7 hidden secrets to uncover in Washington DC
In a nation of iconic landmarks, Washington DC really holds its own. From the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the White House to the Smithsonian museums lining the National Mall, the capital is a bingo card of must-see sights. For the curious traveller keen to scratch beneath the surface, the city has other hidden treasures from illuminated walkways to under-the-radar galleries. Here are seven that shine a different light on DC.
1: National Gallery of Art
See priceless works from around the world, including the only Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas. Another must-see is Multiverse by Leo Villareal, a moving walkway and art installation illuminated with thousands of twinkling LED lights. Experience the galleries in unique ways with a variety of events from guided tours and artmaking to performances and films. Outside, the Sculpture Garden changes with the seasons from Jazz in the Garden concerts in spring and summer to ice skating during winter.
2: National Museum of the American Indian
Devoted to celebrating the histories and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, this Smithsonian museum explores cultures from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. Housed in a building inspired by natural rock formations, the collections include traditional regalia and ceremonial objects, such as the eagle feather headdresses of the Plains tribes. Do have lunch in the Mitsitam Native Foods Café, which serves Indigenous dishes steeped in tradition and sustainability from buffalo chilli to fry bread.
3: Renwick Gallery
Smaller in scale, the Renwick Gallery, a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, showcases quirky American craft and decorative arts from the 19th century onwards. Known for its bold and contemporary exhibitions, one particular treat is WONDER, an immersive artwork of larger-than-life installations by nine leading contemporary artists. From a labyrinth of woven shredded tyres by Chakaia Booker to Maya Lin’s flood of green marbles representing the tides of Chesapeake Bay, it’s an otherworldly experience.
4: Floral Library
While the cherry blossoms of the Tidal Basin draw massive crowds each spring, few people know about the hidden Floral Library –also known as the Tulip Library– next door. Established in 1969 as part of First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson’s Capital Beautification Project, the gardens feature 93 flower beds, each planted with a different variety of flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. A quiet oasis away from the hustle of the National Mall, it’s the perfect place for a picnic.
5: Washington Monument Observatory
Piercing the skies above the National Mall, the 555-foot obelisk dedicated to the first US president is one of the most recognisable sights in the capital. Take the lift up to the Observatory Deck at the top for a birds-eye view of the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol.
6: Swan boat rides on the Tidal Basin
A man-made reservoir between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, the Tidal Basin is one of DC’s most popular areas thanks to its beautiful orchards of cherry trees and its proximity to the National Mall. While most visitors come to gaze at the Jefferson Memorial or stroll beneath the cherry blossoms, a pedal boat ride offers a different view of the city. For a whimsical appeal, rent a swan boat which comes with a small motor for an easier ride.
7: Enjoy local free festivals
DC has a packed festival calendar starting with the National Cherry Blossom Festival in spring. In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyogifted 3,000 trees to cement the friendship between the Japanese and American people. Each year, more than 1.5 million flock to the city to witness the gift in bloom. The summer welcomes DC JazzFest and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which brings together global musicians, storytellers and artisans on the National Mall.
Produced in partnership with Washington, DC & Visit the USA
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