Part of the original design for the federal city, this massive park stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and around the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial. It has played host to many momentous, world-changing events throughout history including the 1963 March on Washington, the Million Man March and several presidential inaugurations. Today, the National Mall serves as a place for reflection, a memorial to American heroes, a symbol of freedom and a forum for the exercise of democracy. The Smithsonian museums, the Vietnam Memorial, the Reflecting Pool and the iconic Washington Monument are a few of the most well-known of the National Mall's many iconic sites. Certainly, any visit to Washington DC should start with a tour of the United States National Mall, aptly named "America's front yard."
The gorgeous U.S. Botanic Garden conservatory presents botanical variety, from the desert to the tropics, along a series of calm and gently meandering paths. A particular waterfall and garden display the flora of the dinosaur age. Seasonal displays include Christmas greens and poinsettias in December and January, chrysanthemums in autumn and blooming flowers at Easter. A part of the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), the National Garden, was opened in October 2006 and includes the carefully-designed Butterfly Garden.
Early morning is the time to catch the blooming water-bound plants of this park. Run by the National Park Service, the 12-acre marshland park is often overlooked by visitors who head for better-known Washington sites. As a result, the park is an uncrowded getaway. Nature-lovers and children especially will enjoy more than 100,000 flowering plants and fauna sightings.
This park is located north of the Reflecting Pool amid the capital's many famous monuments and memorials. A beautiful place for a stroll, the paths wind through the trees taking you to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a lake and a memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Steeped in history, this is a must-see on any DC tour.
Freed slaves first settled this area, once known as Uniontown, just after the Civil War. Today, this 1200-acre setting, including Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, is enjoyed by children and adults alike. The park offers a range of activities including tennis, basketball, roller-skating, an indoor pool and an ice skating rink. In addition, there is a recreation center, hiking trails and fishing and boating. Golf lovers will enjoy Langston Golf Course, an 18-hole course with a driving range.
Spread over 530 acres (214 hectares) Cabin John Regional Park park is among the largest community parks in the Bethesda region. The Cabin John Regional Park has something for everyone, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a nature center, a dog park, skating rink, trails, a campground and a miniature train. The adventure playground and the totem pole are the park's special attractions which are immensely popular among the little ones.
If you are looking for a spooky time during your visit to the United States' capital, look no further than DC Ghost Tours. The tour company specializes in the hauntings of Lafayette Park and Capital Hill, and revels in scarring and engaging their audience with stories of murder, intrigue, and the paranormal. The tours generally last 90 minutes and are predominantly outside, so bring a jacket for those cooler evenings. Be sure not to wander too far off from the group... or you might find yourself face-to-face with one of Washington DC's infamous ghosts.
With its origins going back to 1791, President's Park is an important landmark in the nation and the capital's downtown area. Composing of the White House, White House Visitor Center, Lafayette Square and The Ellipse (President's Park South), it spans across 82 acres (33.18 hectares) of manicured land. Throughout the parkland you will find memorials, statues and structures that are an ode to the national history and its heroes. Managed by the National Park Service, it features two trails that lead you to various attractions within the park. The Northern Trail takes you to the White House North Lawn and visitor center, Department of the Treasury, Lafayette Park, Blair-Lee House (President's official guest house) and First Division Monument. The Southern Trial to The Ellipse, Haupt Fountains, National Christmas Tree and White House South Lawn. There are many activities for kids as well. These include Junior Ranger programs, interpretive walks and other special events.
Situated in front of the White House within President's Park, the Zero Milestone is based on Ancient Rome's Golden Milestone, and is the physical representation of the idea that all roads lead to Washington DC, the United States' capital. The initial idea was to record the distance to important places in the United States on the stone, but only certain locations within the DC area were ever engraved on the two-by-four block. The idea of the milestone was initially raised and supported by Dr. S.M. Johnson, who was a member of the Good Roads Movement, which called for paved roads across the United States. The Zero Milestone represents the starting point of the United States paved road system, which in turn can be seen as a representation of the unification of the United States.
A part of the President's Park, the Ellipse is a vast open space encircled by an oval trail. The park is home to a number of monuments, including the famous Ellipse Meridian Stone. Also known as the President's Park South the park doubles as an entertainment venue, hosting numerous local events including military pageants, musical events, garden tours and others.
A peaceful yard in the urban campus of GW University is a relaxing socialising space for the students. Throughout the year there are many events taking place in this outdoor green space maintained beautifully with trees, benches and brick walkways. The highlight of this yard is the bronze replica of Jean Antoine’s sculpture placed on the north side of the yard.