Washington, DC, is a playground for adventure seekers and team builders seeking an extraordinary experience!
On our hunts, we’ve seen crews race through historic neighborhoods, snap hilarious photos at iconic landmarks, and bond over brain-teasing challenges. Our scavenger hunts in D.C. transform the nation’s capital into your company’s personal game board.
The best part, though? Your team gets to explore world-class museums, charming waterfronts, and legendary sites while laughing, competing, and creating memories that’ll last way longer than any PowerPoint presentation.
DC Scavenger Hunts with cityHUNT
Looking for a team-building scavenger hunt that actually gets people excited? We’re happy to report that at cityHUNT, we’ve cracked the code!
Our D.C. scavenger hunts aren’t your typical corporate events where everyone is checking their phones and counting down the minutes. That’s not how we do it. Instead, we’ve designed experiences that turn colleagues into teammates and boring outings into epic adventures.
Here’s how we do it:
Your group downloads our app, splits into teams, and hits the streets of Washington, D.C. Each challenge takes you deeper into the city’s hidden gems and famous landmarks. Together, you’ll solve riddles, complete photo challenges, and rack up points as you race against other teams.
Even better, our city scavenger hunt experiences work for groups of any size. Got a small startup team? Perfect. Managing a 100-person corporate scavenger hunt? We’ve got you covered.
The app handles everything from scoring to navigation, so you can focus on what matters: building stronger connections with your team.
The flexibility is unbeatable, too. Choose from pre-designed routes through D.C.’s most exciting neighborhoods, or customize your own adventure. You can focus on Georgetown’s historic charm, or if you prefer, choose to explore the National Mall’s iconic monuments instead.
1. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History makes time-traveling possible without ever leaving D.C. It’s where your team gets to interact with the actual fabric of our beloved American culture.
We’re talking about the Star-Spangled Banner that inspired our national anthem, Dorothy’s ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and Julia Child’s entire kitchen. Yes, the whole kitchen.
In our experience, here’s why this location is perfect for a team-building scavenger hunt:
The exhibits span everything from pop culture to presidential history. One minute, your team is hunting down First Ladies’ gowns, the next, they’re posing with the Greensboro lunch counter from the Civil Rights movement.
Most importantly, the variety keeps everyone engaged. Your sports fans will geek out over the sports legends exhibit. History buffs will lose themselves in the American presidency collection. And everyone will want a photo with the original Kermit the Frog.
With three floors and countless galleries, your scavenger hunt can send teams racing to find specific artifacts, answer trivia about exhibits, or recreate famous moments from American history. But the real kicker is that admission is completely free!
Pro Tip: The building’s architecture alone offers amazing photo opportunities. Those grand staircases are perfect for group shots that’ll dominate your company’s socials.
2. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
For more of a wow factor, the National Museum of Natural History is the place to be. Trust us, your team will feel it the moment they walk through those doors.
For starters, the place is massive. We’re talking 145 million specimens and artifacts spread across exhibits that’ll make even your most distracted team member put down their phone.
Visiting the Hope Diamond alone is worth the visit. But you can’t stop there. Your scavenger hunt here can take so many directions.
For example, send your teams to find the 52-foot sperm whale model. You can also challenge them to locate the Easter Island head statue. Or have them strike their best dinosaur pose next to the T-Rex skeleton in the fossil hall.
The Ocean Hall is another showstopper. It’s akin to diving into the deep sea without getting wet. Your teams can explore marine ecosystems, spot the giant squid model, and learn about ocean conservation. Meanwhile, complete challenges that’ll keep their sportsmanship and team spirit alive.
Like all Smithsonian museums, entry is free. It’ll deliver a world-class experience with zero admission fees. Plus, the central location on the National Mall means you’re steps away from other iconic spots if you want to extend your adventure.
To successfully plan and execute an epic museum scavenger hunt, check out our guide for help. In just five steps, we show you how to create an unforgettable experience for your team.
3. Georgetown
The cobblestone streets and Federal-style rowhouses create the perfect backdrop for your team’s next adventure.
The historic district packs centuries of charm into walkable blocks. Your scavenger hunt in Georgetown means exploring one of D.C.’s oldest neighborhoods. Meanwhile, your team tackles challenges that blend history with modern fun.
Starting with the stunning views along the Potomac River, you can end at the C&O Canal towpath for that old-world feel. Plus, M Street’s endless shops and restaurants mean nobody goes hungry between challenges.
We recommend that your team check out the following spots, too:
- The Exorcist Steps: Yes, those stairs. They’re perfect for dramatic team photos and a serious leg workout.
- Georgetown University: The historic campus has gorgeous architecture that social media managers and photo enthusiasts will love.
- Washington Harbour: Anyone up for waterfront dining and views that’ll make your scavenger hunt feel like a vacation?
- The Old Stone House: You definitely want to explore D.C.’s oldest, unchanged building, dating back to 1765.
- Wisconsin Avenue: Shopping at boutiques, checking out cafes, and people-watching never gets old.
