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Washington DC river

Feel at Home in Washington, D.C.

Washington DC river

As America’s capital city, Washington, D.C., sports a rich history and is home to a variety of parks, museums, sports venues, and restaurants that offer ample activities for your stay at Children’s National Hospital. Below is a list of attractions in Washington, D.C. for you and your family to visit.


The National Mall and Memorial Parks 

Covering more than 1,000 acres of park land with many of the United States' most significant natural and cultural resources, the National Mall and Memorial Parks are a must-see for any visitor to Washington, D.C. You can reach the Mall via several Metro stations, including Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, L'Enfant Plaza and Archives/Navy Memorial. Among the most popular sites on the mall are the: 

  • Washington Monument 
  • Thomas Jefferson Memorial 
  • Lincoln Memorial 
  • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 
  • World War II Memorial 
  • Korean War Veterans Memorial 
  • Vietnam Veterans Memorial  
Washington Monument
Smithsonian Museum

Smithsonian Museums, Galleries, Gardens and Zoo  

The Smithsonian Institute offers 19 world-class museums, galleries, gardens, and a zoo – all in the greater Washington area. Admission is free, they are conveniently located near public transit, and many have dining options on-site. Visit the Smithsonian website for locations and hours. 

  • National Museum of African American History and Culture 
  • National Air and Space Museum – Udvar-Hazy Center  
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum  
  • National Museum of American History  
  • National Museum of the American Indian  
  • National Zoo  
  • National Portrait Gallery  
  • Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum  
  • Smithsonian Gardens  
  • National Museum of African Art  
  • National Air and Space Museum 
  • National Museum of the American Indian – George Gustav Heye Center  
  • Anacostia Community Museum 
  • Arts and Industries Building  
  • Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum 
  • Freer Gallery of Art  
  • Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden 
  • National Museum of Natural History  
  • National Postal Museum  
  • S. Dillon Ripley Center  

 You can learn more about what to do in Washington, D.C., at https://washington.org/.