5 hidden gems in Washington D.C.

From the Lincoln Memorial to the White House – there are loads landmarks and cultural sites in Washington D.C. that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. But after you’ve taken the tour and snapped the obligatory pictures, head to the city’s best kept secrets – here’s our list of five hidden gems you should hit up next time you visit the US capital.

1. Gravelly Point Park

Just steps from the airport’s runway, Gravelly Point Park is the perfect place for watching planes land and take off all afternoon. Oh, and there’s an awesome view of the city’s skyline  as well – perfect for sunsets.

2. Eastern Market

Experience all corners of the world at this food and art market in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Enjoy some fresh snacks made of local produce and pick up a few knick knacks for your friends back home – from Indonesian jewelry to French lace.

3. Potomac Cruise

Catch the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from the shores of the the Potomac River on one of the many river cruises on offer. Take one of the last departures to catch the city’s most famous sites light up as the sun goes down.

4. Ted’s Bulletin

Enjoy an afternoon snack at this place for a taste of America’s favorite pastime – the milkshake. Enjoy a classic vanilla shake topped with a cherry or try a frozen treat of vanilla mixed with cinnamon doughnut.

5. Marian Koshland Science Museum

Head to the Marian Koshland Science Museum for a hands-on, learn-a-ton, so-much-fun experience – from figuring out how to solve global warming to experiencing what it’s like to get older.

Image by Basheer Tome, Flickr / Creative Commons