21 Fun Things to Do in Washington, DC, at Night
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Washington DC is a political, historical, and cultural hub in the United States. When visiting Washington, you'll discover numerous things to do. These activities include seeing a range of historical and political landmarks to visiting attractions like museums and parks.
There are also many fun things to do in Washington DC at night. From nighttime sightseeing to catching a musical or relaxing at a rooftop bar. Read on for the top activities to enjoy at night in the US capital city.
Are you on your way to Washington, DC last-minute?
When visiting Washington, DC, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. See the short list of top suggestions below.
Top accommodations in Washington, DC
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Bethesda Washington DC (rated highly)
- Cambria Hotel Rockville (relax by the pool)
- The Hotel at the University of Maryland (4-star rating)
Top tours and experiences in Washington, DC
- Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley (likely to sell out)
- DC Monuments & Memorials Night Tour (very popular)
- Washington DC in One Day - Guided Sightseeing Tour (very popular)
- Private Washington DC Tour (very popular)
- Best of DC Plus US Capitol & National Archives Reserved Entry
- 21 Washington, DC things to do
21 Fun Things to Do at Night in Washington, DC
- Wander around the Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Go on a Washington DC night tour
- Visit the National Mall and Washington Monument
- Break out of an escape room
- See the Lincoln Memorial lit up
- Spend a spooky evening on a ghost tour
- Walk around the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial
- Have dinner at Dupont Circle
- Experience Zoo Lights at the Smithsonian National Zoo
- Watch a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Sightsee on a Monuments by Moonlight night tour
- Listen to jazz and blues at Blues Alley Club
- Marvel at beautiful cherry blossoms at sunset
- See the Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Drink at a great DC bar
- Watch the US Marines Sunset Parade at the US Marine Corps Memorial
- Go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
- Enjoy an Odyssey dinner cruise on the Potomac River
- Take in nighttime views from a rooftop bar
- View stunning artworks at the National Portrait Gallery
- Attend an after hours event at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC Things to Do Map
A map of Washington, DC. Use the map to explore all the things to do.

Wander around the Georgetown Waterfront Park
Washington DC's Georgetown Waterfront Park is a pretty national park located in the Georgetown Historic District. The park features beautiful greenery and stretches along the scenic Potomac River.
While the park is nice to visit during the day, it's also stunning at night. Walking alongside the river and enjoying the views of the illuminated city skyline is highly recommended.
Discover the Georgetown Waterfront Park on a tour
- Historic Georgetown Walking Tour (rated very highly)
- Top Picks in DC With Exclusive Access to US Capitol & National Archives (a sort after tour)
Places to stay near the Georgetown Waterfront Park
- Park Hyatt Washington (rated highly)
- The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington, DC (rated 5-stars)

Go on a Washington DC night tour
A guided night tour is a unique way to go sightseeing in Washington DC. The DC at Dusk tour will take you to all of Washington's most famous landmarks. These attractions include the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol, and the White House.
The tour takes you from spot to spot on a luxury mini-coach and will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. Seeing these iconic US landmarks lit up at night is truly memorable.
Places to stay close to the US Navy Memorial Plaza
- The River Inn-A Modus Hotel (highly acclaimed)
- Hotel Madera (4-star)

Visit the National Mall and Washington Monument
The National Mall and Washington Monument are some more of the iconic sites in Washington DC. Visiting these landmarks after dark is one of the best things to do in DC at night!
While you can visit on your own, a fun way to see the site at night is on a Moonlit tour of the National Mall. This narrated tour will allow you to learn more about this iconic attraction, and will take you to other renowned DC landmarks.
Stay in close proximity to the National Mall
- Riggs Washington DC (rated highly)
- Waldorf Astoria Washington DC (rated 5-stars)
Break out of an escape room
If looking for an exciting and challenging activity in DC at night, why not try an escape room? Escape the Room Washington has two central DC locations and offers a range of themed rooms to try.
Challenges to escape from include a submarine challenge, a spy agency quest, and a Jurassic escape-themed room. No matter which room you try, you're sure to have an amazing evening!
Places to stay near Escape the Room DC Penn Quarter

