Washington National Cathedral Tours and Activities

Washington National Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture
Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral
Washington National Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and religious aspects
Washington National Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements


Inside this vast, striking building are richly decorated chapels, important artwork and a stained-glass window that contains a piece of the moon.

Experience the Gothic grandeur of the Washington National Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Gargoyles, flying buttresses and striking sculptures adorn the exterior while mosaics, stained-glass windows and memorials decorate the interior.

The church is also known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It welcomes people of all faiths as well as non-religious visitors. The institution has witnessed presidential funerals and often serves as a national focal point during times of mourning and celebrations.

After 83 years of construction, the cathedral was completed in 1990. Look for contemporary touches, among them a statue of Darth Vader from Star Wars atop the west tower. The figure was chosen as a modern-day symbol of evil.

Explore the cathedral’s art, architecture and grounds on your own or as part of a guided tour. As you walk through the building, appreciate the beauty of more than 200 stained-glass windows. Go to the west façade to see the Space Window which contains a piece of lunar rock. The geological sample was brought back to Earth by the crew of the first manned mission to the moon.

Study the ornamental screens in St. Mary’s Chapel. They depict scenes from the life of the mother of Jesus. In the crypt, visit the Bethlehem Chapel with its symbols depicting the birth of Jesus. Come for organ recitals on Monday and Wednesday. These are preceded by a short talk about the musical instrument and its 10, 647 pipes. A longer recital takes place every Sunday.

Walk around the cathedral’s 57-acre (23-hectare) grounds that include the Bishop’s Garden. This flower-filled space is modelled after a medieval walled garden. Enjoy the excellent view of the church’s south side from here.

Washington National Cathedral is located 3 miles (5 kilometres) from downtown Washington and is easily reached by bus and metro. Paid parking is available in the cathedral’s underground parking lot. There are no charges on Sunday for those attending services and organ recitals. The cathedral is open daily. Admission charges apply for guided and self-guided tours.

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Things to do near Washington National Cathedral

At Washington National Cathedral, enjoy a variety of activities including live music and theatre. Take a leisurely stroll around the cathedral, embark on photo tours, or relax in the picnic area. For a unique side trip, consider visiting on Thursday evenings to experience special events and activities. You'll find plenty of shopping opportunities nearby to round out your visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Washington National Cathedral, explore CityCenterDC, a vibrant shopping centre located 4.8km away, offering a mix of family-friendly and city vibes. Union Station Shopping Center, 6.4km away, also provides entertainment and shopping options. If you're up for a drive, visit Union Market, 6.4km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

At Capital One Arena, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, located 4.8km from the cathedral. The luxurious Cosmos Club, 3.2km away, offers a serene retreat for relaxation. For an adventurous experience, head to MedStar Capitals Iceplex, 6.4km away, for ice skating fun.

Adventure

Explore Soapstone Valley Park, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Washington National Cathedral, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a longer adventure, try the Allegheny Passage and Pinery Trail, both 6.4km away, offering beautiful landscapes and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

Nightlife

In Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center offers a blend of culture and romance just 4.8km from the National Cathedral. For family-friendly fun, the United States Naval Observatory is 1.1km away, while the Avalon Theater, 3.2km away, provides a charming cinema experience.

Find the best attractions near Washington National Cathedral

When visiting Washington National Cathedral, explore nearby memorials, urban parks, and historic houses that offer a rich cultural experience for families and travelers alike. Don't miss the iconic Washington Monument, and consider staying at hotels in the vicinity for convenient access to these attractions. The area around the cathedral is perfect for immersing yourself in the city's vibrant history and engaging local environments.

  • White House: A symbol of American democracy, the White House is an iconic historic government building just 4.8km from the Cathedral. Visitors can enjoy its impressive architecture and lush gardens, immersing themselves in the rich history of the U.S.
  • Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Located 4.8km away, this modern event venue offers a bustling atmosphere with numerous conferences and exhibitions, showcasing the vibrant business culture of Washington, D.C.
  • Georgetown University: Situated 3.2km from the Cathedral, this historic university boasts stunning Gothic architecture and a vibrant campus atmosphere, enriching your experience with its cultural heritage and academic excellence.

Best time to go to Washington National Cathedral

The best time to visit Washington National Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Washington National Cathedral falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Washington National Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral provides free entry, making it a budget-friendly destination. Nearby, you can explore the National Mall, Smithsonian Institution, and Union Station Shopping Center at no cost. For the best savings, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Saturday is typically the least expensive day to stay, while Tuesday tends to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find great rates and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to filter for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options that won’t break the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Washington National Cathedral are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Washington National Cathedral is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Washington National Cathedral is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the more expensive, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Washington National Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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