Pentatonix – The World Tour with Lauren Alaina – Up to 52% Off
7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow
$41.30 $20
52% discount_off
Pentatonix - The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina at Jiffy Lube Live on August 12, 2023
650+ bought
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show with Howard Jones and Berlin on July 28 at 7 p.m.
Boy George & Culture Club w/Howard Jones – Up to 52% Off
7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow
$41.75 $20
52% discount_off
Boy George & Culture Club: The Letting It Go Show at Jiffy Lube Live on July 28, 2023
170+ bought
SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 57% Off)
Up to 57% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,509 ratings
$134.99 $57.99
57% discount_off
*FLASH SALE* SeaWorld Orlando Single-Day Admission Ticket: Valid 365 Days from Purchase
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,480 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)

Hotels & Accommodations in Washington, D. C.View All

Hotel Stay with Daily Water Park Passes at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg in Virginia
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Resort in Virginia
549 East Rochambeau Drive, Williamsburg108.2 mi
4.6
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6,044 ratings
$154.70 $119
23% discount_off
1NT Family Suite
Hotel Stay at 4-Star Bally's Atlantic City, NJ
4-Star Atlantic City Hotel and Casino
1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City143.3 mi
3.9
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458 ratings
$99 $40.12
59% discount_off
Dennis Tower Classic King Room
Hotel Stay at the 4-Star Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas in Arizona
4-Star in the Scottsdale Suburbs
6333 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
3.5
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86 ratings
$146.20 $99
32% discount_off
Deluxe Two-Double Room w/Waived Resort Fee
Stay at 4-Star DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley in Scottsdale
Member Pricing: Luxury 4-Star Hotel in Phoenix
5401 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale
4.2
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268 ratings
$126.65 $77.73
39% discount_off
Double-Queen Room w/Waived Resort Fee
Hotel Stay at The Alloy King of Prussia - a DoubleTree by Hilton in King of Prussia
Member Pricing: Hotel Near Valley Forge
301 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia121.5 mi
4.5
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345 ratings
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44% discount_off
King Room
Hotel Stay at 4-Star Resort in Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Member Pricing: 4-Star Resort in Arizona
7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix
3.6
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71 ratings
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37% discount_off
One-Bedroom King Suite
Stay with Two Margaritas at OYO Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas
Hotel near Las Vegas Strip
115 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas
3.3
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721 ratings
$54 $18.90
65% discount_off
Standard King Room with Margaritas
Stay at Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV
Iconic Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Vegas
3850 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
3.8
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5,147 ratings
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44% discount_off
Resort Tower King Room
Stay with Food and Beverage Credit at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod in Las Vegas, NV.
Casino Hotel on Las Vegas Strip
2000 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas
3.6
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4,393 ratings
$54 $20.52
62% discount_off
Select King Room w/$20 Credit

Between the monuments and government buildings, DC has plenty to keep visitors occupied. From historic performing arts theaters to modern art galleries, discover DC’s top attractions and things to do.

Popular activities near Washington, DC include:

  • Snap a photo with the Washington Monument
  • Taking a ride upon DC Ducks
  • Visiting the Wharf in Washington DC
  • Heading to Old Town Trolley Tours
  • Planning a day trip to Theodore Roosevelt Island

On your next Washington, DC trip, plan your itinerary with time to spare. Whether it’s events, museums, or trendy restaurants, there’s something new to try every day.

Exciting activities near Washington, DC today include:

  • Going on an adventure into Adams Morgan, a nearby neighborhood
  • Wining and dining at Elle, a hybrid cafe-bakery-restaurant that serves as an all-day eatery
  • Stopping by Perry’s a neighborhood staple in Adams Morgan
  • Hanging out at The Washington Harbour
  • Visiting the International Spy Museum

The night is young and the country’s capital is your oyster. Check out entertainment and nightlife hotspots in Washington, DC.

Nighttime attractions near Washington, DC include:

  • Watch the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial by moonlight
  • Attend a play at Shakespeare Theatre Company
  • Taste spring rolls and sushi at Zentan
  • Head to the Top of the Gate for a specialty cocktail atop Watergate Hotel
  • Grab margaritas at the turf-adorned El Techo, billed as an “adult treehouse”

If you’re looking for things to do with the kids in Washington, DC, you’re in luck. There are a number of splash zones, parks, and dessert places to keep the kids entertained.

Family-friendly attractions near Washington, DC include:

  • Let the kids play with the interactive fountains
  • Enjoy Petworth’s spray park
  • Splash around in Capitol Riverfront’s Yard Park
  • Try gourmet-style desserts at Baked by Yael’s
  • Teach the kids how to ice skate at The Wharf’s Transit Pier

Museums in Washington, D. C.View All

Balance out your vacation with indoor activities too. Continue reading for vacation breaks and places to eat in Washington, DC.

Things to do indoors near Washington, DC include:

  • Taking an afternoon cooldown in Kogod Courtyard, which has a unique roof that lets in natural light
  • Discovering the shops and restaurants at CityCenterDC
  • Savoring the atmosphere La Chaumière, a French country inn in the heart of Georgetown
  • Heading to Café du Parc for coffee and crepes
  • Seeing a performance at the Kennedy Center in Foggy Bottom

With so many green spaces and parks in Washington, DC, outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty to keep themselves fit and entertained. Take a break from the museums and get a little east coast sunshine with the below vacation ideas.

Outdoor activities in Washington, DC include:

  • Visiting the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, a paradise for nature lovers
  • Paddling the Potomac River with kayaks, canoes, and paddling lessons at Key Bridge Boathouse
  • Biking, hiking, or running next the Potomac River
  • Exploring Rock Creek Park, DC’s ultimate outdoor mecca
  • Showing up to November Project DC and turn DC’s urban landscape into an urban gym

 

Inspiration for things to do in Washington D.C. from The Gist!

So Much More Than Politics: 9 Can’t-Miss Sightseeing Tours in Washington, D.C. - In a city filled with iconic landmarks, it’s easy to assume you’ve seen it all after just a few selfie stops in Washington, D.C…

7 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Washington, D.C., That Prove It’s Not All About History - Taking your kids to the nation’s capital is a time-honored tradition, but sometimes keeping them interested and engaged in a city that’s known for history can be a challenge…

The Smithsonian and Beyond: The 9 Best Museums in Washington, D.C. - Did you know that there are as many museums in Washington, D.C., as there are political buildings? Okay, so . . . we made that up, but it feels like it could be true. Either way, visitors to the nation’s capital will find no shortage of things to see with their pick of incredible museums...