Great lists! I can't wait!

The Philips Collection may be my favorite small museum in the US, and the neighborhood -- Embassy Row and Calorama makes for interesting walks.

I love the Phillips Collection! We go every other year or so, and were lucky enough to see a touring exhibit of highlights from the collection right here where we live.

It's Kalorama with a "K", and it does make for lovely walks :-)

I agree with 1JAR. The 911 Memorial at the Pentagon is a must see. Unfortunately, I did not see it at dusk but on a gloomy day. It was very moving.

You will enjoy the MLK memorial. It has a whole differnt vibe that the others. It seemed to me that people were more engaged that with some of the other monuments.

Not unknown but off the path is the National Cathedral. They have various tours depending on what interests you.

Was the National Museum of Health and Medicine formerly located at Walter Reed?

I'm to pleased to see that I've done most of the items on obxgirl's list, so this list of "lesser knowns" is great for my upcoming trip in May. One of the things on my not-yet-done-to-do list for this trip is the National Geographic Museum. My mom and sister have been and enjoyed it.

"Was the National Museum of Health and Medicine formerly located at Walter Reed?"
Yes, WR was closed about 2 years ago. The museum was relocated to SS I think last year.

Thanks for the update on the Museum of Health etc. My one visit was 4 years years ago.

I keep a list of these things both for myself and friends/family who visit the area. There have been a bunch things I've added from this thread. Hope the OP finds something of interest as well.

I'll add another to the list of lesser knowns: the Octagon House Museum. It's an interesting piece of history & architecture, where Madison lived when the British torched the White House. I think it's only open a couple of days a week.

Thanks, yestravel. It was on my list on my last trip to DC, but my visit was timed for just after WR closed. I was unaware the museum had relocated.

Hillwood is a real treat, but you need reservations if you need to park a car.

How about the Albert Einstein memorial?

http://www.visitingdc.com/memorial/a...n-memorial.htm

I haven't been for many years, but I found Woodrow Wilson's home very interesting.

http://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org