Washington, D.C., has so many fun places that you can live in the city a lifetime and not discover them all. The city offers some of the world’s best museums and dining, but it also has a lot of hidden gems off the beaten path.
Residents and tourists alike might be interested in something fun and a little quirky to do in the District. Those tired of their current haunts and searching for a new place to explore, or trying to find interesting activities to entertain guests, will find inspiration in this guide. Check out these seven unusual things to do in D.C.
Fun and Unusual Things to Explore in D.C.
- D.C. Ghost Tours: Explore the haunted side of Washington, D.C., with a guided nighttime walking tour, learning about the city’s spooky history in Capital Park or Lafayette Park.
- Trapeze School: Take a flying trapeze class with the Trapeze School of New York in D.C. It’s an exciting, safe, and fun way to get a great workout while learning circus skills.
- The Barbie Pond on Avenue Q: Visit a whimsical Instagram-famous pond featuring Barbie dolls in different costumes, changing regularly, located near some D.C. apartments.
- Horseback Riding at Rock Creek Park: Enjoy horseback riding through Rock Creek Park’s 13+ miles of scenic trails, the only public riding facility in D.C.
- The Descendant of Newton’s Apple Tree: Check out a descendant of the famous apple tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity, located in International Park.
- Ivy City: Discover D.C.’s unofficial brewery and distillery district, Ivy City, where you can sample local beers, spirits, and ciders at various establishments.
- Neon Bathrooms at Oki Bowl DC: Visit the vibrant, art-inspired neon bathrooms at Oki Bowl DC, which feature unique themes like underwater worlds and fairytale settings.
- D.C. Offers Unusual Experiences: While D.C. is known for its historic landmarks, it also has fun and quirky places that make the city a great place to explore and live.
D.C. Ghost Tours
Take a nighttime walk through the city, led by a tour guide in Victorian dress and character. D.C. Ghost Tours hosts events in the Capital Park or Lafayette Park areas. You get to learn all about the spooky side of D.C. and take an interesting look at the city’s past.
You can walk to the Lafayette Park Tour from The Phoenix — the park is about half a mile away. You can also walk from the Circle Arms Apartments, which are 0.7 miles from the park. The Capitol Hill ghost tour is about 3 miles from each of these apartments.
Trapeze School
The Trapeze School of New York offers lessons in D.C. on this classic circus activity. Learn how to grab the rings and float above the crowds. The completely safe classes at this school are perfect for people of all skill levels, and in addition to being fun, they give you a great workout.
You’ll have to drive to the Trapeze School from most apartments, but this gem is worth a short trek. It sits just 4 miles from the Circle Arms Apartments and 7 miles from the Prince George’s Apartments.
The Barbie Pond on Avenue Q
The Barbie Pond is a privately owned pond that has blown up on Instagram in recent years. The owner of this home started dressing up Barbies and placing them around his pond, and it became a sensation. He changes their costumes and the display regularly, so you may want to swing by more than once.
This photo-worthy site is just a short walk from several of our apartments. You can reach the pond with about a three-minute walk from the Sixteen Hundred Apartments, and it’s only about half a mile (10-minute walk) from 1830R Street Apartments and the Phoenix.
Horseback Riding at Rock Creek Park
Did you know you can ride horses in D.C.? The Rock Creek Park Horse Center is the only public riding facility in the city, and when riding a horse through the 13+ miles of trails in this park, you’ll feel like you’re out in the country. The facility offers lessons and trail rides, and it hosts camps for youths and teens.
This opportunity is one of the most fun things to do in D.C., and there are several of our locations near beautiful Rock Creek Park. The stables sit about 2 miles from the Connecticut House and the Crestwood Apartments, and they are just under 3 miles from The Vintage on 16th. Most of the walks from these locations are through the park, so you can soak up some nature even before you mount your steed.
The Descendant of Newton’s Apple Tree
The famous apple tree that allegedly inspired Isaac Newton to develop the theory of gravity has a descendant in D.C. This apple tree was created from a trimming taken from that famous tree, and it’s a fun place to visit if you want to ponder this monumental discovery.
