Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bethesda

"Often featured in movies and TV shows as the location is symbolic in American history, the Lincoln Memorial is housed in an impressive Greek-style columned building at the west end of the National Mall. This memorial can get incredibly busy with tourists during the day, so it’s best to arrive here at dawn to make use of the early morning light, or late in the evening when the memorial is lit up. Take along a wide angle lens to capture the monument up close, and experiment with different angles while inside."

"A 19-foot-tall (5.7-meter-tall) marble statue of President Abraham Lincoln dominates the Lincoln Memorial, situated at the edge of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall in Washington DC. The most visited National Park Service site in the city is an homage to the 16th president of the United States, who helped to preserve the Union during the Civil War and delivered the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation.More"

"Washington, DC is home to many famous monuments and memorials. Visit the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and WWII Memorial. If you can’t fit in a tour of the monuments during the day, try our Monuments by Moonlight tour to see them fully illuminated at night."

"Danita Delimont/Gallo Images Collection/Getty Images (cropped). Architect Robert Mills' initial design for the Washington Monument honored America's first president with a 600-foot tall, square, flat-topped pillar. At the base of the pillar, Mills envisioned an elaborate colonnade with statues of 30 Revolutionary War heroes and a soaring sculpture of George Washington in a chariot."

"Erected in honor of the nation’s first president, the Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington DC, reaching 555 feet (169 meters) high. The white, marble obelisk is also one of the capital’s most famous structures, made even more remarkable when seen with its mirror image reflected in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.More"

"Standing 555 feet high and anchoring one end of the National Mall, the Washington Monument is especially beautiful at sunset or sunrise (there are fewer crowds as well). The base of the monument is ringed by 50 American flags (one for each state)."

"Crowning Capitol Hill and on a perfect axis with dozens of monuments on the National Mall is a worldwide symbol of democracy, visible across Washington. The Capitol Building is the home of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the seat of the legislative branch of the Federal Government of the United States. For much of its past it has also housed the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court."

"The United States Capitol is both a monument and a working office building. You'll enter the building through the Capitol Visitor Center which is open to visitors from 8:30 a.m."

"The world's largest library – with 164 million books, manuscripts, maps, photos, films and other items – awes in both scope and design. The centerpiece is the 1897 Jefferson Building. Gawk at the Great Hall, done up in stained glass, marble and mosaics of mythical characters, then seek out the Gutenberg Bible (c 1455), Thomas Jefferson's round library and the reading room viewing area. Free tours of the building take place between 10:30am and 3:30pm on the half-hour."

"One of the world’s most important libraries; all the books housed here are alongside stunning architecture. The view from the balcony and the Instagram shot you get here will be stunning. View this post on Instagram"

"When it was created in 1800, the Library of Congress was primarily a resource for Congressmen. The library was located where the legislators worked, in the U.S."

"Since 1800, the White House has been a symbol of the United States government, the president and the people of America. It has also served as the home of every U.S. president except George Washington. Remodeled and restored many times over the years, the White House is recognized around the world as an emblem of American democracy."

"One of the most visited buildings in DC has to be the White House. You can get pretty close to the White House on either the north or south side. Periodically public access will be closed if there is a special event; typically you can get pretty close all-day."

"Popular stops include the White House, Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. You can click here to learn more."

"Green Spring Gardens, spanning about 31 acres, is a historic garden featuring a plantation house constructed between 1777 to 1784."

"We went to Jeni's for the first time on National Ice Cream day. The line was pretty long, but it moved quickly and the wait was sooo worth it!"

"A photo posted by Rise Bakery (@risebakerygf) on Nov 14, 2015 at 6:03am PST. Rise Bakery offers gluten-free (and vegan) options like red velvet, flourless chocolate cake, and carrot cake. They also have a lot of other cool items like pastries, bagels, and breads for all your gluten-free needs."

"Rise Bakery offers many vegan sweets and breads, including vegan chocolate chip cookies and banana nut bread. Food is fresh and delicious. Ambience is relaxing and cozy."

"With two locations in nearby Virginia – Arlington and Alexandria, this bakery is dedicated to bringing fresh baked goods to the masses including those with gluten dietary needs. Dig into gluten-free items such as peanut butter cookies, coconut macaroons, egg croissant sandwich and vanilla or chocolate cake with your choice of vanilla bean or chocolate frosting. They even sell a gluten-free vegan blueberry muffin from Rise Bakery."

"Colada Shop on 14th St. (Green/Yellow Line) is a cute and colorful Cuban restaurant and bar. With empanadas and croquetas for less than $4, as well as $12 Cuban sandwiches, this little shop is equal parts adorable and yummy!. They’ve also got great outdoor seating and happy hour deals on slushie drinks, mojitos, and other summery beverages."

"Fast-casual Cuban cafe Colada Shop expanded to Potomac this spring, and its fourth location includes tables under a covered patio. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Colada Shop (@coladashop)"

"The female-owned award-winning bakery single-handedly made vanilla birthday cake with rainbow funfetti sprinkles an acceptable treat 365 days a year. Christina Tosi is the mastermind behind the delightful treats. If your lover isn’t so big on Valentine’s Day maybe you can make them chuckle by celebrating an entirely different holiday-day – even if it’s not either"

"A photo posted by milk bar (@milkbarstore) on Sep 26, 2016 at 8:30am PDT. This place has super fun and unique cakes like birthday cake, chocolate malt cake, and apple pie cake, among others available by special order. The birthday cake flavor is ideal for a birthday."