Washington, D.C.: off the beaten path

Jack's Boathouse

Kayaking on the Potomac gives you a really unique, water-level view of DC. You can paddle along the beautiful Georgetown waterfront, or head to see some monuments all while in your kayak. It's $10/hour and they even have free sunscreen!

Mr. Yogato

I find Pinkberry, et.al to have good yogurt, but to be super pretentious. Mr. Yogato is the exact opposite: everything they do is for silliness and fun. If you order in the "voice of the day" you get 10% off; if you answer a trivia question correctly you get 5% off; if you go every single day for 30 days in a row, you get a flavor named after you (and, by the way, the leader went 102 days in a row)! They have an old-school NES, and fun toppings: teddy grahams, eggo mini waffles, and honeycomb cereal to name a few.

Newseum

Sure, almost every great attraction is free except for the Newseum -- but it's worth it. It has a fascinating collection which is both historic as well as modern. Plus some of the actual Berlin wall!

The Tombs

The "unofficial" official bar for Georgetown students. It fits every Georgetown stereotype, and on Thursdays they have "90's night."

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Okay, Okay...not really off the beaten path...but my advice is to go late at night, after all of the tour groups have gone. It's a completely different experience, and one which allows you to better connect with the history of the country.

Great Falls Park

It's a bit of a drive from DC, but it's a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of DC. You can hike a bit, check out the rapids/waterfalls, and watch kayakers try to maneuver their way through them.

Key Bridge

Separating DC from Arlington, VA are a few bridges, but my favorite is the Key Bridge. Take the metro to Rosslyn (orange line), and then walk across the bridge. On your right you'll see the Kennedy Center and Washington monument reflected. Ahead of you is Georgetown University sitting right over the Potomac, and in the distance is the National Cathedral.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Sadly this tip only applies to a few days in the year, but it's so good I had to include it. Friday evenings during the summer and early fall bring "Jazz in the sculpture garden," where people gather with blankets, picnic supplies, and wine, and hang out in the beautiful weather listening to some (just okay) jazz. It's a great experience, and, as a bonus, it's extremely "un-DC."