194 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
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Washington, D.C.

194 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Unique Food & Drink in Washington, D.C.

Explore Washington, D.C.

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Upcoming Washington, D.C. Events

Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square.
Mar 24
Washington, D.C.

Scandal, Assassination, and Spies in Lafayette Square

Join former White House speechwriter Ed Moser as we wade into the swamp in front of Washington’s most famous residence.
The cubed grave of Charles Fowler and Kenneth Dresser.
Mar 31
Washington, D.C.

Wine, Spirits, and Stories at Historic Congressional Cemetery

Join us for a drink and evening walk through one of D.C.'s most notable final resting places.
Chilean and Smithsonian paleontologists study several fossil whale skeletons at Cerro Ballena, next to the Pan-American Highway in the Atacama Region of Chile, 2011.
Apr 5
Washington, D.C.

The Explorers' Salon

Join us as we dig and dive into history with our inaugural Explorers' Salon.
Stone projectile points from the Katcef site, near Polly Place. The varieties of projectiles points show repeated visits to Katcef from 13,000-1,000 years ago.
Apr 6
Gambrills, Maryland

Unearthing Lost Towns

Dig, sift, and time travel centuries into the past with the Lost Towns Project.
Historic photo of the Octagon House from the late 1880s.
Apr 20
Washington, D.C.

A Skeptic’s Guide to D.C.’s "Haunted" Octagon House

Step inside this 19th century home to learn the truth behind the spooky legends.
"The Ale-House Door," by Henry Singleton, c. 1790.
Apr 20
Alexandria, Virginia

On the Trail of D.C.'s First Brewmaster

Walk in the footsteps of the District's first brewer, Andrew Wales.

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

nlapuz wants to go to The Sun Building
nlapuz wants to go to Willard Hotel
SueZQ wants to go to Albert Einstein Bronze Statue
SueZQ wants to go to Tudor Place
SueZQ wants to go to Titanic Memorial

Stories About Washington, D.C.

Lisa Carr checks out “Rupee Laguna,” a plum-headed parakeet, who is having difficulty breathing.

What It’s Like to Care for Parrots in Washington, D.C.

Caring for these birds is a big responsibility.
by Matthew Blitz
March 21, 2019

A CIA-Issued Rectal Tool Kit for Spies

This imaginative gadget was designed to get operatives out of difficult situations.
by Lizzie Philip
January 24, 2019
A sandstone gatepost siting in the shadow of the Washington Monument is one stop on the walking tour.

Explore the Geologic History of D.C. Through This Walking Tour

“These sites are reminders of American history, but they’re also part of the Earth's history."
by Anna Kusmer
December 07, 2018

Lists Featuring Washington, D.C.

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets
View from inside the cave
The House of the Temple.
Statue of George Washington

Novus Ordo Seclorum: 14 Places to Unearth Masonic Secrets

Your best bets for gaining insight into the real history of Freemasonry.

14

Including Zedekiah’s Cave, Masonic Lodge of the Andaz Hotel, and House of the Temple

6 Secrets of the Washington Monument
You'll never unsee it now.
Washington Monument Access Hatch
Alternate view of the pyramidion
Detail of the Mini Monument

6 Secrets of the Washington Monument

Lightning rods, hidden hatches, and more.

6

Including Washington Monument Marble Stripe, Washington Monument Access Hatch, and Washington Monument Lightning Rod