Alternative Washington D.C. Sights That Are Not The Capitol

Alternative Washington D.C. attractions are a pull for guests to the nation’s capital and these hold their own special allure depending on your interests and willingness to travel the city.

There are so many fun things to do in D.C. that are not the Capitol or Mall. Click To Tweet

I write this in November 2020 just after the U.S. Presidential elections and boy, is the atmosphere electric! D.C. will be THE destination come January 2021, and I remember my weekender to the capital city in early fall.

The pandemic gives us the travel itch and since it’s not imperative to hop on an international flight for no reason other than to show off, I engage in local travel and re-discover the beauty of New York State. My D.C. weekender is a chance to take advantage of cheap Amtrak prices and ride in comfort along the Northeast corridor, and I enjoy that experience.

Anyhoo, let’s explore alternative Washington D.C. attractions to safely experience this pandemic period.

 

#National Portrait Gallery

This is not usually on tourists’ whirlwind tour of the capital but it should be for classic and contemporary art lovers alike. It is here that you see the famous portraits of President Obama and First Lady Michelle, plus portraits of past U.S. Presidents, notable activists and civil rights leaders.

My favourite part of the gallery is the contemporary art section which is exactly what it says on the tin. It is not just paintings, but digital and interactive art, textile and gold thread portraits, hi-tech art displays and so much more. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering and aah-ing over everything but 2 hours should do it well.

We’re still in pandemic times so there are free timed-entry passes and social distancing guidelines but that does not stop you from getting lost in historical and modern art and artifacts. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11.30a to 7p and is on 8th and G St NW.

 

#Alternative Washington D.C. Attractions: Sculpture Park

This is another hidden D.C. gem near the Navy Archives and it is definitely unique in its art displays. Part of the National Gallery of Art, the sculpture park is host to large, abstract sculptures by numerous designers.

There are free timed passes for entry to the West building to view paintings but if the giant scupltures are more your interest, roam the garden for free and be done by 4pm.

 

#Tudor Historic Home

I absolutely adore historic homes and always visit one whenever I travel so D.C. is no exception. Tudor Home is one of a few to open their grounds during the pandemic – with safety guidelines in force – although the main house remains closed till further notice.

In beautiful and historic Georgetown, Tudor Home was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants and the enslaved people who served them (you didn’t think you could escape the legacy of slavery here, did you??). The last members to live here were the Peter family before the property was turned over to the government in the last century.

The gardens are vast and in bloom 24/7/365 with flower varieties in its perfectly manicured box garden, a 200 year old poplar and a Sago palm…but wait, there’s more! Behind the main house is a smokehouse that was once manned by an enslaved man; over the decades, it morphs into dog kennels, then a garage for the age of the motorcar. Now, it’s a sort of garden repository for flowers and shrubs.

There is so much history at Tudor Home and any history nerd will enjoy this bigly. The gardens are also large and quiet enough for you to sneak a couple of pictures or read a book without distraction. Definitely a change from tourist D.C.

Reserve your tickets here

#Alternative Washington D.C. Attractions: Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy in Georgetown is a 27 acre managed estate created by Beatrix Farrand, the only female founding member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and is an oasis of calm in the capital city.

Its heyday was full of meadows and other natural landscape attractions that evoke country life nostalgia, but over the decades, maintenance wanes with budget cuts. It is currently managed by the National Parks Service but Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy carries out restoration projects.

Dumbarton Oaks also has a museum specializing in collections of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art, Renaissance art and furniture available for browsing in its Music Room.

Seasonal times abound so always verify days and hours before heading to Dumbarton Oaks but the garden is open for the regular season from March 15 through October 31, except on federal holidays.

 

#Georgetown

We read of Tudor Home and Dumbarton Oaks historic homes in Georgetown… but what is Georgetown? Georgetown is D.C.’s oldest neighbourhood since 1750s, established before the capital city itself, and is a charming cobble stone, brick and row house city within a city.

Get lost ambling cobble alleys, peek at the canal – yes, there is one – shop independent businesses, dine delicious, bike, canoe, paddle board, and walk the waterfront for a day or weekend of unadulterated fun and relaxation. From Georgetown, catch a water taxi to Old Town Alexandria in Virginia or to District Wharf, a beautiful upcoming D.C. waterfront development complete with hotels, boats, restaurants, and seasonal events.

There is no Metro stop for Georgetown so access this neighbourhood by Uber, bike, train, automobile and ferry for an alternative Washington D.C. attraction.

 

#Alternative D.C. Attractions: Navy Yard

This is a true hidden D.C. gem as I know D.C. residents that do not know about it or have never been to the Navy Yard. This might be because of its colourful past: prior to outdoor restaurants and waterfront bars present in the area today, the Navy Yard was a “no go” area for residents and visitors alike.

Enter in gentrification and redevelopment, it is home to the Washington Nationals, craft breweries, luxury condos, biergardens, and every Millennial stereotype business you can dream up. That said, it is beautiful in summer sitting under parasols, nursing several cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The only drawback to the area is the lack of shade trees which is a requirement for when that summer sun hits.

