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Free Stuff in Washington, DC

Arlington National Cemetery – The burial site for soldiers, diplomats and politicians including John F. Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknowns. 

Bureau of Engraving and Printing – Millions of dollars roll off the press each day at the “Money Factory,” where you can take a free tour.  

DAR Museum – The Daughters of the American Revolution’s museum includes 33 period rooms with lavish pre-1840s décor. 

Folger Shakespeare Library – Features one of the world’s premier collections of Shakespearean materials.

Ford’s Theatre – The infamous site of Lincoln’s execution still stages theatrical productions every year.  (Note: currently closed for renovation)

Franciscan Monastery – Founded to educate Franciscan missionaries to the Holy Land, the Monastery’s grounds in DC’s “Little Rome” are home to breathtaking gardens.

International Trade Center/ Reagan Building – One of the largest buildings in DC houses shops, restaurants, government offices and the DC Visitors Information Center.

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts – This living memorial to JFK is one of the most celebrated performing arts institutions in the country.  Free performances daily at 6 pm on the Millennium Stage. 

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens – Unusual water flora abound in the National Park Service’s only facility dedicated to aquatic plants.

Library of Congress – The magnificent Jefferson Building houses the great Reading Room where scholars come to conduct research.

Lincoln Park – Located just east of the Capitol, this park exemplifies 19th century design and also celebrates emancipation from slavery. 

National Arboretum – Now an expansive nature wonderland and home to impressive azaleas, herb gardens, and bonsai collections, it was originally a munitions depot. 

National Gallery of Art – The nation’s permanent collection of American and European painting and sculpture attracts blockbuster traveling exhibitions throughout the year.

National Geographic Society – This educational facility includes interactive exhibits in its Explorers’ Hall. 

National Mall & Memorial Parks –The landmarks honoring Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, FDR and other celebrated heroes are among DC’s most popular free attractions.

National Museum of Health and Medicine – Medical marvels include the world’s largest collection of microscopes, preserved specimens, Civil War surgical tools and the bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln.

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception – Roman Catholic Shrine with the largest collection of contemporary Christian artwork in the country.

Old Post Office Pavilion – Former post office houses shops, restaurants and offices, as well as a magnificent observation tower.

Old Stone House – The oldest house in Washington, DC, built in 1765, stands in historic Georgetown.

Pope John Paul II Cultural Center – This interactive museum illustrates the teachings of Pope John Paul II.

Rock Creek Park – 1,754 acres of rustic woodlands featuring trails, picnic areas, an amphitheatre and a golf course.

Screen on the Green – A free weekly screening of classic movies on the National Mall in July and August.   

St. Matthew’s Cathedral – Established in 1840, this breathtaking church is where John F. Kennedy’s funeral Mass was held.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival – This international celebration of contemporary living traditions is held every summer on the Mall. The 2008 dates are June 25-29 and July 2-6.

Smithsonian Institution Museums – There are more than a dozen Smithsonian Museums in DC: 

• Anacostia Community Museum

• Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

• Freer Gallery of Art

• Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

• National Air and Space Museum

• National Museum of African Art

• National Museum of American History

• National Museum of the American Indian

• National Museum of Natural History

• National Portrait Gallery

• National Postal Museum

• National Zoological Park

• Smithsonian American Art Museum and its Renwick Gallery.

Supreme Court of the United States – The highest court in the land.

Union Station – A Beaux-Arts masterpiece and one of the largest train stations in the country.  It is also a center for shopping and dining. 

U.S. Capitol – Atop Capitol Hill is the seat of the United States legislature. 

U.S. Botanic Garden – On the grounds of the Mall, the Botanic Garden contains an array of flowers with exceptional views of the monuments and the Capitol.

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum – This emotional, interactive museum addresses Hitler’s reign in the 1930s and 40s and the effects of the Holocaust. 

U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center – The striking outdoor Navy Memorial plaza pays homage to all personnel that served at sea.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial – The moving black wall inscribed with the names of the soldiers lost in battle.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial – A tribute to women who worked the backlines of the war as nurses, drivers and infrastructure support. 

Washington Monument – At 555 feet, the monument is the tallest structure in the area. 

Washington National Cathedral – The 6th largest cathedral in the world is also the last purely gothic building to be constructed. This non-denominational temple has spectacular architecture and marvelous views of the city.

White House Visitors Center – The Visitor Center offers a 30-minute orientation film about the White House.