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Free Things to Do: Fall 2024 in Washington, DC

Free Things to Do: Family-Friendly Washington, DC

Guide to DC's Sports Scene

Washington Nationals See Major League Baseball at the state-of-the-art Nationals Park in Capitol Riverfront. The stadium offers magnificent views of the Capitol dome and Washington Monument along with the 2019 World Series champions. Don’t miss the famous Presidents Race, which happens between the top and bottom of every fourth inning. Make sure to check the promotional schedule before you go. You can also get tickets for 20% off with the code VISITDC. D.C. United Did you know that D.C. United is one of the most successful soccer teams in the country? Catch a game at the premier Audi Field and see why. Winners of four MLS Cups, the squad takes the field from March through October. Extra points if you sit in the particularly boisterous “Screamin’ Eagles” fan club section. Grab some tickets and enjoy one of the best sporting atmospheres in the area. Washington Commanders DC stands awash in burgundy and gold during football season, when the beloved Washington Commanders take to FedExField in nearby Landover, Md. Winners of three Super Bowls in their decorated history, the team is led by head coach Dan Quinn. The team’s loyal and raucous fan base means tickets can be hard to come by, but you can depend on Stubhub.com to provide options at different price points. Preseason games start in August and the regular season runs from September through December. Washington Wizards Head to Capital One Arena for a Washington Wizards basketball game to see NBA stars in action. With plenty of ticket options, you can find the setup that works best for you. The arena is centrally located in DC’s bustling Penn Quarter & Chinatown neighborhood, so after the game you can grab dinner, check out a museum or relax with a nightcap at one of the neighborhood’s buzzworthy bars. The season runs from October through April. Washington Capitals When things cool down for the winter months, be sure to catch Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson, Dylan Strome and Tom Wilson take the Capital One Arena ice for the Washington Capitals. The team has been particularly successful in recent years, bringing the city some of its best sports moments of the past decade, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018. You’ll see throngs of fans Rocking the Red near the Capital One Arena on game days. A ticket to any section is a treat: there are no “bad seats” for a Caps game. Washington Mystics The 2019 WNBA champion Washington Mystics have become one of the most exciting draws in the city. The team calls the Entertainment and Sports Arena home from May through September. Head to Mystics Ticket Central to start planning an evening of hoops-themed fun. Washington Spirit Audi Field is also home to the 2021 NWSL champions. The Spirit's talented roster includes 2023 World Cup selections Andi Sullivan, Aubrey Kingsbury, Ashley Sanchez and Trinity Rodman. The team brings fierce competition to the field March through October. DC Defenders Head to Audi Field to catch the UFL's DC Defenders in action. Catch the 2023 North Division champions in action each spring at Audi Field with Fan Fests, beer snakes and a growing fan base to look forward to. Shields Up! Capital City Go-Go This NBA G-League team plays its home games at Entertainment and Sports Arena from November through March. You can watch future NBA talent in action in a highly competitive environment. Check out the schedule for the upcoming year and also know that season ticket memberships are available. Old Glory DC Catch Major League Rugby in the DC area from February through June. Pick up tickets to see Old Glory DC at the Maryland SoccerPlex in nearby Germantown, Md. Washington Kastles At the moment, the most successful professional sports team in the city does its domination on a tennis court. The Washington Kastles have won six World Team Tennis titles, including five straight from 2011-2015. Stacked with stars and special guests (both Martina Hingis and Venus Williams have taken the court for the Kastles), you can watch the squad at Kastles Stadium in late summer. DC’s sports scene goes beyond professional action. Georgetown University’s basketball team, which plays in the Big East Conference, calls the Capital One Arena home, while George Washington University takes the floor at the Charles E. Smith Center as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference. DC College Sports: American University Catholic University Georgetown University George Mason University George Washington University University of Maryland, College Park Make sure to check out our events calendar for other exciting entertainment in the District.

