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Things to Do in Washington DC This Weekend
Sarah Kesterson
The nation’s capital is a prime summertime destination filled with activities for everyone’s tastes. Whether you prefer to spend time outdoors seeing the sights or would rather wander around a museum, Washington DC has something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in DC this weekend.
Visit a Museum or Library
Photo via Robert Dodge
Washington DC is home to the biggest museum in the world. The Smithsonian Institution is made up of 19 different museums ranging from art galleries to air and space museums. There’s something to suit everyone’s interests. If the Smithsonian Institute doesn’t catch your interest, there are roughly 50 other unique museums to explore. Another iconic destination to visit in Washington DC is the Library of Congress. Filled with tons of interesting materials, LOC never fails to excite. During the summer, Library of Congress also hosts a variety of interesting events such as concerts and lectures.
Explore the Monuments Around the City
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With more than 160 monuments and memorials in Washington DC, it is difficult to run out of interesting things to see. You can visit the most famous monuments like the Martin Luther King, Lincoln, or Washington monument, or discover less well-known memorials like the one honoring the victims of the Titanic. For more information about touring the monuments in DC, check out the Visit Washington DC page.
Get Active Outdoors
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For those of you who like to stay active while enjoying the sights of a city, try biking around Washington DC. DC is filled with bike lanes and trails that make it easy to cycle around. In addition, the city is home to Capital Bikeshare (an extensive cycle-share system). Using Capital Bikeshare is a great way to see the sights and stay active at the same time. Another great summer option is to get out on the water. You can rent a kayak, stand-up paddle board, or canoe to paddle past the historic monuments located throughout the city, either on your own or on a guided tour.
Enjoy the Summer Weather
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If you’re looking for more relaxing outdoor activities for this summer in DC, you can take a look around the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Located in Washington DC, the Aquatic Gardens are a unique ecosystem filled with over 45 ponds, wildlife, and a variety of beautiful flowers. You can see it all from an elevated boardwalk. The gardens offer birdwatching opportunities and access to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Another excellent summer activity in DC is a visit to the Smithsonian National Zoo. The National Zoo has a strong focus on education and conservation, and entry is always free. Finally, you can take a walk through the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. This garden is absolutely gorgeous in the summer and boasts modern art sculptures, verdant walkways, and a variety of beautiful flowers and trees.
Discover the Local Entertainment
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Summertime in DC is a fantastic time to catch a show. All summer long there are a variety of outdoor entertainment options such as outdoor movies, music festivals, concerts, parades, and shows at the Shakespeare Theater Company. Washington DC features several drive-in and outdoor movie spots, as well as many scenic concert and music festival venues. And, while the Shakespeare Theater Company offers shows all year long, the outdoor shows are perfect for summer. Even better, most of the shows are free!
What are some of your favorite things to do in Washington D.C.?
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