54 Unique Things To Do in DC

Discover with Sam contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Washington, DC is a major tourist hub, and for good reason! With the National Monuments, museums, government buildings, and cherry blossoms, it’s a big destination for US citizens and visitors alike. But there are so many more fun, funky, and unique things to do in DC that you won’t find in the travel guides. I’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of 54 local experiences that will take you way beyond your high school class field trip to DC. 

Getting around DC

If you want to experience these unique things to do in DC, you’ll first need to know how to get around to them. DC has a pretty good public transportation system, with the Metro webbing across a lot of the city. I highly recommend taking the Metro trains and the Circulator bus around the National Mall as much as possible, as driving and parking in DC can be a stressful and hectic experience. 

There is rideshare available in DC through Uber and Lyft for places that are too far to walk from a metro station. If you’re planning on doing a lot of exploring in the outer neighborhoods of DC (outside of the National Mall and Downtown/Chinatown/City Center), you can also rent a car to get around. There is a lot of street parking in DC, especially in more residential areas, and outside of downtown driving is fairly easy (just watch out for the traffic circles!).

How to get to DC

Washington, DC is incredibly easy to get to, being serviced by two airports and Union Station for Amtrak riders. Reagan National Airport (DCA) is closest to the city, located in Arlington and hosting a yellow/blue-line metro station to bring you into DC. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located a little further out in Virginia, but also has a metro line station (silver) that can bring you to the city. 

Union Station is located in Northeast DC and is both an Amtrak station and a red-line metro station. It’ll take you 10 minutes or less to get downtown from here. 

Where to Stay in DC

There are a massive number of hotels, vacation rentals, and even hostels in DC, so you can find a place to stay regardless of price range. If you’re going to be doing a lot of exploring around the city, I do recommend staying in a central location near Logan or Dupont circles where you can access a lot of metro lines, but if you go with a vacation rental in a more residential neighborhood, just check how far you’ll be from a metro station! If you’re looking to stay in a cute, historical neighborhood, go with Capitol Hill over Georgetown for easy access to the rest of the city. 

54 Unique Things To Do in DC 

As a DC local, I’ve had the privilege to explore way off the beaten path of our nation’s capital, and to meet some lovely locals who have as well! This list has been compiled through personal excursions, polling a local community group called DC City Girls Who Walk, and through discussions and research with other local travel bloggers. Here are 54 unique things to do in DC that are not your average history museum:

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 1: Museums & Not Quite Museums

1. Catacombs at the Franciscan Monastery

The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America is an absolutely gorgeous landmark in DC that most visitors (and even locals) miss. Located in Northeast DC in the Brookland neighborhood, the Monastery is completely free and offers both self-guided and docent-guided tours of their beautiful gardens, church, and holy land shrines. 

One of the most unique aspects, however, are their catacombs. Endorsed by the Pope, these catacombs are the resting place of a young boy martyr, but are not as old as you might think. They were built in the early 1900s to provide a replicant version of catacombs in ancient Rome for people who can’t afford to travel abroad to experience them. 

Despite their youngness and only single resident, they are still incredibly cool and creepy to walk down through and many DCers recommend the experience. 

How to get there: The metro can take you to the Brookland station, but you’ll want to take rideshare from there or from your starting point to begin with. 

When to go: Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Upper Church and Gardens between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. You can reserve a free tour that includes the catacombs here.

Recommended Tour: Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land Tour (free)

2. International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum may not be way off the beaten path, but it is incredibly unique and incredibly fun. A great activity for the whole family, you can walk through the history of spies, learn about the covert happenings of the Cold War, and test out some spy technology. 

You can even partake in an Undercover Mission yourself (included with price of admission), taking on your own cover identity and completing interactive activities throughout the museum. You’ll get a debrief with your handler to see how you did at the end.  

How to get there: The International Spy Museum is located right next to the L’Enfant Plaza metro station and is walking distance from the National Mall. 

When to go: The Spy Museum is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, extending an extra hour on Saturday’s to close at 8:00 pm.

Get your tickets

3. Mansion on O Street

The Mansion on O Street is a museum and event space that is a truly, and maybe overwhelmingly, unique thing to do in DC. It is absolutely FILLED with all kinds of art and memorabilia everywhere you look. The museum experience is host to over 100 rooms and over 80 secret doors (no, you won’t be able to see or find all of them in one visit, unless you book an all-night exploration).

This place is so worth it to stop by. It’s artsy, it’s quirky, it’s a load of fun, AND tour proceeds go to help support social justice programs. 

How to get there: The O Street Mansion is within easy walking distance of the Dupont Circle metro station.

When to go: Sunday-Tuesday 9am – 6pm, Wednesday-Saturday 9am – 9pm.

Book your tour here. 

4. Dupont Underground

The Dupont Underground is such a cool space – you might walk into it by accident thinking you’re going down to the metro (which is actually exactly how I discovered it). Located in an old underground station, the space is now covered in street art and home to diverse, rotating art exhibits representing all kinds of different cultures and backgrounds in DC, some that don’t fit in a traditional art gallery. 

They also host various events and activities that you can attend, including opportunities to meet the artists and live performances.

How to get there: Dupont Underground is located beneath Dupont Circle and is very close to the Dupont metro station.

When to go: It’s open on weekends for walk-ins and during various events during the week.

Check the event schedule here.

5. Culture House 

Culture House is another super unique community art gallery and event space in DC. Located in the historic Friendship Baptist Church with a colorful makeover, the space now hosts art exhibits, live performances, and community-based programming highlighting DC’s “locally-grown culture.” 

It is a truly, stunningly beautiful local space with so much important community history attached. You can join their mailing list to keep up to date with different exhibits and events. 

How to get there: Culture House is walking distance from several different metro stations, the closest one being the SW Waterfront station.

When to go: The indoor art exhibitions are open on Saturdays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The outdoor Avant Garden is always open. 