Guide to Dining at Award-Winning Restaurants in Washington, DC

Albi Chef Michael Rafidi pours his heart into his Navy Yard restaurant. That’s no joke, either; Albi literally means “heart” in Arabic, a nod to the chef’s Levantine roots that matches his signature mix of mezze plates and mashawi, dishes cooked over an open flame. Savor Mediterranean staples with a twist, like a saccharine fattoush with pear and cucumber or the sumac bok choy with honey, whipped feta and smoked peanut harissa. Entrees bend the mind, such as the lump crab tabouli bolstering the barbecued black bass, or the fire-kissed loin and smoked belly lamb kebabs. As if you needed more convincing, Chef Rafidi was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Chef Award from the James Beard Foundation. Perry's Restaurant Perry’s in Adams Morgan has long been a fan-favorite for its community-minded drag brunches, its idyllic yet low-key rooftop and its killer Japanese menu. Yet, in 2022, Chef Masako Morishita began authoring an exciting new chapter in the restaurant’s forty-year story. The first Japanese woman to helm the kitchen, Morishita has refreshed the menu to reflect her adventurous brand of “modern comfort food," including parmesan-topped edamame dumplings, shrimp katsu burgers on potato buns (held together by pink flamingo cocktail picks), udon carbonara and a special Japanese breakfast service. Morishita's vision was recognized on a new level when she was awarded two of the most prestigious endorsements a culinary up-and-comer can receive – first, the honor of Emerging Chef at the James Beard Awards, and second, Rising Culinary Star of the Year at the RAMMYs, the prestigious culinary awards granted annually by the DC region's restaurant association. Anju Anju in Dupont Circle melds modern technique with traditional Korean flavors, resulting in tantalizing delights like the fried chicken complemented by jujube mole, white barbecue sauce and spicy gochujang. While executive chef Angel Barreto is no stranger to accolades – including recognition in DC-area awards, national press from the James Beard Foundation and Food and Wine and even the honor of Culinary Ambassador for the U.S. – he continues to solidify his place as one of DC's dining virtuosos, especially with his recent, extra meaningful achievement: this year's Best Chef award from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. Causa Led by Chef Carlos Delgado, Causa provides a Peruvian culinary journey that highlights the coastline and Andes mountains. The $125 six-course menu features the nation's abundant ingredients and fresh fish. Enhance your experience with wine pairings or explore Peru’s national spirit with North America's largest Pisco Library. Reservations are made available two months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead – Causa was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year by the DC area's restaurant association. Ellie Bird From the minds behind Rooster & Owl comes "little sister" concept Ellie Bird. The "unfussy" a-la-carte spot – named after founders Yuan and Carey Tang's youngest daughter – serves New American plates a few blocks away from where the restauranteur power couple grew up in Falls Church, Va. While you may recognize some familiar menu items like pineapple buns and kimchi bouillabaisse, diners are delighted by notable new items like "fancy tater tots," Vietnamese French onion soup and mochi waffles for brunch. And to top it all off? Metropolitan DC's restaurant association recently named Ellie Bird its new restaurant of the year. minibar by José Andrés Take a multi-course journey through the world of molecular gastronomy from renowned chef José Andrés. Located in Penn Quarter, this restaurant is regularly booked months in advance. Jônt Chef Ryan Ratino has gathered a lineup of inspired chefs and creatives to bring Jônt to DC. The restaurant offers a tasting menu that is a voyage through dynamic flavors, showcasing a playful technique that leads to dishes you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Think Dungeness crab with donabe rice, truffle and maitake, or sea urchin with custard and English peas. The robust beverage menu means you’re also likely to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal. Pineapple and Pearls Chef Aaron Silverman’s tasting menu is the stuff of perfection. Venture into Barracks Row on Capitol Hill for a night filled with meticulously crafted courses – each paired with a drink. Tip: You can belly up to the bar for the same tasting menu sans drinks and save $100. Rania Rania translates to “queen” in Hindi and Sanskrit so it’s no surprise that this Penn Quarter hot spot is a royal delight. Chef Chetan Shetty exceeds expectations of a traditional Indian restaurant with a captivating menu of three courses for $75 or four for $90, featuring inventive dishes like beef short rib with saffron nihari and charred maitake mushroom. Imperfecto: The Chef’s Table Chef Enrique Limardo embraces the idea that we can’t achieve perfection despite our best efforts. It’s that constant pursuit that fortifies the entire dining experience at this West End restaurant, which draws on Greek influences and Limardo’s Latin American cooking chops. For the full experience, book the Chef’s Table (as opposed to eating a la carte), featuring 10 dizzying dishes, including options like the kampachi sea tartare, caramelized king crab with caviar and strawberry-mushroom duck breast. Oyster Oyster Billing itself as a "plant forward restaurant," Oyster Oyster takes sustainable dining to the next level. Seasonal menus feature ingredients from local farms who share the restaurant's ethos, as well as environmentally