There is never a shortage of incredible travel destinations in the United States. The U.S. Capital is one of the most fantastic places to explore in the country; thanks for having plenty of things to do that vacationers can explore on a budget. Whether an outdoor enthusiast, history lover, or politics fanatic, Washington D.C. is home to some of the most impressive vacation spots, and since many of its popular attractions are free to the public, many of its travel gems are much more affordable. Here are the best places in Washington, D.C., that won’t break the bank.
The places to stay recommended in this list are based on research conducted regarding the US capital. These accommodations are some of the best budget options one can opt for during their visit to Washington, DC. Each one is having a rating of above 8.0, thanks to the incredible reviews of previous travelers. They also come with fantastic amenities that are designed to satisfy the needs of various tourists.
10 The National Mall
A sunrise view of trees lining the National Mall.
No vacation to Washington, DC, is complete without exploring National Mall’s free museums, iconic monuments, and memorials. Administered by the National Park Service, the National Mall stretches from the U.S. Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, and since many of the attractions are free to visit and open all the time, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Washington DC that won’t break a bank. Some of the top spots include Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, World War II Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Enjoy a memorable stay at the fabulous and affordable Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf during a trip to the National Mall.
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Accommodation
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Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf -
Amenities
: Outdoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, coffee shop, and valet parking.
9 Smithsonian Institute
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The largest Museum, education, and research complex is definitely one of the best vacation spots in Washington, DC, that won’t break the bank. The Smithsonian Institute boasts 19 impressive museums, gorgeous gardens, art galleries, and a zoo, offering an entire family endless options for an unforgettable vacation in the US capital. Every attraction in the complex is free, so one can decide to focus their trips on this instate. Some of the places not to miss during a visit to the Smithsonian Institute include the Museum of National History and the Museum of African American History & Culture. Located about 0.3 miles away, Waldorf Astoria, Washington DC is a great accommodation to base oneself during a trip to Smithsonian Institute.
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Accommodation:
Waldorf Astoria Washington DC -
Address:
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C., DC 20004 -
Amenities:
Spa and wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, coffee shop, and valet parking.
8 Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon mansion
Planning a budget family vacation in Washington, DC? Mount Vernon, the historic home of the USA’S first President, George Washington, is one of the top spots not to miss in a traveler’s bucket list. There are plenty of things to see that could take tourists an entire day. Tourists can spend time at the impressive gardens and the galleries, which come with incredible artifacts and exhibits that give insight into the history of the Washingtons. Mount Vernon is only about 17 miles away from the US Capital, making it one of the best day trips from Washington DC to not miss. The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City is an incredible place to stay during a visit to Mount Vernon.
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Accommodation
:
The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City -
Amenities
: Fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, valet parking, business center, and a flat-screen TV.
7 Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park in fall
Rock Creek Park is one of the most beautiful travel gems one can explore in the US capital. Stretching over 1,754 acres of space, this urban park was officially made a national park in 1890, making it the third national park to be officially authorized by the US government. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy in this park, including spotting wild animals, boating, biking, golfing, picnicking, horseback riding, and attending concerts, which are held here from time to time. Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown offers amazing accommodations with an incredible dining scene at the hotel’s restaurant.
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Accommodation
:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Georgetown -
Address:
1250 22nd Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., DC 20037 -
Amenities
: Indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, business center, and a flat-screen TV.
6 Theodore Roosevelt Island
A walkway on Theodore Roosevelt Island
The 26th US President, Theodore Roosevelt, was famous for being a great conservationist who literally forced his comrades to join him in hiking and exploring the outdoors. Theodore Roosevelt Island was transformed from abandoned farmland to honor President Roosevelt. Numerous trails are winding through the woods that vacationers can hike to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the memorial and the surrounding. One can also engage in kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Theodore Roosevelt Island is one of the awesome things that Washington, DC, is famous for. For an amazing stay around Theodore Roosevelt Island, Hyatt Centric Arlington offers incredible accommodations.
