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

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Civil War soldier with a guitar and one leg.
Jan 20
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Cut It Off! An Amputation Demonstration

Watch as a skilled medical historian amputates a (model) leg using Civil War-era surgical tools at the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office.
Ruins of Seneca Quarry Stonecutting Mill.
Jan 26
Poolesville, Maryland

The Ruins of Seneca Quarry

Join us for a guided hike through crumbling ruins with ties to the Smithsonian Castle and a presidential scandal.
A basket of sea salt
Feb 9
Washington, D.C.

History Worth Its Salt

Common table salt has an incredible history – join us as we learn and taste its salty past!
Stereoscopic views of the U.S. Capitol.
Feb 10
Washington, D.C.

Looking Through Time: The Past in 3D

Take a gander through the lens as we look at the history of stereoscopy.

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

corinnemotter wants to go to Catacombs of Washington, D.C.
sirissacgluten has been to Washington Monument Marble Stripe
sirissacgluten has been to Senate Corncob Capitals
sirissacgluten has been to Bare-Chested George Washington
sirissacgluten has been to International Spy Museum

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