There's an old indoor swimming pool hidden directly underneath the White House Press Briefing Room.

Washington's top-secret Cold War-era doomsday communications tower is located in a small neighborhood park.

A historic arena where the Beatles played their first concert in the U.S.

A much-maligned monument to teetotalism.

Amid the sprawling Defense Intelligence Agency Headquarters is one of Washington's least accessible museums.

The district's only illusionarium supports free writing programs for local students with every purchase.

The only Civil War battle in Washington D.C. took place near this highest natural point in the city.

Where the U.S. government kept its actual treasure, before Fort Knox.

Legend has it that President Grant’s frequent drinking in the lobby gave rise to the term “lobbyist.”

Light bulbs, scrap wood, and tinfoil comprise this homemade throne of the gods.

For 60 years, the academy had no permanent location until members voted Washington D.C. as its forever home.

Four bald cypress trees in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, mark the southern edge of a 100,000 year old cypress swamp.

The privately owned cemetery that holds room for Washington's finest when they step down from life.

The world's oldest soul food restaurant is also one of its best.

An overlooked oasis of quiet on the grounds of Washington's monumental basilica.

This unique museum cafeteria showcases the history and regional diversity of African American cuisine.

D.C.'s first central library was born out of a chance encounter with the philanthropist whose name it bears.

The most accurate timepiece in the world.

This lovely pocket park is one of the most under appreciated in D.C.

Perhaps the most scandalous statue of America's first president.

The oldest building in the District of Columbia was preserved because of a mistaken connection to George Washington.

A hoard of sky catalogs, astrophysical journals, even the works of Galileo and Copernicus.

This leafy estate is worth $18 million and is so grand it has two mailing addresses.

Home to a vast and influential collection of Shakespeareana.