The tree sits in International Park, between the embassies of Bahrain and Singapore, and it’s just steps from the Connecticut House Apartments. Joggers and walkers who live in this location will reach the tree in about 0.6 miles.
Ivy City
Ivy City is the unofficial brewery and distillery section of the city. This area is the perfect destination if you want to relax and enjoy some freshly produced local beer and spirits. Breweries include 3 Stars, Atlas, Bluejacket, DC Brau, and Right Proper. There are also options for cider lovers at Anxo, Capital Cider House, and Supreme Core. New Columbia Distillers makes a highly regarded gin, while One Eight Distilling produces flavorful ryes and bourbons. This is not an exhaustive list of options, and you may want to spend several afternoons exploring Ivy City to really get a taste for the place.
You’ll need to plan transportation to this area unless you’re up for a hike or want to kick off your day of tasting with a jog. Ivy City sits approximately 4 miles from The Vintage on 16th and the Prince George’s Apartments. It’s also about 5 miles from Chillum Terrace. Make sure to arrange transportation if you plan to drink in Ivy City.
Neon Bathrooms
Restaurant bathrooms don’t often make the list of things to do in D.C., but those at Oki Bowl DC are an exception. Head to this restaurant for the tasty ramen, then check out the restrooms for an unparalleled visual experience.
These lively spaces are an installation art piece created by local artist Wirat Assawamahasakda, and they mimic the feel of a nightclub. One features an underwater theme while the other takes you into a fairytale land. The Archer, the Circle Arms, and the 1830 R Apartments are all just under 1.5 miles from this fun spot.
Washington, D.C., is home to many historic places and beloved monuments, but sometimes it’s fun to explore the other side of things. It’s just one more reason why D.C. is such a great place to live.
Find Your New D.C. Home Today
Many of these activities, as well as countless other things to do in D.C., are available near one of or apartments. We have many different buildings throughout the city, and we offer our residents a wide range of services to suit their style and taste.
Looking for a new home base in the vibrant D.C. area? Contact us at leasing team today to talk to a leasing agent and find your new apartment home
Frequently Asked Questions About Unusual Things to Do in D.C.
What are D.C. Ghost Tours?
D.C. Ghost Tours offers guided nighttime walking tours that explore the haunted side of Washington, D.C. You’ll learn about the city’s spooky history while walking through areas like Capital Park and Lafayette Park.
Where can I take trapeze lessons in D.C.?
The Trapeze School of New York offers trapeze lessons in D.C. These classes are suitable for all skill levels and provide a fun and challenging workout while learning circus skills.
What is the Barbie Pond on Avenue Q?
The Barbie Pond on Avenue Q is a private pond where the owner places Barbie dolls in different outfits, which change regularly. It has become an Instagram sensation, and the display is photo-worthy and fun to visit.
Can I go horseback riding in D.C.?
Yes, you can go horseback riding in D.C. at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center. It’s the city’s only public riding facility, and it offers lessons, trail rides, and camps for youths and teens along the park’s scenic trails.
Where can I find the descendant of Newton’s apple tree in D.C.?
The descendant of Isaac Newton’s famous apple tree is located in International Park, between the embassies of Bahrain and Singapore. It’s a fun spot to visit for those interested in history and science.
What is Ivy City known for?
Ivy City is D.C.’s unofficial brewery and distillery district. It’s a great place to visit for craft beer, spirits, and ciders, with local breweries like Atlas, DC Brau, and Bluejacket, as well as distilleries like New Columbia Distillers.
What makes the bathrooms at Oki Bowl DC unique?
The bathrooms at Oki Bowl DC are art installations created by local artist Wirat Assawamahasakda. They feature lively, neon themes like an underwater world and a fairytale setting, making them a fun and unique part of your visit.
Why is D.C. a great place to explore beyond its monuments?
D.C. offers many quirky and unique experiences beyond its historic landmarks. Whether it’s ghost tours, trapeze lessons, or hidden gems like the Barbie Pond, the city has something for everyone to enjoy.
