187 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
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The Atlas Obscura Guide To

Hidden Washington, D.C.

Discover 187 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

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Unique Food & Drink from Washington, D.C.

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Once a ferry, now a rusting hulk.
May 28

Nanjemoy, Maryland

In Search of the Ghost Fleet of Mallows Bay

Join us for a kayak exploration of the Western Hemisphere's largest ship graveyard.
The Enigma machine, developed by Arthur Scherbius in 1923.
May 30

Annapolis Junction, Maryland

Secrets Revealed at NSA's National Cryptologic Museum

Travel through cryptologic history breaking some codes along the way.
The city's Main Pumping Station, circa 1905.
May 30

Washington, D.C.

From Waste to Water

During Infrastructure Week, get an inside look at the historic Main Pumping Station and D.C. Water's new yet-to-be-opened headquarters.
The gardens and backdoor view of Tudor Place.
Jun 2

Washington, D.C., United States

Where They Lived, Where They Lie

The story of the lives and deaths of Georgetown's illustrious Peter family.

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

josephciufo wants to go to National Bonsai Museum
josephciufo wants to go to The Brewmaster's Castle
DecaturMamma has been to The Brewmaster's Castle
DecaturMamma has been to International Spy Museum
DecaturMamma has been to The Exorcist Stairs

Stories About Washington, D.C.

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
March 13, 2018
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

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