beneficial oysters from the Chesapeake Bay. Even the mushrooms are locally foraged. You can find this gem in the Shaw neighborhood. Reverie Like something out of a daydream, Reverie in Georgetown will delight your senses with a dining experience featuring ingredients from all over the world. The intimate restaurant is guided by award-winning Chef Johnny Spero, whose playful menu draws from the local daily catch to create a historic evening for you and your guests, an appropriate tribute to the restaurant's idyllic neighborhood. Elcielo D.C. Dive into the flavors of Colombia at Elcielo D.C., located inside La Cosecha and helmed by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, who mixes the avant-garde with traditional Colombian cuisine to create a flavor-packed adventure that incorporates all five senses. Choose from four tasting menus to be enjoyed in a reserved room next to the open kitchen. The a la carte menu, served in the great hall, features signature dishes like The Tree of Life, which offers oven-baked Yucca bread on a bonsai tree, representing the Amazon rainforest. Xiquet Chef Danny Lledó has built a menu that reflects the climate, agriculture and sea bounty of Valencia at Xiquet. Featuring a stunning wood-fired kitchen enclosed in glass, the Embassy Row restaurant offers both tasting and a la carte experiences that are sure to leave you breathless. Standout dishes have included the Red Prawn of Denia and either of the two paellas, including a vegetarian version with artichoke, asparagus, lima beans and eggplant, or the seafood version with lobster, red prawn, scallop and cuttlefish (caviar optional). Rooster & Owl After honing his skills at renowned kitchens around New York City, chef Yuan Tang teamed up with wife Carey Tang to open Rooster & Owl in DC. The couple’s 14th Street NW restaurant serves contemporary American fare, offering diners a four-course, prix-fixe menu where seasonal ingredients and vegetarian dishes shine. Diners can expect something unique from the jump with takes like the Carolina-style barbecue carrots with a cornbread ice cream, meatless larb made with lime-kissed shiitake mushrooms and grilled cobia fish served with broccoli mole and turnips dressed in fish sauce vinaigrette. Gravitas Chef Matt Baker has turned a former tomato cannery in Ivy City into Gravitas, a farm-to-table restaurant highlighting the delicious bounty of the Chesapeake in a modern space with plenty of exposed brick. You can choose your own culinary adventure with the flexible three-, four- or six-course tasting menu options, allowing you to sample a range of Baker’s popular dishes (think yellowfin sashimi and an exceptional chocolate ganache that snakes across your plate). Green thumbs can get their kicks sipping on cocktails upstairs at the Conservatory, which includes a greenhouse and garden alive with flowers, fruits and vegetables. Sushi Nakazawa If a menu-less, 20-course dining experience suits your taste, look no further than Sushi Nakazawa. This New York import that turns eating into an adventure comes from chef Daisuke Nakazawa. The restaurant serves fresh-caught fruits of the sea in the style of omakase, a Japanese phrase that roughly translates to “I'll leave it up to you.” Little Pearl Little Pearl allows you to enjoy Aaron Silverman’s award-winning culinary creations without waiting in line at Rose’s Luxury or shelling out for Pineapple and Pearls. This Capitol Hill cafe-by-day and wine-bar-by-night has taken over as the casual spot in Silverman’s dining empire. Choose from gourmet java, potato donuts and a delightfully crispy fried chicken sandwich (served fried or Japanese-style) during a daytime visit. You can also wash down one of the inventive snacks with a glass of vino from an extensive by-the-glass list or choose the affordable prix-fixe dinner menu. Kinship After cutting his teeth at The French Laundry, chef Eric Ziebold moved to DC and came into his own when he opened Kinship to rave reviews. The menu features dishes that focus on technique, history, ingredient or communal preparations. It’s a special place, and perfect for a celebratory meal. Métier Located beneath Kinship, an even more indulgent experience awaits at Métier, chef Eric Ziebold's ambitious 36-seat restaurant with a $200 six-course tasting menu. The French-themed restaurant is has become a city favorite, and diners take note: advanced reservations are recommended and jackets are required for gentlemen. Masseria Located near the foodie wonderland of Union Market, Nicholas Stefanelli’s restaurant harkens back to his rustic Italian roots. Savor coastal cuisine cooked to perfection, aided by a well-manicured wine list. The Dabney Chef Jeremiah Langhorne added to the Shaw neighborhood's transformation into one of the city’s hottest dining neighborhoods with his Blagden Alley venture. Come here to discover what his signature Mid-Atlantic fare is all about. Fiola Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s Penn Quarter outpost sates wine and negroni lovers, as well as connoisseurs of house-made pastas and Italian-inspired seafood. Head to his other spots, including downtown DC pasta house Sfoglina, for an array of delectable dining experiences. Rose's Luxury Neighborhood dining doesn't get any better than this Barracks Row establishment, once named the best new restaurant in America by Bon Appétit. Eaters line up hours in advance to get a table, but now you can score same-day reservations as well. Tail Up Goat Mediterranean flavors permeate the menu at Tail Up Goat, an Adams Morgan darling since its opening in 2016. Enjoy everything from goat lasagna and house-baked breads to hearty veggie-friendly fare.

