Once you’ve lived in DC for a while, you have probably checked off the big attractions. You’ve walked around The Mall, seen the Smithsonian museums and visited the Memorials. But that’s all there is, right? Wrong!
DC might be known for its famous landmarks but we have so much more to offer than the traditional sightseeing destinations. These 13 things are the best things to do in DC when you think you have done everything.
- Stroll down DC’s own Walk of Fame
Yelp/Steve S. The Warner Theatre’s Walk of Fame is a tribute to the famous performers who have graced the stage of the legendary theater. You can see famous signatures, including Frank Sinatra and Chris Rock. For more information, read our full article here.
- Take DC’s newest hiking trail
Flickr/Adam Fagen Klingle Valley Trail is DC’s newest multi use trail. It was finally finished after a decades long fight. The beautiful trail is a 0.7-mile path that takes you through some of the prettiest neighborhoods in DC and will connect to other trail networks. For more information, read our full article here.
- Relax in the Summerhouse
Flickr/USCapitol The Summerhouse is a hidden gem right outside the Capitol Building. This secret oasis is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of The Mall. This structure has an open roof, small fountain, several benches and a fantastic grotto. For more information, read our full article here.
- Tour DC’s forgotten cemetery.
Flickr/rockcreek Mount Zion Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Northwest DC. The cemetery holds incredible cultural significance in the city but in recent years, it has fallen into disrepair. It’s an important spot in the city that all Washingtonians should visit at least once. For more information, read our full article here.
- Watch planes fly over.
Yelp/Sister P. Gravelly Point Park is a small grassy park located near Ronald Reagan National Airport that is perfectly positioned for plane watching. Bring a picnic, sit back, relax and enjoying watching planes fly overhead at this low key park near DC. For more information, read our full article here.
- Visit an urban oasis.
Yelp/Karen V. The Spanish Steps are a romantic and hidden staircase in DC that is ideal for relaxing. You can quickly step off the beaten path and enjoy the unique architecture and beautiful landscaping at this locals’ favorite place. For more information, read our full article. here.
- See the most unique church in DC.
Facebook/Blind Whino The Blind Whino is an old historic church that has been transformed into a fantastic work of art. The church was built in 1886 but today it’s been redesigned to be a community arts and gathering space. You can visit just to enjoy the brightly color decor and rotating art exhibits or take a weekly class. For more information, read our full article here.
- Explore DC’s street art.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes We may have amazing art museums and galleries but some of the best art in DC is found in the street. You can find DC’s incredible murals and unique street art all over the city! For more information on our favorite murals, read our full article here.
- Explore DC’s most intriguing road.
Facebook/George Washington Memorial Parkway- GWMP (US National Park Service) Did you know that George Washington Memorial Parkway is technically a park? It was built for recreational driving and just might be the one road in DC that you won’t mind sitting in traffic on due to its gorgeous views! For more information, read our full article here.
- Take DC’s most unknown tour.
Courtesy of Wikimedia Most people have no idea that you can take a tour of the Diplomatic Reception Room at the Department of State. You will see art, historic treasures and gifts in the room where leaders meet with foreign heads of state. For more information, read our full article here.
- Visit the tiniest town near DC.
Flickr/Maryland GovPics Port Tobacco, Maryland is about an hour outside of Washington DC. It was once one of the most important ports in the area. Today, it has a population of 13 and is a unique place to visit and lear about the history of Southern Maryland. For more information, read our full article here.
- Take a horseback ride through Rock Creek Park.
Yelp/Rock Creek Park Horse Center Deep in the middle of Rock Creek Park, there is a stable full of horses where Washingtonians can take lessons or trail rides. The Rock Creek Horse Center is open to the public and anyone can take a ride around the park or a lesson. For more information, read our full article here.
- Visit a restaurant hiding in a bookstore.
Yelp/Harmony D. Kramerbooks is a beloved bookstore in Dupont Circle. While from the outside it looks like a normal bookstore, once inside you will discover a hidden cafe hidden in the back. Browse for your favorite books and then stop in for a full meal or a cocktail after you’ve shopped! For more information, read our full article here.
How many of these things have you done? What else would you recommend Washingtonians do after they’ve done it all?
Yelp/Steve S.
The Warner Theatre’s Walk of Fame is a tribute to the famous performers who have graced the stage of the legendary theater. You can see famous signatures, including Frank Sinatra and Chris Rock. For more information, read our full article here.
Flickr/Adam Fagen
Klingle Valley Trail is DC’s newest multi use trail. It was finally finished after a decades long fight. The beautiful trail is a 0.7-mile path that takes you through some of the prettiest neighborhoods in DC and will connect to other trail networks. For more information, read our full article here.
Flickr/USCapitol
The Summerhouse is a hidden gem right outside the Capitol Building. This secret oasis is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of The Mall. This structure has an open roof, small fountain, several benches and a fantastic grotto. For more information, read our full article here.
Flickr/rockcreek
Mount Zion Cemetery is a historic cemetery in Northwest DC. The cemetery holds incredible cultural significance in the city but in recent years, it has fallen into disrepair. It’s an important spot in the city that all Washingtonians should visit at least once. For more information, read our full article here.
Yelp/Sister P.
Gravelly Point Park is a small grassy park located near Ronald Reagan National Airport that is perfectly positioned for plane watching. Bring a picnic, sit back, relax and enjoying watching planes fly overhead at this low key park near DC. For more information, read our full article here.
Yelp/Karen V.
The Spanish Steps are a romantic and hidden staircase in DC that is ideal for relaxing. You can quickly step off the beaten path and enjoy the unique architecture and beautiful landscaping at this locals’ favorite place. For more information, read our full article. here.
Facebook/Blind Whino
The Blind Whino is an old historic church that has been transformed into a fantastic work of art. The church was built in 1886 but today it’s been redesigned to be a community arts and gathering space. You can visit just to enjoy the brightly color decor and rotating art exhibits or take a weekly class. For more information, read our full article here.
Flickr/Elvert Barnes
We may have amazing art museums and galleries but some of the best art in DC is found in the street. You can find DC’s incredible murals and unique street art all over the city! For more information on our favorite murals, read our full article here.
Facebook/George Washington Memorial Parkway- GWMP (US National Park Service)
Did you know that George Washington Memorial Parkway is technically a park? It was built for recreational driving and just might be the one road in DC that you won’t mind sitting in traffic on due to its gorgeous views! For more information, read our full article here.
Courtesy of Wikimedia
Most people have no idea that you can take a tour of the Diplomatic Reception Room at the Department of State. You will see art, historic treasures and gifts in the room where leaders meet with foreign heads of state. For more information, read our full article here.
Flickr/Maryland GovPics
Port Tobacco, Maryland is about an hour outside of Washington DC. It was once one of the most important ports in the area. Today, it has a population of 13 and is a unique place to visit and lear about the history of Southern Maryland. For more information, read our full article here.
Yelp/Rock Creek Park Horse Center
Deep in the middle of Rock Creek Park, there is a stable full of horses where Washingtonians can take lessons or trail rides. The Rock Creek Horse Center is open to the public and anyone can take a ride around the park or a lesson. For more information, read our full article here.
Yelp/Harmony D.
Kramerbooks is a beloved bookstore in Dupont Circle. While from the outside it looks like a normal bookstore, once inside you will discover a hidden cafe hidden in the back. Browse for your favorite books and then stop in for a full meal or a cocktail after you’ve shopped! For more information, read our full article here.
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