The neighborhood’s compact size is best suited for scavenger hunts. Your team can cover significant ground without exhausting themselves. And the mix of historic sites and trendy spots means there’s a fun place for everyone.
Georgetown is also a great place to plan team-building activities that’ll help boost your team’s morale. And if you’re stuck in the brainstorming phase, read our top 20 ideas to cheer on the crew.
4. Dupont Circle
Dupont Circle brings the energy to any scavenger hunt. This neighborhood pulses with life from sunrise to well past sunset. It’s where diplomats, artists, students, and young professionals all collide in the best possible way.
The centerpiece is the actual circle itself. That iconic fountain, designed by Daniel Chester French, is the bestmeeting point for teams. It’s also an Instagram magnet! So, expect your group to spend some quality time getting that perfect shot.
Embassy Row lines Massachusetts Avenue with stunning architecture from dozens of countries. Each building tells its own story, and your challenges can incorporate international trivia that’ll stump even your know-it-alls.
The neighborhood’s cultural scene is phenomenal, too. You’ve got world-class galleries, independent bookstores, and quirky shops that make for excellent locations for challenges. For example, you can send your teams to find specific artwork or track down a rare book title.
Make sure you also incorporate Connecticut Avenue in your scavenger hunt. The restaurants here deliver cuisines from around the globe. And then there are the Spanish Steps. They’re a hidden gem tucked away near S Street that we recommend checking out.
Dupont connects to other excellent neighborhoods, so you can extend the hunt if the group’s still having fun. There’s Logan Circle, Adams Morgan, and our aforementioned spot, Georgetown!
5. Bethesda
Bethesda is a Maryland gem, sitting just beyond the district line. Not to worry; this place is worlds away from the political hustle, and that’s exactly why teams love it.
Bethesda has a perfect, small-town vibe, while still housing big-city amenities. The streets are walkable, the locals are friendly, and the variety of activities keeps any scavenger hunt interesting from start to finish.
Additionally, Bethesda Row delivers a fantastic downtown experience. Think upscale shopping mixed with cozy cafes and restaurants that actually care about the food they serve.
There, your teams can weave through boutiques, solve clues in public art installations, or grab artisanal coffee between challenges. On top of that, a Bethesda scavenger hunt is special because of the following:
- Strathmore: This art center hosts world-class concerts and exhibitions. Remember to take a team photo near the incredible architecture.
- Bethesda Urban Partnership Sculpture Garden: Public art scattered throughout downtown? Yes, please! You can turn them into checkpoints for the hunt.
- Woodmont Triangle: It’s no secret that the entertainment district buzzes with energy, especially during evenings and weekends.
- Capital Crescent Trail: A converted railroad track is best suited for teams who enjoy a nature component incorporated in their hunt.
- Glen Echo Park: Just nearby, this historic amusement park turned art center is quirky, charming, and rich with photo ops.
Bethesda stands out from the other spots on our list for its breathing room alone. The sidewalks there aren’t as crowded, and the pace is much more relaxed.
The Metro is easy to access, too. There are no complicated directions to follow or expensive parking nightmares to worry about.
We recommend Bethesda for corporate groups looking to escape the typical D.C. tourist circus. Your scavenger hunt will still be memorable without sacrificing convenience or entertainment value. Read more on corporate team-building in our guide.
6. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Ready to launch your team building into the stratosphere? The National Air and Space Museum can make this happen. Not literally, of course, but the spot will still deliver an unbelievable experience!
There, your team can get up close with the actual spacecraft that took humans to the moon. They can gaze upon the real planes that changed aviation history. Or they can explore the technology that turned flight from fantasy into reality.
Some ideas to consider—and we’re just spitballing here—include:
- Taking a photo beneath the Wright Brothers’ 1903 Flyer
- Finding the Apollo 11 command module or the Spirit of St. Louis
- Racing to locate the space shuttle Discovery
- Posing like astronauts in front of the spacesuits that orbited Earth
Did you also know that the museum spans two locations now? The main building on the National Mall focuses on aviation and space milestones. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport houses the truly massive aircraft, including the space shuttle and an SR-71 Blackbird.
For extra awesome points, add the planetarium as one of the spots to explore. Your challenges can include space facts, astronomy trivia, or photo recreations of famous space missions.
Teams can also test their knowledge at touchscreen stations, for instance. Have them explore cockpit replicas and experience what pilots see during a flight.
Without hesitation, this spot is perfect for an unforgettable photo scavenger hunt. If you want to learn how to successfully organize one, check out the only 4 steps you need to do so.
7. Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria proves that history doesn’t have to be boring. This Virginia waterfront gem sits just across the Potomac from D.C., but it feels like you’ve traveled back two centuries.
The cobblestone streets, 18th-century townhouses, and gas-lamp-lined sidewalks create a lovely colonial atmosphere. Alexandria’s Captain’s Row also has some of the most photogenic views you’ll find anywhere near D.C.
So, make sure your teams can snap pictures there! Have them use the Potomac River as their backdrop, the National Harbor in the distance, and yes, even the Washington Monument peeking through on clear days.
