Noah takes the world

The Best Things to Do Alone in DC

Washington, D.C., is a perfect city for solo travel because countless museums and monuments dot every corner. The worst thing you can be on a solo trip is bored. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do alone in DC.

Planning an East Coast Trip? Read my Boston, Philly, NEW YORK, and RHODE ISLAND Itineraries.

Beyond the museums and monuments, DC is home to well-maintained biking trails and aesthetic shopping streets, perfect for solo travelers.

This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad.

Planning things to do alone in DC can be intimidating. Luckily, I traveled solo for four days in DC and hit over 50 sites. I am here to tell you the things to do alone in DC. 

Table of contents

Is It Safe to Solo Travel to DC

Before I list the best things to do alone in DC, let’s discuss safety. Most people are afraid to visit DC alone because they think it is dangerous to travel alone.

Although solo traveling poses safe risks, it is safe to visit DC alone. Many museums and monuments have strict security protocols, making most of the popular activities in the city safe.

You should exercise caution when walking or biking alone at night. I felt comfortable doing so in Washington, D.C., but I know women do not always have that luxury. Luckily, if you stay at a hostel, typically, you can meet other travelers who you can go out at night with.

Where to Stay During Your DC Solo Trip

When I solo travel, I always stay at hostels. You should stay in a hostel during your solo trip because it is the easiest way to save money. Beyond savings in your wallet, hostels offer easy access to attractions and fellow solo travelers to help you feel more connected to the city you are visiting. 

I stayed at Duo Housing DC. It is one of the highest-rated hostels in the entire city and is located in a safe area. This hostel is for you if you want to make friends and feel a sense of community. If you want to mingle with knowledgeable staff and enjoy a free, intimate breakfast, stay at Duo Housing DC.

If you want more space to unwind and sleep, I recommend booking a 2 or 4-bed dorm. The larger dorms are pretty small and lack some privacy. However, the sleeping arrangements are typically not ideal in most hostels. They are hostels, after all!

What Museums Are Best to Visit During a Solo Trip to DC?

D.C. is synonymous with the Smithsonian—the home of 21 museums and the largest museum complex in the world. You could easily spend your entire D.C. trip in these free learning spaces.

However, not all of these museums are perfect for solo travel. The arguably most famous museum, the National History Museum, is a great visit for families but not so enjoyable for solo travelers. 

Noah’s take: When I visited the museum, it was hard to admire the exhibits because of the hoards of people. It was not the best thing to do alone in DC.

For the most enjoyable solo experience, you should visit quiet and thought-provoking museums. Here are four museums that I loved visiting alone. 

1. Visit the National Gallery of Art to Admire Art at Your Own Pace

• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 5:00
• Ticket required: No

You can see works by famous artists like Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci. I particularly enjoyed seeing landscapes painted by American artists. 

After your visit, make sure to walk through the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. It is sandwiched between the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 

2. See Dorothy’s Original Ruby Red Slippers at the National Museum of American History

• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 5:30
• Ticket required: No

The American History Museum might not be the most reflective space, but it was engaging with its exhibits on American consumerism and pop culture. 

If you are a Wizard of Oz fan, you can see the original ruby red slippers used during the film’s production. 

Noah’s take: Most other museums close at 5, so this is a great museum to visit at the end of your day. 

3. Learn About Excellence and Resilience at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 5:30 (Mondays: 12:00-5:30)
• Ticket required: Yes

One of the newest additions to the Smithsonian, The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to sharing African American life, history, and culture.

I absolutely loved the “Musical Crossroads” exhibit. Seeing how African American music has and continues to define American music was inspiring as a music lover. 

However, this is a very popular museum. You must have a ticket to visit this museum.

How to Get Tickets For The National Museum of African American History and Culture

Visitors can reserve timed-entry passes up to 30 days in advance on a rolling basis. Advanced timed-entry passes are released daily beginning at 8:00 a.m. EST.  