6. Artechouse

Artechouse is an amazing, immersive digital art museum with quarterly rotating exhibitions and a bar inside. The main floor is covered with rotating beauty as soon as you walk down the stairs. Walk around or sit on the floor against the wall to take it all in (if you get motion sick or have vertigo, definitely be careful). 

You can also wander through a series of other rooms showcasing digital art pieces, from framed NFTs to art that moves with your feet down the hallway. 

How to get there: Artechouse is located only a few blocks away from the L’Enfant Plaza metro stop.

When to go: You can purchase tickets for $30 every day of the week, with time slots open starting at 10:00 am and ending at 9:00 pm. 

Get your tickets here.

7. National Museum of Health and Medicine

The National Museum of Health and Medicine is actually located just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring, Maryland, but it’s cool enough and close enough to make this ‘unique things to do in DC’ list. While perhaps not for the faint of heart, this museum has collected and shared information about the history of medicine and American military medicine for more than 150 years. 

In a couple of hours you can explore the history of military medicine and how it has impacted medical research for everyone, examine medical instruments, study traumatic brain injury, and learn about vaccine development and forensics, all for free! 

How to get there: For this museum, you’ll want to drive or take a ride-share to visit (it’s not very  close to the Silver Spring metro).

When to go: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

8. The Lincoln Book Tower

Ford’s Theater is a well-known tourist spot, but across the street is the Petersen House, the house that President Lincoln died in. The Petersen House is home to a 34-foot tall tower of books about Abraham Lincoln.

The stack is made of 6,800 books (or, rather, non-flammable replicas of books) and stands three-floors high. According to Atlas Obscura, “visitors can stand in the room Lincoln died in and view dozens of exhibits, many containing authentic artifacts from that dreadful night in 1865.”

How to get there: The Petersen House is located just across the street from Ford’s Theater and is within a short walk of the Metro Center metro station.

When to go: The house is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets for entry can be acquired at Ford’s Theater. 

9. Can’t get enough Lincoln? You can also check out Lincoln’s Summer Cottage

If you really enjoy Lincoln history, you can visit his summer cottage located in Northwest DC. The cottage is where Lincoln developed the emancipation proclamation and is located on a massive amount of beautiful land.

How to get there: The Georgia Ave-Petworth metro station is closest to the cottage, located about a 15 minute walk away. You can also take a ride-share from the metro station or your point of origin!

When to go: The cottage is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with tours starting every hour from 10 to 3. 

Get your tickets here. 

10. Mural at the Mexican Cultural Institute

To find some gorgeous art outside of an art museum, look no further than the Mexican Cultural Institute. The walls are covered with stunning murals (or maybe just one massive one?) by Roberto Cueva del Rio. 

Located in a truly unique to DC space (Embassies!), the murals capture the history and culture of Mexico, depicting everything from farming to industry and international relations to festivals. 

How to get there: The Columbia Heights metro station is less than 10 minutes from the Institute.

When to go: The Mexican Cultural Institute is a part of the Mexican Embassy, but it is free and open to the public. The Institute is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

11. The Washington National Cathedral 

The National Cathedral is a stunning space of architecture and art that is open both for touring and for worship. Its stained glass windows are incredible, the most famous of which (the Space Window) has a sliver of moon stone embedded in it as a gift from the Apollo 11 team. One unique thing to do is to go up its bell tower on a tour, which is the highest point in Washington, DC. 

The crypts downstairs serve as resting places for Bishop Henry Yates Satterlee, the first Episcopal bishop of Washington, Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Spanish-American War, Matthew Shephard, a gay student who was brutally murdered at the University of Wyoming, Helen Keller, the famed advocate for the blind and disabled, and Annie Sullivan, Keller’s teacher and constant companion, among many others. 

How to get there: The Washington National Cathedral is about a 20-minute walk from the Cleveland Park metro station. It is also accessible by ride-share and has available parking.

When to go: The Cathedral is open to the public seven days a week and offers timed, ticketed tours or self-guided tours. Remember, it does have active church services that you don’t want to interrupt (but can certainly join)! Plan your visit here.

12. US Botanic Garden

The US Botanic Garden is a piece of natural paradise on the National Mall. Walk in to soak in the different flora, absorb some humidity in the tropics (especially in winter), and tour some of their rotating plant exhibits. 

In early spring they have an orchid exhibit; in summer they may have a corpse flower in bloom (which you may or may not wish to smell); and during the winter they have a beautiful outdoor train display. 

How to get there: The US Botanic Garden is located by the Capitol Building on the National Mall. Its closest metro station is only a few minutes away at Federal Center SW.

When to go: The US Botanic Garden is free and open to the public daily from 10:00 am to 5:00  pm, with their outdoor gardens open longer. 

13. Library of Congress 

The Library of Congress is often overlooked by visitors, but it has some incredibly unique and cool rooms and exhibits (a historic flute for Lizzo, anyone?). The Library itself is actually split between three buildings: The Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the Madison Building. They are all located next to each other, but the Jefferson Building is considered the “main” one. For help exploring, you can book this tour.

The main reading room in the Jefferson Building is unbelievably beautiful, and the Madison Building’s sixth floor cafeteria has a stunning vista out over DC from its outer deck. Did you know you can even get a library card to do research here?

How to get there: The Library of Congress complex is located behind the US Capitol Building and within walking distance from the Capitol South metro station.

When to go: The Library of Congress is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00  pm, with extended hours until 8:00 pm on Thursdays. While it is free, you will need timed-entry passes.

Reserve your entry pass here. 

14. Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection is an art museum located in Dupont Circle. It’s known as America’s first museum of modern art, collecting the now over 5,000 pieces for over 100 years. From the website: “Following Phillips’s unconventional approach to exhibitions, The Phillips Collection galleries are frequently rearranged to facilitate new conversations between artworks and fresh experiences for visitors.”

The Museum also hosts a variety of fun events and educational opportunities, including workshops where you can learn and make your own art pieces. Many of them are free, including their Open Studio workshops and monthly Third Thursday extended hours. You can learn about their upcoming events and current exhibitions here.

