This Washington D.C. Map Reveals the City’s Secret Spots
Once you’ve checked out the usual monuments and museums, head to these underrated and unusual attractions using our Washington, D.C., map.
The U.S. capital is an inspiring city with more monuments and first-rate museums than anyone could visit on a single trip. On your first time here, check out all the famous landmarks. Then, plan to come back to see all the secret or underrated attractions hidden throughout the district.
Wondering where to begin? Use this fun Washington, D.C., map as your guide to seeing a side of the city that most tourists don’t know exists.
Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America
Most people are surprised to find the peaceful grounds of a Franciscan monastery in D.C. Imitating Italian architecture, the monastery is a gorgeous place for anyone who wants an escape from urbanity.
But the most surprising part of this attraction is its replica of the catacombs in Rome, Italy. Built by monks who wanted to provide the experience for anyone who couldn’t travel all the way to Europe, the D.C. monastery catacombs only have one real skeleton, but they’re still very much worth a visit.
Hall of Fake Presidents
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has locations in several states. But none are as interesting as the Bryant Street location in Washington, D.C. Besides entertaining people with the latest films, this cinema has a Hall of Fake Presidents dedicated to movie presidents we all know and love.
Visitors can see the portrait of Morgan Freeman as president in “Deep Impact” or see a statue of Bill Pullman in front of an engraving of his character’s famous speech in “Independence Day.”
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
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If you want to appreciate art without dealing with the ever-present crowds at the Smithsonian museums, plan to visit Dumbarton Oaks.
Once a private estate and now a Harvard research Library, this landmark also has an impressive art collection that ranges from Byzantine to Medieval to Native American. Of course, its size doesn’t compare to that of Washington’s more famous museums, but sometimes, it’s nice to stop and appreciate pieces rather than rush through endless halls.
United States National Arboretum
Although it is within the bounds of the District of Columbia, the National Arboretum feels worlds away from the city. The large space protects different plant species and boasts gorgeous gardens for a pleasant walk.
The coolest spot in the Arboretum houses the old columns of the Capitol, which were replaced during a renovation. They now stand as if mimicking ancient Greek ruins and make for really cool pictures. Inexplicably, this landmark isn’t choked by flocks of tourists, so you’ll likely enjoy it in semi-solitude.
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Martin’s Tavern
From the outside, Martin’s Tavern seems like any ol’ historic diner in Georgetown. But anyone interested in history knows that it was a favored hangout spot for figures like John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson before they became presidents.
Surprisingly, this was also the place where J.F.K. proposed to Jackie (in booth three, if you want to be exact). The tavern’s cool history has turned it into a place of pilgrimage, though many tourists seem to be unaware of it.
Old Stone House
While walking around Georgetown, it would be easy to pass right in front of the Old Stone House without noticing. There are, after all, many historical buildings in this beautiful part of the city. But what makes this a noteworthy stop is its claim to being the oldest house in Washington, D.C.
Estimated to have been built around 1766, the house is older than the United States. And while similar buildings were demolished, this one escaped the same fate because people erroneously believed it had once housed the famed Suter’s Tavern, where George Washinton and others met while developing D.C. into the capital. While historians have proved the tavern was elsewhere, the house is now a beloved — and protected — part of the cityscape.
Albert Einstein Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a must-see landmark in D.C. After you’ve paid your respects, cross Constitution Avenue to find this larger-than-life statue of Albert Einstein sitting in front of the National Academy of Sciences.
Looking at a star chart while taking notes, the memorial captures the famous physicist in the midst of work. It invites visitors to sit next to him and ponder the secrets of the universe.
International Spy Museum
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D.C. has some of the best museums in the entire world, and they’re often worth going back to again and again. But if you want something a little different, go to the International Spy Museum.
Located near the National Mall, the museum showcases interesting gadgets used by different secret services around the world. And it also gives a place to fictional creations of popular movies like the James Bond series. Of course, everything you see displayed here is outdated enough to not need to be kept secret.
Municipal Fish Market at the Wharf
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Beloved by locals but often ignored by tourists, this is the oldest operating fish market in the entire country.
Located in the famous Wharf, the market has been open since 1805. Head here for a taste of fresh local seafood at very reasonable prices.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive American figures in history. Born into slavery, he taught himself to read, escaped slavery, became a prominent abolitionist and was appointed by presidents to numerous public offices.
Why his house on Cedar Hill isn’t a more popular tourist destination will always be a mystery. Join a tour around the property to learn more about this admirable American hero.
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