We all know that DC is a tourist destination. That means that many of the fantastic places here are often crawling with tourists. So locals have needed to find their own favorite places, restaurants and getaways that aren’t buzzing with tourists. If you want to see an insider’s look at DC’s best places, here are the 12 best hidden destinations in DC! Don’t forget to click on the link to read the full article on each of these hidden spots.
- The Secret Garden
https://flic.kr/p/wU3vdG This beautiful spot is hidden behind one of the most famous DC destinations. You can stroll through the peaceful gardens and sit by the fountains to enjoy a serene day in the city.
Read the full article here Flickr/DC Gardens
- A Little Known Historic Conservancy
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy The Tregaron Conservancy is 20 acres of gardens, meadows and ponds completely hidden in the district. This gorgeous historic estate has a fascinating history and is one of the prettiest places in the city.
Read the full article here
- The Cool Tunnel That’s Now An Art Space
Facebook/Dupont Underground Bet you didn’t know that underneath Dupont Circle is one of the coolest art spaces in the city. Dupont Underground is an abandoned trolley station that has been transformed into an interactive art and design space.
Read the full article here
- A Little Known Natural Oasis
Flickr/Mr.TinDC If you want to avoid the crowds at the Botanic Gardens but still enjoy some nature, visit Kenilworth Gardens and Aquatics, a natural paradise that has some of the most beautiful lotuses and lilies.
Read the full article here
- The Hidden Castle
Flickr/grover massenburg Most people don’t realize there is a gorgeous historic castle right in the middle of the city that’s open to anyone. Heurich House, otherwise known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, is a stunning building that still features most of its original decor and is a perfect peek into the past.
Read the full article here
- The Hidden Island
Flickr/Andrew Turner Many locals don’t even know about Kingman and Heritage Islands, the two peaceful remote islands in Northeast DC. You have to walk across a wooden boardwalk bridge to be able to explore these fantastic islands.
Read the full article here
- The Remote Restaurant
Facebook/Masseria While not exactly “remote,” Masseria feels like it’s thousands of miles away from the city. The rustic restaurant is set behind a set of wooden walls and once you walk through them, you’ll swear you’ve traveled to an Italian villa and will be rewarded with a fantastic meal.
Read the full article here
- The Park No One Knows About
Flickr/NCinDC Most people walk by Constitution Gardens without ever experiencing how amazing it is. Just steps away from the National Mall and the most famous monuments, you would think this place would be crowded with visitors. But the gardens are one of the most peaceful and quietest places in DC.
Read the full article here
- The Coolest Activity You Didn’t Know About
Facebook/Escape Room Live DC Georgetown You can visit monuments and take tours and shop on Georgetown but if you want to have a real adventure and avoid lines, check out Escape Room Live in Glover Park or Georgetown for an unforgettable fun evening!
Read the full article here
- The Secret Beach
Yelp/Ted M. You don’t have to drive hours to get to the beach this summer! Leesylvania State Park is only hour outside of DC and will give you plenty of fun in the sun and sand this summer.
Read the full article here
- The Perfect Little Known Inn
Facebook/Goodstone Inn and Restaurant This picture perfect inn in Middleburg, Virginia, outside of DC is the ideal weekend getaway. This quiet and cozy destination will help you to relax in a stunning setting!
Read the full article here
- The Lavender Farm Hiding in Plain Sight
Facebook/Seven Oaks Lavender Farm Seven Oaks Lavender Farm is a breathtaking family owned farm that is only an hour outside of DC. It’s perfect for a summer day spent picking lavender and enjoying the scenery!
Read the full article here
Which of these hidden destinations will you be visiting soon?
This beautiful spot is hidden behind one of the most famous DC destinations. You can stroll through the peaceful gardens and sit by the fountains to enjoy a serene day in the city.
Read the full article here Flickr/DC Gardens
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy
The Tregaron Conservancy is 20 acres of gardens, meadows and ponds completely hidden in the district. This gorgeous historic estate has a fascinating history and is one of the prettiest places in the city.
Read the full article here
Facebook/Dupont Underground
Bet you didn’t know that underneath Dupont Circle is one of the coolest art spaces in the city. Dupont Underground is an abandoned trolley station that has been transformed into an interactive art and design space.
Read the full article here
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
If you want to avoid the crowds at the Botanic Gardens but still enjoy some nature, visit Kenilworth Gardens and Aquatics, a natural paradise that has some of the most beautiful lotuses and lilies.
Read the full article here
Flickr/grover massenburg
Most people don’t realize there is a gorgeous historic castle right in the middle of the city that’s open to anyone. Heurich House, otherwise known as the Brewmaster’s Castle, is a stunning building that still features most of its original decor and is a perfect peek into the past.
Read the full article here
Flickr/Andrew Turner
Many locals don’t even know about Kingman and Heritage Islands, the two peaceful remote islands in Northeast DC. You have to walk across a wooden boardwalk bridge to be able to explore these fantastic islands.
Read the full article here
Facebook/Masseria
While not exactly “remote,” Masseria feels like it’s thousands of miles away from the city. The rustic restaurant is set behind a set of wooden walls and once you walk through them, you’ll swear you’ve traveled to an Italian villa and will be rewarded with a fantastic meal.
Read the full article here
Flickr/NCinDC
Most people walk by Constitution Gardens without ever experiencing how amazing it is. Just steps away from the National Mall and the most famous monuments, you would think this place would be crowded with visitors. But the gardens are one of the most peaceful and quietest places in DC.
Read the full article here
Facebook/Escape Room Live DC Georgetown
You can visit monuments and take tours and shop on Georgetown but if you want to have a real adventure and avoid lines, check out Escape Room Live in Glover Park or Georgetown for an unforgettable fun evening!
Read the full article here
Yelp/Ted M.
You don’t have to drive hours to get to the beach this summer! Leesylvania State Park is only hour outside of DC and will give you plenty of fun in the sun and sand this summer.
Read the full article here
Facebook/Goodstone Inn and Restaurant
This picture perfect inn in Middleburg, Virginia, outside of DC is the ideal weekend getaway. This quiet and cozy destination will help you to relax in a stunning setting!
Read the full article here
Facebook/Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
Seven Oaks Lavender Farm is a breathtaking family owned farm that is only an hour outside of DC. It’s perfect for a summer day spent picking lavender and enjoying the scenery!
Read the full article here
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