Visitors to the nation’s capital flock to iconic attractions like the White House, National Mall and Smithsonian museums. However, if you get off the beaten path, you’ll find this compact 68 square mile district is teeming with hidden gems and underrated attractions. Follow this itinerary to uncover three of Washington D.C.’s best kept secrets.

Photo: Shaun Versey

1. International Spy Museum

Starting Point • History, Quirky

Start your tour at the International Spy Museum. Located just steps away from the National Mall, this fascinating museum is home to the largest collection of international espionage artifacts in the world. Immersive spaces and interactive exhibits allow you to adopt a cover identity and break codes so you can gain insight into spy life and the importance of intelligence in current events.

2. Dupont Circle

Drive 1.8 miles, 12 minutes • Food, History

Cruise through downtown D.C. for 10 minutes to reach the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Dupont Circle. Popular things to do here include visiting the Philips Collection (the country’s first modern art museum), exploring President Woodrow Wilson’s final home, letting your imagination soar at the National Geographic Museum and seeing dozens of foreign embassies along Embassy Row. Be sure to stop by Connecticut Avenue for world-class dining options and eclectic shops.

3. Tudor Place

Drive 1.6 miles, 8 minutes • Entertainment, History

Drive across Rock Creek and you’ll arrive at your last stop: Tudor Place. Nestled in charming Georgetown, this 5.5-acre estate was once home to George Washington’s descendants. Today, it is a National Historic Landmark that’s open for the public to explore. Journey into America’s past by gazing at the home’s exquisite neoclassical architecture, hearing family stories on a guided tour and peering at over 15,000 artifacts.