That said, the waterfront should be the focus of your hunt. Sailboats bob in the harbor. Restaurants spill onto outdoor patios. Street performers dot the boardwalk. It’s the kind of setting that makes team building feel less like work and more like an outing people want to attend!
Torpedo Factory Art Center deserves a special mention. This converted munitions factory now houses over 80 artist studios. Teams can watch artists work in real-time, explore three floors of galleries, and complete challenges involving local art.
Other stops or checkpoints include: George Washington’s townhouse, Robert E. Lee’s childhood home, and Gadsby’s Tavern, where the founding fathers actually ate and drank.
Pro Tip: Alexandria’s compact size works best for small groups and startup teams. Every spot is within walking distance. No buses needed or complicated logistics. Just your team, their phones, and a neighborhood worth exploring!
8. The National Harbor
Another Maryland destination? You betcha! The National Harbor sits right on the Potomac River and packs more entertainment options into one area than seems physically possible. It’s basically designed for team-building scavenger hunts.
Let’s start with the Capital Wheel. The 180-foot Ferris wheel dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking views that stretch for miles. Your teams can complete challenges at ground level, then celebrate with a ride that shows them D.C. from a whole new perspective.
We always recommend stopping by the Awakening sculpture for some photo magic.
If you want to bring some Vegas energy to the hunt, include the MGM National Harbor in the list of spots. The casino resort adds glamor and excitement to your scavenger hunt route. Even if gambling isn’t on your agenda, the property’s art installations make for interesting challenge locations.
Don’t let the fun stop there! Your scavenger hunt can also include:
- The waterfront promenade that stretches along the river. It’s packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues along every block.
- If your group enjoys a shopping component, Tanger Outlets and its 85+ stores provide plenty of retail therapy between scavenger hunt tasks.
- Gaylord National Resort’s indoor gardens and atriums feature stunning architecture and seasonal displays. Interestingly, these displays change throughout the year.
9. Arlington
The Pentagon makes up most of Arlington’s identity. It’s the world’s largest office building and an architectural marvel that your teams will want to photograph from every angle.
Note: While tours require in-advance booking, the exterior alone provides plenty of scavenger hunt potential.
However, Arlington offers way more than military landmarks. The country is also home to Theodore Roosevelt Island, which sits in the middle of the Potomac. This 88-acre wilderness is a memorial to President Roosevelt.
Our favorite spots in Arlington—perfect for corporate scavenger hunts, especially—are:
- Arlington National Cemetery: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at JFK’s gravesite are solemn, meaningful stops to add to the hunt.
- Crystal City: The underground city within a city features miles of connected shops and restaurants. It’s ideal for rainy-day scavenger hunts.
- The Netherlands Carillon: For stunning views, explore this 127-foot bell tower next to the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima).
What really sets Arlington apart is the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines. They all run through here, making hopping between neighborhoods simple. Teams won’t deal with traffic or crushing crowds either.
10. National Mall
The National Mall is the postcard version of D.C. come to life. The monuments you’ve seen in movies, the memorials you learned about in school, the museums that hold our national treasures—they’re all here, stretched across two miles of carefully manicured parkland.
A National Mall scavenger hunt is a true American experience. And sure, that might sound cheesy, but wait until you see your teams racing toward the Lincoln Memorial and you’ll know what we mean!
The scale here is too massive to comprehend. We’re talking 146 acres connecting the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, which means your scavenger hunt can be as ambitious or focused as your group needs.
Here’s what else you can incorporate into your National Mall scavenger hunt:
- Lincoln Memorial: The 19-foot seated Lincoln provides the ultimate team photo backdrop. Bonus points if you let them recreate famous movie scenes shot here.
- Washington Monument: At 555 feet, it’s impossible to miss. Challenge teams to capture creative perspective shots or estimate the monument’s height in units.
- World War II Memorial: The 56 pillars representing states and territories create stunning symmetry for group photos and team challenges.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: The “Stone of Hope” sculpture inspires teams while being another iconic photo location.
- The Reflecting Pool: On calm days, this pool offers mirror-perfect water views. Your teams will surely fight over who gets the best reflection shot.
We believe the Mall looks incredible year-round. That said, if you time your scavenger hunt in the spring, your team will get to experience the cherry blossoms that make D.C. famous worldwide.
Scavenger Hunts in DC with cityHUNT
It’s clear that Washington, D.C. has plenty of spots to visit and explore. And with our help, you now know exactly where to take your team.
But here’s the catch:
Reading about these incredible locations is one thing; actually experiencing them with your crew while having fun is something else entirely.
cityHUNT makes it ridiculously easy to get started. No complicated planning. No endless email chains trying to coordinate schedules. Just pick your location, gather your team, and let the adventure begin!
Our adult scavenger hunt experiences have transformed countless workplace scavenger hunt events from “just another team activity” into stories people are excited to recite at happy hour.
Ready to turn D.C. into your team’s personal playground? Book a scavenger hunt location with us today. Your team will thank you for ditching the usual team-building activities and giving them an adventure they’re sure to remember!