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Accommodation
:
Hyatt Centric Arlington -
Amenities
: Fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, coffee machine, coffee shop, valet parking, business center, and Wi-Fi available in all areas.
5 Chesapeake And Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath
Trekking down the C&O Canal is one of the best things to do in the US capital, and since it’s free of charge, it’s one of the vacation spots in Washington, DC, that won’t break the bank. Connecting Cumberland and Georgetown, one can choose to stroll, run, or bike in between, and those willing to explore the whole path can do so. Cycling is the best way to explore this vacation spot, and there are numerous gorgeous views. Those interested in camping can choose from one of the available campgrounds along the stretch. Sonder Georgetown C&O puts tourists in a position where they can enjoy the scenery of the canal.
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Accommodation
:
Sonder Georgetown C&O -
Address
:
1111 30th Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., DC 20007 -
Amenities
: Fitness center, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, free toiletries, internet, laundry facilities, and hairdryer.
4 Georgetown
People walking in Georgetown
Georgetown is one of the vacation spots in Washington, DC, to visit without spending a lot of money. It is famous for being the city’s oldest neighborhood and has a vibrant shopping scene. Georgetown boasts a culinary scene to die for, and there are plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants serving delicious food. If that’s too expensive, there are always delicious local eateries still serving great food. Enjoy kayaking or paddling along the Potomac River, and take in the scenic views along the way. Other places to visit include the Washington Harbor, Dumbarton Oaks, and the Blues Alley. For a memorable visit to Georgetown, stay at Melrose Georgetown Hotel.
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Accommodation
:
Melrose Georgetown Hotel -
Address
:
2430 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, D.C. -
Amenities:
Fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, valet parking, business center, and a flat-screen TV.
3 Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
Only 2.8 miles away from Washington DC, Arlington National Cemetery is one of the two US cemeteries that are under the management of the United States Army and guarantees an incredible yet affordable vacation around the national capital. It pays tribute to the heroes who served the armed forces. Thousands of former slaves were also buried here. This cemetery became a burial ground because there were many Civil War casualties that the rest of DC’s cemeteries couldn’t keep up with. Today, it is a top attraction in Washington, DC, offering a way of honoring the hundreds of thousands of servicemen buried there. Stay at Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel for an amazing stay and incredible amenities, including a free shuttle ride to and from the Ronald Raegan Washington National Airport.
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Accommodation
:
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel -
Amenities
: Fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, coffee shop, free airport shuttle, shuttle service (free), and business center.
2 U Street
Red brick houses near U Street in washington DC
Initially known as the Black Broadway, U Street is one of the most unique and historic neighborhoods in Washington, DC. It is the place to get an insight into Black history and explore some of the most impressive murals along the way without having to spend a lot of money except for meals and accommodation. Vacationers will learn a lot of things in this neighborhood, including the history of jazz and how it helped in paving the way for some of the most successful musicians, talents, and black icons today. Guided tours are the best way to explore this street. Grand Hyatt Washington is located nearby and guarantees an incredible accommodation experience.
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Accommodation
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Grand Hyatt Washington -
Address
:
1000 H Street Northwest, Washington, D.C., DC 20001 -
Amenities
: Fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, coffee machine, coffee shop, business center, and Wi-Fi available in all areas.
1 U.S. National Arboretum
Established in 1927, National Arboretum was created to enhance the environmental significance of landscape and ornamental plants. There are plenty of impressive gardens and amazing exhibits. The arboretum is located only about 10 minutes away from the US Capitol Building. The arboretum comes with an incredible collection of beautiful plants, including the Gotelli Conifer Collection, which is among the most popular ones. The easiest way to get to the gardens is by driving or taking Uber or Lyft, and one shouldn’t worry about parking because it’s readily available. Stay at Hunt’s Home, stylish accommodation with incredible amenities.
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Accommodation
:
Hunt’s Home -
Address
: H Street Corridor -
Amenities
: Adults only, kitchen, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, terrace/patio, porch, air-conditioned, coffee machine, washing machine, and clothes dryer.
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