Explore Washington, DC, on a Budget

Standing on the carpet of grass unfurling around the base of the Washington Monument, my 10-year-old niece, Malin, cranes her neck up to the sky. “It’s so tall and pointy,” she announces. I explain that, at 555 feet, this is the tallest building in Washington, DC. “Next time you come, we’ll take the free elevator to the top.”

Malin and her family are visiting from California, and despite three days of entertainment, we’ve barely paid a cent. That’s because dozens of sites in the Nation’s Capital—including national park memorials and monuments, the US Botanic Garden, the National Zoo and the Smithsonian museums—are all free.

From the Washington Monument, we walk a sloping hill to the World War II Memorial. Within the majestic stone and bronze plaza, a refreshing fountain creates rainbows in the air. A park ranger explains to Malin how the 56 granite columns represent the American states and territories. She and her brother, Jagger, age 4, pose by “California.”

A half hour later, blessed with unbridled energy, Malin is running up the 87 steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with me panting behind her. Then, after stopping for ice pops, we head to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the Tidal Basin. Malin has learned about the Civil Rights leader in school and reads the words emblazoned there, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

Here in the Nation’s Capital, history has come to life for her.

More to See

The next day, our tour continues at Planet Word, a free museum celebrating language in a playground-like environment. Malin and Jagger repeat phrases in various languages at the Spoken World, illuminating different countries on a giant globe. In a magical library, they discover favorite books animated with holographic images.

Although you need to make arrangements in advance with your congressional office to visit the White House, there’s another way to “see” where the President works. The People’s House is a new, free attraction on Pennsylvania Avenue featuring a replica of the White House’s West Colonnade and Oval Office. Multimedia displays illuminate the architectural history and personal stories of people who worked in the Executive Mansion. (Reservations are recommended.)

This spring and continuing through 2026, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will be unveiling 23 new galleries that will display some 1,400 new objects, all part of a multi-year $285 million renovation.

FreeToursbyFoot.com has themed walking tours, such as Intro to DC for $4. Free guided tours at the US Capitol lead visitors into the Rotunda, Crypt and National Statuary Hall. The daily Discover the National Gallery of Art tour explores a collection spanning 500 years.

The Kennedy Center hosts free, nightly programming year-round on the Millennium Stage. And don’t miss visiting REACH Plaza, the Kennedy Center’s 4.6-acre park overlooking the Potomac River that offers free events and workshops.

Timing It Right

Like most destinations, DC has busy seasons and bargain seasons. But while the busiest times—like Cherry Blossom season in the spring and summer’s Independence Day celebrations—command higher hotel rates, they also include weeks of free events.

When temperatures dip and DC decks out for the holidays, many events are free. I never miss seeing the National Christmas Tree at the White House, or ZooLights, when pathways within the National Zoo are aglow with 500,000 colored lights (and the new resident pandas prefer chilly weather). True bargain hunters should visit in January and February, when accommodation prices are significantly reduced, and top restaurants offer discounts for Winter Restaurant Week (usually held the last two weeks in January).

A Trip to Remember

Malin’s bargain family vacation allowed me to treat her and her brother to a souvenir. We choose a “Future President” cap for Malin and Hello Washington D.C.! book for Jagger. “I hope you’ll return soon,” I say, savoring their hugs. “There is so much more to do.”

Getting Around

While DC has parking lots near major landmarks, traveling by subway is a visitor’s best move. Metrorail has convenient stops throughout the city and to the airports. You can’t beat $2 per ride on weekends or $33.75 for a 3-Day Unlimited Pass. There’s also the affordable Metrobus, Capital Bikeshare and Potomac Water Taxi.

Where to Sleep

Hotel parking will add a hefty fee to your stay, so consider traveling to DC by public transportation.

Morrison-Clark Historic Inn & Restaurant
Mount Vernon Square
The rooms in this Victorian mansion are luxurious, and the courtyard is a perfect hideaway after a busy day. It’s just a short walk to the Metro, City Center shops, and Penn Quarter restaurants. Rates start at $150.

Hotel Hive
Foggy Bottom
Located in a lively college neighborhood, this modern hotel has rooms that are small but comfortable, and it’s just a short walk to the National Mall and Georgetown. Rates start at $130.

Capitol Hill Hotel
Capitol Hill
Immerse yourself in the vibrant community near the US Capitol, Library of Congress, and National Mall. Rooms are small, but some have kitchenettes or full kitchens. Rates start at $149.