Free things to do in the Capital Region USA

America As You Like It • 12 February 2018

Discover a new meaning to freedom in the Capital Region, where many noteworthy attractions offer free admission.

1. National Arboretum - Located 2 miles from the US Capitol building, this 446-acre living museum features gardens, a bonsai museum and the original columns from the Capitol Building. Washington, DC

2. Arlington National Cemetery - The venerated location of sites such as the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s grave. Arlington, Virginia

3. Sail Baltimore Visiting Ships - Each year, tall ships and military vessels from around the world drop anchor along the waterfront to provide unique opportunities to board the ships, attend christening events and more. Baltimore, Maryland

4. Smithsonian Museums - Home to some of the world’s greatest collections, the Smithsonian Institution’s 17 museums (including the National Zoo) all offer free admission. Washington, DC and Virginia

5. University of Virginia Rotunda - You have to pay to see President Thomas Jefferson’s estate Monticello, but here is a work of art designed by him at the beautiful school he founded that all can tour for free. Charlottesville, Virginia

6. Canal Place Heritage Area - Take advantage of recreational opportunities, canal boat replica tours and summer outdoor movies at Maryland’s first Certified Heritage Area. Cumberland, Maryland

7. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - Virginia’s top art museum houses a permanent collection of more than 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history. Richmond, Virginia

8. Outdoor Movies in the Parks - On Wednesday evenings in August, four different movies screen at four different neighbourhood parks, where you’re welcome to spread out on a blanket to enjoy the showing. Rockville, Maryland

9. DC By Foot Walking Tours - Get the lay of the land and learn about the city’s history during daily excursions centring on the National Mall, historic Georgetown and U Street, among others. Washington, DC

10. Monuments and Memorials - All of DC’s monuments and memorials are free, including the Lincoln, Jefferson and World War II Memorials and the Washington Monument. Washington, DC

11. Freedom House Museum - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this property that once held slaves captive now serves to emancipate, educate and enlighten through tours, exhibitions and outreach. Alexandria, Virginia

12. Salisbury Zoo - From bobcats and ocelots to tropical birds and alligators, numerous species native to North, Central and South America call this free 12-acre zoo home. Salisbury, Maryland

13. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage - For the famed cultural institution’s Millennium Stage programme, no tickets are required to see daily performances featuring talent from around the world. Washington, DC

14. Assateague Island National Seashore - Arrive on foot or bicycle to gain free entry to the protected sandy beaches and marshland of this barrier island off the coast. Berlin, Maryland

15. Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio - Free glass-blowing demonstrations are offered daily at this state-of-the-art facility in addition to tours, classes and events with music, drinks and performance art. Norfolk, Virginia

13. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage - For the famed cultural institution’s Millennium Stage programme, no tickets are required to see daily performances featuring talent from around the world. Washington, DC

14. Assateague Island National Seashore - Arrive on foot or bicycle to gain free entry to the protected sandy beaches and marshland of this barrier island off the coast. Berlin, Maryland

15. Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio - Free glass-blowing demonstrations are offered daily at this state-of-the-art facility in addition to tours, classes and events with music, drinks and performance art. Norfolk, Virginia

With daily direct flights into Washington Dulles on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines, it has never been easier to visit the Capital Region USA!

Book your holiday to the Capital Region USA before 30th June 2018 and receive 10% off your stay or a complimentary car hire upgrade! Call us on 020 8742 8299 for more details

by America As You Like It 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.
by America As You Like It 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.
by America As You Like It 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.
by America As You Like It 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.
by America As You Like It 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
by America As You Like It 10 February 2026
Mississippi is a destination that combines the charm of seaside relaxation with cultural and historical richness. Quiet beaches and vibrant towns, boutique shopping, freshly caught seafood, and scenic landscapes. Mississippi is steeped in history, from Native American heritage to Civil War landmarks, and is renowned for its musical legacy. Its architecture includes impressive antebellum mansions, particularly in Natchez, providing a glimpse into the state’s elegant past. Amtrak rail services along the coast stop in Biloxi and Bay St. Louis, making it easy to explore without hiring a car. For those who do wish to venture further, a fly-drive holiday through the state reveals a wealth of attractions.
by America As You Like It 26 January 2026
Cleveland, Ohio is located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, close to the Canadian border and approximately 60 miles west of the Ohio–Pennsylvania state line. Enjoy its beautiful waterfronts, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and a range of family-friendly experiences. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the West Side Market and catch the excitement of an NBA Cavaliers game, NFL Browns match or an MLB Guardians game.
by America As You Like It 21 January 2026
Tucked into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a place where breathtaking landscapes meet warm, welcoming communities. From rugged coastlines and fertile valleys to creative cities and small town charm, the state’s beauty is matched only by its vibrant food and drink culture. Oregon is celebrated for its world-class wines and renowned wineries, fresh coastal seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and iconic food truck scene. In this blog, we invite you to savour these flavours and discover the tastes, stories, and experiences that make Oregon an unforgettable destination.
by America As You Like It 8 December 2025
Welcome to Oklahoma City, a vibrant destination that blends Western heritage, modern culture and lively urban energy. Whether you are planning a fly-drive adventure or a weekend getaway, the city offers a rich mix of attractions, from historic stockyards and Route 66 landmarks to thriving arts districts and bustling nightlife. This blog will take you through the city’s most exciting neighbourhoods, helping you plan a truly memorable visit.
by America As You Like It 5 December 2025
In this blog, we introduce you to the rich spirit of Oklahoma , a south–central state deeply rooted in Native American heritage and Old West tradition. Here, you can explore world-class Indigenous museums, historic tribal sites and vibrant powwows that celebrate centuries of culture. Oklahoma also offers striking landscapes, from rolling plains to dramatic cliffs, providing the perfect backdrop for a journey through America’s storied past. Make Oklahoma your next fly drive holiday destination, where history, culture and wide-open adventure come together.
More posts