199 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.

LeahC

Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

Site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film.

Leslie McIntyre

Added by Leslie McIntyre

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.

International Spy Museum

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

caraobrien

Added by caraobrien

Washington, D.C.

The Dupont Underground

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

WhiskeyBristles

Added by WhiskeyBristles

Washington, D.C.

National Bonsai Museum

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

Added by Elliot Carter

Washington, D.C.

The Brewmaster's Castle

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

Added by bachrach44

Washington, D.C.

Space Window at the Washington National Cathedral

A tiny piece of the Moon is embedded in this stained glass masterpiece.

Leslie McIntyre

Added by Leslie McIntyre

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Unique
Food & Drink
in Washington, D.C.

Clarified Milk Punch

Gastro Obscura

Clarified Milk Punch

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

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Shrub

Gastro Obscura

Shrub

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

Gastro Obscura

rachelrummel

Added by rachelrummel

Senate Bean Soup

Gastro Obscura

Senate Bean Soup

Bean soup is always on the menu in the U.S. Senate.

Gastro Obscura

Anne Ewbank

Added by Anne Ewbank

Sugar Toad

Gastro Obscura

Sugar Toad

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

Gastro Obscura

Leigh ChavezBush

Added by Leigh ChavezBush

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Community Forums / United States / US: South

Top Discussions in the US: South Travel Forum

Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Nashville Music Shops — seeking recommendations	10 September 12, 2019	116	September 12, 2019
Fort Mountain 'Ancient Wall'	9 August 26, 2019	631	August 26, 2019
Carolina House with a Natural Cavern underneath	8 August 09, 2019	1622	August 09, 2019
Abrams Creek Underwater Bridge	4 June 21, 2019	2314	June 21, 2019
The Grave of Florence Irene Ford	3 June 27, 2019	1043	June 27, 2019

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Explore the Ruins of Seneca Quarry

Poolesville, Maryland

Unearth Lost Towns with Archaeologists

Lothian, Maryland

Exploring the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

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Stories
About Washington, D.C.

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 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

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

Beware the Demon Cat!

Why the U.S. Capitol's 'Demon Cat' Legend Is So Persistent

A lot of it has to do with paw prints.

by Eric Grundhauser

Selma Burke won a competition to create a relief sculpture of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1943.

Who Really Designed the American Dime?

The controversy that has long roiled the coin world.

by Christina Ayele Djossa

January 17, 2018

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Washington, D.C.