Riley Croghan

Washington DC is a city of museums. Locals and visitors alike have a world of knowledge and beauty, all within a small footprint. The museums in DC house everything from Instagrammable modern art installations to mighty dinosaurs to iconic works of art and even the original Starship Enterprise.  With the wide variety of museums, there's something in DC to please every visitor. Most of the iconic museums are all within walking distance of the Smithsonian Metro exit – but some of the real beauties lie off the beaten path.  DC has dozens of museums and galleries nestled in neighborhoods across the city, so a museum crawl can feel more like a museum marathon. You'll find fabulous museums near Chinatown, Judiciary Square, Dupont Circle, and even up the scenic, hilly streets of Georgetown. Touring these far-flung exhibits can be the perfect way to explore different parts of the District. With so many options to explore, our list of the best museums in DC higlights some of the best educational and entertaining experiences and attractions that the nation's capital has to offer. After all that walking and learning, refuel at one of the best restaurants in Washington DC. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Washington DC