Lincoln Memorial? Done. Smithsonian troves? Seen ’em. But have you seen the giant hairball or hugged your state tree? Did you know about Helen Keller’s ashes or the infamous ‘corpse flower’? After you’ve explored the top sights, here are 20 unique experiences to enjoy in Washington DC.
1. Seek out Lincoln’s Summer Cottage
Abe diehards can make the trek to Lincoln’s Cottage in northern DC. The 16th president used to escape the heat here and draft the Emancipation Proclamation in leafy seclusion. Ghost stories float on the veranda’s breeze, with tours of the home offering captivating tales.
2. Gape at the view from the Library of Congress
The world’s largest library allows visitors to admire more than just a Gutenberg Bible and the first map to name America. Head to James Madison Memorial Building’s covert 6th-floor cafeteria, equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning vistas over DC’s river-sliced landscape.
3. Learn your state tree at the National Arboretum
Take a stroll through meadows and glades in the National Arboretum, featuring a State Tree Grove that boasts everything from New York’s sugar maple to California’s giant sequoia, enhancing the local flora experience.
4. Ogle brains and hairballs at the National Museum of Health and Medicine
Macabre exhibits await at this Department of Defense-run museum. The stomach-shaped hairball leaves a lasting impression, as does the megacolon. The bullet that killed Abraham Lincoln is prominently displayed alongside bits of his skull, making it a unique yet eerie visit.
5. Get buzzed at Gravelly Point Park
Prepare to experience exhilarating plane spotting at the grassy area next to Reagan National Airport. The ground vibrates as jetliners zoom overhead, thrilling intrepid plane-spotters who may walk from the airport but are better off driving or taking a taxi. Alternatively, consider biking along the scenic Mount Vernon Trail.
6. Delve into the crypt at Washington National Cathedral
The Washington National Cathedral features intriguing elements like a Darth Vader-shaped gargoyle and a moon rock embedded in stained glass. The crypt, housing Woodrow Wilson’s marble tomb and Helen Keller’s ashes, underlines its unique character.
7. Peruse art up-close at the Phillips Collection
This hidden gem, the Phillips Collection, is the nation’s oldest modern art museum, showcasing famous works by Renoir, Rothko, and other modern luminaries. Its intimate galleries let you appreciate the artworks closely.
8. Wander the woods of Theodore Roosevelt Island
The idyllic preserve named after the conservationist 26th president offers a tranquil escape with its car-free pathways and footbridge access from the mainland, allowing visitors to explore nature at its finest in the Theodore Roosevelt Island.
9. Live the mansion lifestyle at Anderson House
Few mansions invite you inside to admire their opulence. However, Anderson House does, offering free access to its exquisite ballrooms, tapestries, and sparkling chandeliers. It serves as the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati, a historic patriotic group.
10. Examine the DEA’s bong collection
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operates a small museum featuring psychedelic exhibits and undercover agent paraphernalia. A notable display includes a collection of bongs and clandestine pill presses. Note that this museum is scheduled for an extensive renovation soon.
11. Join the dogs at the Congressional Cemetery
At the Congressional Cemetery, a historic burial ground of Washingtonians since 1807, you might encounter playful pets, including a dachshund near J Edgar Hoover’s tomb. This unique cemetery also functions as a members-only dog park.
12. Follow the graffiti to The Fridge
The Fridge, a vibrant gallery on Capitol Hill, specializes in street art. The experience begins with a search; follow murals and graffiti into the alley between E and G on 8th St SE to discover public art bursting with creativity.
13. Pay your respects at James Smithson’s tomb
At the Smithsonian Castle, you can pay homage to James Smithson, the founder of the Smithsonian Institution. His tomb is a tribute to his bequest that supported the development of 19 museums without admission fees.
14. Behold the Peacock Room’s opulence
Within the Freer Gallery, experience the stunning Peacock Room, designed by James McNeill Whistler. It features iridescent hues mimicking the bird it’s named after, artfully displaying over 250 exquisite Far Eastern ceramics.
15. Uncover the story behind George Mason’s memorial
Home to a statesman who contributed to the Bill of Rights, the George Mason Memorial serves as both a tranquil escape and a place to reflect on his legacy. Sit beside Mason’s statue and contemplate his profound insights on human rights.
16. Pretend you’re in Russia at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Discover the Hillwood estate, filled with treasures collected by cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post during her time in the USSR. From stunning furniture to exquisite Fabergé eggs, visitors can explore the lavish surroundings, including a reconstructed Russian dacha on the grounds.
17. Get the Embassy Row gossip at Woodrow Wilson House
The Woodrow Wilson House offers insights into the president’s life post-presidency, showcasing its elegant 1920s design. Listen closely as docents share intriguing stories about the neighborhood’s elite inhabitants and ambassadors today.
18. Ascend the Spanish Steps
Discovered unexpectedly while walking up 22nd St to S St NW, the Spanish Steps offer a picturesque ascent remarkably modeled after the iconic stairway in Rome’s Piazza di Spagna, providing a stunning view of the Kalorama neighborhood.
19. Sniff out the ‘corpse flower’ at the Botanic Garden
The United States Botanic Garden houses the Amorphophallus titanum, or ‘corpse flower’, known for its foul odor reminiscent of rotting flesh when in bloom. Explore this overlooked gem as you wander past roses, orchids, and ferns.
20. Discover DC’s most awkward memorial in Lincoln Park
In Lincoln Park, joggers might overlook the Emancipation Memorial. This statue depicts a newly emancipated African American man at Abe Lincoln’s feet, funded by freed black slaves in 1876. Its depiction raises complex conversations about history, making it one of DC’s most unique and uncomfortable monuments.
This article was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2018.
