BYU
A view of the BYU campus

DC Attractions

The following links may help you find some of the activities in DC that are off the beaten path. You won't need cars for any of them, and many are activities that can be enjoyed in an evening. One thing you should know is that a surprising number of DC attractions are free. Many more are discounted with a student ID. If you're not sure, call them to find out. Please note that we have not had personal experience with all of the companies that may be listed here and cannot vouch for them.

Smithsonian Castle

Information About DC

To Get Around DC

To Get to the Airport

Rental Car Agencies in DC

Where
To Eat

Local Airports

Cathedral

The National Cathedral

The idea for a national cathedral for the purposes of "...public prayer, thanksgiving, funeral orations, etc.," was included in the plans of Pierre L'enfant when laying out the city of Washington, D.C. Finally begun in 1907, the cathedral was officially completed in 1990, providing a "non-denominational place of worship open to all." The Cathedral is on the corner of Wisconsin & Massachusetts Ave.

There is a small sculpture of Darth Vader's head on the northwest tower. You can read about it here.

Another church you may find interesting is the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Roman Catholic Church in the Western Hemisphere. 400 Michigan Ave.

Fords Theatre

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre, after being closed for nearly 100 years after Lincoln's assassination, reopened in 1963. It is now operated by the National Park Service and is a theater once more. Lincoln's booth is sealed to the public and has been converted into a small memorial. If you're in DC during the fall, you should go see A Christmas Carol. You can also take a tour. Located at 511 10th St NW.

Great Hall

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

A performance at the Kennedy Center can be moderately pricey but is worth the experience. Go early so that you can take in the ever-changing exhibits. There is also a free performance every day on the Millenium Stage. 2700 F St., NW, close to the Watergate Complex. The Kennedy Center offers half-price tickets to students and military, and also has a limited number of half-price tickets for same-day purchases.

Ballet
Other Theaters Tours to Take
  • The National Theatre shows frequent Broadway tours and is often used for pre-Broadway tryouts. 1321 Pennsylvania Ave.
  • The Shakespeare Theatre produces three classic Shakespeare plays a season and puts on free Shakespeare at the Carter-Barron Ampitheater every summer. 450 7th St. If you go during preview week, tickets are cheaper.
  • The Warner Theatre is known for its Rococco architecture and traditional theater. 13th & E Sts.
  • The Arena Stage at 6th & Main Ave, SW likes to show off its versatility.
  • The Signature Theatre is one of the most well-known "small" theaters, and shows many Sondheim productions. 3806 South Four Mile Run in Arlington.
  • The Ticket Place office in the old Post Office Pavilion at 1100 Penn. Ave. (Federal Triangle metro) sells half-price theater tickets for same-day performances. (202)842-5387 for hours and available tickets.
  • Tourmobile runs to 18 site around the mall, and also has tours to Mt. Vernon and the Frederick Douglas Historic site in Anacostia. (202)554-5100.
  • The Old Town Trolley runs through the mall, Dupont Circle, Embassy Row, and Georgetown.
  • Gray Line offers a variety of tours, including the unusual "Interiors of Public Buildings". They also offer longer tours to site outside of Washington - a good way to see sites without a car.
  • DC Ducks offer a land and water tour of Washington - all aboard the same vehicle! 1323 Penn. Ave.
  • Historic Tours offers a variety of tours in DC.
  • Potomac Riverboat Company Tours take you down the historic Potomac River.
  • DC Heritage offers a number of historic tours that will take you off the mall and into some lesser-known areas of the city. They provide bus and walking tours, and highlights include Embassy Row, the Civil War tour, Duke Ellington's Washington, and many more!
  • The Arlington National Cemetery Tour. Begins at the visitor center on Memorial drive. Includes the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Kennedy graves.
  • National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place from the end of March to the beginning of April. Not to be missed!
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library

Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection

The Dumbarton Oaks Research Library & Collection is housed in a nineteenth-century Federal-style house. The collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art and the rare books and prints relating to the gardens are on public display. The 10-acre gardens incorporate traditional English, Italian, and French styles. 1703 32nd St. NW in Georgetown. Virtual Tour of the gardens.

Historic Homes

Douglass Home

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, home of the statesman and abolitionist leader from 1877 until his death in 1895. How to get there.

Wilson House

Woodrow Wilson House is the only presidential museum in DC. 2340 S St., NW. How to get there.

