While it’s hard to believe that the cooler days of fall are already approaching, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Washington DC this summer before the leaves start to turn. Didn’t have a chance to visit this year? It’s never too early to start planning next summer’s vacation, so read on for a look at just seven of the many fun things to do in Washington DC all season long.
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1. Visit Smithsonian Museums
Of all the fun things to do in Washington DC, visiting the Smithsonian museums that line the National Mall is an absolute must, especially when you need to escape the intense humidity and heat the summer months can bring. Since these museums are located within easy walking distance of one another, it’s easy to cool off while checking out the National Museum of the American Indian, National Gallery of Art, National Air and Space Museum and more. With so much to see and the added bonus of free admission, what’s not to love?
2. Tour the Monuments at Night
From the iconic Lincoln Memorial to the more recently unveiled Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the monuments on and around the National Mall take on a new kind of beauty after the sun goes down. Whether you prefer to explore the area with a designated group like Old Town Trolley Tours or simply walk around on your own, touring the monuments at night is the perfect opportunity to enjoy cooler weather and miss the large daytime crowds.
3. Check out the National Zoo
Nothing says summer vacation like a family trip to the zoo, so why not plan an outing to see giant pandas, lions, elephants and more at DC’s National Zoo? While admission to the zoo itself is free, there is a $16-$22 fee for parking, so be sure to budget this in ahead of time or plan on taking the Metro to the Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations on the Red Line instead. However you get there, this is one summer outing kids and adults alike are sure to love!
4. Take a River Cruise
The summer season finds the Potomac River filled with boats of all types and sizes, making it the ideal time for you to join in the fun. The Potomac Riverboat Company offers sightseeing excursions and water taxis that take visitors on a tour of the monuments, down to visit Mount Vernon, over to Nationals Park for a baseball game and more, while Odyssey and Dandy Restaurant Cruises offer spectacular dinner and lunchtime sailings.
5. Enjoy a Movie or Show Outdoors
Take advantage of warm summer evenings by enjoying a movie outdoors at one of the National Mall’s Screen on the Green events or by heading to one of the area’s many other free outdoor movie showings, listed online via the website DC Outdoor Films. Prefer to buy tickets to an outdoor concert, opera or musical? Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in nearby Northern Virginia features a wide range of shows annually each May through September.
6. Catch a Nationals Baseball Game
Summer wouldn’t be summer without baseball, and a trip to Nationals Park is guaranteed to be fun for the entire family. Grab a snack at onsite DC favorites like Ben's Chili Bowl, Hard Times Café and Shake Shack, and catch the weekly fireworks show after the game on Fridays.
7. Go Wine Tasting
With a growing number of wineries popping up in Maryland and Virginia, it’s easier than ever to escape the hustle and bustle of DC for a relaxing day trip out to the country. Vintage Ridge Vineyard, located roughly an hour outside the city in Delaplane, Virginia, is a fabulous choice for its delectable food pairings the first Saturday and Sunday of every month, while Tarara Winery in Leesburg, Virginia, is well-known for its annual Summer Concert Series.
Have you recently visited our nation’s capital? What are some of your top recommendations for fun things to do in Washington DC during the summer?
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