How to get there: The Phillips Collection is in easy walking distance from the Dupont metro station.

When to go: 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). Exceptions to the schedule are the museum’s monthly Thursday evening after-hours events: Phillips after 5 (5-8:30 pm) and Third Thursdays (5-8 pm). 

Purchase your reserved time tickets here. 

15. DEA’s Bong Collection

Did you know the DEA has a bong collection? Well, of course they do, in the DEA Museum. The DEA Museum is free and holds a collection of more than 5,000 objects and 40,000 photographs “[preserving and sharing] the stories of America’s connection to drugs, including public policy, federal drug law enforcement, and the work of Drug Enforcement Administration employees around the world.”

The Museum recently went through a 2-year long renovation, and now its exhibits include digital and interactive activities. They also host different events, lectures, and educational programs to discuss and learn about different aspects of the drug enforcement landscape today.

How to get there: The DEA Museum is in easy walking distance from the Pentagon City metro station.

When to go: The Museum is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday. 

16. Planet Word

Planet Word is a super unique thing to do in DC: it’s a museum where “language comes to life.” This museum is completely interactive, with walls that speak to you, books that read to you, and a giant digital paint wall, plus so much more. It’s the world’s first voice-activated museum!

It’s located in the historic Franklin School in downtown DC, and in addition to its exhibits, hosts all kinds of events, educational programs, and performances. Wander around enough and you might even find a hidden door to a secret room…

The museum is free with a suggested donation of $15. It’s highly recommended that you reserve a timed entry pass online, though!

How to get there: Plant Word is only one block away from the McPherson Square metro station.

When to go: The Museum is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday and Wednesday through Friday (closed on Tuesdays!). It’s open from 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and stays open until 7pm on the first Wednesday of each month! 

17. Peter Bug Shoe Academy

The Peter Bug Shoe Academy is a true community staple in Capitol Hill. Located on the historic site of the Buchanan School Plaza park (an adventure-style playground), which fell into disuse around 1978 after the neighboring elementary school had closed, the Peter Bug Shoe Academy trains students in shoe repair and operates as a local business.  

John “Peter Bug” Matthews is a beloved community leader, and in addition to training students in shoe repair, he helps host all kinds of events in the plaza by the Academy, including 5k fundraisers and an annual community cookout and celebration for Peter Bug Day (in June). 

How to get there: The Peter Bug Shoe Academy is walkable from the Potomac Ave metro station.

When to go: Stop by for a shoe repair any weekday between 8:30am and 5pm, or on Saturday’s between 9am and 5pm! If you’re around in June, stop by for the annual Peter Bug Day celebration! 

18. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Welcome to “America’s Catholic Church.”  The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, while being a bit of a mouthful, is a stunningly beautiful and historic structure in DC. If you’ve visited the city before, there’s a chance you’ve seen its glowing blue and gold dome in the skyline. It is the largest Catholic church in North America and contains the largest collection of contemporary ecclesiastical art in the world.

The Basilica has over 80 chapels and oratories dedicated to the variety of Catholic worshipers in the U.S., including African, Austrian, Chinese, Cuban, Czech, Filipino, French, German, Guamanian, Hungarian, Indian, Irish, Italian, Korean, Latin American, Lebanese, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Slovak, Slovenian, and Vietnamese. From their website: “The brilliant mosaics, stained glass windows, and polished stone carvings throughout the Basilica and in its more than 80 chapels and oratories, express the reality of God dwelling within us.”

How to get there: The Basilica is walkable from the Brookland-CUA metro station, but also has available parking for cars!

When to go: If you’d like to take a guided tour of the Basilica (recommended!), tours are offered Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. You can request a tour here.

If you’d like to attend for worship, there are weekday masses at 7:00am, 8:00am, 12:10pm, and 5:15pm; Saturday masses at 7:00am, 8:00am, 12:10pm, and 4:30pm (Sunday Vigil); and Sunday masses at 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2:30pm (en español), and 4:30pm.

19. National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is one of my favorite unique things to do in DC. It’s just so cool! It is by nature immersive as you step into a big open hall with stunning architecture. The museum is designed in ways that “inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.”

It hosts relevant and thought provoking exhibitions. Some past exhibitions include turning their great hall into a beach and a lawn for games and chilling, deep diving into the world of renter eviction, and an outdoor exhibit on the infamous Mexico-US border wall idea. Currently (through 2025) one of their most exciting exhibits is “Brick City,” which celebrates architecture from all around the world recreated entirely with Legos!

How to get there: The museum is right across the street from the Judiciary Square metro station.

When to go: The museum is open Thursday through Monday, 10 am to 4 pm.

You can purchase the $10 tickets online here.

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 2: Outdoor Spaces

20. Bonsai Museum at the National Arboretum

The National Arboretum in and of itself is a unique thing to do in DC that you should definitely check out, and within it is the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. The museum is completely free and so worth a visit. My parents were obsessed with how beautiful and varied the trees are when we took them here. 

Walk among centuries old bonsai and penjing trees (yes, you read that right: CENTURIES). They have collections from all over the world, including Japan, China, and North America, with a bonsai that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. The trees are in their respective pavilions from Spring through Fall, and all move into the Chinese Pavilion in the Winter. 

How to get there: You’ll want to drive or take a rideshare to the National Arboretum (there’s free parking!), then walk straight ahead past the visitors center until you find the museum entrance on your left.

When to go: The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum is open every day from 10:00am to 4:00pm. (Note: The museum’s hours are shorter than those of the Arboretum, which are every day from 8:00am to 5:00pm.)

21. Theodore Roosevelt Island

Escape the city for a bit and take a walk around Theodore Roosevelt Island, located in the middle of the Potomac River between DC and Rosslyn, Arlington. The island hosts a monument to our 26th president and is covered in trees and natural wetlands with miles of trails weaving through them. You will literally feel like you’re in the middle of the woods, aside from the occasional plane flying overhead. It’s so beautiful and quiet. 

