Hillwood Museum, Estate & Gardens, nestled into a Northwest D.C. neighborhood, is one of Washington's best-kept secrets.

D.C.'s Favorite Historic Houses

Beyond the museums with floors upon floors of exhibits, there are real-life homes transformed into historic destinations we know you'll love. Here are our top homes you can't miss.

Carlyle House Historic Park (121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Va.; 703/549-2997; nvrpa.org/park/carlyle_house_historic_park). This Palladian-style home was the residence of British merchant John Carlyle, and was once the headquarters for British Gen. Edward Braddock in the mid-1700s. The home is frequently rented for special events, but also holds public functions and tours of the house pertaining to its former inhabitants. Especially noteworthy is the guided tour discussing slave life in the Carlyle House, and in the late 1700s. Check out the gardens, too.

Dumbarton Oaks (1703 32nd St. between S and R streets; 202/339-6401; doaks.org). The former dwelling of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss is now a gift to Harvard University—Bliss' alma mater—where its grounds, a research library and art collections reside. You'll find smatterings of Byzantine and pre-Columbian art, and a gift shop brimming with books and textiles of the same nature, plus visiting scholars. The real treat in visiting this Georgetown home, though, is its gardens. Though just more than 10 acres, the grounds stay true to former occupant Mildred Bliss and her gardener, Beatrix Farrand. You'll love the luscious landscapes and whimsical decorative elements during your walk.

Decatur House (1610 H St., NW; 202/842-0920; decaturhouse.org). This residence on Lafayette Square has a rich and long history as the first private residence in the White House neighborhood. Stephen Decatur was a naval hero in the War of 1812, and after his death eight years later, his wife rented out the home to visiting dignitaries, including a few secretaries of state. Today, visitors can explore exhibits of slavery in the museum—where slave quarters were built—plus historical documents and educational programs dedicated to the history of the White House. The House doubles as The National Center for White House History. [img credit: The White House Historical Association]

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens (4155 Linnean Ave. NW; 202/686-5807; hillwoodmuseum.org). Want to know where the Post Cereal heiress used to live? Check out Hillwood estate, former dwelling of Marjorie Merriweather Post. This best-kept secret houses Russian Imperial and French-deco arts, including a gorgeous collection of Fabergé eggs. It's worth it to wander outside, too, to explore Hillwood's serene garden setting, including a French parterre, rose gardens and greenhouses spanning 13 acres. We love the statue of Diana (goddess of the hunt) in the greenery.

Frederick Douglass Historic Site (1411 W. St. SE; nps.gov/frdo). Famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass resided in this 14-room home in Cedar Hill until his death in 1895. Visitors can see the furnishings and personal knickknacks just as the Douglass family used them, including kitchenware, old documents (including Douglass's ticket to freedom—his bill of sale for $711.66) and family portraits. It's an often forgotten famed home, but one all D.C. visitors can appreciate.