#Georgetown Waterfront Park

This is not exactly a hidden gem but to D.C. newbies, it is a respite from the touristy parts of the city. It is accessible via Circulator bus and metro but if you’re heading for any of the brunch parties dressed to the nines, Uber is it. Lol.

The zen Potomac River view, fountain, and sight of The Kennedy Centre are a soothing balm. There are benches for leisurely rest and and relaxation and on this day in early fall, the sights and sounds of pop music and a masked brunch party filled the warm air.

There is more to Georgetown Waterfront than its pretty face; peruse its founding and history from 1750s till present.

#Alternative D.C. Attractions: Embassy of Sweden Event Centre

This is a pleasant surprise to stumble upon on the Georgetown waterfront. The Embassy of Sweden event centre – House of Sweden – holds exhibitions here often and I happen to pass at the right time. The centre boasts a panoramic view of the Georgetown waterfront and its design is classic Scandi architecture: minimalist.

Exhibitions are on Sweden’s sustainability culture, women’s rights, equality, minimalist designs, and futuristic innovations, and it is very informative. House of Sweden holds events regularly so verify availability before heading out. Still, all will not be lost as you take in the waterfront views.

#The REACH Kennedy Centre

The Kennedy Centre is where D.C. elites and political class hobnob for arts events but for us mere mortals, proximity to the ruling class can be *accessed* at The REACH. If you’re on the prowl for a Hill guy or girl, this might be one of those spots… don’t quote me lol.

For a relaxing experience, chill at Victura Park with its outdoor seating, Pavillon cafe, ground art forms, and clean line architecture. Bring your own picnic – excluding alcohol – sup on the grass and revel in old school blues and jazz wafting from speakers.

Reach The REACH via a leisurely walk from the Georgetown waterfront or just Uber it for convenience.

#Alternative Washington D.C. Attractions: U Street

The 14th Street corridor cutting through U Street is home to a thriving Black American community. Once upon a time, it was home to the Jazz greats and civil rights names, now it is a mixed neighbourhood culture for food, history, dining and entertainment.

Must see and do sights in the U Street area are:

• Black lives themed murals and beautiful street art.
• Nourish spent calories at Ben’s Chili Bowl.
• Snag handcrafted and sustainable home goods from Salt & Sundry
• Catch an event at Lincoln Theatre and,
• Relax at Meridian Park cascading fountain with drum circle.

I use good ol’ Google maps to navigate my way and discover interesting spots but nothing beats just walking and experiencing neighbourhoods in the moment. Get to U street on the D.C. metro and begin!

 

#Alternative Washington D.C. Attractions: Union Market

Looking for a foodie and culture experience far away from the maddening crowd? Union Market District is it. Opened in February 1931, meat, fish and dairy sold in this large and airy terminal. Alas, the city bans outdoor sale of meat and dairy in 1962 essentially killing the market. Over two decades, merchants leave the crumbling buildings and downtrodden area for more modern facilities and the area is abandoned.

Fast forward to revitalization of the area in the past decade to include luxury condos, cultural experiences, shops, and you can still see remnants of the area’s past in boarded up industrial buildings. Give it a couple of years and they will be unaffordable luxury condos.

Access here via Metro at NoMa stop and walk 5 mins to Union Market stopping to view amazing murals on the way. Inside, munch your way through District Doughnuts with the most amazing names like Chocolate Creme Brulee, eat hearty meals at Immigrant Foods, ramen shops, a butcher’s, and Fish Wife for fresh seafood and sandwiches made with fresh shrimps and salmon.

Another delicious food hall just across Union Market is La Cosecha, a Latin American casual dining establishment with restaurants like Destino and Cafe Unido. Union Market area is really chill and easy to navigate with great food and drink options so put this on your D.C. travel list.

If you know NYC well, think of how DUMBO and Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Meatpacking District in Manhattan once were – heavily industrial and full of warehouses. Now, they are pricey waterfronts with high end condos; Meatpacking has the popular Chelsea Market, High Line and Standard hotel. Similarly, Union Market District reminds me of Industry City in Brooklyn with its art scene, events, and food halls.

I enjoy the ambience here compared to regular downtown D.C. tourist establishments.

#Alternative Washington D.C. Attractions: Embassy Row

Last, but not least, alternative Washington D.C. attraction to experience is not an event or exhibition. It is Embassy Row in uber affluent Kalorama Heights, lined with stately and palatial Federal and Colonial style architecture that are now embassies, consulates and ambassadorial homes.

Each property has its history and you can tell by winding driveways, wrought iron gates and country flags that a certain kind of people live here: the diplomat kind. I enjoy walking the neighbourhood and putting my geography knowledge to the test by guessing country flags.

Interesting sights in Kalorama Heights are:

• President Woodrow Wilson House complete with original furniture.
• The Phillips Collection Modern Art Museum.
• Spanish Steps with a fountain ideal for any picture-taking plans.

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So… if you’re planning a D.C. trip anytime, don’t forget to explore these alternative D.C. attractions for a different kind of swamp experience. Check out this D.C. Reel for a taste.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve done some of these and see you on the social streets!

 

*Musings and Adventures is an Amazon affiliate and Get Your Guide partner*

 

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