If you failed to reserve tickets 30 days in advance, same-day timed-entry passes are released online only at 8:15 a.m. EST daily.

However, it is so stressful trying to reserve tickets while on your trip. So, I suggest you plan ahead and try to get tickets in advance.

By an absolute miracle, I managed to get into the museum without a ticket reservation. I planned my trip at the last minute and couldn’t get advance tickets. The same-day tickets also sold out. 

I entered the museum because a staff member allowed me in under her name. Such a kind gesture!

Noah’s take: Do not bank on this happening for your trip, but this is a great example of the benefits of solo traveling. When it is just you on a trip, staff often feel more compassion for you and will provide extra service. 

4. Feel Completely Transformed After Visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

• Cost: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 10:00 to 5:30
• Ticket required: Yes

Everyone knows about the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It might be one of the most famous museums in the country. 

So, I had high expectations for visiting this museum. After seeing the shoes of 4,000 prisoners and walking through a rail car that would take people to their death, those expectations were shattered.

Noah’s take: It was such an emotional and raw experience touring this museum alone. It was unforgettable. 

How to Get Tickets For the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Reserve tickets online before you visit the Museum. Try to get advance tickets online. According to their website, tickets through August 2024 are available now. 

A limited number of same-day tickets are available online each day at 7 a.m. ET. 

Again, I failed to get advance tickets, and I was in my hostel bed, trying for dear life to snag one ticket. It was not enjoyable because the website said I got tickets; however, none were sent to my email.

So, I entered the museum and pretended to have a ticket. When it was time to scan my ticket, I had already gone through security, so they let me through.

Noah’s take: When in doubt, fake it till you make it. After all, it was a computer glitch! Not my fault I did not receive the email.

However, I could have avoided this if I planned ahead. So, plan ahead if you want to visit this museum. 

Noah’s take: If you can’t get online tickets, you can go to the museum in person and ask for tickets. When I visited, they handed out a few tickets to people in line without tickets. This can be a last-resort option. 

What Monuments Are Best to Visit During a Solo Trip to DC?

Millions of people come to D.C. and flood the many iconic landmarks located in “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall. 

For good reasons, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial are the most popular monuments. 

Noah’s take: However, make sure to also visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial during your solo trip. 

5. Escape the Crowds of the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and Visit Them at Night

You will find D.C. is full of tourists, and the most iconic memorials become a hotspot for tourists who want that perfect picture. 

I take many pictures like anyone else, but I found myself annoyed with the sheer number of people trying to find the best angle and pose. 

Visiting the monument at night was more enjoyable when the crowds were less intense and aggressive. I had more space to explore and take in the massive monuments. They are gigantic and impressive. 

Noah’s take: If you have extra time, photograph these iconic landmarks during the day. You might get better pictures during the day. However, night pictures are still very cool. 

• Visit Jefferson Memorial early in the morning and enjoy beautiful views of the Tidal Basin. 
• On the other hand, the Lincoln Memorial can be a great photo spot during sunset when the sun hits its columns with a golden glow.  

6. Rent a Bike to Access Other Monuments in the National Mall 

As mentioned above, you should visit many monuments during your DC solo trip. The National Mall is a very large space. You should rent a bike if you want to cover the ground quickly. 

Luckily, renting a bike is cheap and easy. Capital Bikeshare is metro DC’s bike share service with 700+ stations across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 

You can purchase a 24-hour pass for $8, including unlimited 45-minute classic bike rides. After 45 minutes, you pay $0.05 per minute. For an Ebike, you will pay $0.10 per minute.

Download the Capital Bikeshare App, make an account, and see every bike station in the district. It is very easy and convenient to unlock a bike. You will receive a code via text. Once you enter the code, your bike will become unlocked. 

Before renting your bike, plan which station you will return it to. Not every monument is located next to the bike station. You don’t want to pay extra for your bike simply because you do not know where to park it. 

