Welcome to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. might be the best free trip in America. It has the largest collection of free museums in the country — the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo do not charge a dime — plus monuments and memorials that stay open around the clock. Almost all of it sits along the National Mall, close enough to walk from one to the next, so you can see the Lincoln Memorial, stand under the Wright Brothers plane, and read the actual Declaration of Independence in a single day. A few gems sit outside the walkable core, so grab the address before you drive, and book free timed passes for the Capitol and White House ahead of time. Come hungry to learn, wear good shoes, and bring an umbrella just in case. Below you will find every D.C. map, trip, guide, and hidden gem we have.

• Nickname: The District
• Free museums: The Smithsonian
• Center of it all: The National Mall
• Cherry blossoms: Late March to April
• Book ahead: Capitol and White House tours
• Getting around: Metro or on foot