Best things to do in Washington, D.C.

Top D.C. Attractions That Visitors Want to See First

National Mall

The National Mall is just two short miles from The ROOST White House and is often hailed as the city’s centerpiece. Nestled between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, the sprawling “mall“ is lined with some of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors come to walk, run, or take in the view of memorials that shape the story of the nation. The Mall is also where large-scale public events happen, from festivals to concerts.

Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution includes 17 museums and galleries to explore, all within a few short miles of The ROOST White House. Popular stops include the National Air and Space Museum, the African American Museum, and the National Museum of American History. There’s always something new to see. You could spend a day exploring just one, or drop in for a specific exhibit. Entry is free, making it easy to visit multiple locations without worrying about tickets.

United States Capitol

The Capitol is both a functioning government building and a popular visitor destination. They offer free tours that take you through the Capitol Rotunda, National Statuary Hall, and the Exhibition Hall, where you can see firsthand how Congress works. Visitors can see history in action, with just a brief two-mile drive from The ROOST White House. Get your reservations, as space fills up quickly, especially during peak travel months.

Must-See Monuments and Memorials

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial honors President Abraham Lincoln with a 19-foot statue overlooking the Reflecting Pool. It's a massive structure that creates quite a dramatic moment for visitors. The walls display his Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address. Visitors often pause on the steps to take in the view and the scale of the monument. It’s just seven miles from the ROOST White House and a favorite spot for selfies.

Jefferson Memorial

The Jefferson Memorial sits along the Tidal Basin and features a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson surrounded by inscriptions from his writings. The site is especially popular in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom and surround the water’s edge, so bring your camera. Inside, visitors can walk around the memorial and take in views of the city across the Basin. Only four miles from the ROOST White House, it’s a popular stop for first-time D.C. visitors.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The MLK Memorial honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a towering stone statue and inscriptions of his speeches etched into the granite. It’s only four miles from the ROOST White House in West Potomac Park, facing the Tidal Basin, and provides space for quiet reflection as well as public gatherings.

World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial recognizes the 16 million people who served in the Armed Forces during the war. Fifty-six granite pillars and a central fountain form the memorial’s layout, symbolizing unity among the states and territories. It’s located only four miles from the ROOST White House, at the east end of the Reflecting Pool, connecting the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust Museum shows the history of the Holocaust through artifacts, photographs, and survivor accounts. It can be a difficult, almost overwhelming experience to walk through, but this is the point—to say never again. The permanent exhibition follows a timeline from life before World War II to its aftermath. Guests of the ROOST White House only need to venture a few brief miles to visit and can explore either at their own pace or with timed passes.

Best Washington, D.C. Tours Worth Taking

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Big Bus Tours runs a route with more than a dozen stops around the city. You can get off to explore a site, then hop back on when you’re ready to see even more of D.C.’s best attractions. It’s an easy way to move between landmarks without figuring out public transportation or parking. It’s convenient for guests of The ROOST White House, too, with the closest stop just over a mile away from the hotel.

Monuments by Moonlight

The Old Town Trolley offers an evening ride through Washington, D.C. when the monuments are lit up against the night sky and the Capitol looks its most majestic. Guides share stories behind the memorials, and the smaller crowds at night make the stops feel less rushed. It’s a favorite of guests at the ROOST White House, as pickup points are just 15 minutes from the hotel.

Monuments and Memorials Bike Tour

If you’re into exploring the best things to do in Washington, D.C. on two wheels, check out the three-hour guided bike tour. Just a few miles from the hotel, you pedal your way through a complete tour of the most popular D.C. monuments and attractions. You’ll have time to stop, explore, and hear about the history of each site.

Historic Sites D.C. Tourists Love

Library of Congress

A trip to Washington, D.C. isn’t complete until you’ve seen The Library of Congress. It’s both a working research library and a destination for visitors. Situated just under two miles from the ROOST White House, it’s often a first-choice destination for guests. Highlights include the Main Reading Room and Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, and guided tours give more detail on the building’s history and design.

Supreme Court of the United States

Right next to the library, and just under two miles from the hotel, is the Supreme Court. See where our country’s laws are established and tour parts of the building where history is made. View exhibits on the Court’s history and attend lectures about its vital role in government. When the Court is in session, it’s also possible to sit in on oral arguments. However, space is limited, so make arrangements before you go.

Ford’s Theatre

Another top attraction to see in Washington, D. C. is Ford’s Theatre, where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Today it serves as both a museum and a working theater. Exhibits trace Lincoln’s presidency and legacy, while live performances bring the space back to life in a more dynamic way. Make plans to add this to your trip, a convenient five miles from The ROOST White House.

Discover Hidden Gems Where the Locals Go

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is a neighborhood establishment that’s been operating since the 1800s. Inside, vendors sell fresh produce, meat, and baked goods. On weekends, the outdoor market fills with local artists, food stalls, and community events. It’s not flashy, but it’s where locals do their shopping. It’s a short one-mile trek from the hotel, making it a perfect weekend pitstop.

The Yards Park

The Yards Park is located along the Anacostia River and gives visitors a beautiful green space with water views and outdoor events throughout the year. The park hosts summer concerts and weekend festivals that bring big crowds, but weekday mornings are quieter, which is better for relaxed walks and serves a quiet escape from the bustling city. It’s only about two miles from The ROOST White House, so be sure to add this park to your must-see list.

Union Market

Union Market is only two miles from the hotel and features food stalls, coffee shops, and small businesses all under one roof. It’s popular with locals for excellent dining and weekend meetups with friends and family. The market hosts cooking classes and seasonal pop-ups that add to its draw for locals and tourists alike.

Make the Most of Your Visit to D.C.Book your stay at the ROOST White House and put all the best things to do in Washington, D.C. within just a few minutes. Discover local favorites and take in all the history and breathtaking sights of the nation’s capital. Busy schedules or more relaxed adventures, you’re sure to find incredible experiences right here.