Though a bit off the beaten tourist path surrounding the National Mall, the National Geographic’s Museum at Explorers Hall and the treasures to be found there are worth the trek. Although the museum itself is understated — it’s housed in the National Geographic Society’s headquarters — the artifacts and exhibits speak for themselves (loudly). Walking through the permanent collections feels as if the magazine has come to life and delivered the Society’s bounties to your feet for inspection. Learn about everything from anthropology and archaeology to dinosaurs, religion, the environment and even pop culture. The museum’s collection spans the same broad cultural, historic and scientific interests as the magazine. The National Geographic Museum also hosts lectures, film series and special exhibits, which usually coincide with recent discoveries and announcements reported in the magazine.