D.C. officials say more than 100 attractions remain open during the federal shutdown

The federal government shutdown has closed the National Zoo and Smithsonian museums, but D.C. officials say dozens of attractions remain open for business.

Destination DC, the city’s tourism bureau, recently posted an updated list of more than 100 things to see and do on its “DC is Open” campaign web page.

Top suggestions include catching a show at historic Ford’s Theatre, strolling through Rock Creek Park and buying tickets to exhibitions away from the National Mall, such as the International Spy Museum. The Ford’s Theatre Museum and the Petersen House, however, are closed for tours due to the shutdown.

“We understand that when the federal government shuts down, some visitors may assume D.C. does too, but that’s far from the truth,” Elliott L. Ferguson, Destination DC’s president and CEO, said in a statement on Thursday.

Mr. Ferguson noted that the city’s restaurants, hotels, theaters, parks, sporting events, and “more than 50 privately funded museums” are available to visitors.

Some free exhibitions are also still operating. They include “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” located a few steps from the president’s residence and open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The White House Historical Association opened the “immersive educational experience” last year with a recommended donation of $15 per visitor. It includes interactive digital introductions to U.S. presidents and a true-to-size reproduction of the Oval Office.

“As a privately funded, non-government nonprofit, ‘The People’s House: A White House Experience‘ and its White House History Shop remain open for regular business hours during the federal government shutdown,” a spokesperson said in an email.

Destination DC estimates that the District set new records for the second straight year with 27.2 million tourists and $11.4 billion in visitor spending in 2024. That resulted in $2.3 billion in tax revenue.

The tourism bureau will release its 2025 estimates in May.

While some analysts have warned that the Trump administration’s spending cuts and layoffs of federal workers could reduce tourism, the city expects large crowds for the holiday season and next year’s America 250 celebration.

Destination DC projects that the Walter E. Washington Convention Center will draw more than 62,000 visitors and $36 million to three conventions this month: the American Dental Association, the Association of the U.S. Army and the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

Catherine Townsend, president and CEO of the nonprofit Trust for the National Mall, noted that visitors can still see most national monuments during the government shutdown.

Her organization recently launched a website to help visitors conduct virtual and self-guided tours in the absence of National Park Service rangers.

“While indoor sites are closed and rangers and volunteers can’t be on site to help guide and educate visitors on the National Mall, we recently launched the National Mall Gateway that is helping to fill the gap during this challenging time,” Ms. Townsend said in a statement shared with The Washington Times.