It’s easy to be distracted by D.C.'s towering monuments, especially when the Lincoln Memorial is staring straight into your soul. Because most people are focused on visiting the most obvious landmarks, they often miss out on the opportunity to explore other things the city has to offer. Traveling like a local requires you to mine for the hidden gems:
1. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Although The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution is a popular tourist attraction, its annex, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at Washington Dulles International Airport remains largely unknown. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA.
2. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Run by the National Park Service, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are comprised of historic ponds and water gardens, which serve as a home to a variety of water lilies in D.C.’s only tidal marsh. 1550 Anacostia Ave. NE.
3. DEA Museum and Visitors Center
While other museums feature artwork, the Drug Enforcement Agency Museum is dedicated to educating the public on drugs, drug addiction and drug law enforcement. 700 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA.
4. Dumbarton Oaks
When spring rolls around, expertly avoid the tourists in Tidal Basin by heading to the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks. In this historic estate, you’ll be able to watch the cherry blossoms shed their petals in peace. 1703 32nd St. NW.
Photo via John Weiss (CC BY-ND 2.0)
5. Mitsitam Café
While most of the restaurants on the National Mall aren’t worth your time or money, Mitsitam Café at the National Museum of the American Indian is one of the best lunch spots in town; it serves up dishes inspired by Native American culinary traditions. 4th St and Independence Avenue SW.
6. The Glass Forest
The Glass Forest is a hidden patch of woods next to the Palisades Recreation Center, which is filled with old bike frames, shiny mosaics and plastic and metal pipes. 5102 Sherier Place NW.
Photo via Wendy Harman (CC BY 2.0)
7. Panda Gourmet
Although it is attached to a Days Inn, Panda Gourmet, off of New York Avenue, serves some of the best authentic Chinese food in D.C. 2700 New York Ave NE.
8. Congressional Cemetery
The active burial ground of the Congressional Cemetery near Capitol Hill is the final resting place for notable people such as John Philip Sousa, Matthew Brady and J. Edgar Hoover. 1801 E St. SE.
Photo via Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock.com
9. The Washington Art Scene
D.C.’s amazing art scene is filled with a number of galleries and theaters, such as the Corcoran (500 17th St. NW), the Kreeger (2401 Foxhall Rd NW) and Glenstone (12002 Glen Rd, Potomac, MD).
10. The Yards Park
Spanning 42-acres, the Yards development and waterfront spaces feature a waterfall, as well as an 11” deep canal where children can wade. 355 Water St.
Photo via Elvert Barnes (CC BY-SA 2.0)
