DC has a lot

DC has a lot to do — and a lot of it is free. Here are a few of our favorite things, along with some helpful links to make your weekend as full of exploration as you want.

Going outside

The National Arboretum

In April, the azaleas will likely be in full bloom, and depending on global weather patterns, you might get to see some cherry blossoms. We love the Arboretum, and you can spend hours here seeing beautiful flora and fauna (though much more flora than fauna). Fun fact: Ian proposed to Olivia last year during peak azalea bloom in the Morrison Garden!

If you visit, be sure to check out the bonsai garden — they have trees older than the United States, and it is a sight to behold.

The Tidal Basin

If cherry blossoms are in bloom — and we really won’t know when peak bloom hits until days before it does — the tidal basin is the place to see approximately 70% of Washington DC’s cherry blossoms. It gets crowded quickly, so we recommend going early in the morning.

The National Mall and monuments

Taking a stroll down the mall, which extends from the U.S. Capitol Building to The Washington Monument, is a beautiful walk. You can extend your journey and head to the Jefferson Memorial, which is near the tidal basin.

Museums

We recommend NOT visiting the Renwick Gallery, since you’ll have full reign of the entire museum during our reception!

That being said, Washington DC has more amazing museums than we can list, but here are a few of our personal favorites. 

  • The Museum of African American History and Culture (details here)

  • The Museum of Natural History (details here)

  • The Museum of American History (details here)

  • The Portrait Gallery (details here)

  • The Spy Museum* (details here)

  • Planet Word* (details here)

  • The National Gallery of Art (details here)

  • The Hirshhorn (details here) 

  • The Phillips Collection* (details here)

  • O Street Museum* (details here)

  • The Air and Space Museum (details here)

*indicates paid entry

More to do