Living in DC you can enjoy great outdoor spaces without having one of your own. Thanks to our puppy, we've been spending more time outdoors and noticing sniff-able grass and flowers everywhere. We've really grown to appreciate how DC is so beautifully lush and green. Click through to see our favorite places for enjoying nature in the city...
Do you have a favorite outdoor space in the city? Here's our list:
• Georgetown Waterfront Park (photos 1 & 10)
• Meridian Hill Park
• C&O Canal
• Congressional Cemetery
• The US National Arboretum
• Kalorama Park (photos 6 & 7)
• Old Town Alexandria - both photos 8 & 9
More Great Outdoor Spaces:
• Rock Creek Park
• Dumbarton Oaks
• The Circles: Dupont, Logan, and 30 others throughout DC make for great people-watching
• The National Mall - touristy but still fun
Did we miss your favorite outdoor spot?
(Images: Rachael Grad)
That was the best (and kind of worst) thing about DC at times. Having lived there, the city had AMAZING outdoor space, and easily accessible if you're on a bike. However, with some massively sprawling open land, and just a confusing city to drive around, it was difficult to access many of these parks by car or on foot.
view ErikTheRed's profile
Theo. Roosevelt Island is a favorite of mine. It's fun to sit on the rocks and take in the Potomac as it flows by with boats and kayaks.
There is a lovely Grecian-type memorial in the middle of the island. The first time I came upon it, it felt like I had discovered a lost temple.
view maipop's profile
I'm just outside the DC line in Takoma Park, and I love living next to Sligo Creek Park. Not only is it beautiful, but there is a noticeable temperature difference in my neighborhood because of the heavily wooded area.
So much love!
view magdelane's profile
I don't find the city confusing, and there are great parks - Meridian Hill Park is one of my favorites for it's Italianate architecture and fountains. Thanks for this post!
view DragonKatinDC's profile
this is a great post! please continue to post more actual DC posts. lots of entries on the dc page of AT are about philly or even north and south carolina. bring on more of dc!
view amycywang's profile
When I first moved to DC I was pleasantly surprised that locals use the Mall for picnics, softball, kite flying, etc. I was just there for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival yesterday, and I still marvel at how versatile the Mall is, not to mention that the views of the Capitol and monuments are lovely.
I would add specific spots in that area: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (lovely fountain!), the gardens across Independence from the Botanical Garden (they even have rocking chairs), Constitution Gardens (Constitution Avenue and 17th Street, NW, along the northern edge of the National Mall), the beautiful gardens between the Hirshhorn and Freer and Sackler galleries, and the Roosevelt Memorial.
Meridian Hill Park/Malcolm X Park is lovely, and the Sunday drum and dance circle draws people of every background. Has been going strong since 1974!
view TracyM's profile
to me, absolutely the coolest park in dc is the Aquatic Gardens.
view scenicartisan's profile