How to See Washington, D.C. on a Budget

Visit the United States Capital Without Breaking the Bank

Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is brimming with monuments, memorials, museums, and entertainment options. Many of them are situated in a region known as the National Mall. The National Mall, often called “America’s Front Yard,” is home to some of the nation’s most distinguished memorials. Strap on your walking shoes and discover all that the nation’s capital has to offer. Want to visit the iconic spots without breaking the bank? Believe it or not, it is possible to visit Washington, D.C. on a budget. Here’s a list of some of the most quintessential places in the city, with many available to enjoy for free!

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5 Must-See Sites in Washington, D.C. on a Budget

1. The White House

The White House, one of the most historic and iconic buildings in the nation’s capital, is commonly viewed from the Ellipse. However, the presence of gates and barricades can obstruct the view. For those who desire a brief visit and snapshot, this serves as an excellent starting point before venturing to other nearby monuments and memorials.

If you’re keen on a closer look and a tour of the White House, public tours are indeed available, though scheduling them can be somewhat challenging. Tour requests need to be arranged through your state’s Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. They should be submitted at least 21 days in advance but no more than 90 days prior to the desired tour date. Requests outside this timeframe will not be considered. Although the tour is free, it’s important to be cognizant of several procedures and regulations beforehand. We missed the chance to tour the White House due to being unaware of the booking window, but we managed to catch a glimpse from the Ellipse.

You can find the full list of requirements and booking a White House Tour by Clicking Here.

2. The Washington Monument

The Washington Monument, a 555-foot marble obelisk, honors America’s first president, George Washington. Situated less than a mile from the White House, it has stood as the centerpiece of the nation’s capital for over 150 years. Designed as an Egyptian obelisk to represent the enduring nature of ancient civilizations, it was the world’s tallest building upon its completion in 1884. Presently, visitors can admire the monument’s architecture from the surrounding paths or opt for an interior tour to experience panoramic views of the capital from the top.

To enter the Washington Monument, tickets and reserved times are mandatory. You can reserve a spot online for $1 per ticket or obtain free same-day timed tickets at the Washington Monument Lodge. These are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. In peak season, queues at the ticket counter can form well before the window opens. Advance reservations are available online for a service fee of $1, up to 30 days before the desired tour date. Tickets are in high demand and often sell out quickly upon release. To ensure a visit to the Washington Monument, it’s crucial to be proactive in securing your tickets.

For more information about reserving a ticket to the Washington Monument, Click Here.

3. The War Memorials

Just a short walk (50 feet) from the Washington Monument is the World War II Memorial, which features a stunning array of granite columns encircling a large fountain pool. Nearby, one can find the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. At the far end of the Reflecting Pool, visitors can find both the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These memorials are accessible to the public around the clock at no charge. Rangers are available from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm to assist with any questions.

4. The Lincoln Memorial

From the World War II Memorial, at the far end of the Reflecting Pool, lies the Lincoln Memorial, which my daughter amusingly calls the building on the back of a penny. This 99-foot-tall marble edifice sits atop 87 steps that start at the Reflecting Pool. The number of steps holds significance, symbolizing Lincoln’s renowned Gettysburg Address, with “four score and seven” equating to 87.

Midway up the staircase, a marked stone denotes the spot where Martin Luther King, Jr. stood to deliver his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. Two miles away from the Lincoln Memorial, one can visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. For those who find the extensive staircase a challenge, an elevator is available in the lower lobby at the southeast corner of the monument. There are also no fees or reservations required to visit the Lincoln Memorial.

5. The Smithsonian Museums

For a fun and educational experience in Washington, D.C. that won’t break the bank, consider the Smithsonian museums, galleries, and zoo. Admission is free for all the museums in the D.C. area. The Smithsonian boasts 17 museums and galleries, along with the National Zoo, located in the city, 11 of which are on the National Mall. Although admission is complimentary, passes are required in advance for the African American History and Culture Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo.

While in Washington, D.C., we visited the National Museum of Natural History. Renowned as the most visited natural history museum globally, it is committed to the study of the natural world. Spanning an area greater than 18 football fields, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of natural history artifacts, featuring exhibits on human origins, fossils, mammals, and marine life. Additionally, the museum boasts exhibits of Egyptian mummies and the illustrious Hope Diamond.

Check out our YouTube video to see more from our visit to Washington, D.C. on a budget.

Camping with Kayla YouTube Video, See Washington, D.C. on a Budget

Transportation

One of the best ways to explore Washington, D.C. on a budget is by walking. Many of the top attractions are located within the National Mall or just outside it. The stretch from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building is about 2 miles, lined with monuments and museums. The pathways through the National Mall are paved and wheelchair accessible. Walking is an excellent option for sightseeing and experiencing the sites up close. Bikes, scooters and mopeds are also available for rent at various locations.

The DC Circulator is an excellent choice for exploring Washington, D.C., on a budget. At only $1 per ride, the bus operates on six routes across the city. Buses arrive every 10 minutes, serving neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park, U Street, and Capitol Hill, with a special route for the National Mall.

The Metro is a favored transportation method in the D.C. area, boasting an extensive network of tunnels and above-ground tracks that connect all four city quadrants. It provides a convenient and cost-effective means to travel throughout D.C. and its surrounding areas. Opting for the Metro and walking, we avoided driving in the capital by parking our vehicle at the Arlington National Cemetery lot. Following our visit to the cemetery, we boarded the Metro at the adjacent station, heading into Washington, D.C., and later strolled to the National Mall to spend the rest of our day.

Arlington National Cemetery

Before heading to the DC area, we stopped at Arlington National Cemetery. Spanning over 600 acres, it honors more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families who were laid to rest there. Notable memorials include those for President John F. Kennedy, the Space Shuttle Challenger, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, among others. Arlington National Cemetery is open to the public every day of the year, and there is no admission fee.

During our visit, we observed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We believe the guard on duty was Army Pfc. Jessica Kwiatkowski, who in September became the first female infantry soldier to receive the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge. Below is a brief video of the Changing of the Guard.

Changing of the Guard – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Places to Stay in Washington, D.C. on a Budget

During our visit to Washington, D.C., we lodged at the Yogi Bear Campground in Williamsport, MD. Although it was an hour’s drive from the capital, our stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort was delightful. We booked during the off-season, which meant a significant discount since most attractions are closed for the winter. In the peak season, the resort offers a water park with 400-foot slides for swimming and fun. Despite the water park being closed, we had a great time tackling the ninja course, playing mini-golf, and enjoying the jumping pillow.

If you’re considering staying in the D.C. area, there are numerous budget-friendly hotels available. The Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center and the Washington Plaza Hotel are conveniently located within walking distance of attractions like the Capital One Arena, the National Mall, and the White House.

Washington, D.C. on a Budget

Washington D.C. is a superb destination for those mindful of their budget. To ensure a seamless experience, it’s recommended to plan your trip in advance and make reservations at essential locations. The city is abundant with complimentary attractions such as monuments, memorials, museums, and a variety of entertainment options, conveniently located in close proximity. The multitude of available attractions means there’s something to delight every family member.