Ready For The Local Secrets?
Washington, D.C. is well-known for its monuments, large museums, history, and politics. In fact, its National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, White House, Smithsonian Museum, and other often-photographed attractions are often the first things that come to mind when someone is planning a trip to the area.
There are so many other things to see and do in and around the region, though, many of which are local secrets or beautiful spots that are simply not as popular. Here are a few of the most interesting, off-the-beaten-path, must-see attractions hidden in and around Washington, D.C.
Hidden DC Gems: Local's Guide
- The George Mason Memorial features a bronze statue of the Virginia Declaration of Rights author, complete with a powerful inscribed quote about human rights and slavery.
- The National Arboretum spans 446 acres with 9.6 miles of roadways, hosting extensive gardens and an Herbarium containing over 650,000 dried plant specimens for research purposes.
- President Lincoln’s Cottage, located near Fort Totten, served as the Lincoln family’s summer residence during three years of the Civil War and is now open for educational tours.
- The famous “Exorcist Steps” in Georgetown, featured in the 1973 film, were officially recognized as a DC landmark in 2015.
- The Mansion on O offers unique experiences with 60-100 rooms, over 70 secret doors, and serves multiple purposes as a venue for events, lodging, and museum tours.
- The Postal Museum, though seemingly mundane, is consistently praised as one of DC’s best-kept secrets and offers surprising historical exhibits about the U.S. Postal Service.
Don’t Miss These Lesser-Known DC Attractions
This bronze statue honoring Commonwealth of Virginia Declaration of Rights author George Mason overlooks the Washington Channel and sits on a marble bench.
One of his quotes speaking out against slavery and supporting the human rights charge is inscribed there, too.
Its says this..
“that slow poison, which is daily contaminating the minds and morals of our people. Every gentlemen here is born a petty tyrant. Practiced in acts of despotism and cruelty, we become callous to the dictates of humanity, and all the finer feelings of the soul. Taught to regard a part of our own species in the most abject and contemptible degree below us, we lose that idea of the dignity of man, which the hand of nature had implanted in us, for great and useful purposes….”
Established in 1927, and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, the National Arboretum encompasses 446 acres and includes 9.6 miles of roadways.
It sees more than 600,000 annual visitors and hosts expansive gardens, educational opportunities, cooperative programs, international partnerships, and more.
The Arboretum also offers an Herbarium, including more than 650,000 dried plant specimens for agricultural, botanic, horticultural, medicinal, and other research.
Located just south of Fort Totten, President Lincoln made some of the largest, nation-changing decisions from his summer cottage.
While this piece of real estate looks kinda creepy, we promise our apartments are much nicer.
His family lived in the smaller home on a hilltop for three summers straight during the Civil War, bringing them closer to the war and giving the President greater insights into humility, freedom, and justice.
The home is open for tours, working to inspire “courageous ideas, respectful dialogue, and thoughtful compromise.”
Film history buffs might want to visit the famous staircase in Georgetown where Father Damien Carras took his famous spill in 1973’s “The Exorcist.”
In 2015, the steps were recognized as an official DC landmark. Just be careful not to end like Father Carras as you explore this off-the-beaten-path attraction.
“The epicenter of the next generation,” the Mansion on O is a venue for meetings, events, weddings, mitzvahs, and lodging. Did we mention that it’s also a museum?
Mansion tours are offered daily, allowing patrons to view between 60 and 100 of its rooms, more than 70 secret doors, and more. Proceeds from tours, events, and exhibits support “our heroes and artist-in-residence program.”
A museum displaying the history of the U.S. Postal Service might seem like the most boring way to spend an afternoon in the Nation’s Capital.
Just take our word for it, you won’t want to miss this lesser-known attraction. Tourists and locals alike agree that it’s one of DC’s best-kept secrets ( so are our apartments 😉).
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Hidden DC Gems: Frequently Asked Questions
What is significant about the George Mason Memorial?
The George Mason Memorial features a bronze statue of the Virginia Declaration of Rights author seated on a marble bench overlooking the Washington Channel. The memorial includes a powerful inscribed quote addressing slavery and human rights, making it a meaningful historical landmark.
What can visitors experience at the National Arboretum?
The National Arboretum is a vast 446-acre facility featuring 9.6 miles of roadways, extensive gardens, and an impressive Herbarium containing over 650,000 dried plant specimens used for research. It attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually and offers educational programs and international partnerships.
What historical significance does President Lincoln’s Cottage have?
President Lincoln’s Cottage, located near Fort Totten, served as the Lincoln family’s summer residence for three years during the Civil War. It’s now open for tours and stands as a place where Lincoln made crucial decisions, promoting dialogue about freedom, justice, and compromise.
What makes the “Exorcist Steps” a notable DC landmark?
The “Exorcist Steps” in Georgetown gained fame from the 1973 film “The Exorcist” and were officially recognized as a DC landmark in 2015. These steep stairs are a popular destination for film history enthusiasts and became an official part of DC’s cultural heritage.
What unique features does the Mansion on O offer visitors?
The Mansion on O is a multi-purpose venue featuring 60-100 rooms and over 70 secret doors. Visitors can take daily tours of this unique space that serves as an events venue, lodging facility, and museum, with proceeds supporting heroes and artist-in-residence programs.
Why should visitors consider checking out the Postal Museum?
Despite its seemingly mundane subject matter, the Postal Museum is consistently praised as one of DC’s best-kept secrets. The museum offers surprising and engaging historical exhibits about the U.S. Postal Service that visitors find unexpectedly fascinating.
