Explore Washington, D.C.

The AVMA and WVA are thrilled to have you join us this summer in Washington, D.C.! We encourage you to take advantage of the wide variety of museums, tours, and other attractions at your fingertips in our nation's capital. Check out additional discounts available throughout the city when you're in town.

Here are some of our top recommendations.

See the Washington Nationals

Discounted tickets for convention attendees!

Take in a baseball game while you’re in town. Enjoy discounted tickets to see the Washington Nationals take on the San Diego Padres July 18-20.

Get discounted tickets

National Mall

Free monuments, memorials, and museums are all around—including the famous Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Many of the monuments and memorials are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and reservations aren't needed. Memorials run through the National Park Service (NPS) are usually staffed by NPS rangers who can answer your questions from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Rangers also conduct tours and special programming throughout the year. Plan your visit.

Smithsonian Museums and National Zoo

Admission is free at all Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo. Discover interactive exhibits and unparalleled collections of artifacts—the hardest part is choosing which one to visit. View museum hours, events, and other details.

Big Bus Tours

Enjoy open-top sightseeing with Big Bus Tours. Flexible hop-on, hop-off tours allow you to explore Washington, D.C. at your own pace. Learn about the city's history and get off the bus to visit landmarks up close. Book your bus tour.

DC by Foot Walking Tours

Looking for another way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time? Book a walking tour with D.C. by Foot. The company offers an array of tour experiences led by knowledgeable guides. Featured tours include Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress, the Washington Monument and National Mall, Ghosts of Georgetown, and more. Book a walking tour.

National Archives Building

The National Archives Building is home to more than three billion records, including the three most important documents in American history: The Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, which can be viewed in the building's Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom. Make sure to also check out the "Public Vaults," an interactive exhibition displaying more than 1,000 fascinating records. Entry to the National Archives is free. To avoid long lines, advance ticket reservations are recommended.