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

197 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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Louisiana Hog's Head Cheese
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Abrams Creek Underwater Bridge
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Carolina House with a Natural Cavern underneath
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Schilo's, oldest restaurant in San Antonio
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Explore Washington, D.C.

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Upcoming Washington, D.C. Events

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.
The CIA Seal.
Jul 27
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

The Spies of Georgetown

Join us as former CIA clandestine operative Rosanna Minchew tells us the secret tales of the spies that populate Georgetown.
Eastern red bats populate the District, swooping in to snack on pests like gypsy moths.
Aug 1
Washington, D.C.

The Bats of Tudor Place

Join us in the gardens of Georgetown's 18th-century federal mansion as we search for these winged, nocturnal mammals.
Union Station in the early 20th century.
Aug 4
Washington, D.C.

Hidden Union Station

With trains rumbling nearby, explore parts of D.C.'s iconic Union Station that the public rarely sees.
Eastern red bats populate the District, swooping in to snack on pests like gypsy moths.
Aug 8
Washington, D.C.

The Bats of Tudor Place

Join us in the gardens of Georgetown's 18th-century federal mansion as we search for these winged, nocturnal mammals.

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

bvcktrack bvcktrack has been to Lincoln Book Tower
bvcktrack bvcktrack has been to The K-9 of the Korean War Veterans Memorial
bvcktrack bvcktrack wants to go to The K-9 of the Korean War Veterans Memorial
bvcktrack bvcktrack wants to go to Chinatown Barnes Dance
bvcktrack bvcktrack wants to go to Lincoln Book Tower

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