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

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

Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Unique Food & Drink in Washington, D.C.

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Explore Washington, D.C.

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Upcoming Washington, D.C. Events

Cephalopod Movie Night!
Jun 21
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Cephalopod Movie Night With Science Friday

Join us for an evening of talk, tentacles, and talent, featuring four original short films from Science Friday and a panel of scientists.
Art Deco architecture and sculpture adorn the local public elementary school.
Jun 29
Greenbelt, Maryland

Discover Greenbelt's Utopian Community of Tomorrow

An Art Deco dream to some, a hotbed of radical socialism to others, the original planned community of FDR's New Deal still stands today.
1940s movie star Jane Russell sitting on top of an Ercoupe.
Jul 13
College Park, Maryland

The Plane That Anyone Could Fly

Learn all about the Ercoupe, the revolutionary "plane of tomorrow," before catching a glimpse of one of the few left in action.
Historic photo of the Octagon House from the late 1880s.
Jul 20
Washington, D.C.

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

Step inside the iconic 19th century home to learn the truth behind the spooky legends.

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

naegreen72014 wants to go to The Big Chair
naegreen72014 wants to go to D.C.'s Underground Bald Cypress Fossils
naegreen72014 wants to go to Sergeant Stubby
naegreen72014 wants to go to Space Window at the Washington National Cathedral
maxarmour21 wants to go to The Preamble in License Plates

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

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