Top Things to do in Washington DC
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The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC
1. Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,893 reviews
Reviewed By MargaretMary_Z - Washington DC, United States
You will want to spend your time in place, you might even feel compelled to sit and wonder, pondering the great and powerful love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Oh, yeah, and you'll see every icon of every title you've ever heard of the Holy Blessed Mother of God. Mass at the Crypt church is extraordinary, Mass at the Upper Church will expand your Spirit, reconciliation will reunite you to God and you might even be blessed enough to get some spiritual direction! You will see nuns, monks, students, teachers and seekers,. You will feel the breath of God, and you will hear Angels sing!
2. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,251 reviews
Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.
Reviewed By wbee2016 - Lincoln, United States
Ms. Post amassed a huge and varied collection of Russian artifacts from the days of Imperial family rule, including Fabrege eggs, jewelry, porcelain, and religious icons. Arrive early to see the gardens and grounds when not crowded. When standing on the steps looking toward the putting green across the lunar lawn, spot the Washington monument in the distance. Take the docent led mansion tour. Not on the guided tour but not to be missed is the icon room. There is a cafe on the grounds with delicious lunch fare and attentive service. This is a quiet jewel in a bustling tourist town. Go when you need to refresh.
3. National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By davidgross12 - Pinckneyville, United States
Wife, daughter, and I were all blown away by this unbelievable collection of bonsai, as we were with all of the Natural Arboretum. Place this at the top of your D.C. travel list.
4. Dumbarton Oaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Dumbarton Oaks is an institute of Harvard University dedicated to supporting scholarship internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships, meetings, exhibitions, and publications. It opens its doors to the public to visit its historic Gardens, designed by Beatrix Farrand; its Museum, with world-class collections of art; and its Music Room, for lectures and concerts.
Reviewed By NikaJunie - Jersey City, United States
This is a hidden gem, but will only be interesting to people with certain refined tastes. Basically, it is a big, early 19th century country house set in a large, extraordinary garden. It contains a small museum dedicated to Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Musical events and lectures are often held here and it is a center of active scholarship, an enclave of Harvard University. These areas do not form a coherent whole but, rather, reflect the interests of the donors. If you are drawn to landscaping, Byzantium, or the ancient Americas you should not miss Dumbarton Oaks. There is a good bookshop/gift shop. Opening hours are limited, so plan ahead.
5. National Museum of Women in the Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Founded in 1981 and opened in 1987, the National Museum of Women in the Arts is the only museum solely dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in the visual, performing and literary arts. The museum's collection features 4,500 works from the 16th century to the present created by more than 1,000 artists, including Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo, Alma Thomas, Lee Krasner, Louise Bourgeois, Chakaia Booker and Nan Goldin, along with special collections of 18th-century silver tableware and botanical prints. NMWA is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., In a landmark building near the White House.
Reviewed By jaseaton - Silver Spring, United States
We love this museum. They have a small but sensational gift shop which celebrates a mix of beautiful art objects and tstotchkes with liberal feminist attitude and humor (two things that don’t always go together). They had a special exhibit of Judy Chicago’s work on meditations about her own (and the planet’s) death. Not my favorite show of hers, but always worth seeing. The staff are friendly and helpful. The displays are easy to take in in an afternoon. And they have special events such as Sunday brunches once a month and weddings many weekends.
6. U.S. National Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 670 reviews
Established in 1927 by an Act of the United States Congress, this national treasure contains 446 acres of fabulous flora and fauna and is especially known for its Asian, azalea and conifer collections.
Reviewed By PeninaPaula - Jerusalem, Israel
We spent several hours wandering around the National Arboretum and meandering along its colorful paths. The azalea grove was in full bloom (May) and the reds, pinks and oranges all mingled in wild bursts of color. There were majestic stands of trees (such as State Tree grove), and well-manicured gardens of all kinds - herb garden, rose gardens, and a Japanese garden. Be prepared to do a fair amount of walking to see as much as possible, but it is all within easy reach.
7. Enid A. Haupt Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
This garden displays elaborate geometric designs.
Reviewed By MMMH - Dungarvan, Ireland
We happened upon this beautiful garden by complete chance. What an amazing place to visit! There are a number of entrances so you can walk parallel to the footpath along Independence Ave. It is a complete oasis in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. What a lovely surprise.
8. National Museum of Health & Medicine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
This museum, created after the Civil War, has several exhibits displaying gruesome injuries from the battlefield and detailing some of the medical techniques used.
Reviewed By ergneb - Norwalk, United States
We did not have a docent with us and just toured on our own. Small and out of the way, but definitely worth seeing. Free admission, Free parking on site. Exceptionally well done. The museum is immaculate, restrooms as well. Soooo interesting. Only three galleries. However, for the very squeamish I would say be prepared. Some of the exhibits were very graphic and they have real specimens of body parts. I found it all fascinating!
9. The Phillips Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,392 reviews
"Americas First Museum of American Art" boasts a collection of over 2,500 19th and 20th-century masters, both American and European, including Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Manet, OKeefe and more.
Reviewed By Nutmeg2003 - Washington DC, United States
This 2 story private home expanded its space to add a larger 3 story exhibit area for its wonderful collection and visiting exhibitions some years ago. Is the tale apocryphal of a fellow from Germany bringing his girlfriend to DC to propose to her in front of Renoir's The Boating Party? It's believable, as the painting beguiles viewers. The current exhibition of Nabi artists: From Bonnard to Vuillard, will soon end, but there's always another worth seeing. I'm most intrigued by the Impressionist art, so well curated, but go to the website to see more of the permanent collection. If you can grab a ticket for a Sunday concert in the music room, by a wonderful traveling quartet, the acoustics in the main house are amazing. Just off Dupont Circle, this museum is special even in DC, where museums abound.
10. Folger Shakespeare Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
The Shakespearean collection at the Folger Library the worlds largest is only open to the more qualified researcher, but theres still plenty to see, like gardens, Renaissance art and an Elizabethan theater.
Reviewed By DavidTrip - Westchester County, United States
This is Library is dedicated to Shakespeare and in the heart of DC, right near the Library of Congress and the Capitol. The theater is absolutely gorgeous and intimate. There is also a library and portraits. We saw a production of Antony and Cleopatra and were blown away by the quality of the production and how wonderful and intimate the theater was. If you like Shakespeare, this is a great place to visit.
