Whether you are visiting, hosting visitors, or looking for a break from the books, it's difficult to run out of things to do in Washington, D.C. Situated in the heart of the city, GW is in close proximity to most of the capital's world famous museums and monuments and the city's other rich cultural attractions.
Below are just some of the many possibilities for exploration, entertainment, adventure, and fun. Most museums in D.C. are free and many other attractions offer student discounts.
Traditional Travel and Tourism Sites
Cultural Tourism D.C. “A nonprofit coalition linking you to Washington’s heritage and arts.” Includes a special section, African American Heritage Trail.
Washington.org Official Tourism Site of Washington, D.C., run by the District government.
Museums
The Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum
American History Museum
Anacostia Museum
Dimock Gallery
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur Sackler Gallery
Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Luther W. Brady Art Gallery
Museum of African Art
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of the American Indian
Natural History Museum
National Museum of Women In Arts
Professional Sports
DC United Washington's soccer club plays at RFK stadium.
Washington Nationals DC has its own MBL team again!
Washington Capitals DC'S NHL team
Baltimore Orioles Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a quick train ride from Washington's Union Station.
Film
There are many movie theaters in the D.C. area, but two standouts are worth a special trip:
Enjoy first-run films and classics within walking distance or a short ride on the Metro to the American Film Institute (AFI) Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.
The Uptown Theater is the last movie palace in Washington, D.C. still showing first-run films.
The Great Outdoors
Washington is famous for its parks and trails. Here are a few favorites:
Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park (U.S. National Park Service)
A charming, eclectic park with a rich history in the middle of Washington, D.C.
Rock Creek Park (U.S. National Park Service)
One of the largest urban parks in the country, it's a great place to go walking, jogging, or rollerblading.
Dumbarton Oaks
Located just above the Georgetown neighborhood, this wooded park makes a wonderful escape.
Hillwood Museum and Gardens was founded by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post in upper N.W.
C & O Canal National Historical Park passes through Georgetown from the Washington harbor to Maryland.
Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Located on the Potomac River (on both the Maryland and Virginia sides), minutes away by car from the GW campus.
Theater
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Ford's Theatre
The Shakespeare Theatre
The National Theatre
Arena Stage
Studio Theatre
Woolly Mammoth
Signature Theater