7. Get a Ticket to Go up the Washington Monument

The only monument you need an advance ticket to visit is the Washington Monument. 

Getting this ticket was quite stressful for my trip. You have three options for getting tickets.

• Option 1: 30-Day Advance Reservations—Order tickets online up to a month in advance of your visit. For example, if you want to visit on June 6, visit recreation.gov on May 7 at 10 a.m. to get your tickets. 
• Option 2: 24-Hour Advance Reservations—A limited number of tickets are available at 10 a.m. for the next day’s visit. For example, if you want to visit on April 2, visit recreation.gov at 10 a.m. on April 1. 
• Option 3: Walk-Up Tickets (Same Day Only)— Go to the service building in front of the monument at 8:45 a.m. for free, same-day, timed tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. One person (16+ years old) may obtain up to six tickets and request their preferred ticket time.

I didn’t plan my trip far enough ahead, so I had to try to get Walk-Up Tickets. It took me waiting in line for three mornings of my trip to get a ticket to go up to the Washington Monument. 

My tip for getting a Walk-Up Ticket is to come at least by 7:30 a.m. to get a ticket, and that might not be enough time. One person can get up to six tickets, so if many people in front of you get six tickets, you might be out of luck.  

Although it was annoying when I was only two people away from getting a ticket, trying to get these tickets forced me to get up early. So, I maximized my day because I had to get up so early. 

After my third attempt and waiting in line for hours, I got a ticket, and it was super exciting to see D.C. from a bird’s eye view. It was worth all the waiting. 

Besides Museums and Monuments, Here Are Other Things To Do Alone in DC

8. Watch the sun dip below the skyline at the Watergate Steps

After a day enjoying museums around the National Mall, visit the Watergate steps located behind the Lincoln Memorial. 

DC has beautiful buildings and art but is also surrounded by beautiful nature. I thoroughly enjoyed photographing the Potomac River and the Arlington skyline during golden hour. 

9. Browse the Library of Congress: The Largest Library in the World

• Cost: Free
• Hours: 
  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: closed
• Ticket required: Yes

I accidentally stumbled upon the Library of Congress and was glad I did. Although advance tickets are required, I was able to scan a QR code and get a ticket quickly before I went into the library. 

Free same-day tickets are also released online each day at 9 a.m.

Make sure not to miss viewing the Main Reading Room. There are plenty of interesting exhibits and artwork to get lost in for days. It is truly perfect for a solo trip. 

10. Take a Photo Outside the Most Famous House in America

Can you visit D.C. without seeing the White House? No, you really can’t. If you want to tour the inside of the White House, you must submit a request through a member of Congress a minimum of 21 days in advance.

If you don’t want to hassle with that, visiting Lafayette Square and taking a picture with the White House in the background is still enjoyable. 

11. Bike up Capitol Hill and Walk up the Steps of the Supreme Court

If you want a quick workout, you can bike up to Capitol Hill. You can bike 2 miles from Lincoln Memorial through the National Mall to reach the Senate and House of Representatives home. 

You can also visit The Capitol Visitor Center, open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended if you want to tour the Capitol. Visit the schedule a tour page. 

If you cannot get a reservation, you can arrive at the Capitol Visitor Center as early in the day as possible to try to obtain a pass.

Noah’s take: Tours were unavailable when I visited the Hill, but I enjoyed admiring the dome. 

Across from the Legislative branch is the home of the Judicial Branch, the Supreme Court—another fun spot to take pictures and envision the many historical events that took place there. 

The building is open to the public but does not offer guided walking tours. Research and plan ahead if you want to go inside the court. 

12. Ride the Train to Bethesda and Bike Back to Georgetown on the Capital Crescent Trail

If you are visiting DC, why not visit some other U.S. States? Like many travelers, I aim to visit every U.S. state. So, I took a train to Maryland as another fun solo activity. 