How Can I Tour the Monuments & Memorials in Washington, DC?

Touring DC’s iconic attractions When you come to DC, especially if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s likely that our world-famous monuments and memorials will be at the top of your must-see list. Most of these major attractions are located on the National Mall, which extends from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with many of them running along Constitution Avenue. Many of the monuments and memorials are open 24-hours a day, 365-days-a-year and you do not need to make advance reservations. These include the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, National World War II Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the FDR Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These National Park Service (NPS)-run memorials are usually staffed by NPS Rangers who can answer your questions from 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Rangers also conduct various tours and special programming throughout the year. Visit the National Mall calendar page for more information. Tours that require tickets There are several major attractions that do require advance tickets. These tickets are usually free or have a minimal charge. Tickets are required to go to the top of the recently reopened Washington Monument. Tickets may be ordered online for tour dates up to 90 days in advance, while additional tickets listed as "Not Yet Released" are made available the day prior to the desired tour date at 10 a.m. EST. Same-day tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis daily starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street between Madison Drive NW and Jefferson Drive SW. Tours of the U.S. Capitol also need to be arranged in advance. Free reservations can be made via the visitthecapitol.gov website. Guided tours begin at the Capitol Visitor Center and include a 13-minute intro film, along with visits to the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall. Visitors can also request a staff-led tour through their Senator or Congress person. When court is not in session, visitors can take free, self-guided tours of the Supreme Court. Trained docents are on-hand to give courtroom lectures every 30-minutes from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors are also invited to attend oral arguments when court is in session. These seats are extremely limited. Visitors must wait in line the morning of a courtroom session. See the Visitor’s Guide to Oral Arguments page for more information. Admission to both the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (see where U.S. dollars are made!) and the National Archives (home of the original U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights) are free and open to the public. In busier months, you’ll need to queue in an outdoor line to get inside. Please visit our touring the White House guide for more information on booking a tour (Note: these tours must be booked well in advance). Great options for guided tours The highly acclaimed Unlimited Biking offers daily, three-hour guided bicycle tours of the monuments with stops at all of the major attractions along the National Mall. Unlimited Biking also offers tours after dark so that visitors can experience magnificent views of the attractions illuminated at night. Big Bus Tours offers open-top sightseeing tours of the National Mall. Enjoy 24 or 48-hour hop-on, hop-off tours of the city's iconic landmarks. Along the way, you can learn about the city's history while listening to the entertaining and informative commentary. Your hop-on, hop-off ticket also allows you to exit the bus to explore and visit attractions up-close. Get an exclusive discount and save big on your next Big Bus Tour. Just enter the promotional code VISITDC for the best available deal and start exploring the nation's capital. Adventure DC Tricycle Tours offers live and entertaining historical narration as they transport you via pedicab to each monument and memorial. You can enjoy a customized tour that is pet-, child-, and mobility-impaired-friendly. Additionally, private golf cart and electric scooter tours are available. Public scooter tours are open to the general public on Saturdays, with limited availability. The code "DCFUN" will secure a discount on the public scooter tour. Cruise around the nation's capital in style on Washington, DC Urban Adventures' unique electric vehicles, where you can see the monuments and memorials on the National Mall by day or night. For a truly unique way to see the city, Capital Segway Tours offers guided experiences of the National Mall and surrounding sites. Visitors glide across town on a Segway, all while taking in the sites of Washington, DC. DC by Foot offers free, tip-based walking tours of Washington, DC. These informative tours are conducted by expert guides who make it fun and educational. In addition to the National Mall, DC by Foot takes visitors to the Tidal Basin, Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill. Visitors can also learn all about President Lincoln’s assassination or about Washington’s secrets and scandals. Contact Fiat Luxe Tours for an exciting private tour experience along the National Mall. Whether you want to learn the history of DC's most iconic landmarks or find the most perfect photo-ops, Fiat Luxe Tours has a tour for you. The company also conducts custom-made tours, too.

