Best Free Things to do in a Day Tour in Washington DC

True to what I was told, the tourist spots in Washington DC can be toured around for only a day or two. Actually if you wanted to see the famous sites around the city, a day would be enough. But if you wanted to really dig deep in every single areas, or visit almost every museums, spending more than a day or two would be better. Another thing that I love about this place is that I did not even spend a dollar visiting these awesome sites. Isn’t that even cooler!

Capturing it with a low angle shot of the tallest Monument called the Washington Monument

I got a chance to have a taste of what it is like strolling around Washington DC, when I visited the United States, fall this year. It gave me that kind of excitement seeing these iconic establishments I’ve only seen on famous movies and TV series. If only I got enough time to really go around I could have scrutinise those famous scenes and capture it into detail. But because this was just a side trip, I can say, I spent more than enough. My original plan was to go and visit my family in Virginia Beach, but since my plane landed in Dulles, why not spend at least a day here instead of going straight home? Right?

Clothes from UNIQLO, just perfect for this kind of weather

After my 19 hours of travel from Manila to Narita to Washington, and meeting up the whole family at the airport, we decided to spend our night at the hotel near the city center – Homewood Suites by Hilton.

With Mom at Homewood Suites by Hilton

Zero Spending while Exploring Washington DC

It was the celebration of Veterans Day when we stroll around Washington DC. Because it is a national holiday, we are expecting a bulk of people roaming around the area.

After our breakfast at the hotel, we decided to check out and head straight to the city center. It took us just 15-20 minutes to reach the area. Parking here is a bit difficult specially if you arrive a bit late, hence being there few minutes before the parking opening would be best specially if you are bringing a car to Washington. Roadside parking opens at 9:30am. We parked nearby the Washington Monument.

Waiting for the President to say hi!

After settling, we decided to have a sight first at the White House. Just a reminder, touring around Washington DC requires a lot of walking so be ready with your rubber shoes if you do so. Here is the itinerary we created on that day.

The White House
The Ellipse
Washington Monument
World War 2 Memorial
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
National Gallery of Art

We were also able to pass by almost 15 different Museums and iconic structures that includes Smithsonian Castle, Tomas Jefferson Memorial and Union Square.

The White House

If you’ve been a fan of the TV series Scandal, Designated Survivor or House of Cards (which you can catch all on Netflix), seeing The White House could really be a familiar thing. But truly, it is something to look forward to in your visit here at Washington DC. The White House, which is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, is actually open to the public specially for tours. But touring the White House will require one with some advance planning. As I was told, public tour requests must be made through your Congressional Representative and be submitted up to 3 months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. If you are an international visitor and would want to schedule a tour at the White House, you may contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

Public tours at the White House are free of charge. Taking photos inside the vicinity is also now allowed. Self-guided tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays unless otherwise noted.

On our visit, we were only able to have a glimpse of the White House at far. Across the so called viewing area you’ll find an open space called the Ellipse.

Washington Monument

Passing through the Ellipse we head straight to the Washington Monument. Located adjacent to the east of the Reflecting Pool and the Lincoln Memorial, this monument was built to commemorate George Washington, who was a former commander-in-chief of the Continental Army of the first President of the United States.

This huge obelisk located on the National Mall in Washington DC is made from marble, granite and bluestone gneiss and is considered the world’s tallest predominantly stone structure and the world’s tallest obelisk, standing 169.046 m tall according to the U.S. National Geodetic Survey.

Standing tall with the Washington Monument

World War 2 Memorial

Walking through the 17th street, we passed by the World War 2 Memorial. There were a program that just happened when we arrived here in connection with the Veterans Day Celebration.

The World War II Memorial was actually dedicated to the Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. It consists of 56 pillars and a pair of small triumphal arches surrounding a square and fountain. While I was passing by, I saw the Philippines included in one of the pillars.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Moving forward, we passed by the long and large rectangular pool called the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Depending on your vantage point, the reflecting pool could give one a dramatic reflection of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall’s trees, as well as the expansive sky.

We were able to talk to one of the officer manning the area and I’ve learned that the nearer it gets to the Lincoln Memorial, the deeper the pool is. We were told that at the end, the pool is already 10 feet deep. This was made due to security reasons.

With the whole family! (Insert me in the photo)

Lincoln Memorial

Remember one of the scenes in the TV series ‘Scandal’ when Cyrus meets Olivia on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial while she holds a bottle of wine. Well, I was wondering when I arrive how they were able to shoot it without the sights of people like what I experienced when I visited the said site. The iconic Lincoln Memorial, has been one of the most famous places here in Washington incorporated in different movie and TV scenes, that of-course aside from the White House.

After visiting and taking too many photos here at the Lincoln Memorial, we decided to head back and have lunch somewhere. We ended up doing some take outs at McDonalds.

No-Admission Museums on the National Mall

You read that right. Letting your pocket breath for a while, Museums around the National Mall offers free admissions. If you are up for a more immersive experience learning about history visiting all or a few of them would be best. There are more than 15 Museums around the National Mall but me and my family were able to enjoy two due to time constraint. Here are some of the Museums you can visit with no-admission fee required.

National Gallery Art
United States Botanic Garden
National Air & Space Museum
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
National Museum of the American Indian
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The Freer | Sackler Galleries
National Museum of African Art
Smithsonian Institution Information Center in the Castle
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
National Archives Museum
United States Capitol Visitor Center

After visiting the National Air & Space Museum, I was only able to have a glimpse of the Union Square at far. And because the fam have already visited The National Gallery of Art, we decided to skip it already when I arrived.

Inside the National Air & Space Museum

But the good thing about exploring Washington is you wouldn’t really have to spend much when you go around. Aside from the possible bus/train ride going here and the food expenses, all or most of the tourist spots if I am not mistaken is accessible with no-admission fee needed. Just be ready for a long walk , bring extra breads or snack along with you and you would be good to explore.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Pass 3 in the afternoon we decided to get back to our car for another 3-hour drive home to Virginia Beach.

Here is a map that can guide you on finding the Best Free Things to do in Washington DC that you can add in your itinerary.

Best Free Things to do in a Day Tour in Washington DC