As summer approaches, it’s time to start planning your next getaway, and the Capital City is such a great destination. One of the main reasons for planning a visit is the free museums in Washington, DC. These fantastic attractions offer a vibrant historical narrative that caters to various interests—from art and history to science and espionage.
This season, the city promises warm weather, blossoming cherry trees, and a thoughtful journey through some of the nation’s most accessible and intellectually stimulating experiences. For those planning a visit to the heart of the United States, embracing the knowledge housed within these free museums in Washington, DC, is an opportunity not to be missed. While these museums are free, in many cases, they still require tickets. Read our blog here to find out more.
Before you start filling your itinerary, you’ll want to secure your summer lodging, and our Washington DC Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay in the metro area. Our twelve-room Inn is located in our historic colonial-style home in Kalorama near the well-known DuPont Circle neighborhood. Our welcoming hospitality and central location make the American Guest House a fantastic destination for couples or solo travelers in DC. Book your lodging today!
Head to these Free Museums in Washington DC
One of the most popular things to do during the summer on a vacation to the Capital City is to visit the free museums in Washington DC. There’s so much to learn and experience at these fantastic educational attractions, and you can beat the heat as the indoor places are all air-conditioned.
The Smithsonian Institution is a renowned museum and research complex that comprises 17 free museums in Washington, DC, including art galleries and a zoo. You can enter each one for free and learn about a wide variety of topics, including the origins of humankind, the beauty of art, the history and future of flight, and much more.
Navigating the extensive selection of free museums in Washington DC can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned travelers—so we’ve put together a list of our favorites to consider adding to your itinerary.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: Journey through the history of air and space travel, witnessing firsthand the vehicles that carried humans into outer space.
- National Museum of American History: Explore the rich, complex story of the United States through fascinating artifacts, from the original Star-Spangled Banner to innovations that changed the world.
- National Museum of African American History & Culture: Delve into the African American story, from the horrors of slavery to the triumphs of the civil rights movement and the influence of African American culture on the nation.
- National Gallery of Art: Wander through galleries filled with works from the Middle Ages to the present day, including masterpieces by artists such as Da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso.
- National Museum of Natural History: Marvel at the natural world, from the Hope Diamond to the vast Ocean Hall, and gain a deeper understanding of the planet’s history and diversity. This is one of the free museums that is always ranked as one of the best things to do in DC on TripAdvisor!
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: Reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust through powerful exhibits that honor the victims and challenge visitors to fight hatred and oppression.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum: Discover the breadth of American creativity through an extensive collection of art spanning centuries, including folk art, contemporary works, and photography.
- National Archives Museum: Encounter the foundational documents of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Stay at our Washington DC Bed and Breakfast
Visiting these free museums in Washington DC offers not just a retreat from the summer heat but a place of learning, inspiration, and reflection that is accessible to all. It’s part of what makes the Capital City such an excellent destination for getaways all year long. You’ll want to choose lodging that also reflects a sense of history, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at our Washington DC Bed and Breakfast.
Our twelve-room Inn located in a stately Colonial home, offers unique accommodations that will stand out from the thousands of cookie-cutter hotel rooms in the DC area. You’ll be welcomed by our professional Innkeepers and staff, whose ultimate goal is that you enjoy your time to the fullest. Feel free to ask for personalized recommendations during your stay!
The American Guest House is also within walking distance of the Washington Hilton Convention Center, where many conferences and business conventions occur each year. Our Washington DC bed and breakfast is the ultimate lodging choice for business travelers who yearn for more privacy. Check out our upcoming availability and book your room today!