You can explore the trails yourself, or every Saturday between May and October there is a tour offered at 10:30am, where “you will learn about the conservation legacy of the 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. You will also learn of the 1st United States Colored Troops who trained on the island during the Civil War and the Mason family who owned the island for more than one hundred years.”

How to get there: Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the sign to turn right into the parking lot.

The island is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station. From the station, walk toward the Key Bridge. A short connecting trail leads downhill from the downstream side of the bridge, across the parkway, and into the parking lot at Theodore Roosevelt Island.

When to go: Theodore Roosevelt Island is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm.

22. Kayak on the Anacostia and the Potomac

DC is surrounded by rivers, so one unique thing you can do in the city is go kayaking! One free and eco-friendly option is to join Anacostia Green Boats from Kingman and Heritage Islands in Southeast DC. This organization hosts free kayaking rentals in exchange for helping to pick up trash in the river while you’re out. Sessions occur between May and October on most weekends, but you’ll need to reserve a spot in advance! They book up quickly, so Anacostia Green Boats recommends checking back the day before an event in case of last minute cancellations!

You can also kayak on the Potomac from the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown. Rental fees range from $14 to $22 for a single-person kayak. You can rent one to go out on your own, or book special tours to kayak around the monuments or do a ghost and history kayaking tour.  

How to get there: Kingman and Heritage Island is walking distance from the Stadium-Armory metro station. You’ll need to follow the trail around RFK stadium and its parking lots to get to the bridge that connects to the islands.

To get to Key Bridge Boathouse, we recommend taking rideshare. Otherwise you would have to walk from the Foggy Bottom metro station.

When to go: Anacostia Green Boats runs events from May to October. You can check their events calendar here. 

Key Bridge Boathouse is open Monday – Friday from 12PM – 6PM and Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day from 9AM – 6PM August through September. They are open in October Monday – Friday from 12PM – 5PM and Saturday & Sunday from 10AM – 5PM.

23. National Harbor

National Harbor is actually located in Maryland just across the river from DC, but it is a neat shopping, dining, and outdoor district with a lot of fun activities to do. From the Capital Wheel (a giant ferris wheel) to Spirit Park to beach and waterfront activities, there’s a lot of outdoor fun to be had. 

In addition to the outdoor activities, there are a bunch of restaurants, Top Golf, escape rooms, and shopping to explore. They also host annual events for most of the major holidays, cherry blossom season here in DC, and an annual kids day on the plaza. 

How to get there: You’ll want to drive or take a rideshare to the National Harbor.

When to go: There are activities and fun things to do year-round!

24. Congressional Cemetery 

There’s one cemetery in Washington, DC (or technically Virginia) that’s really well known, which is Arlington National Cemetery. But my favorite cemetery (yes, I know, that’s a weird statement) is another unique DC space, the Congressional Cemetery.

Congressional Cemetery is located in Southeast DC and is the resting place of many historic congressional leaders, as well as some DC Mayors, DC civil war veterans, and many other local names. They host a lot of really cool programming, like Notes from the Crypt concerts and facilitated ghost tours where you can learn about the historical figures in the cemetery. 

It’s a lovely, quiet, peaceful place to go for a walk, and on all days except Saturdays it also functions as an off-leash dog park for those who purchase a permit. I love going for an afternoon walk around the pathways and getting to say hi to all of the friendly dogs!

How to get there: Congressional Cemetery is within walking distance of the Stadium-Armory and Potomac Ave metro stations.

When to go: The cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours, and you can go in the evenings for special events. It will close to the public if there’s a funeral service scheduled.

25. Rock Creek Park 

Rock Creek Park is a massive park located in Northwest DC. It starts just north of the National Zoo and continues up into Maryland. The Rock Creek trail, however, starts all the way down in Georgetown and loops up through the park. The park is 1,754 acres and has over 32 miles of hiking trails to explore. Rock Creek Park also encompasses other popular DC parks, like Meridian Hill Park and Dumbarton Oaks Park.

One unique way to explore Rock Creek Park is on horseback! Visit the Rock Creek Park Horse Center for riding lessons and guided trail rides on the 13 miles of bridle trails in the park. The park is also full of neat, historic places, like the old Blagden and Peirce Mills, a nature center and planetarium, several civil war sites and memorials, and a very large pile of Capitol Stones.

How to get there: Because Rock Creek Park is so large, there are many places that you can enter. There are also several parking areas. No metro station is particularly close to the park, so we recommend driving or taking rideshare. 

When to go: Rock Creek Park is open during daylight hours, but if you plan to visit facilities like the Nature Center or Peirce Mill, you should check here for their specific hours.

26. Newton’s Apple Tree

Tell me, how much do you know about growing apple trees? There are a couple of ways to grow an apple tree: from seeds (which turns out to grow trees that don’t make particularly tasty apples), or from grafting a cutting from another apple tree. 

When you use a cutting from another tree, you get a clone, or a “direct descendant,” apple tree of the original tree (for farming purposes, consistent fruit quality). And here in DC, we have a direct descendant of a direct descendant of the apple tree that dropped a piece of fruit on Sir Isaac Newton’s head and inspired his theory of gravity. 

So, it’s a few degrees of separation from fame, but we’ll claim it anyway. 

How to get there: The tree is located in the International Park near the Embassies of Bangladesh, Jordan, Bahrain, Ethiopia, and Singapore. It’s within walking distance of the Van Ness-UDC metro station. 

When to go: The International Park is open 24 hours a day, but we recommend going during daylight hours to see the tree. 

27. DC’s Spanish Steps

Yes, DC has its very own set of Spanish Steps. Located in the Kalorama neighborhood, the Spanish Steps were originally constructed in 1911 and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing feature in the Sheridan-Kalorama Historic District, designated in 1989. 

They are the only public park in DC that occupies a street, connecting Decatur Place and S Street NW. It’s a truly beautiful piece of architecture in the city with the stone stairs, column rails, and a fountain. 

