193 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Washington, D.C.

193 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

Dec 14
Washington, D.C.

The Tunnels and Trapdoors of Tudor Place by Candlelight

Stroll through the elegant entertaining spaces of a Federal Era mansion, decked with historic Christmas decor, and then explore the tunnels hidden underneath.
Selected experiences curated by Chase Sapphire®
Anna Eleanor Roosevelt in 1933.
Dec 15
Washington, D.C., United States

A Personal Look Into Eleanor Roosevelt's D.C.

Tour the nation's capital through the eyes of the pioneering First Lady.
Flippers from the Williams pinball game "Demolition Man."
Jan 12
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 time to play at MOM's Organic Market in College Park.
Union Station in the early 20th century.
Jan 13
Washington, D.C.

Hidden Union Station

With trains rumbling nearby, explore parts of D.C.'s iconic Union Station that the public rarely sees.

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

kschyo kschyo wants to go to Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins
kschyo kschyo wants to go to The Old Patent Model Museum
kschyo kschyo has been to Washington Monument Marble Stripe
kschyo kschyo has been to Carousel on the National Mall
Rhapsodic Bohemian Rhapsodic Bohemian wants to go to The Dupont Underground

Stories About Washington, D.C.

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
The Johnsons hired their longtime cook, Zephyr Wright, as presidential chef after feuding with her French predecessor.

When the President and His Chef Feuded Over Cold Beans

It was part of an “enduring rivalry” between African-American and French cooking in the White House.
by Ryleigh Nucilli
November 29, 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