Union Station Visit the more-than-100-year-old building to find out why its beautiful architecture and special events make it more than just a train station.
Washington National Cathedral Sixth largest in the world – construction was started in 1907 but only finished in 1990. Designed in the gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Open all days of the week (only open for worship on Sunday mornings). Metro: Cleveland Park or Tenleytown.
The Bishop's Garden (National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; www.nationalcathedral.org) Most people tour the Washington National Cathedral without stopping to admire The Bishop's Garden. Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., planned this charming medieval-style garden
The Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle, America’s first museum of modern art. Free of charge Tuesdays through Fridays.
Trip the light fantastic. Thrill to Leo Villareal’s dynamic light sculpture "Multiverse" while riding the moving walkway between the National Gallery of Art’s East and West Buildings.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. It’s the first art conservation facility allowing the public permanent access to views of essential conservation work. There you’ll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Take a free or nearly free docent-led tour at one of DC’s many museums and other cultural institutions, including the National Archives and the National Air and Space Museum. Before you go, make sure to check each's website for details.
Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. When you're done, walk a few steps to see the latest exhibitions on display at each of the free museums, which stay open until 7 p.m. nightly. Need to check your email or confirm a hotel stay while you're out? You're in luck - the courtyard has free Wi-Fi.
National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden to take in art and fresh air at the same time. The garden features seating for visitors and a fountain that turns into an ice rink in the winter.
The Old Stone House (3051 M St. NW; tel. 202/426-6851; www.nps.gov/olst). Open 12pm-5pm Wednesdays-Sundays
Built by cabinetmaker Christopher Layman in 1765, this house in Georgetown is considered the oldest building in Washington, D.C. Take a trip back to the 18th century by touring the period rooms. Be sure to admire the English garden out back
Botanical Garden. A truly green spectacle, with a jungle, a National Garden with a First Ladies water garden, a rose garden and exhibits on ecology and evolutionary biology.
Washington National Cathedral Sixth largest in the world – construction was started in 1907 but only finished in 1990. Designed in the gothic style, the Washington National Cathedral is also surrounded by beautiful gardens, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Open all days of the week (only open for worship on Sunday mornings). Metro: Cleveland Park or Tenleytown.
The Bishop's Garden (National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW; www.nationalcathedral.org) Most people tour the Washington National Cathedral without stopping to admire The Bishop's Garden. Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., planned this charming medieval-style garden
The Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle, America’s first museum of modern art. Free of charge Tuesdays through Fridays.
Trip the light fantastic. Thrill to Leo Villareal’s dynamic light sculpture "Multiverse" while riding the moving walkway between the National Gallery of Art’s East and West Buildings.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. It’s the first art conservation facility allowing the public permanent access to views of essential conservation work. There you’ll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Take a free or nearly free docent-led tour at one of DC’s many museums and other cultural institutions, including the National Archives and the National Air and Space Museum. Before you go, make sure to check each's website for details.
Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. When you're done, walk a few steps to see the latest exhibitions on display at each of the free museums, which stay open until 7 p.m. nightly. Need to check your email or confirm a hotel stay while you're out? You're in luck - the courtyard has free Wi-Fi.
National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden to take in art and fresh air at the same time. The garden features seating for visitors and a fountain that turns into an ice rink in the winter.
The Old Stone House (3051 M St. NW; tel. 202/426-6851; www.nps.gov/olst). Open 12pm-5pm Wednesdays-Sundays
Built by cabinetmaker Christopher Layman in 1765, this house in Georgetown is considered the oldest building in Washington, D.C. Take a trip back to the 18th century by touring the period rooms. Be sure to admire the English garden out back
Botanical Garden. A truly green spectacle, with a jungle, a National Garden with a First Ladies water garden, a rose garden and exhibits on ecology and evolutionary biology.