The Best Museums Worth Paying for in Washington, DC

Last Updated on March 28, 2024 by Travelationship

If there is one thing Washington, DC, has an abundance of, it’s museums. One of the most incredible things about living in DC is the sheer amount of free activities and sites. It is easy to forget DC has even more to offer. As you plan your trip, put aside some cash to visit the locations listed on our best-of-the-pay museums in DC.

Best Museums Worth Paying For in DC

Southwest DC

International Spy Museum: The International Spy Museum boasts the most extensive collection of spy artifacts ever displayed. It also provides visitors with interactive exhibits exploring espionage aspects, including its current role. The institution is the only public museum in the United States dedicated solely to espionage and its significant impact on world events. The Spy Museum also offers two distinct interactive spy experiences: one that takes you out into the city on a GPS-guided mission and another that occurs inside the facility’s walls. Check out their website for current prices, discounts, and hours.

Get There: They are a short walk from the “L’Enfant Plaza” Metro stop via the Blue/Green/Orange/Silver/Yellow lines.

Dupont Circle Neighborhood, DC:

Anderson House and Heurich Mansion (The Brewmaster’s Castle): In 1905, the Florentine-Italian-inspired Anderson House was completed and took its place as one of the capital city’s most stylish mansions. Today it is a museum and home of The Society of the Cincinnati. The Society is our nation’s oldest patriotic organization, founded in 1783, and its mission is to continue to promote the founding father’s principles. The Anderson House is free. We highly recommend visiting both locations to compare the differences in architecture and living styles within the ten years.

Get There: The closest Metro will be “Dupont Circle” via the Red line.

The Heurich House, also known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, is another mansion in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. The Heurich House was completed in 1894 with comfort in mind. The owner loved to host friends in his private Bavarian-style pub in the basement. This starkly contrasts the cold, sleek feel of the Anderson House. The museum is one of the country’s most intact Victorian houses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house needs work, but it is still an excellent example of the lifestyle of that time. For all you trivia buffs, the house was the city’s first fireproof home due to its poured concrete and reinforced steel construction. Check out the websites for current hours: Anderson House and Heurich House.

Get There: “Dupont Circle” is the closest Metro stop via the Red line.

More Dupont Circle

The Mansion on O Street: O Street Museum Foundation promotes life and art from every culture. As a result, their collection consists of a wide range of paintings, photographs, sculptures, books, artifacts, and music from all over the globe. “Think with your heart, feel with your mind” is their motto as you search the museum’s over 100 rooms and scour for 32 secret doors looking for designated items on one of their treasure hunts. The mansion is also a functioning hotel and restaurant, so no two visits are the same, as different rooms will be available for exploration each time. They also host musical shows and have a fabulous brunch set up. Check their website for current activities, prices, discounts, and hours.

Get There: The closest Metro will be “Dupont Circle” via the Red line.

Outside Washington DC

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens: George Washington was the commander in chief of American forces in the Revolutionary War and the first constitutional president of the United States. Mount Vernon, situated along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, was his home for over 40 years. Just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C., you can spend the day exploring the plantation of America’s first, first family. One can see George and Martha’s burial crypt, tour their house, and the whole grounds, including various barns, sheds, and animals; you might even run into the turkey pardoned each year by the president. Check out their website for hours, prices, discounts, and events.

Get There: The easiest way to Mount Vernon is by bus or driving. However, biking the 15 miles on the Mt. Vernon trail is also an option.

These are some of the best museums Washington, DC, offers. Check out our article on the Best Free Things To Do in DC.

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