After my second trip to Washington, D.C., I’m more convinced than ever that every American should make an effort to visit the capital city at some point in their lifetime – the sooner, the better. Time spent in this unique city provides U.S. citizens endless opportunities to better understand their heritage, their responsibilities, and the immense privilege that comes with calling this country home. Perhaps the best thing about Washington, D.C. is that you can get all of that without spending a dime on admission fees.

Here are 20 free things to do in DC.

1. National Zoo
2. National Air and Space Museum
3. American Art Museum
4. American History Museum
5. National Museum of the American Indian
6. Freer Gallery of Art
7. Natural History Museum
8. National Postal Museum
9. Smithsonian Castle
10. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
11. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
12. Lincoln Memorial
13. Constitutional Gardens
14. Washington Monument (including elevator ride to the top)
15. U.S. Capitol tour
16. Arlington National Cemetery (a short ride outside of the city)
17. National Archives – to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence
18. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
19. Anacostia Community Museum
20. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

In addition to these museums and monuments, Washinton, D.C. is also home to free festivals and public celebrations throughout the year. You can watch the fireworks and listen to one of multiple concerts on the National Mall on the 4th of July, for example, without spending a penny. The National Mall is also home to many cultural festivals, including the Folklife festival in the summer. In the spring, head to the Tidal Basin for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

All photos by Britt Reints