Introduction
Washington, D.C., and Washington State – two entirely different destinations with a lot more in their commonality than their name. The District of Columbia is teeming with national monuments and museums, while the Evergreen State is full of beautiful nature experiences. However, both have amazing hidden gems that not typical tourists would seek out. This guide will show the unique and offbeat experiences in both Washingtons which are examples of what makes each special in its own way. Whether you’re a local that is looking for something new and exciting or a traveller wanting something authentic, the unique things to do in Washington will create lifelong memories much beyond a sightseeing experience.
Washington, D.C Off the Beaten Path
Unique things to do in D.C. for Young Adults
The capital city offers much more than political monuments and national museums. For young adults who are looking to experience the real heartbeat of the city:
Neighbourhoods of Shaw and Adams Morgan: The lively neighbourhoods of Shaw and Adams Morgan show many eclectic sides of D.C. You will find District street art, funky boutique shops, sidewalk cafés, and an extensive diversity of dining options. In Shaw you can “check out the Howard Theatre, which opened in 1910 in and around the Shaw neighbourhood, which has produced such legends as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. Adams Morgan buzzes with activity at night with everything from rooftop bars and neighbourhood dining options to every cuisine representing over 100 countries.
The Wharf: This historic waterfront neighbourhood is a fun blend of entertainment, dining, and recreation. Enjoy live events at The Anthem, a state-of-the-art concert hall, or enjoy sipping cocktails at Cantina Bambina, a floating bar overlooking the Potomac River. Rent a kayak and paddle around Washington Channel to experience D.C. at sunset.
Secret Places in Washington, D.C.
Outside the conventional locales, there are fascinating venues that provide alternative experiences of the capital:
- Museum of the Palestinian People: This lesser-known cultural centre has several opening exhibits, including “Gaza Remains the Story”, which provide an introduction to Palestinian history, art, and culture. The intimate space is an interesting contrast to the much larger Smithsonian Museums.
- Dupont Underground: This former trolley station offers 75,000 square feet of art installations, performances and events in a subterranean space. The former trolley station’s underground platforms and tunnels offer an atmospheric setting to engage with an alternative D.C. culture.
- Mansion on O Street: This odd museum/hotel is four floors of over 100 rooms, secret passageways, and themed rooms with funny trinkets. They have over 70 secret doors between the rooms. This is like a real-life escape room experience. Not only can you explore an interesting museum, but you can actually spend the night!
Seasonal and Upcoming Events
Washington, D.C. is alive with seasonal events that highlight the city’s multicultural fabric:
- Anacostia River Festival: a celebration of local communities through art, music, and environmental activities, highlighting the renewal of this historic river.
- Eisenhower Memorial Stargazing: Join some amateur astronomers at this modern memorial for narrated nights under the stars and gain a new perspective of the city and its lit monuments.
- Cultural DC: Check their calendar often for pop-up art installations and performances that transform temporary city spaces – from empty shopfronts to public parks – into creative platforms.
Washington State: Hidden Gems and Unique Activities
Strange Attractions Found in Washington State
So many oddities exist across the Evergreen State, so many, in fact, that it is sometimes good just to explore!
Giant Shoe Exhibit in Seattle: The Giant Shoe Exhibit is located inside Pike Place Market. This neat little one-wall exhibit touts a goofy assortment of oversized shoes, including the biggest boots in the world. Put your quarters in the peep-show type displays for a look at these strange objects!
Hoh Rainforest: Enter what feels like another world in one of the largest temperate rainforests in America. The Hall of Mosses trail takes you right into the heart of this rainforest, with ancient trees covered in emerald moss making you feel like you are in a fairytale. The unique combination of sound or better described as the absence of sound has contributed to its recognition as one of the quietest places in the continental US.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park: Wonder at the surreal landscape where ancient trees have turned to stone. This geological phenomenon has one of the most diverse groups of petrified wood in North America, with over 50 different species identified. The visitor centre has polished cross-sections of sunlight patterns of 15-million-year-old fossils revealing the rich detail preserved within.
Secret Places in Washington State
Some of Washington’s most amazing moments dwell in many of Washington’s least-travelled places:
The Wreckage in Ocean Park: This strange historic log house constructed entirely of salvaged shipwreck materials represents the triumph of resourcefulness. All around the property is a collection of driftwood sculptures that seem to belong to the land.
Matia Island: This 145-acre island in the San Juan archipelago is only accessible by private boat and only allows a few campers at a time. The island has a reputation as the home of the “Hermit of Matia Island” and has old-growth trees and isolated coves where seals and porpoises can be spotted.
Maryhill Stonehenge: This complete replica of England’s stone circle was built as a memorial to World War I veterans. Located on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, it offers superb photo opportunities, a surreal scene, and amazing views, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Things to Do in Washington State This Weekend
For spur-of-the-moment outings around Washington State:
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: If you’re in the area in April, you can’t miss out on the spectacular sight of millions of tulips blooming over hundreds of acres. In addition to the tulips, the festival will include art shows, wine tasting, and scenic bicycle rides through the beautiful fields of tulips.