How to get there: The Steps are located near Embassy Row, within walking distance of the Dupont metro station.

When to go: The Steps are open 24 hours a day, but we recommend going during daylight hours to see them.

28. Gravelly Point Park

Gravelly Point Park is located just across the Potomac River in Arlington, and its unique claim to fame is for watching airplanes. The park is located near the Ronald Reagan National Airport, and planes fly over the park as they leave and land at the airport. Many of them seem particularly close and low to the ground when they fly over.

Many people picnic at the park on a nice day to watch the planes, and it’s a very popular spot for watching the Fourth of July fireworks. One point of warning: if you are under the planes, the plane fumes are landing on you. It’s a fantastical experience to watch them fly so close overhead, but I would not recommend doing it often, for the sake of your health, or at least of your sinuses.

How to get there: The park is accessible by car via the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and by bike and foot via the Mount Vernon Trail (which you can connect with close by the Crystal City metro station). There is an on-site parking lot and boat ramp.

When to go: The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, and there are really no bad times to visit. Be aware, though, that during afternoons/evenings and particularly nice weekends, the park can be a very popular destination.

29. Chuck Brown Memorial Park

If there’s one very unique DC thing, it’s Go-Go music. So of course we have a memorial for the Godfather of Go-Go: Chuck Brown. According to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, “Chuck Brown Memorial Park features a homage to Brown with a curved, inscribed memorial wall at the entrance of the park, where visitors can learn about his legacy. Visitors can also interact with an interpretive statue of Chuck Brown, play the outdoor toy drums, and visit the central plaza.”

Every year DC celebrates Chuck Brown Day in August, which includes music from a bunch of local Go-Go bands in the park. It also hosts a group of pink cherry blossom trees in the spring and can be a great place for watching neighborhood fireworks on the Fourth of July.

How to get there: Chuck Brown Memorial Park does not have a particularly close metro station, so you’ll want to drive or take rideshare. 

When to go: The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

30. Georgetown Labyrinth

A unique outdoor area in DC is the Labyrinth in Georgetown’s Waterfront Park. Located on the western end of the park, there’s a giant labyrinth designed on the ground. The idea is to go on a mental journey as you start on the outer end of the labyrinth and wind your way in, “walking the turnings of the labyrinth path is thought to help one disconnect from the outside world, and achieve a quiet mind.”

It’s also a great place for young ones to run around and play, following the twists and turns of the path.

How to get there: Georgetown is not accessible by metro, so you’ll want take rideshare to the waterfront or drive and try to find parking under the bridge. 

When to go: The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

31. Titanic Memorial 

The Titanic Memorial is located on the Southwest Waterfront of Washington, DC. The memorial honors the victims of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. It is dedicated to the men who gave up seats on lifeboats to save the lives of women and children.

The design of the memorial is a 15 foot high statue of a man with arms outstretched, “in a pose meant to suggest the crucifixion.” It’s a particularly beautiful spot to watch the sunset from in DC.

How to get there: The closest metro station to the memorial is the Navy Yard-Ballpark station. 

When to go: The area is open to the public 24 hours a day, but we recommend going during daylight hours or for sunset.

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 3: Events & Activities

32. The Monuments at Night

Seeing all of the monuments around the National Mall is, of course, not a unique DC experience. It’s maybe the most touristy thing you can do. BUT, seeing them at night, all lit up against the dark sky, is a stunning sight that not a lot of people think to do.

You can walk the National Mall all on your own, taking in the glowing monuments and buildings, or you can book a tour to have someone bring you around and give you all the history and context. One tour is this small group one (max 7 people) in a little electric car. You’ll see more than the National Mall on this journey! Another option that’s a little more directly focused around the National Mall is this one.

How to get there: If you’re heading straight to the National Mall, you can use either the Smithsonian or L’Enfant metro stations. If you’re meeting up for one of the tours, be sure to check the starting/pickup point and go there.

When to go: The area is open to the public 24 hours a day. Of course, go after dark for the lit up night views!

33. Ghost Tours 

Washington, DC has a true love of ghost tours, and being such a historic city, it has a unique number of opportunities for ghost stories! This walking tour highlights ghost stories from some of DC’s most well-known places. You’ll “meet your guide in front of the Supreme Court Building, and set off after dark. You’ll explore many of DC’s top landmarks, from the US Capitol to the Library of Congress, and will learn all about the supposed hauntings and unexplained happenings that they’ve borne witness to.”

The Georgetown neighborhood of DC has its own ghost tour where you can “learn about supernatural occurrences and listen to true crime stories as you traverse the cemeteries, churches, and alleys of the city’s oldest neighborhood.” And don’t forget to check out the Congressional Cemetery’s event calendar for their special ghost tours!

How to get there: Depending on your tour, look up your closest metro station to the meet up point! If you’re going to Georgetown, we recommend taking rideshare.  

When to go: At your scheduled tour time 😀

34. Embassy Events 

One super unique thing to do in DC is attend an Embassy event. With many of the world’s countries having an embassy in DC, and many of those embassies being grouped together in similar neighborhoods around the city, it’s super easy to visit them. 

You can even go inside for special events. Every year, DC has an Embassy Day where all of the Embassies and Consulates are open and hosting special activities. This day, as you can imagine, has incredibly long lines at each place though, and is not typically very fun unless you’ve picked one Embassy to visit and go early. However, the Embassies have additional one-off events quite frequently, some free and some ticketed, which you can find here along with other cultural events in the city!

How to get there: Depending on the Embassy, look up your closest metro station to get there. Almost all of the Embassies are within easy walking distance of a metro station.  

When to go: At your scheduled event time 😀

35. Jazz in the Garden

Jazz in the Garden is a DC summertime classic. Every Friday from May through August, the National Gallery of Art hosts a jazz concert in their sculpture garden, and the sangria pitchers are to die for. You can also bring your own food and drinks in, and you’ll definitely want a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to sit in. 

