The National Mall

The National Mall draws tourists from around the world but unlike most tourist spots, you'll see lots of locals down at the Mall as well. The space between the Capitol and the Washington monument hosts a variety of community events, protests and charity events. It's hard to avoid the crowds since all of the museums around the area are free, but head over and enjoy a picnic or a game of frisbee while showing out-of-towners around.

See more: L'Enfant Plaza museums, National Mall/ Smithsonian museums, History museums, Natural history museums, Science museums, Art museums, Astronomy museums, Planetarium museums