GROUPON GUIDE TO BOSTON

10 Unique, Cool Things to Do in Washington DC

BY: Andy Seifert |May 30, 2018

Washington DC is known for its classical monuments and its collection of world-class Smithsonian museums. But what if you've done all those, and want to find some unique things to do in Washington DC? Can the Nation's Capital provide entertainment not made of marble?

Turns out, yes! Here are the top ten cool things to do in Washington DC:

1. Sip Champagne & Find 70 Secret Doors at the O Museum

Get an O Museum Champagne Tour deal here (starting at $18.50)

This 19th-century 100-room mansion—named a "hidden gem" by Washingtonian magazine—simply begs to be explored. Not only is the former FBI hideout now rife with pop-culture memorabilia, including the East Coast's largest private signed guitar collection (with guitars from Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Les Paul, and Bruce Springsteen), it has also 70 secret doorways leading to hidden paintings, sculptures, and more.

2. Sail Past Monuments...on a Pirate Ship

Get a Boomerang Pirate Ship deal here (starting at $16)

You've likely seen handsome sailboats and yachts on the Potomac. But maybe that's not your style, in which case, can we recommend a ride on a Boomerang Pirate Ship? This double-decker boat features a chest full of treasure, a bar if you'd like to grab a drink, and views of the nation's capital before you inevitably go and loot the National Archives.

3. Catch a Fly Ball at a Potomac Nationals Game

Get a Potomac Nationals deal here (starting at $8)

Head just outside the city to Woodbridge to see the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Washington Nationals. A Potomac Nationals game draws fans eager to see the big league squad's future stars, plus you can usually grab a seat much closer to the game than at Nationals Park.

4. Take a Distillery Tour at Jos. A Mangus & Co

Get a distillery tour deal here (starting at $10.50)

Jos. A. Magnus & Co. isn't just another ho-hum whiskey manufacturer. The company dates back to 1892 and quickly became of the country's most-popular pre-Prohibition producers of whisky, gin, and other spirits. But the company had to shut down for Prohibition, and it wasn't until 2015 that the original founder's great-grandson decided to re-create those original recipes. Taste spirits nearly 100 years in the making on this tour.

5. Learn How to Sew at Laurianda Clothing Co.

Get a basic sewing class deal here (starting at $54)

What better spot to learn how to sew than at an actual clothing company? Laurianda Clothing Co. creates contemporary, playful women's clothing, including dresses and skirts. They call it "girly girl clothes for girly ladies." But when you learn the basic know-how and expert tips of sewing, you can craft your own clothes using whatever aesthetic you choose.

6. Step into History at the Woodrow Wilson House

Get a Woodrow Wilson House deal here (starting at $11.50)

Even if you don't know (or care to know) anything about former president Woodrow Wilson, you can't help but be charmed by his Georgian Revival mansion, complete with an extensive library, a grand staircase, and a garden-adjacent solarium. But while you're here, do learn a little about the 28th president, who retired here after leading the country into World War I and subsequently helping form the League of Nations.

7. Create Your Own Lotion at Koche

Get a lotion making workshop deal here (starting at $22)

Koche specializes in crafting all-natural, organic lotions that forgo the weird chemicals you often find in cosmetic products. Best yet, you get to create your own, customizing each body cream so that it features the most delightful smell you can conceive.

8. Express Yourself at Monet Gogh Sip

Get a BYOB Paint & Sip deal here (starting at $25)

Ever wanted to create your own, possibly better, version of Starry Night or Water Lilies? If you have, this BYOB paint and sip class from Monet Gogh Sip is where you should direct your easel. Ideal for a date with an artistically thoughtful friend, Monet Gogh Sip lets you unleash your creativtity while your peers encourage you and experts guide you. Plus, you can drink!

9. Ride in an Exotic Super Car at TSMP Exotics

Get a TSMP Exotics test car deal here (starting at $30)

If your search for cool things to do in Washington DC doesn't expand to nearby Laurel, you'll miss out on TSMP Exotics: Ultimate Test Drive at the race track in Laurel Park. Here you can strap into a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, then either take the wheel or ride-a-long with a experienced driver as you careen down the straightaways and handle the turns at a professional autocross track. Pair this with the sewing class for one insane afternoon.

10. Catch a Flick...at a Drive-In in the Valley

Get a Family Drive-In Theatre deal here (starting at $19)

One of the coolest things to do in Washington DC at night is...not exactly in Washington DC. It's the Family Drive-In Theatre out in the Shenandoah Valley, but it's well worth the drive. Opened in 1956, it's the place to find car speakers on poles and hear classic tunes from yesteryear. Oh, and to catch a new film.


RELATED READS:


jefferson monument An Insider's Guide to Washington, DC's National Mall

Learn how to avoid the crowds and explore the National Mall like a pro with this guide.

maine coast Things to Do on the East Coast: The Best in All 13 States

From Maine to Virginia, these are the No. 1 activities in each East Coast state.

BY:

Deals on Activities

Ultimate Movie Night—AMC Yellow Tickets or AMC Ticket + Snack Combos (Save up to 30%)
AMC: Yellow Tickets & Snacks – Experience big-screen magic Anytime!
3111 K Street Northwest, Washington1.5 mi
4.7
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
4,236 ratings
$7.99 $5.99
25% discount_off
$5.03 with_code SHOWTIME
AMC Theatres
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour on July 12 at 6:45 p.m.
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder - Up To 59% Off
7800 Cellar Door Dr., Bristow
$49 $20
59% discount_off
250+ bought
Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder The Brotherhood of Rock Tour
Experience Perch Putt's Rooftop Mini Golf Course for Up To Four People with 18 Holes, Up To 31% Off
Play 18 Holes of Mini Golf for Up To Four on a Rooftop Course
1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons9.6 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
221 ratings
$34 $25
26% discount_off
$20 with_code GROUPON
Perch Putt
Save 40% on All Regal Movie Cinema Tickets for any Movie, plus Discounted Popcorn and Snacks!
Regal Premiere Movie Tickets for One, Two or Four for Movie Magic!
701 7th Street Northwest, Washington0.8 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
21,775 ratings
$7.79 $6.88
12% discount_off
Regal
Two Hours of Bowling for Two, Four, or Six at AMF Bowling, Includes Free Shoe Rental (Up to 71% Off)
Up to 71% Off Bowling with Shoe Rental Included at AMF Bowling
4717 St. Barnabas Rd. SE, Temple Hills6.8 mi
4.8
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
95,909 ratings
$60 $23
62% discount_off
AMF Bowling
Save up to 50% on up to 6 NYC Attractions—Empire State, MoMA, Statue of Liberty, Cruises, Sightseeing & more!
New York Explorer Pass by Go City: Save 50% on up to Top 6 Attractions
1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
4.5
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
23,268 ratings
$89 $84.55
5% discount_off
$80.32 with_code GOCITY5
Go City - New York Explorer Pass
Uncover D.C. After Dark: 10+ Stops & Iconic landmarks in a 3-Hour Night Bus Tour (Up To 26% Off)
Uncover D.C. After Dark: 10+ Stops & Iconic landmarks in a 3-Hour Night Bus Tour (Up To 26% Off)
1200 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington0.7 mi
4.9
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-full icon
icon-half icon
854 ratings
$69.98 $55.98
20% discount_off
$44.78 with_code GROUPON
Rsn Tour Bus