Post-pandemic, the NGA has limited the number of people who can attend and you have to reserve a free ticket to get in. Tickets open the week prior to each Friday concert on Monday at 10:00 a.m., and they go pretty fast so you’ll want to be on the site to reserve them as soon as they go live. 

How to get there: The Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter metro stop is closest to the sculpture garden, but the Smithsonian station is also very close. 

When to go: Arrive early to the gates opening if you can! Even with a limited number of tickets, the garden is still packed and you want to get a good spot.

36. Cheer for (or join!) the DC Rollergirls

Yes, that’s right, DC has its very own women’s roller derby! The DC Rollergirls are a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run, non-profit organization, and are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). The season runs from February through August, where there are a few different ways for you to join, volunteer, or watch! 

The team participates in all kinds of events in the DC community, including hosting open skate nights that are free for all to join, joining different events like Art All Night, and partnering to raise money for different organizations through trivia nights and other fun events. You can keep up with them on their Instagram, through their newsletter, or through checking their events page on their website.

How to get there: This will be event dependent! 

When to go: This will be event dependent!

37. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms exist in every city, but DC has some pretty incredibly fun ones. Beat the Bomb is an unique, immersive video game style experience where you have to pass information between computers, make your way through a laser beam maze, drive a virtual bomb robot, and more in order to not be paint blasted! There’s also a mission to beat a foam bomb (rather than paint) and a big arcade room with a bar to hang out in. They also have special events like a New Year’s Eve Party! You can book tickets here! 

Escape Room Live is another really fun experience located in Georgetown or just over the river in Old Town Alexandria, VA. A bit more of a traditional escape room experience, it has multiple Hollywood Style rooms (think Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allen Poe, and Witchcraft and Wizardry) to try and beat. If you have a smaller group, you may end up having to solve the puzzle with some new friends, or you can book a completely private experience. You can book your tickets to play here!

How to get there: Beat the Bomb is located in NE DC in Ivy City. It is walkable from the Noma-Gallaudet U-New York Ave metro station, but we recommend it’s likely easier to take rideshare!

Escape Room Live is accessible via rideshare in Georgetown or an easy walk from the King Street metro station in Alexandria!

When to go: Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time!

38. Potomac Paddle Club 

One super unique thing to do in DC is experience the city from a paddle boat cruise on the Potomac River! On this almost 2 hour cruise, you and a group of 8-20 friends can set sail with your own food and alcohol (just no hard liquor) and see the DC sites from the river. This is fantastic for cherry blossom season, or anytime the weather is nice!

Each cruise takes off from Market Pier at the Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront, and goes “up to Navy Yard and back so passengers can enjoy stunning views of the Washington Monument, the Titanic Memorial, the National War College, Old Town Alexandria from afar, planes landing at Reagan National Airport, the United States Capitol, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, the Francis Case Memorial Bridge, Audi Field, Nationals Park, and all of the bustling new development at the Wharf and Navy Yard.” And yes, it’s also good exercise because you’re paddling (basically pedaling bikes in the middle of the boat)!

How to get there: Market Pier is accessible from the L’Enfant Plaza metro station or by rideshare!

When to go: Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time!

Book your cruise here!

39. Landmark E St Cinema 

For the independent film lovers among us, the Landmark E St Cinema is a must! Since it opened in 1974, it has “been dedicated to exhibiting and marketing primarily independent film, foreign-language films, documentaries, top-quality studio releases and restored classics.” 

The E St Cinema also has a full bar with beer, wine, and movie-themed cocktails. It has special series for late night shows, and regular viewings of cult classics like “The Room” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” You can check out what movies are playing here and buy tickets online by clicking on the movie you’d like to see!

How to get there: The theater is within easy walking distance from both the Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter and the Gallery Place-Chinatown metro stations.

When to go: At your designated movie time – arrive early to get drinks at the bar!

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 4: Food & Drink

40. Eastern Market

Eastern Market is a historic landmark (on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971) here in DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhood and a great place to get food. Inside the market is more geared towards uncooked food, with a variety of meats, cheeses, and seafood to buy, but it also has a little diner-type restaurant and a baked goods counter that we love.

The best time to visit, however, is on the weekends when the local farmers market is happening all around the brick building. Multiple blocks close off to traffic as food, produce, and arts and craft vendors set up tents all around. It is super fun to walk through on a Saturday morning with your donut and coffee and do a little local shopping!

How to get there: Eastern Market is within walking distance of the Eastern Market metro station.

When to go: The market itself is open 8am – 6pm Tuesday through Saturday, 8am – 5pm on Sunday, and closed on Mondays. Definitely stop by on a Saturday or Sunday morning to enjoy the farmer’s market as well!

41. Union Market

Union Market, located in Northeast DC, is a more modern, industrial food hall. Inside the main hall there are all kinds of restaurants, from coffee, donuts, and chocolates to Indian, Vietnamese, and Argentinian, and EVERYTHING in between. The market is also surrounded by other local restaurants and shops in the old warehouses, and has a neighboring food hall in La Cosecha.  

In addition to being a great place to grab a bite, Union Market hosts a variety of events on its rooftop lawn, parking area, and within different restaurants and shops. From concerts to movie screenings to dance and cooking classes, check out their event calendar for some fun!

How to get there: Union Market is within walking distance of the NoMa-Gallaudet U-New York Ave metro station, but traffic in the area can be a little crazy, so be careful walking between the two or opt for rideshare.

When to go: The market itself is open 8am – 9pm Monday through Saturday, and 8am – 8pm on Sunday. Many of the different area restaurants and shops have their own hours, and the food stalls inside may have their own hours as well, so be sure to check ahead of time!

42. Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf

The Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf is a historic open-air seafood market. It opened in 1805 and is the longest-running open-air market of its kinds in the U.S. The market is host to multiple different prepared/cooked and fresh/raw seafood vendors, where you can choose from “heaping bushels of blue crab, shucked oysters, clams, shrimp, and freshly caught fish.”