See the Lincoln Memorial lit up
The Lincoln Memorial is one of the most well-known Washington DC landmarks. This iconic attraction is stunning to see when illuminated at night.
To make an evening of this sightseeing activity, why not join a DC nighttime cycle tour? You'll bike to the Lincoln Memorial as well as to a range of other landmarks, like the Washington Monument and Constitution Gardens.
Stay near the Lincoln Memorial
- Washington Plaza Hotel (soak up the sun poolside)
- Hotel Washington

Spend a spooky evening on a ghost tour
Another of the fun things to do at night in DC is going on a ghost tour. You can find many Washington DC ghost tours to choose from, but the Washington Haunted History ghost tour comes highly recommended.
On this paranormal tour, your guide will tell you about 200 years of eerie history. You'll hear stories about murders, tragic events, and ghost sightings. This activity will also take you to a range of haunted locations throughout the city, like the Hay Adams Hotel and Blair House.
Accommodations in close proximity to 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Walk around the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial can easily be accessed by walking around the Tidal Basin. The scenic walk to this North American Landmark is stunning in the evening.
Watching the sunset over the water and the memorial light up is breathtaking. Once at the Jefferson Memorial, you can look around and take lots of beautiful pictures.
Stay nearby the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Have dinner at Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle features many bars and eateries and is an ideal place to have dinner when in Washington. Obelisk is a popular high-end spot that has been in Dupont Circle since 1987.
This Italian spot serves a five-course meal with dishes including chestnut lasagna, braised pork belly, and pine nut lemon tartlets. Other great restaurants in the area include Del Sur Cafe, Anju, and Agora.
Accommodations nearby the Obelisk
- The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Dupont Circle (relax by the pool)
- The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington DC (rated 4-stars)

Experience Zoo Lights at the Smithsonian National Zoo
The Smithsonian National Zoo, or Zoological Park, is one of the US' oldest zoos. This attraction draws hundreds of visitors each day and is home to various animals, from elephants and pandas to alpacas and flamingos.
Although the zoo usually closes at 4 PM, you can visit in the evening when the Zoo Lights event is running. This after-dark experience sees an array of magical light displays placed around the zoo. Best of all, entry is always free.
Experience the Smithsonian National Zoological Park with a tour
- Exclusive SUV Tour of Washington DC (top-rated tour)
Stay nearby the Smithsonian National Zoological Park
- HighRoad Hostel DC (under $50 USD per night)
- The LINE DC (scored highly by guests)

Watch a show at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Washington has a host of cultural landmarks, and one you can't miss is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The venue offers a range of shows to see, from classical music concerts to theatre productions and dance performances.
Spending the evening watching a show at the center is highly memorable. It's a great experience to add to your DC itinerary!
Experience the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with a tour
- Grand Tour of Washington DC, Featuring Eight Site Stops, Day & Night (very popular)
- Private Tour of Washington DC
Stay near the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- The Watergate Hotel (exceptional rating)
- Melrose Georgetown Hotel (rated 4-stars)

Sightsee on a Monuments by Moonlight night tour
Washington DC is home to an extensive collection of famous landmarks and monuments. One of the interesting night activities in Washington DC that allows you to see a range of landmarks is a Monuments by Moonlight trolley tour.
On the tour, you'll stop at eight iconic landmarks and will pass by numerous others. Places to see include the US Marine Corps War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. At each stop, your guide will offer background information on site.
Nearest accommodations to 1001 E St NW
- JW Marriott Washington, DC (scored highly by guests)
- Willard InterContinental Washington (offers a pool)
Listen to jazz and blues at Blues Alley Club
One of DC's most popular music venues is the Blues Alley Club. The club has a range of amazing live jazz and blues headline acts that are a must-see. There is an event almost every night, so you can visit anytime you're in Washington DC.
While watching a show, you can also order drinks and a range of meals. Most dishes are Southern-inspired and include gumbo, blackened catfish, and red beans and rice.
Places to stay near the Blues Alley Club

Marvel at beautiful cherry blossoms at sunset
In the spring, Washington's trees become covered in Cherry Blossoms. A fun activity is heading to one of the three national parks that feature many cherry blossoms at sunset. The combination of a pink-orange sky and the soft pink blossoms makes for a magical view.
The parks where you can see the cherry blossoms are near the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, on the grounds of the Washington Monument, and in East Potomac Park.
Visit Washington on a tour
- Trolley Tour of Washington DC Monuments at Night (highly sought-after)
- Private Washington DC Tour (popular and sought-after)
Stay nearby Washington
- The Darcy Washington DC (scored highly by guests)
- Capital Hilton (relax by the pool)