How Do I Tour the U.S. Capitol and See Congress in Session?

The U.S. Capitol Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and the center of American democracy. The world-famous domed building is home to the United States House of Representatives and Senate; where America’s congressmen and congresswomen conduct business, debate laws and pass bills on behalf of the American people. The U.S. Capitol and U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is also one of DC’s most popular monuments and museums and welcomes millions of visitors each year. How do I arrange a tour of the United States Capitol Building? Plan your visit in advance! A public tour of the U.S. Capitol is free and open to anyone who makes an advanced reservation, although there are some same-day tickets available by standing in line at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center (note that lines will be long during spring and summer). We recommend reserving a reserving a tour date and time. All tours begin and end at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and Inauguration Day). Tours typically take about 90 minutes and are fully accessible for people with disabilities. What will I see on a Capitol tour? Guided tours begin with a 13-minute intro film, followed stops in the Capitol Rotunda, where guides point out the center point of the District of Columbia, as well as demonstrate the unique acoustical effect where a speaker several yards away can be heard more clearly than a speaker close to the listener. The Capitol Dome is encircled by murals, and the fresco on the eye of the ceiling is called The Apotheosis of Washington showing President Washington rising to the heavens in glory with Liberty and Victory/Fame beside him. Below, on the walls of the Rotunda, are large paintings depicting significant events in American history: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The Baptism of Pocohontas, The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, The Landing of Columbus and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. Other stops on the 45-minute walking tour include the Crypt, National Statuary Hall and connecting corridors of the U.S. Capitol, where you’ll see statues representing every state Can I see Congress in session? The guided tour doesn't include the Senate and House galleries. However, visitors can obtain free passes through their congressmen to view both chambers when Congress is in session. International visitors can ask about gallery passes at the House and Senate Appointment Desks on the upper level of the Capitol Visitor Center. When Congress is not in session, the galleries are open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. However, viewing hours are subject to change and are not always the same for the House and Senate galleries. You can check the schedules with your Congressional office when requesting gallery passes. Read more information about watching Congress in session and viewing the House and Senate galleries. What’s in the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center? You’ll find a cafeteria and gift shop in the Capitol Visitor Center. The gift shop carries merchandise inspired by the art and architecture of the U.S. Capitol. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for continental breakfast and lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t printed your tour reservation, bring along the number you were assigned. There are free listening devices in multiple languages for international visitors. How do I get to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center? Because there is very little parking, it is best to travel via the Metro or the DC Circulator. There are three Metro stops within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol: Union Station (Red Line), Capitol South and Federal Center SW (Orange, Silver and Blue lines). The Capitol Visitor Center, which serves as the main public entrance, is located beneath the East Front plaza of the U.S. Capitol at First and East Capitol streets. Looking for more in the neighborhood? Take advantage of our guide to Capitol Hill.