With all iconic museums, monuments, and landmarks, D.C. is a mecca for any local or tourist looking to explore the U.S. capital’s fascinating culture and history. The problem? That usually means that other undiscovered attractions end up taking a back seat. But they’re no less worth visiting than the famed attractions. It’s time to give the hidden gems the attention they deserve. So, whether it’s your first, second, or 100th visit to D.C., make sure you add these buried treasures to your list!
Einstein Statue:
If you head to the National Academy of Sciences, you’ll discover none other than the famous scientist himself, Albert Einstein. We may call this one of the hidden gems of Washington, D.C., but it’s certainly not “hidden” at its towering 21 ft. size from head to toe!
The stylized bronze Einstein statue in D.C. by sculptor Robert Berks depicts the physicist resting on a bench holding papers that summarize three of his most important contributions to science – including his groundbreaking theory of relativity. At his feet sits an emerald pearl granite map of the universe embedded with more than 2,700 metal studs representing the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial objects as they were positioned on the day the statue was unveiled on April 22, 1979. But that’s not all there is to see with this hidden gem of Washington, D.C.! Head behind the statue, and you’ll discover three Einstein quotes about the grandeur of the world and social justice.
D.C. Vinyl Record Stores
As the popularity of streaming services and digital music purchases has grown over the past few decades, the intimate experience of sifting through vinyl has been all but forgotten. Not in D.C.! If you’re looking to drop a needle on some new music (or old favorites), you’ll lose yourself for hours at D.C.’s vinyl shops.
There are plenty of these hidden gems of Washington, D.C. – like Smash! Records. Nestled in Adams Morgan, this is your place to get your fix for everything rock n’ roll, from punk to hardcore. Fan of jazz, soul, or funk? Head to HR Records, one of the very few Black-owned record stores in the U.S. They’re home to jazz, R&B, funk, soul, rock, and tons more. And we could never forget Joe’s Record Paradise, a D.C. vinyl record store that lives up to its name with its immense collection featuring local artists, rare punk records, CDs, LPs, and more.
DC Spanish Steps
If you’re looking for another picture-worthy experience after visiting the D.C. Einstein statue, walk over to – then up – the Decatur Terrace Steps. Known as the Spanish Steps, this hidden gem of Washington, D.C., is situated in the Kalorama neighborhood. While they may seem out of place in the quiet, chic neighborhood, these steps were constructed to Linkatur Place and S St, which was deemed too steep.
What makes these stairs so unique? Designed by architect Robert E. Cook and modeled after Rome’s Piazza di Spagna, the stairs offer some atmospheric views for visitors. The DC Spanish Steps are surrounded by beautiful magnolias, oaks, and other flowering trees and feature a small lion-head fountain before you hit the brick terrace on S St. The entire atmosphere is so quietly enchanting, you’ll want to stay awhile to take in all of its breathtaking details.
Titanic Memorial
Another one of the hidden gems of Washington, D.C., is the Titanic Memorial. One of only five memorials in D.C. designed by a woman, this memorial honors those who sacrificed their lives to save women and children during the sinking of the RMS Titanic Apron il 15, 1912.
After raising enough donations for a memorial ten days after the ship sank, a competition was held for a monument design—the winner was Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, an artist and art collector. Name sound familiar? Whitney later founded the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York!
Symbolic of the heroism of the men who sacrificed their safety for women and children aboard the ship, the D.C. Titanic Memorial shows a robed figure with his arms confidently outstretched. Slightly smaller in stature than the D.C. Einstein statue, this memorial stands at around 15 feet.
This hidden gem of Washington, D.C., is tucked away in the Southwest Waterfront Park area near Fort McNair.
Blagden Alley/Naylor Court Historic District
Tucked in the Shaw neighborhood, Blagden Alley in D.C. isn’t just a hidden gem of Washington, D.C. – it’s a hidden world. Walk along the Blagden Alley and neighboring Naylor Court and check these off as you go:
- Sip on great coffee at La Colombe
- Satiate your appetite with mouthwatering eats at joints like Sundevich or Michelin-starred The Dabney (make your reservation first!)
- Toast with craft cocktails at Columbia Room
- Stop by the D.C. Alley Museum, an outdoor exhibition of colorful public art murals on garage doors and the sides of buildings
The best thing about this hidden gem of Washington, D.C.? You can spend an entire day strolling from one spot to the next!
Fun fact: Blagden Alley in D.C. was designated a historical site by the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, which means it has maintained its original, mid-to-late 1800s architecture!
Dig into D.C.
Whether you want to pay homage to the D.C. Einstein Memorial, dig into a few of the many vinyl record stores D.C. has to offer, or get a glimpse of the historic architecture of decades past, a treasure awaits you in the U.S. capital.
Explore the hidden gems of Washington, D.C., next time you’re in the DMV, and don’t forget to pay a visit to D.C.’s premier dispensary too!
Dispensary Near Me Presents at Capital Pride Festival
Join us for the Capital Pride Festival on Sunday, June 9 from 12pm – 7pm on Pennsylvania Ave. We have some exciting new merchandise we would love to giveaway. Be sure to stop by Booth # 441 in the Blue Zone. This isn’t just any fest; it’s a celebration of love, diversity, and all things fabulous!
We’ve got some exciting new merchandise that we’re itching to share with you! Swing by Booth #441 in the Blue Zone, and prepare to be dazzled. Get ready to paint the town rainbow!
