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

Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

National Capitol Columns

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.

Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

Site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film.

Washington, D.C.

International Spy Museum

“They say you're judged by the strength of your enemies”—James Bond, Quantum of Solace.

Washington, D.C.

The Mansion on O Street

With over 100 jam-packed rooms to explore plus elaborate tea services and events, the Mansion on O Street is a hidden treasure.

Washington, D.C.

The Dupont Underground

Long-abandoned trolley tunnels just a mile away from the White House are turning into an art space.

Washington, D.C.

Catacombs of Washington, D.C.

Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

Washington, D.C.

National Bonsai Museum

One of the dwarven trees dates back to 1625 and survived the Hiroshima bombing.

Washington, D.C.

The Brewmaster's Castle

This grand gothic brewery has been pumping out suds for over a hundred years.

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Upcoming Washington, D.C. Experiences

Discover Greenbelt Town of Tomorrow

Greenbelt, Maryland

Explore Alexandria's Brewing History

Alexandria, Virginia

White House Tales of Scandal & Intrigue

Washington, D.C.

The Raptors of the Nation's Capital

Laurel, Maryland

Exploring the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

Nanjemoy, Maryland

$100 per person

Hidden Union Station

Washington, D.C.

Cemetery Spirits & Stories — LGBT Stories

Washington, D.C.

Explore the Ruins of Seneca Quarry

Poolesville, Maryland

Unique Food & Drink in Washington, D.C.

Clarified Milk Punch

Just so we’re clear, there is actually milk in this old English punch.

Shrub

Before refrigeration, mixing fruit with sugar and vinegar extended its shelf life and made for a tasty drink.

Hoppin' John

This New Year's luck-bringer has a controversial contemporary taste.

Sugar Toad

Chefs carefully detoxify this East Coast pufferfish to create sweet, fried “chicken wings of the sea.”

See all 6 things to eat in Washington, D.C. See all 6 things to eat in Washington, D.C.

Community Forums / United States / US: South

Top Discussions in the US: South Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
What would you do on a time crunch in DC?	19 December 9, 2019	3057	December 9, 2019
Carolina House with a Natural Cavern underneath	12 April 1, 2020	5478	April 1, 2020
New Orleans suggestions?	15 March 26, 2020	3550	March 26, 2020
Off the beaten path / hidden gems near Nashville?	9 November 20, 2019	2951	November 20, 2019
Nashville Music Shops — seeking recommendations	10 September 12, 2019	939	September 12, 2019

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Stories About Washington, D.C.

The New-York Historical Society's collection of COVID-19 objects will eventually include these homemade masks, stitched by Heidi Nakashima.

How Museums Will Eventually Tell the Story of COVID-19

Masks, ventilators, and Zoom recordings may one day be the artifacts of our time.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

A U-2 spy plane takes off on from RAF Fairford, UK, in 2014. While the exterior looks the same as it did decades ago, the interior has been modernized.

U-2 Spy Plane Photos Are Windows Onto Ancient Civilizations

Traces from the ancient past are hidden in photographs from the Cold War.

by Emily Hammer

The artist Rodney Winfield went back and forth on 11 versions of the window with officials at NASA and the National Cathedral. Finally he came up with this geometric design that pleased all parties.

The Story Behind the 'Space Window' at D.C.'s National Cathedral

Embedded inside it is a 3 billion year-old moon rock.

by Matthew Blitz

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

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

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."

December 7, 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

Union Soldiers Buried Their Dead in Robert E. Lee’s Garden

Before Arlington was a national cemetery, it was the Lee homestead, and then a tent city for occupying troops.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

October 26, 2018

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