Treat Yourself to a Scavenger Hunt Through DC’s Most Delightful Destinations - Atlas Obscura Lists

Treat Yourself to a Scavenger Hunt Through DC’s Most Delightful Destinations

13 places, 5 hints, and 70 secret doors.

When’s the last time you set out on a scavenger hunt to explore the charming quirks of our nation’s capital? 

If the answer is “never,” then keep reading—because we’ve put one together just for you. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your seat.

Here’s how it works: We give you a tasting tray of tricksy tidbits, and you have to match each one to the right place on this list of delightful DC destinations.

Got it? Fabulous. Let’s go.

Hint #1

This iconic site provides free entry for all ages. The entire venue has only two buttons, making it very easy to navigate. Actualized in 2023, we can thank substitute teacher Don Rutledge for this gift to the world.

Hint #2

How many spots have their own jumping photo social media accounts, celebrating superlatives such as “Most Senior Jumper” and “New Simultaneous Jump Record”? The record is 31 jumpers.

Hint #3

This neighborhood joint was described by The Washingtonian as “an oasis of mysteries”. Locals stop by to enjoy the rotating installations, featuring new paraphernalia for occasions such as Gay Pride, St. Patty’s Day, and even the election.

Hint #4

This living cabinet of curiosities is home to an abundance of Beatles memorabilia, including a Sgt. Peppers jukebox in a room dedicated to John Lennon. Most of the items you see are, in fact, for sale, including the thousands of books stacked along the floor-to-ceiling bookcases. There are also 70 secret doors, one of which leads to the “wine cellar.”

Hint #5

In Finnish, this place would be called huuliharppukotelo kokoelma. (It has nothing to do with Finland, but we thought that was a neat word.) Considering you have the internet at your fingertips, we think that’s enough of a clue.

And once you track down all the answers, you might even fancy a trip to DC to see it all for yourself.

Sponsored by washington.org