There are the normal things everyone will tell you to do when you are in DC: see the White House, go to the Air and Space Museum, hang out on The Mall, etc. But for locals, you’ve probably done all of that, more than once. If you are looking for something new and different to do in DC, try one of these ten unique attractions you might not have thought about doing in Washington DC.

1. Ride a horse in Rock Creek Park.
Yelp/Sahar R.
Did you know that deep in Rock Creek Park there’s a horse center? You can take a trail ride or get riding lessons, without even leaving the district!
2. See the stars at the United States Naval Observatory.
Flickr/Photo Phiend
The United States Observatory gives limited tours upon request. You can learn about the historic building and gaze though their telescope to see the stars and the moon up close.
3. Take a trapeze class at Trapeze School New York.
Yelp/Be C.
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying through the air or running away to join the circus, then Trapeze School New York is the place for you! You can find them at 1299 New Jersey Ave SE and book a class or several classes!
4. Get an adrenaline rush at Escape Room Live.
Yelp/Ria R.
Escape Room Live is the immersive real life mystery game where you and your team have to escape from a locked room. Perfect for team building or a fun night out with friends. They have a location in Glover Park and a new location opening soon in Georgetown.
5. See the roller derby.
Yelp/Douglas B.
The DC Rollergirls are the district’s women’s roller derby team. These rough and tumble bouts are fun to watch and you might even want to jump in on the action!

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6. Hear a Supreme Court oral argument.
Flickr/MitchellShapiroPhotography
Oral arguments in the Supreme Court are open to the public but seating is limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis. So get to the court early to see history!
7. Enjoy one of the best meals ever in a museum cafe.
Flickr/ilya_ktsn
Misitam Cafe in the National Museum of the American Indian is one of the best places to eat in the district! The cafe is split into different sections by different Native America regions and everything is delicious.
8. Discover local art at First Friday.
Flickr/art around
Experience creativity and art at the longstanding Dupont Circle tradition of First Friday Dupont. During the first Friday of every month, local galleries open up their doors and visitors can discover new artists, meet feel art lovers and enjoy dozens of galleries.
9. See the beautiful opulence of an old mansion.
Yelp/Richard J.
Anderson House, which is home to The Society of the Cincinnati is one of the city’s most fashionable mansions full of beautiful cultural artifacts and incredible decor. Best of all, it’s free to visit!
10. See the coolest piece of art outside of a museum.
Flickr/Brad Holt
The Awakening is a massive 72 foot sculpture at National Harbor that is embedded into the ground. This friendly giant is definitely worth seeing!

Show off more unique sides of DC at these 12 underrated places to take an out-of-towner!

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