5 Incredible Places to Visit in Washington DC Right Now

Washington DC is a city like no other. If you are visiting our nation's capital or are a long-time resident, we have compiled five incredible places to visit in Washington DC right now!

five amazing places in Washington dc

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The Tidal Basin 

Whether you are visiting DC. or live here, the Tidal Basin is an incredible place to spend some time.

Once attached to the Potomac River, this 2-mile-long pond, located near the National Mall, acts as the background to many of Washington DC's most beloved areas like the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. 

Paddleboats are available from March through October. For just $30 per hour, you and three of your favorite people can paddle your way all around the Tidal Basin.

Source: tripsavvy.com

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture's design was inspired by the three-tiered crowns found in West African Yoruban art and bronze latticework, in turn paying homage to one of the many cultures represented by those who were forced into slavery in the United States. 

Over 36,000 African American artifacts live in the museum, from Harriet Tubman's handkerchief to Michael Jackson's fedora and Kerry Washington's Ivory coat worn on Scandal. 

The highly-regarded institution causes museum goers to experience a range of emotions as they catch a glimpse at the history of African Americans in our country.

Guided tours are not available, but visitors can download a free app that provides audio stories about many exhibits.

Source: smwllc.com

Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley

If you want to visit Washington DC's famous memorials and monuments, there is no better way than a Moonlight Night Tour. 

Jump on an open-air trolly and relish in the history of our nation's capital. 

While traveling past each iconic building and landmark, trolley riders will receive entertaining and educational information. 

Enjoy incredible views of an illuminated Lincoln Memorial, the White House, Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial, and many other landmarks that permeate events of the past that have formed our country's stronghold of democracy known throughout the world. 

Source: viator.com

George Washington's Mount Vernon by Potomac Riverboat

A visit to George Washington's Mount Vernon by Potomac Riverboat is an incredible place to visit in Washington DC. 

Have a whale of a time on a three-hour round-trip cruise to America's first president's estate. Take in a narrated riverfront tour as you sail past historic landmarks like the US Capitol and the Washington Monument. 

Admission includes the cruise and access to George and Martha Washington's grand estate.

Source: cityexperiences.com

Ben's Chili Bowl

If you live in DC and haven't treated yourself to Ben's Chili Bowl, you are missing out. And no trip to our nation's capital is complete without checking out the historical hot-spot. 

Since 1958, this beacon of Washington DC has been a fundamental part of the city's history. 

Ben's was established during the time of segregation in our nation's capital and the diner donated food to the activists of the 1963 March on Washington. Advocates and leaders of the civil rights movement regularly gathered at the iconic restaurant. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. visited Ben's frequently, and President Obama stopped to grab a bite before his inauguration.

For over six decades, Ben's Chili Bowl has served up some of the best food in the city and has been a staple of the civil rights movement.

Source: benschilibowl.com

Washington DC Has an Abundance of Places to Visit

Washington DC has more historic landmarks to visit than most other cities in our nation.

It would take a considerable amount of time to visit all the incredible places this city has to offer. Start with these five unique places that make Washington DC a city like no other.