Wilson House

Tudor Place was built in 1816 by Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter. 1644 31st St., NW.

Old Stone House

The Old Stone House is believed to be the oldest structure in the District of Columbia. How to get there (it's very close to the Barlow Center).

Hillwood

Hillwood, the home of Marjorie Post, contains the largest collection of Russian decorative art outside of Russia and is home to a marvelous 25-acre garden. How to get there.

The C&O Canal National Historic Park

The C&O Canal was begun in an attempt to make the Potomac River navigable and link the eastern U.S. to the western U.S. by water. Today there are myriad activities available, including hiking and biking trails, canoeing, and mule-drawn canal boat tours. The canal begins in Georgetown and has a visitor's center at 1057 Jefferson St. NW.

The Official Site has listings of activities and events on the C&O Canal and trails.

Outdoor Activities Equipment Rentals

There are a number of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in and around Washington. Some, such as biking and hiking, can be combined with exploration of historic sites. Keep in mind that you should be cautious when working out. Running is best done around the mall. Don't run in Rock Creek Park, and try to go with a partner.

Equipment can generally be rented by the day or by the hour. Fletcher's is right by the C&O Canal, an ideal location for day trip rentals.

  • Thompson Boat Center at 2900 VA Ave., NW. has canoes, rowboats, and bicycles for rent.
  • Fletcher's Boathouse at 4940 Canal Rd., NW. has canoes, rowboats, and bicycles for rent.
  • City Bikes at 2501 Champlain St., NW. has mountain and hybrid bikes.
  • Jack's Boats on 3500 K St has canoes, rowboats, and kayaks for rent. (202)337-9642.
  • Big Wheel Bikes at 1034 33rd St., NW rents a variety of bikes.
Pandas at Zoo

The National Zoo

The National Zoo is on 3001 Connecticut Ave., easily accesible by metro. Admission is free.

What do I need to know before visiting, and how do I get there?

Slide show of zoo inhabitants.

Webcams for the Elephants, Tigers, Giraffes, Pandas, and, most important, the Naked Mole-Rats.

Botanic Garden

United States Botantic Garden

The United States Botanic Garden is a beautiful and fascinating living plant museum on the Mall at the foot of the U.S. Capitol.

Old Town Alexandria

Alexandria, VA is one of Washington's largest suburbs and the historic district is well worth a visit. You can take the metro and get off at King Street. Most destinations are within walking distance. If they're not, the DASH bus system is well-developed, clean, and inexpensive. Pick up a map in the metro station.

The Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian is a collection of museums that, for the most part, line the mall. There are a number of small, specialized galleries that aren't nearly as crowded as the larger museums, but offer enticing displays just the same. All of the museums are free and are open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm every day but December 25. During the summer, the Smithsonian produces "Art Night on the Mall", with free events every Thursday night.

Click here for list of non-Smithsonian Museums. 		George Washington
Peacock Room

Miscellaneous Attractions

  • The Albert Einstein Memorial is a seated 12-foot bronze statue of the famous physicist. In a grove of elm and holly trees on the SW corner of the National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW.
  • The African-American Civil War Memorial commemorates the African-American troops who served on the Union side of the Civil War. 10th & U St. NW., Cardoza Station.
  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing. See money being made! 14th & C St SW.
  • The Chinatown Friendship Archway marks the entrance to Chinatown. One of the largest single-span archways in the world. 7th & H Sts. NW. (Gallery Pl-Chinatown).
  • Explorer's Hall of the National Geographic Society contains an interactive geography science center featuring exhibits depicting famous National Geographic-sponsored expeditions. 1145 17th St. NW. 202-857-7700.
  • Mt. Saint Sepulchre is a fully operational Franciscan Monastery. Tours are given. On the grounds are many replicas of Holy Land Shrines. 1400 Quincy St. NE. Brookland-CUA Metro, 202-526-6800.
  • The House Where Lincoln Died has been restored to its 1860 appearance. Across the street from Ford's Theatre, 516 10th St. 202-426-6924.
  • Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the last natural marsh in Washington, D.C. 44 ponds with a variety of water plants and wildlife. 1500 Anacostia Dr. SE. 202-426-6905.
  • St. John's Church is known as the Church of the Presidents because all of the presidents have attended one or more of its services. Several of the stained-glass windows are dedicated to famous statesmen. 1525 H St. NW. 202-347-8766.