Most tourists know Washington, D.C. for its iconic sites, such as the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Smithsonian museums. However, D.C. also has a quirky side. For those explorers looking to step off the well-worn tourist path, the nation’s capital has its fair share of offbeat destinations.
Most memorials inspire a quiet sense of respect and require visitors to stand back and contemplate from afar. However, the Albert Einstein Memorial lets you walk straight up to the over-sized statue of the world-famous scientist and sit right in his lap. Located in front of the National Academy of Sciences, the memorial is tucked away in a small grove of trees across the street from much more popular monuments, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Surrounding the statue is a mosaic of celestial bodies and several engraved quotes from Einstein himself.
The Albert Einstein Memorial
500 5th Street Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-334-2000
nasonline.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ABOUT_building_einstein_memorial
All things odd are on display at the Palace of Wonders. Part museum, part vaudeville show venue, part bar, this unusual destination is a far cry from the stoic Smithsonian. The Palace of Wonders seeks to preserve the vaudeville shows, freak displays and traveling carnival museums that millions of Americans watched for entertainment before the rise of film and television. Live burlesque shows take place on many nights. Visitors must be 21 or older to enter.
The Palace of Wonders
1210 H St. NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-398-7469
palaceofwonders.com
Dedicated to the art of espionage, the International Spy Museum showcases the stories of real-life spies from the United States and abroad. Visitors can explore the unusual history and development of espionage and see real-life artifacts used by spies. The collection is the largest of its kind in the world and features interactive displays and films to help engage visitors. General admission to the museum is $18 for adults. The museum also offers evening admission on Friday and Saturdays for $20.
International Spy Museum
800 F St. NW
Washington D.C. 20004
202-393-7798
spymuseum.org
The national capitol is hard to miss when visiting Washington, D.C.--it’s one of the country’s most iconic buildings, and it sits atop a large hill in the middle of the city. However, what many visitors don’t know is that several dozen columns were removed from the capitol in the 1950s and replaced. The removed columns now sit in the National Arboretum, surrounded by trees and meadows. In this setting, the columns appear to be the unusual ruins of some long-forgotten Greek temple. Visitors can walk right up to the columns and see the detailed craftsmanship, as well as marks from the initial quarrying.
The National Capitol Columns
3501 New York Ave., NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-245-2726
usna.usda.gov/Gardens/collections/columns.html
