The White House

DC on a Budget

Here's a few suggestions to get you started. Much to see. Many free things to do for the whole family.

• Join the hundreds of thousands who flock to DC for Cherry Blossom Time in late March, early April, welcoming Spring with all its beauty.
• Free live jazz concerts in the garden at the National Gallery of Art throughout the summer on Friday nights. Between 3rd. And 9th. Streets at Constitution Avenue NW.
• Stroll through Georgetown with its cobblestone streets. Enjoy the beautiful area, window shop, view the old mansions and town homes.
• Old Stone House - the oldest house in DC, representing simple 18th century lodging. 3051 M Street NW
• Browse the many outdoor markets on the week-ends.
• National Zoo - 3001 Connecticut Ave. Zoo is free; however, there is a parking charge. Consider using the Metrorail or Metrobus.
• All who visit Washington DC look forward to a free guided tour of the White House (pictured above). Prior requests must be submitted. For tour information, call 202-456-7041. Obviously, long lines await you, but well worth the wait.
• For a moving and memorable experience, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW. 202-488-0400.
• Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place of John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and their 2 children. See the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watch the guard change throughout the day. 703-607-8000.
• Put on your walking shoes and grab your map. Check out the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Memorial.
• Visit the gothic style Washington National Cathedral, Massachusetts & Wisconsin Avenues, N.W. A spectacular religious site with beautiful grounds. View the city from the 7th. Floor. Attend Mass for a very impressive, moving experience. Guided tours available, parking available. Worth the trip if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a little peace and tranquility.
• Take a self-guided tour of Ford's Theater, where Abe Lincoln was shot. 511 10th. St. NW.
• Petersen House, 516 10th. Street NW. Visit the house where President Lincoln died, following the shooting at Ford's Theatre the night before. House is fully restored to its original appearance.
• FBI Headquarters, J. Edgar Hoover Bldg., 935 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Tour entrance on 9th St. NW. Historical exhibits, FBI laboratory, demonstration of firearm collection.
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 14th. And C Streets SW. Enter on 14th. Street. See how our money is made. Guided tours available.

Visit our Washington DC Vacation Ideas page for more suggestions.