What to Do in Washington, DC During the Day

Washington, DC is a vibrant city bristling with culture and cosmopolitan glamour.

From world-famous museums and historical monuments to fascinating scenic tours and cruises on the Potomac River and even the chance to bump into the President, you’ll never find yourself short of interesting things to do in the nation’s capital.

US CAPITOL

The Capitol stands as an emblem of the American people, a place where the issues facing the nation are considered, debated and written into law.

Home to the US Congress and its two legislative bodies, the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Capitol also houses an important collection of American art and represents an architectural achievement in its own right. Check out the vast collection of films, exhibits and tours at the Visitor Center to learn about the building’s historical significance as well as its relevance to modern-day politics and walk around the grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1874.

MOUNT VERNON

Explore the original plantation home of founding father George Washington on an exclusive VIP tour tailored specifically to your interests.

The expansive estate of Mount Vernon, situated on 500 acres framing the Potomac River, houses over 700 historical artifacts in 25 galleries and theaters dedicated to preserving the Washington family history. Guests can even take a private evening walk by lantern, following in the footsteps of the nation’s first president in a candlelit trek that explores the newly restored Washington family mansion, tomb and distillery.

INTERNATIONAL SPY MUSEUM

The International Spy Museum is the only public museum in the world to provide a global perspective on the covert profession of espionage.

Featuring the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display, the museum showcases more that 200 gadgets used by spies throughout the world, including weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles and technologies. It also offers a variety of lectures, films, booksignings and family activities to suit all ages. Test out your own stealth with the VIP Spy City Tour, which gives aspiring 007s a crash course of being a master of disguise and the chance to participate in an interactive spy mission on the streets of DC.

 CARRIAGES OF THE CAPITAL

Take a ride in an elegant horse-drawn carriage and explore DC in the most charming mode of transport the city has to offer.

Carriages of the Capital is Washington’s premier carriage company, offering scenic tours with itineraries tailored to clients’ specific preferences. Casual daytime outings provide fun for the whole family while moonlit monument tours add a hint of romance to a private excursion. Arrange a VIP package to get a truly first-class ride.

SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park was founded in 1889 with the mission of studying, celebrating and protecting the diversity of animals and their habitats.

The zoo is home to more than 2,000 individual creatures of 400 different species, as well as dedicated staff known for their expertise in animal care and collaborative efforts towards global conservation. The park’s facilities include a number of restaurants and cafes, family-friendly picnic areas and three National Zoo stores. Don’t miss a chance to meet some of the park’s most famous residents, including giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian.

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN

Explore the transformative powers of contemporary art with a visit to the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, home to an impressive collection of acclaimed international modern art in all media.

The museum, which has a four-acre garden and more than 12,000 items currently on display, regularly collaborates with artists on exhibitions, programs and special projects to offer an intriguing array of visitor attractions and provide a platform for artistic visions and voices. Arrange a private tour to get an exclusive look at upcoming signature projects, including Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s widely anticipated Seasonal Inflatable Structure.

US BOTANIC GARDEN

The USBG is a beautiful collection of public gardens and exhibits dedicated to showcasing the value of plants to humanity.

With three areas open to the public – the Conservatory, the National Garden and the Bartholdi Park – the USBG maintains more than 60,000 plants for exhibition, study, conservation and exchange with other institutions. Recently accredited by the American Association of Museums, the USBG is both stunning and educational – a real treat for any visiting nature lover.

WOODROW WILSON HOUSE

As DC’s only presidential museum, the Woodrow Wilson House is an important national landmark that stands to commemorate the numerous achievements of America’s twenty-eighth president.

Built in 1915, the house in Kalorama provides a snapshot of life in the early twentieth century, with carefully preserved artifacts, including silent films, flapper dresses and zinc sinks, on display. Video presentations and special exhibitions are also integral parts of visitor tours.

SPIRIT CRUISES

Spirit Cruises offers the exciting opportunity to wine, dine and dance the night away aboard the dazzling Spirit of Washington cruise liner.

Each lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail and moonlight cruise includes lavish buffets, fantastic live entertainment and premier views of the Potomac and DC’s world-renowned landscape. Upgrade to an enhancement package and enjoy exclusive VIP treatment – perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a novel way to see the capital.