Visit Washington, D.C. for Free and sightsee on July 4th weekend from dawn till dusk without spending a dime in our Nation’s capitol. Washington D.C., known internationally as the capitol of the free world, should also be known as the capitol of free tourist attractions. Unlike many other great American destinations, where admission fees can be steep, our nation’s capitol offers an abundance of free museums and attractions. In many instances you need only a ticket of admission, however the tickets are free of charge and serve a method of pacing traffic through each attraction.
The United States Capitol Building: Heading the list are the museums and government buildings that surround the National Mall. The Capitol Building, the Mall’s most prominent structure, is the seat of the legislative branch. Tickets are required for guided or self-guided. Pick them up at the Capitol’s East front (back side of building).
The White House: To take a tour, go early to the White House visitor’s center to get a ticket with a designated time of departure. Proceed to the waiting area at the designated time on the Ellipse, just in front of the White House to wait for our tour to be called.
Library of Congress, the world’s largest Library, is also one of our Country’s most ornate government buildings with elaborate frescoes and art that echoes the opulence of a European palace.
Monuments: Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, Lincoln Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean Veterans Memorial, all free to the public. A few are beyond a reasonable walking distance from the mall, so hop on the trolley, for a minimal cost, and loop effortlessly between all the major sights.
Museums:There is just too much to see in just one trip. If traveling with kids start with the National Air and Space Museum (everything from the Wright Brothers to lunar space modules), The National Archives (see the original Declaration of Independence), Museum of Natural History (featuring the Hope Diamond, dinosaur fossils and more), and the Museum of American History (original Star-Spangled Banner, Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers from the Wizard of Oz). Art and history enthusiasts will appreciate the Hirshhorn Museum of Art and Sculpture, U.S. Holocaust Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National.Still have time? Make sure to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where you can see freshly minted 20-dollar bills hot off the press. Stop by early, the tours are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Traveling with kids? Don’t forget to visit the giant Pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo.Need a place to stay? Beat the high priced hotels and stay at a vacation rental by owner condo or townhouse, right within the city limits. Make reservations for townhomes and Washington DC vacation rentals right in the District of Columbia at DestinationVillas.com. After a day on the town check out the Hard Rock Café, Georgetown’s lively restaurant district or the famous Ruth Chris Steak House just two blocks of the Dupont circle.