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All United States Washington, D.C.

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Washington, D.C.

255 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Washington, D.C.

Updated March 28, 2023

ThereĘĽs no better way to experience the history of the United States than through the hidden wonders of the capital. From the more unusual inclusions in the SmithsonianĘĽs collection to AmericaĘĽs very own catacombs, we can help you get beneath the American project.

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Unusual Attractions in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

National Capitol Columns

The United States Capitol's former columns still stand.

Washington, D.C.

Catacombs of Washington, D.C.

Franciscan monks created a facsimile of the Holy Land for North Americans who couldn’t afford the trip overseas.

Washington, D.C.

The Exorcist Stairs

The site of the climactic scene from the classic horror film is now a historic landmark.

Washington, D.C.

International Spy Museum

Home to items never before seen by the public.

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.

The Dupont Underground

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

Washington, D.C.

National Bonsai Museum

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

Washington, D.C.

Culture House

A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective.
See All 255 Things To Do in Washington, D.C.

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.

Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe

A museum cafe showcases Native American dishes and indigenous ingredients from across the Western Hemisphere.

Washington, D.C.

The Cuban Embassy's Hemingway Bar

When it opened during the final years of the embargo, all the drinks and cigars were free.

Washington, D.C.

Maine Avenue Fish Market

The oldest continuously operating fish market in the United States.

Washington, D.C.

Alferd Packer Cannibal Plaque

A brass plaque dedicated to a convicted cannibal hangs in the National Press Club, and that's not even the craziest part of the story.
See all 10 Places to Eat in Washington, D.C.
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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Atlas Obscura Itineraries

9 Places in D.C. That You're Probably Never Allowed to Go

The District of Columbia is home to a number of places that you need to flash the right ID to access. From restricted rooftops to government storage facilities and underground tunnels, the city is filled with places that are off-limits to the average visitor. What’s more, many of them are hidden within popular tourist destinations and densely populated neighborhoods—so you might catch a glimpse of them, but never get any closer. These are a few of our favorite restricted spots in D.C., and the stories behind them. As the pandemic continues, we hope this virtual trip helps you explore America’s wonders. If you do choose to venture out, please follow all guidelines, maintain social distance, and wear a mask.

View Itinerary

Explore Washington, D.C.

History 87
Government 60
Architectural Oddities 32
Memorials 27
Military 26
Monuments 26
Politics 22
Statues 17
Infrastructure 17
Parks 17
Presidents 17
Technology 16
Unique Restaurants & Bars 4
Places To Stay 2

Washington, D.C. Leaderboard

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Recent Washington, D.C. Activity

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    wants to go to Peirce Mill Spy Station

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    wants to go to George Washington University's River Horse

Stories About Washington, D.C.

7 Unforgettable Stories for Black History Month

Meet some of the artists, archivists, students, and descendants rediscovering and preserving the past.
by April White
February 22, 2023

The Prohibition-Era Effort To Make Mocktails Fun

Socialites and social campaigners joined forces to create tempting temperance drinks.
by Kirstin Fawcett
January 24, 2023

Puzzle Monday: The Signs of Ethiopian Identity

by Alex Bellos
January 16, 2023

When the CIA Spied on American Citizens—Using Pigeons

The seemingly birdbrained Cold War experiment is still partially classified.
by Steven Ewin
January 11, 2023

Podcast: Library of Congress Hair Collection

Locks from everyone, from Ludwig van Beethoven to Ulysses S. Grant.
by The Podcast Team
December 6, 2022

The Secret History of Female and Nonbinary Occultists

A new book examines how supernatural beliefs have often offered a voice, visibility, and vulnerabilities.
by Sarah Durn
October 25, 2022

Mary Edwards Walker and the Queer Suffragists Who Changed History

They wore pants, advocated for free love, and refused to back down.
by Sarah Durn
July 20, 2022

Podcast: The Places Team's Favorite Atlas Entries

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team
July 7, 2022

Lists Featuring Washington, D.C.

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

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

They were built in 1979.
The Howe Street stair corridor is the longest in Seattle.
Seward Street Slides

When Stairs and Slides Are Hiding in Plain Sight

Play real-life Chutes and Ladders at these obscure thruways.

9

Including Secret Tiled Staircase, Esmeralda Slide Park, and Howe Street Stairs

Yellow dashes mark the old tunnel
Dashes mark the old tunnel, solid lines are the newer ones
Los Angeles Tunnels
The tunnels all look slightly differiently

7 Hidden Tunnels Under Government Buildings

The literal underbelly of public agencies.

6

Including FDR's Bomb Shelter, Steam Tunnels Under Capitol Hill, and Underground Tunnels of Los Angeles

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