Washington, D.C.
Ruins of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site at Reservoir Park
An Industrial Revolution-era public work that purified water using nothing but sand.
Places roxanneheston Wants to Go
127
Places I want to go
Places on this traveler's wishlist.
Washington, D.C.
Peirce Mill Spy Station
Cold War intelligence agents monitored communist embassies from an attic in a former pigeon coop.
Washington, D.C.
FDR's Bomb Shelter
The first presidential bomb shelter was located in an old vault under the Treasury, connected to the White House via tunnel.
Washington, D.C.
Capitol Building Tunnel System
Members of Congress have traveled between the buildings on Capitol Hill for a century hidden from tourists, press, and storm clouds.
Washington, D.C.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
The national park was once a plantation estate.
Washington, D.C.
St. Elizabeths Hospital
Government testing at the asylum briefly explored using marijuana as a "truth serum" on Nazi prisoners of war.
Washington, D.C.
National Building Museum
Fittingly, America's museum of architecture is itself a magnificently designed old building.
Washington, D.C.
Secret Entrance to the White House
The winding route passes through an enclosed alleyway, two tunnels, and leads to the White House basement.
Washington, D.C.
Lincoln Memorial Undercroft
A cavernous three-story, 43,800-square-foot basement that was forgotten about for 60 years.
Washington, D.C.
Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins
A derelict bit of transportation infrastructure hidden in the woods.
Washington, D.C.
Riggs Library
A wondrous old library overlooking the nation's capital.
Washington, D.C.
The Capitol Stones
Enormous piles of historically significant stones, dumped by Congress in a forest, and abandoned for 60 years.
Washington, D.C.
Culture House
A historic neighborhood church is reborn as a psychedelic arts collective.
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.
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.
Los Angeles, California
Heritage Square Museum
Beautiful Victorian buildings from L.A.'s forgotten architectural past.
Permanently Closed
Los Angeles, California
Cactus Store
The neighborhood shop is a sort of tiny cactus museum full of exotic specimens you can take home.
Los Angeles, California
APEX Electronics
This stockpile of junked electronic and mechanical gadgets is a favorite among Hollywood prop masters.
Santa Monica, California
International Chess Park
This well-traveled chess park offers scenic views of the pacific and a colorful, eclectic clientele.
Los Angeles, California
Miniature Garden of Whimsy
A quirky collection of figurines backdropped by city views is hidden next to a popular restaurant in the Hollywood hills.
Los Angeles, California
Box Canyon
The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.
Permanently Closed
Los Angeles, California
Danny's Deli
Authentic gondola hanging from the ceiling, notable mural in the back room.
Los Angeles, California
The Adventurers' Club of Los Angeles
Hidden above a drug store on a nondescript corner of Lincoln Heights is a private clubhouse for intrepid explorers.
Los Angeles, California
Musso and Frank Grill
This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.