Olympic National Park Adventures: With rainforests, mountains, and coastal beaches, this expansive ecosystem has something for everyone. Hike Hurricane Ridge for some of the best views possible, soak in the Sol Duc Hot Springs, and explore tide pools at Ruby Beach—all in just one weekend.
San Juan Islands Kayaking: Paddle the calm waters surrounding the beautiful San Juan Islands while looking for the famous resident orca pods known to frequent the area. Most tour operators provide camping gear options and overnight camping on remote beaches for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Things to Do in Washington State in March
With the arrival of spring, Washington State offers opportunities unique to a change of season.
Cherry Blossom Viewing: Washington D.C. gets all the notoriety, but Washington State is home to some of the most magnificent cherry blossom displays. The UW campus in Seattle and Point Defiance Park have amazing spring blooming decorations with little to no one around.
Rialto Beach Adventure: March happens to be the best month for storm watching on the Olympic Peninsula with atmospheric views along the beach. The crashing waves and sea stacks add to the dramatic scenery, while the reveal of treasures and Japanese glass floats washed ashore adds to the beachcombing excitement.
Wooden Boat Festivals: Various communities celebrate their maritime culture. Take in all the handcrafted vessels and demonstrations in Port Townsend, along with boat races and workshops pertaining to traditional wooden boat construction and the long history of the area.
Things to Do in Washington State Today
For those looking to jump into adventure right now, Washington has a lot of ways to do this spontaneously
- Amazon Spheres in Seattle: These three connected glass domes hold over 40,000 plants from over 30 countries to create an urban rainforest right in the middle of downtown This space is mainly to be used as a workspace and meeting space for employees of Amazon, and you could get a community tour with advanced registration.
- Unexpected Productions Market Theatre: This theatre, located directly beneath Pike Place Market’s famous Gum Wall (which is an attraction as well), is home to an improvisational comedy show that guarantees that no two shows are ever the same. The interactive performance that includes the audience is different every night.
- McMenamins Olympic Club: This property seems to have it all – a movie theatre, pub, and hotel located in a 1908 building and, more recently, a property for prohibition smugglers. See a movie and enjoy craft beer and food delivered as you enjoy the movie while you explore this amazing piece of history: search for hidden rooms and passageways.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to visit Washington, D.C.’s offbeat attractions?
In spring (cherry blossom time) and fall, the weather is the best for travelling, but winter can be a great time to discover D.C.’s hidden gems, as visitation is much lower. Many of D.C.’s museums and attractions will have special content during the off-season, and hotel prices drop dramatically.
How can I get to Washington State’s remote attractions without a car?
While car travel provides the most flexibility, there are multiple options for anyone travelling car-free. The Washington State Ferry service allows for travel between many coastal communities and islands. For Olympic National Park and other parks there are tour companies offering day trips from Seattle with transportation provided, like Evergreen Escapes and Tours Northwest.
Are there any completely out-of-the-ordinary lodging options in either location?
For sure! In D.C. there is the previously mentioned Mansion on O Street with the secret passages. In Washington state, they include treehouse resorts in the San Juan Islands, converted grain silos at Abbey Road Farm, several coastal light station lodging opportunities, and you can even spend the night in a real-live railroad caboose at the Iron Horse Inn.
What are some budget-friendly unique experiences that people can enjoy in these two places?
In D.C., a few examples would be to enjoy free performances at the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, to enjoy the less frequented gardens at the National Arboretum, or to join a free walking tour to enjoy street art in neighbourhoods like U Street. In Washington State, many of the natural wonders can be seen with only a transportation cost and perhaps a small park entrance fee. Farmers’ markets in many communities across the state are usually low cost, but that will give you an authentic local experience with some tastes.
How accessible are these unexpected attractions for visitors with mobility restrictions?
Accessibility of attractions may vary. In D.C., most museums and public spaces are legally required to be wheelchair accessible, but some historic buildings may have limitations. In Washington State, many state and national parks are developing various accessible trails and viewpoints. The Washington State Parks website can provide the accessibility information you need on each site, and some specialized tour operators like Wilderness Inquiry provide adaptive outdoor recreation experiences.
Conclusion
The two Washingtons reflect two dimensions of America—one a planned city of politics and power, and the other a diverse geographical tapestry of natural wonders. But both identify their true self in these unanticipated and offbeat experiences found beyond known attractions. When you divert off the pedestrian path for tourists, you’ll discover the authentic rhythm of this amazing place and build impolite memories that will outlast whatever you can capture in a photo or video of a famous landmark.
Whether you are walking through an underground art space in D.C. or standing amidst ancient petrified trees in eastern Washington State, you will find these experiences connect the ongoing story of places that continue to evolve and surprise. Each visit will hold new opportunities of discovery in these vibrant areas that share not just a history of being called Washington but some of the most unexpected and awed obstacles to your travel.
