When you imagine a school trip to Washington, D.C., the classics come to mind: the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian Museums. Those landmark stops are key to any educational itinerary, sure, but there’s an entire part of D.C. that goes largely unrecognized — and that’s where the magic is.
Tossing a few lesser-known stops into the mix can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. These surprises offer opportunities to learn something new, and give your students a way to interact with the world beyond what’s written on the page.
The Albert Einstein Memorial
Located just off the beaten path next to the National Academy of Sciences, this larger-than-life statue of Albert Einstein is both a fun photo op and an educational experience. Students can pose next to Einstein’s bronze effigy, which is positioned amid a star map carved into the ground. It is a moment of a scientist and historian and a moment simply of curiosity — minus the crowds.
The U.S. National Arboretum
Want to take a much-needed break from fast-moving sightseeing? The National Arboretum is a peaceful, expansive spot with miles of gardens and trails, as well as the original columns from the Capitol Building. With both the fresh air (literally) and a rare opportunity to show students the beauty of trees in the city, while also staying on theme education-wise.
The National Postal Museum
Hidden right by Union Station, this unheralded museum frequently amazes kids and adults alike. Through interactive displays of mail delivery through the years — from stagecoaches and airplanes to a re-created railway mail car — the museum lets visitors see, up close, how the history of communication is the history of America. And it’s hardly ever crowded, which makes for a more manageable experience.
The DEA Museum
For those with niche interests, these two lesser-known federal spots are both fun and educational. Discover law enforcement history and public health at the DEA Museum, or watch how U.S. currency is made from beginning to end.
These side trips aren’t a substitute for those big-name destinations — they complement them. And they tend to be the part students recall the most because they’re surprising and interactive. As a group leader, you can make the D.C. trip too much fun by adding just one of two of these places to your schedule. They have been a repeat rave for the groups we’ve seen here year in, year out. Need a hand crafting the ultimate itinerary, mixing classic sites with unforgettable hidden gems? Let us put together a one of the kind school trip for your students that they will never forget.