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.

Explore Washington, D.C.

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Upcoming Washington, D.C. Events

Carpenter chiseling away.
May 19
Silver Spring, Maryland

Sculpting Gargoyles With Jay Hall Carpenter

In collaboration with No Access Washington, DC, join us as we visit the home workshop of the sculptor whose talented hands have brought to life Kermit the Frog, Amelia Earhart, and Darth Vader.
Flippers from the Williams pinball game "Demolition Man."
May 19
College Park, Maryland

How to Be a Pinball Wizard

Come learn the fraught history of a once illegal game, get tips from the pros, and enjoy a game or three at MOM's Organic Market in College Park.
Rodney Stotts with a bird of prey.
Jun 2
Laurel, Maryland

The Raptors of the Nation's Capital

A one-of-a-kind adventure to meet and greet the raptors that stalk our city.
Tom Di Liberto, now an NOAA meteorologist, always loved the snow
Jun 15
Arlington, Virginia

Picnic and Predictions with a Meteorologist

Learn the tricks of the weather trade under the open skies and thunderous jets at Gravelly Point Park.
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.

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

schroedercornish has been to Rayburn House Office Building
schroedercornish has been to Washington Monument Marble Stripe
schroedercornish has been to Knife Edge
schroedercornish has been to Carousel on the National Mall
schroedercornish has been to Willard Hotel

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