A trip to the District can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be! There are so many budget-friendly things to do in Washington D.C., you might just end up extending your Pride vacation for a few days. Plan some time to explore any of the eleven Smithsonian museums and galleries on the National Mall, as well as six other museums and the National Zoo—all in the greater National Capital Area. Admission to any of the Smithsonian attractions is always free! And while on the Mall, set aside a few hours to explore one of the most important buildings in the country. Your free tour of the magnificent Library of Congress, the largest library in the world and a federal cultural institution like no other, will take you through this historic building and give you a glimpse into its history and current work.

Eating out can make a big dent in your vacation budget—but thankfully, D.C. is overflowing with inexpensive foodie destinations that won’t break the bank. Kick-start your full day of events with a full tummy by ordering up a big plate of tasty waffles at Lincoln’s Waffle Shop. Local legend has it that President Lincoln himself would frequent this historic haunt for his morning meal. After blazing through the first half of your day with loads of fun, enjoy a little Asian-Mexican fusion for lunch at Far East Taco Grille. Finally, stock up on napkins for your evening meal at Ben’s Chili Bowl—a popular haunt on historic U Street for D.C. personalities and even past presidents. Order a legendary half-smoke hot dog and load it up with their famous chili.

Let’s face it, no trip to Capital can avoid the spectacular sights of the monuments to our nation’s history and leaders spread throughout the city. The best part? All of the D.C. monuments are free to visit! See the Lincoln Memorial—the most visit monument in the country—to gaze upon a 20-foot marble statue of our 16th President. Stand 500-feet above the city and take in a 360-degree view like no other from the Washington Monument—make sure you bring the camera! And finally, discover the heart of government at the Capitol Building, where some members of Congress have a person on staff who will gladly take you on your own private tour.

There’s more to see and do in D.C. than a single vacation could ever cover—that’s why many visitors choose guided tours. Start with some free and name-your-own-price sightseeing tours by checking out D.C. by Foot—which offers some of the most memorable tours of the area. They’ll take you to see the monuments lit up at night and will even help you try to find some ghosts on one of their Ghost Tours. Take the Gray Line, the granddaddy of Washington tour operators, for a loop through the city with stops at a whopping 23 landmarks. Picky about what you want to see? Try a hop-on, hop-off tour along three different routes with Old Town Trolley Tours. Here you can customize a tour that best fits your interests and your vacation schedule.

Need to stretch your legs and spend a little time outside the Capital and away from the crowds at Pride? Take a day trip from D.C. and discover historic destinations, charming towns and more just a short drive away. Visit Monticello for a deep look into the life of the former president who penned the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson. Discover a real life fairy tale at the family-friendly Enchanted Forest at Clark Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland—just an hour drive from Washington D.C. And finally, take stroll along the streets of historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland and visit the U.S. Naval Academy for a guided walking tour of “the Yard.”