Non Touristy Things to Do in Washington

You might have ticked all the major attractions in Washington, DC, off your bucket list, but here are some non-touristy things you will enjoy. This city named after George Washington, America’s first president, has so much to offer if you look closely. Let us explore some of the non-touristy things you can do while you're in the city. 

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is part of National Park services and has more than 50 ponds that are filled with a variety of water lilies and lotus. This place is packed with many things, from aquatic gardens to beautiful dragonflies, butterflies, egrets, etc. Located in the middle of Washington, D.C., you will find this the only place devoted to water-loving plants. 

You will be mesmerized by the elevated boardwalk around the marsh and lovely trails around the ponds. Also, there are paved bike trails that are perfect. Even though it is located in the middle of the city, it has a unique deserted feel to it. 

Known for its rich cultural history, Kenilworth lies close to the Eastern Bank of the Anacostia River. For more than 4000 years, the area around this park has been home to people of different communities including Latin American people. It is considered one of the best places to connect with nature all year. 

Anderson House

If you're a fan of Beaux-Arts architecture, then this place should be on your list. At Anderson House, you can experience the opulence of Gilded Age Washington. Amidst American Independence, it was considered one of the most contemporary places of that time. It was completed in 1905 as a winter home for Larz Anderson and his wife, Isabel. A local newspaper even called it a "Florentine Villa". 

Built by Arthur Little and Herbert Browne of Boston, this 50-room mansion is undoubtedly one of their finest works. Here, you can find some of the greatest English paintings, Sculptures, French Furniture, and much more. It is adorned with carved wood walls, ornate iron staircases, and the most beautiful marble floors. This house is truly a work of art. 

Enid A. Haupt Garden

Enid A. Haupt Garden consists of three distinct gardens: The Parterre, The Moongate Garden, and The Fountain Garden. The design of each garden reflects the rich cultural influences celebrated in Smithsonian Castle. The Parterre is the centerpiece of Enid A. Haupt Garden. Different colored plants are laid out symmetrically and redesigned every few years. 

Credit: Sara Cottle/Unsplash

The inspiration for the moongate garden was the temple of heaven in Beijing, China. Water is the main feature of this garden along with granite. Rocks and water in China are symbols of the body of the earth and spirit. The reflection of water in this garden gives a magnificent view and makes it appear more significant than it actually is. 

Both the Moongate and Fountain Garden were designed by Jean Paul Carlhian. The inspiration for the Fountain Garden is the Court of the Lions at Alhambra, a Moorish Palace. It is an Islamic Garden with a central fountain and other water channels. If gardens have a special place in your heart, you will surely love this place.

National Japanese American Memorial

This memorial was built in honor of all Japanese Americans in World War II. This includes those who served in the United States Army and those who lived in the incarceration camps. The memorial comprises a still water pool that shines bright like a diamond at night. Along with that, on a dimensional granite, there are inscribed names of Japanese Americans who sacrificed their lives in World War II.

The most striking part of the memorial is the bronze sculpture, also known as Nina Akamu's Crane Sculpture. It depicts a picture of Japanese Cranes entangled in barbed wire as a representation of an integrated culture that was once torn. 

Barbie Pond on Avenue Q

Why visit the Smithsonian Institution when you can see the Barbie Pond on Avenue Q? This is one of the places with no age limits and indicates that Washington, DC, is more than suits and politics. Barbie Pond is located on private property, and the owner changes the theme every now and then. 

It's refreshing to see a place like this after observing the city's most beautiful gardens, museums, and other monuments. You will love how random and detailed this is. It also shows how creative and lively people are in Washington DC

If you are out for a small neighborhood walk, be sure to check out this place at 14th Street. A DC resident going out of their way to share this with the public is simply amazing. 

Logan Circle and Dupont Circle

Other examples of great neighborhoods are Logan Circle and Dupont Circle, both of which are located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Food lovers will love Logan Circle as it is home to some of the best restaurants. It takes you around 10-15 minutes to walk from Logan Circle to Dupont Circle. Also, there is a bus departing from P St NW+14 St NW that arrives at P St NW +18 St NW which takes around 5 minutes. It’s a must-visit area for the locals as well as tourists. 

Hidden Pond Nature Center

As the name suggests, this place is indeed hidden, and you must find it. It might be a hidden pond in a small neighborhood, but don't let it fool you; you can see more wildlife here than in any other bigger parks. Take a peaceful stroll around the clear pond and in the lush trails through the woods. Be dazzled by the many-colored display of gorgeous birds, butterflies, blue herons, chipmunks, and whatnot.

There is a small playground for children here, and the walking paths are both paved and unpaved. There is also a place for a picnic, and tables are set out. Also, you'll find a great covered area for picnics.

It is best to use the parking lot on the west side, where the tennis courts, playground, and nature center are located and can be accessed right away. Because the parking on the east side is limited, and that can leave you frustrated. If you want to spend some quality time with your family or by yourself, this place is for you. 

Bartholdi Park

You might have been visiting U.S. Botanic Gardens, which is a lovely place. But there is another small park located just across the street from the Botanic Garden, also known as the "secret" garden for the residents of Washington, D.C. It is a wonderful spot away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. You can unwind, eat lunch with peace, and relax here. 

The gardens will dazzle you with many kinds of plants and flowers, but the fountain is the star of the show. Being the center of Bartholdi Park, it is also famously known as the Fountain of Light and Water. Frederic Bartholdi, the creator of this fountain, is also the creator of the Statue of Liberty.

Also, the Bartholdi Gardens are huge stress relievers. There are many benches, chairs, and tables that offer shade in warmer seasons. And the most remarkable thing about this park is that it was redesigned in 2016 as a sustainable initiative.

Blind Whino SW Arts Club

This place is more than just an art club. It used to be a vintage Baptist church, now repurposed as an arts and performance center. If you are interested in this club, you should save some extra time for it because this place is hard to find but totally worth a visit!

It's a perfectly modern place for events. Even though it is located in a somewhat depressed area, it brings life and vitality to the place. It showcases local artists and has dance classes and workshops. 

The visiting hours are displayed on their website. And even if it's closed, it's worth walking over there and watching psychedelic designs and colorful murals all over the building. It's one of the true hidden gems to visit! 

And last but not least:

Union Market

There is nothing quite like the Union Market, a great food hall with so many options for food, including restaurants and small vendors. Mostly, it is famous for street food. It’s a must-visit located at 1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C.

Wrapping it up:

To wrap it all up, Washington DC has many visiting places to offer to tourists, but sometimes you want to visit places that are hidden or left unexplored. From aquatic gardens to fountain gardens, these destinations are waiting to make your trip a memorable experience.