The area around the Market is also fun to explore, with a large variety of riverside bars and restaurants, and even a community fire pit with a s’mores food cart. 

How to get there: The Fish Market is walking distance from the L’Enfant Plaza metro station.

When to go: The market is open 7 days a week until 8pm. It opens at 10am Monday – Thursday, 9am on Fridays, and 8 am on Saturdays and Sundays. The most vendors and seafood options are there on the weekends. 

43. Madam’s Organ

Madam’s Organ is an incredibly unique and eclectic bar in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of DC, and it’s well worth a visit! The bar has three levels of unusual decor and various types of seating, dancing, lounging, and pool playing areas throughout. They host live music 7 days a week, and have a food menu that’s worth a look just for the sassy descriptions, even if you aren’t planning on eating (though you should definitely also order some food)!

You can check out their event schedule on the website to see who is playing each night, and also find other events like dance parties and open-mic nights! 

How to get there: The Adams Morgan neighborhood is not very accessible by metro, so we suggest taking a rideshare.

When to go: Madam’s Organ is open from 6pm to 2am on weekdays and stays open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour is from 6pm to 8pm daily. Live music starts at 9:30pm on weekdays and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

44. Visit a Speakeasy 

DC has quite a vibrant and dense speakeasy culture, with a large variety and number of these underground and otherwise hidden bars. Many of them sport a 1920s prohibition era theme, with absolutely fantastic (though often quite pricey) cocktails to match. 

Washington, DC has a ton of these high quality cocktail bars. Some of the best and most popular can be found in this Thrillist article and this Washington.org list. Choose wisely, and drink well (and safely, please!).

How to get there: Depends on the bar(s) you choose.

When to go: Be sure to check hours for the different bars.

45. Hook Hall

Hook Hall is a fun and modern beer garden with indoor warehouse seating and an outdoor theme garden. The theme changes seasonally, but they are always fantastic. Last year for winter, they had a ski chalet theme where you could reserve individual, heated chalet spaces that were super cute and cozy. This winter, the theme is Northern Lights, where you can book different winter cabanas, including one with a hot tub. 

Hook Hall has over 32 beers on tap and offers seasonally crafted cocktails, as well as a small menu of snacks and food. It’s a great place to watch a game (with a massive indoor screen) and is pup and kid friendly. 

How to get there: Hook Hall is down the street from the Georgia Ave-Petworth metro station.

When to go: Hook Hall is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and open evening and late night Wednesday through Friday. It opens at 10am and stays open until 1am on Saturdays and Sundays. 

46. Urban Roast

Urban Roast is a super uniquely decorated bar, cafe, and restaurant at all times of the year. They change out the decor by season, redesigning the space for Valentine’s Day, Cherry Blossom Season, the Christmas Holiday, and so much more. 

Along with the very instagrammable decor, the food and drinks are fantastic. There are different cocktail flights available on their seasonal menus that match whatever the current theme of the decor is (the holiday espresso martinis were *chef’s kiss*). You can sit inside with all of the beauty around you or book one of their fire pit tables outside for a more intimate experience.

How to get there: Urban Roast is within walking distance of Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter metro station.

When to go: The restaurant is open 10am-11pm on Sunday through Thursday, and 10am-12am on Friday and Saturday.

47. Oki Bowl DC Neon Bathrooms

Yes, we are about to tell you to visit a restaurant because of the bathrooms… no, we can’t believe it either. Not just because of the bathrooms, though! Oki Bowl is a fantastically delicious noodle house and you must go have their ramen. But also…

They have very neon bathrooms. The entire restaurant is full of quirky and colorful decor, with one patron describing it as a “fantasy land.” And it’s going to sound weird, but the bathrooms are very worth the visit.  

How to get there: Oki Bowl is in Georgetown, so not very accessible by metro. We recommend taking a rideshare!

When to go: The restaurant is open 12-9pm on Sunday through Thursday, and 12-10pm on Friday and Saturday.

48. Ethiopian Food

Ethiopian food is a uniquely major food group here in DC, and it’s sooo good. In particular, you can find a lot of Ethiopian restaurants in Little Ethiopia, at the intersection of Ninth and U Streets NW, but there are spots all over the city and the broader DMV as well!

One of our favorites is Ethiopic on H Street NE, but you can check out this article and map on Eater DC for a full list of places to choose from! If you don’t know where to start, you can also take an Ethiopian Food Tour in Little Ethiopia!

How to get there: Depends on the restaurant(s) you choose.

When to go: Be sure to check hours for the different restaurants – some are only open for dinner!

49. Museum Cafeterias

Most of the Smithsonian Museum food courts are a bit overpriced for just average food, and unless you’re spending a whole day in the museums there are a lot of better places to eat. However, a couple of the food courts are WORTH the price. 

I highly recommend the food at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe at the Museum of the Native American Indian (free, open entry) or the Sweet Home Cafe at the Museum of African American History and Culture (if you have a timed pass for entry). 

How to get there: Both museums are walkable from the Smithsonian, L’Enfant Plaza, and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter metro stations.

When to go: Don’t go out of your way to eat at these places, but if you’re already spending a day on the National Mall or in the museums, definitely check them out!

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 5: Other Funky Things 

50. DC Street Art 

DC is blessed with a ton of cool and unique street art to check out. Seriously, there’s A LOT (over 200 outdoor art pieces), which you can see on this map so graciously created and maintained by DC local Michael Antonucci. And this one, from Murals DC, which specifically shows just murals.

This can be a bit overwhelming. One great spot to visit is Blagden Alley, which is actually a small network of alley’s in Downtown DC with a bunch of murals, as well as bars, restaurants, and coffee shops to check out while you’re there. You can also take a guided mural tour of the NoMa and Union Market neighborhoods, or take this one of the U Street and Shaw neighborhoods. 