From Metro Center Station, take the Red Line to Bethesda, Maryland. Once you reach Maryland, you can visit Bethesda Row and shop at some cute boutiques. 

After exploring for a bit, go to Elm Street Park to begin the Capital Crescent Trail. In just 7 miles, after passing beautiful scenery, you will make it to Georgetown. 

Georgetown has plenty to explore and is a perfect setting for doing so alone. Get gourmet cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes. Pretend to be a student at Georgetown University. 

13. Bike Across the Arlington Memorial Bridge for More Memorials and a Great View of the National Mall

More biking? Yes! More biking. Trust me. After traveling solo across the globe, I found biking around a new city to be so fun and healing.

You can cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial and reach the US Marine Corps War Memorial in 10 minutes. 

This memorial represents the nation’s gratitude to Marines and those who have fought beside them. In the same space is the Netherlands Carillon, a bell tower gifted by the Dutch for American aid received during and after World War II.

These memorials are beautiful, as is the view of the National Mall from this side of the Potomac River. 

14. If You Have Extra Energy, Bike to The Pentagon Memorial

Once you make it to Arlington, you can visit The Pentagon Memorial. It is a 2-mile ride from the US Marine Corps War Memorial. During your ride, you will see impressive views of the Pentagon. 

The memorial remembers a somber moment in time, 9:37 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001, when 184 souls were lost. 

There are 184 memorial benches dedicated to each of the victims. It is a beautiful place to reflect and honor the lives lost. I am especially drawn to these places during my solo travels. 

Noah’s take: If you have even more time and energy, you can visit the nearby Air Force Memorial. Reaching this site by bike is difficult since the Memorial sits beside the Interstate. 

The Air Force Memorial symbolizes reaching for the stars, as seen with its majestic spires. It is a very beautiful memorial. 

15. Picnic at Gravelly Point Park and Watch Planes Takeoff

From Pentagon City, you can easily access Gravelly Point by taking the Mount Vernon Trail. Gravelly Point Park is home to ice cream trucks, locals flying kites, and photographers trying to capture planes taking off from the Ronald Reagan Airport. 

The park is located right across from the airport, making it an energetic and exciting place to picnic or watch the sunset. 

Solo traveling is exhausting, especially in D.C. There is so much to do! Give yourself a much-needed rest in the beautiful atmosphere at Gravelly Point Park. 

16. Explore the massive Arlington National Cemetery and Robert E. Lee House 

Arlington National Cemetery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You might be surprised to hear this, but I do not recommend biking here. 

Very few bike stations are located near the Cemetery, so you will bike here only not to know where to park your bike. I wonder if the lack of bike stations was planned to preserve the peace of these hallowed grounds. 

Instead of biking, get to Arlington by Metro via the direct Arlington Cemetery stop on the Blue Line. It is very convenient and less stressful than finding where to park your bike.

Once you reach the Cemetery, you will realize it is massive and has a lot to cover. Make sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where many people watch the Changing of the Guard ritual. 

Another site you should visit is the free Arlington House, the former residence of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate General of the Civil War. Touring this historic home was very informative and eye-opening. 

It was not the usual information you hear about the Civil War. I found it very engaging. 

Now, Go Solo Travel in Washington, DC

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do alone in DC. My trip to the Nation’s Capital was one of my favorite solo trips ever because I was never bored.

The museums were informative. The monuments were awe-inspiring. And I got to bike so much.

Don’t fear solo traveling to DC! There are so many things to do alone in DC, making it the perfect setting for a reflective and fun adventure. 

Visiting the East Coast? Read all of my East Coast guides:

• 8 Solo Things to Do in NYC for the Perfect Day Alone
• Philly Solo Trip: The Perfect Itinerary for a 2-Day, Budget-Friendly Trip
• Boston Solo Trip: The Perfect Itinerary for a 3-day Budget-friendly Trip
• Rhode Island Travel Guide: How to Spend 48 Hours Alone in Rhode Island