10 Hidden Gems in Washington, DC You Can See in One Day

Washington, DC may be famous for the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian museums — but there’s a whole other side to the city that most visitors never see. If you’re just getting started, check out our guide to the 20 Best Sites to See in DC — then come back for these tucked-away treasures.

Want to skip the planning and see these spots in style? Join one of our Untold DC Tours and let a local guide handle all the details while you relax in a luxury SUV.

1. The Spanish Steps

   
   

   Formally named Decatur Terrace Steps and Fountain, the nickname is a reference to the Spanish Steps in Rome. Not in Spain, but in DC’s Kalorama neighborhood, these charming steps are a peaceful, romantic escape — especially in the early morning or at sunset.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Blind Whino / Culture House DC

   
   

   Built in 1886, this historic church building has been a gathering place for the community in Southwest DC for more than a century. A former church turned art space, this explosion of color and creativity is worth a detour. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits, events, and plenty of Instagram-worthy angles.

   
   

   

3. Theodore Roosevelt Island

   
   

   Accessible only by footbridge, Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown DC. Once overgrown farmland, it was transformed in the 1930s into a “real forest” memorial honoring America’s 26th president. Today, its wooded trails and marsh views celebrate Roosevelt’s legacy as a passionate outdoorsman and conservationist.

   

4. Congressional Cemetery

   
   

   Far from a typical tourist stop, this historic cemetery is the resting place of famous figures like FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, Civil Rights leader Mathew Brady (renowned Civil War photographer), and composer John Philip Sousa. You’ll also find war heroes, local notables, and even beloved pets. Seasonal tours and events add to its charm.

5. National Arboretum

   
   

   Established in 1927, the U.S. National Arboretum is a 446-acre public garden and research facility under the USDA, famous for its vibrant gardens and rare plant collections. It’s home to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum — the first museum in the world dedicated to the art of bonsai — and the striking National Capitol Columns, massive sandstone pillars that once supported the Capitol’s East Portico. A visit here blends history, art, and natural beauty in one serene setting.

6. The Exorcist Steps

   
   

   Built in 1895, the steep “Exorcist Steps” in Georgetown connect Prospect and 36th Streets with M Street, NW. Film fans know them from the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist, where Father Karras’s dramatic fall was filmed — with foam padding added for the stuntman’s safety. Today, a plaque marks the 75 steps as a D.C. landmark and a lasting piece of movie history.

   
   

   

7. The Old Stone House

   
   

   Also located in Georgetown, the Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, DC, dating back to 1765 when the area was still part of the British colony of Maryland. Preserved due to a mistaken belief that George Washington once stayed there, it now stands as a rare, unchanged example of colonial architecture. Today, this quiet landmark sits amid the bustle of M Street, offering a glimpse into the city’s earliest days.

   
   

   

   The house was the site of a car dealership but was purchased by the federal government purchased in 1953 and opened the house to the public in 1960.

8. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

   
   

   Located in Georgetown, Dumbarton Oaks is a Harvard University research institute, museum, and garden that feels like a European escape. Created by Robert and Mildred Bliss, the estate features world-class collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, along with lush historic gardens designed in collaboration with famed landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. It’s a serene blend of art, history, and horticulture in the heart of DC.

   

9. Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens

   
   

   Just steps from the Capitol, Bartholdi Fountain and Gardens is a two-acre oasis that most visitors overlook. Part of the U.S. Botanic Garden campus since 1932, it features a stunning 19th-century fountain surrounded by beautifully landscaped beds showcasing creative plant combinations in a variety of styles. It’s a peaceful retreat hidden in plain sight.

   
   

   

10. The Society of the Cincinnati & Anderson House (aka the "Cincinnati House")

    
    

    Located on Embassy Row, Anderson House — the headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati — is a stunning Beaux-Arts mansion built between 1902 and 1905 for diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife Isabel. The Society, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army, preserves the memory of the American Revolution. Today, the house is open to the public as a museum, showcasing Revolutionary War artifacts, portraits, and opulent period rooms.

    
    

    

See DC’s Best-Kept Secrets With a Local Guide

Want to explore these hidden gems without worrying about maps or parking? Join us on an Untold DC Tour — where you’ll see the famous sites and the secret spots that make the capital unforgettable.

Have something specific in mind? Contact us to create a custom DC experience and we’ll tailor an itinerary just for you.