51. Disco Loft

“Visiting” the Disco Loft doesn’t actually require you to be in DC, but it is a cool based-in-DC local business. The Disco Loft is an Instagram-based vintage shopping experience run by Sidney Hui. Sidney finds second-hand pieces (from clothing to various household items) and resells them through her Instagram. Buyers can pick up their pieces in Adams Morgan, have them delivered in DC, or have them shipped within the U.S.

Disco Loft is a DC local business with a cause, making vintage fashion both accessible and sustainable. It also hosts different pop-ups where you can shop in person, and coordinates clothing and book swaps for the DC community. You can find any upcoming events and swaps in the Disco Loft’s link in bio.

52. Barbie Pond 

The Barbie Pond is located at 1454 Q St. NW. Yes, this is someone’s home, and the Barbie Pond is in their front yard, so if you’re stopping by to check out the display, be respectful! The owners of this property create displays in their front yard with Barbies for each season and holiday, and they’re quite fantastic to go take a look at! Think of a giant fairy garden, but with Barbies – lots of Barbies.

It might not seem like much of an attraction, but it’s big enough to have its own Tripadvisor experience and Atlas Obscura entry. Trust us. 

How to get there: The Barbie Pond is walkable from the Dupont Circle metro station.

When to go: You can walk by anytime, but it’ll be easiest to see during daylight hours!

53. Capitol Hill Books 

Capitol Hill Books is a beloved used bookstore located near Eastern Market. It has multiple levels of stacks of floor-to-ceiling books. It’s a fabulously independent bookstore, and has a unique, if a bit scattered, organizational system. It’s well-known for its personality – which mimics that of the personality of its former owner, Jim Toole, who now advises the new group of employee-owners running the shop.

The store is covered in sassy and unique handwritten signs, such as a sign for words not to be spoken in the shop (mostly exclamations of awe, like “oh my god” and “awesome”), a set of rules on the door for customers before they come in, and very specific category labels, including “terror, terrorism, terrorists, except Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin, who are in the next row.”

How to get there: Capitol Hill Books is within walking distance of the Eastern Market metro station.

When to go: The store is open 10am-8pm on weekdays, 9am to 8pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 7pm on Sundays.

54. Art in Police & Fire Call Boxes

All over the city, there are frames of old police and fire call boxes. These frames no longer have phones in them, but many of them are still filled – with art! Many with paintings, some with small sculptures, and some have been entirely painted themselves. 

Cultural Tourism DC led the “Art on Call” project, and were joined by other local organizations as well, to restore the call boxes and turn them into public art. While some have sadly been vandalized, many of them are still intact, and you should keep your eyes out as you’re walking around DC’s historic neighborhoods!

How to get there: There isn’t currently a map of these art pieces, but we’re working on creating one!

Unique Things To Do In DC Part 6: Recommended Tours

In addition to the tours that have been linked throughout this post, the following are a handful of great and unique Washington, DC tours to help you see the sites and experience the city while you’re here!

African American History Tour

This fantastic tour of African American history will bring you back to the landing at Jamestown and all the way up through the present day, including visiting the newest Smithsonian: The African American History Museum.

Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour

This tour will walk you through the history of Arlington Cemetery and allow you to see one of the most moving ceremonies I’ve witnessed: the changing of the guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

DC Donut Tour

This is such a fun and unique experience! Pair American history with delicious donuts! Seriously, I don’t think I need to say more. 

U Street Food & Street Art Tour

Learn the history of historic U Street while tasting your way through some of residents’ favorite restaurants and seeing some of the most famous murals. U Street is a wonderful, unique neighborhood in DC that’s blessed with so much black history and culture. This tour is a triple win.

Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour

DC by Foot will bring you through President Lincoln’s last day, stopping at historical spots in DC and learning facts and stories from the Civil War Era.

Other Tips and Tricks from a Local

Picnic in a traffic circle (or square)

Washington, DC is chock full of traffic circles and squares, all of which are filled with parks (which is why it’s the greenest big city in the U.S! And why DC can be so confusing to drive in.). So, while picnicking in a traffic circle may sound strange, it is one fun and unique thing to do in DC that the locals love. Find your closest traffic circle park, grab a blanket and some snacks, maybe even some wine, and enjoy!

Brunch & restaurant reservations

Brunch is another tried and true DC local tradition, and many DC restaurants have special brunch menus and specials. Definitely partake in some late morning or early afternoon brunches while you’re here. 

Always grab reservations at a restaurant if you can, whether for brunch or other meals. One pandemic-era thing that stuck is reservation systems, and often you really need one to get in!

Check for tickets even for free places

Another pandemic-era tag-along: timed pass tickets. While many activities and museums are free in DC, it’s always good to check if you need tickets ahead of time. Many places still require you to reserve a free timed-entry ticket, and will continue to for the foreseeable future.

Stand on the right! 

Some Metro etiquette: When going up or down the escalators to the metro stations, if you don’t want to walk them (some are quite tall!), please stand on the right side, allowing other people to walk past on the left. Trust me, this will help avoid some angry altercations and is just simply considered polite here. 

The National Mall food trucks

As a general rule, avoid eating from the food trucks around the National Mall, unless it’s ice cream. The food trucks are overpriced and often not very good food, even for the simple burgers and chicken tenders. Food trucks in Metro Center and other downtown areas are MUCH better. If you really need to eat while at the National Mall, I highly recommend the food courts at the Museum of the Native American Indian (free, open entry) or the Museum of African American History and Culture (if you have a timed pass for entry).

Dock your bikes and scooters

DC has a ton of bike- and scooter-share systems for you to use to get around the city. For the love of all that is good in this world, please, please, PLEASE do not leave your rented e-bikes and scooters scrawled across the sidewalks at the end of your ride. Place them off to the side, in a dock, or in a designated drop-off area. Thank you SO MUCH, from me, and every other person who calls this city home.

Conclusion

There are so many unique things to do in DC that will take you off the tourist path and help you get a glimpse into the true city. From quirky museums to public art to amazing food and drinks, picking any one of the non-touristy things to do above won’t steer you wrong. I have had the great privilege to live and work in this city, and I love exploring all it has to offer.