See the Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is found in West Potomac Park. This memorial commemorates those that served in the Korean War. You can access the memorial 24 hours a day, so going to see it at night is easy.
One of the convenient ways to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial is on a DC Night Under the Stars walking tour. Other monuments to see include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.
Stay in close proximity to the Korean War Veterans Memorial
Drink at a great DC bar
If you enjoy great drinks, one of the cool things to do in DC at night is visit an amazing bar. You can find a range of trendy spots across the city.
A highly recommended spot is the Columbia Room that serves craft cocktails and even has a tasting room. Other DC bars to check out include Off the Record in the basement of the Hay Adams Hotel and Calico, a cute spot with cocktail juice boxes!
Stay in close proximity to the Columbia Room
- Conrad Washington, DC (rated 5-stars)
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Convention Center (lounge by the pool)

Watch the US Marines Sunset Parade at the US Marine Corps Memorial
The US Marines Sunset Parade takes place at the US Marine Corps Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. The parade is held once a week at sunset during the summer months, usually at 7 PM. The memorial is in Arlington, just across the bridge from downtown DC.
At the event, you'll get to enjoy a fascinating military parade that includes a performance by the Silent Drill Team. This famed parade has been held since 1956, so catching it when in the city is a must.
Discover the US Marine Corps War Memorial on a tour
- Guided Bus Tour of DC's Nighttime Monuments in Three Hours (popular and sought-after)
Places to stay close to the US Marine Corps War Memorial

Go to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a must-see attraction in Washington DC. To avoid the crowds, consider viewing the statue of the iconic Civil Rights leader at night. An ideal way to do so is on a nighttime trolley tour.
This tour will take two and a half hours, and you'll get to visit the Martin Luther King Memorial as well as other famous attractions. Your guide will also offer background on all the landmarks you see.

Enjoy an Odyssey dinner cruise on the Potomac River
If you want to treat yourself, one of the fun things to do in DC at night is going on a dinner cruise. The Odyssey Dinner Cruise is one of the most popular in DC and will take you out on the Potomac River.
Once aboard, you'll be served a delicious three-course meal that you can enjoy as you take in the stunning views. Live music is also provided, and you'll get to spot some of Washington's most famous landmarks.
Places to stay close to 580 Water St SW
- Intercontinental - Washington DC - The Wharf (loved by guests)
- Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol (soak up the sun poolside)
Take in nighttime views from a rooftop bar
Seeing Washington DC lit up at night is an amazing thing. One of the best ways to enjoy these scenic views is from a rooftop bar. There are an array of these bars to choose from in the city, offering great drinks and snacks.
If unsure of which bar to choose, the sophisticated Summit is a good choice. Best of all, the bar is open all year round; an Apres-ski theme, including blankets and heaters, is used in the winter. Signature cocktails are on offer, along with wine, beer, and sharing platters.
Places to stay near the Summit Rooftop at Conrad
- Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC Downtown Hotel (soak up the sun poolside)
- Grand Hyatt Washington (4-star rating)

View stunning artworks at the National Portrait Gallery
As the National Portrait Gallery closes at 7 PM most days, visiting the gallery makes for an ideal evening activity. The art museum, opened in 1962, houses an extensive collection of artworks from numerous renowned artists.
Notably, the gallery also has a portrait of every US president. Portraits of other famous figures, including Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo, and Benjamin Franklin.
Nearest accommodations to the National Portrait Gallery
- Washington Marriott at Metro Center (chill out by the pool)
- Morrison Clark Inn Washington DC Convention Center (very highly rated)

Attend an after hours event at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the fun things to do in DC at night is attending one of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History after-hours events. These events occur throughout the year and allow adults to explore the museum and see special exhibits and talks.
Different topics are covered at each event and have included urban ecosystems and global disease-fighting efforts.
Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on a tour
- Tour of African American History With Museum Entry (a hit among most)
In Summary
You can find so many things to do in Washington DC at night. From visiting museums to sightseeing and going on a dinner cruise. DC really has something for all types of traveler to enjoy at night.
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