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Best Outdoor Activities in Washington DC

, 11 Options Found

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 some 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."

Best known for its vast collection of azaleas, (a popular porch-flower), this 446-acre (180-hectare) garden park has much else to offer. Fountains, pools and open space separate a series of focused gardens at the United States National Arboretum. The National Bonsai Collection, a gift from Japan, is a fascinating exhibit of tiny trees. Other notable sections are the aquatic garden (filled with lotuses of many varieties) and the National Herb Garden.

The Rock Creek Park contains a beautiful wild forest and serves as an oasis for city residents and tourists. Founded in 1890, the Rock Creek Park is a stunning haven for both people and wildlife. It features a multitude of attractions within which include picnic areas, winding trails and bike paths, a nature center, a public golf course, tennis courts, and stables. Rock Creek Parkway runs alongside the meandering creek. During winter, the park transforms into a popular spot for sledding and other outdoor winter activities.

The gorgeous United States Botanic Garden 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. Additionally, within the beautiful expanse of the United States Botanic Garden (USBG), the National Garden was inaugurated in October 2006 and includes the carefully designed Butterfly Garden.

A lovely Victorian-style green space spread over 4.2 acres (1.2 hectares), Enid A. Haupt Garden is a welcome respite for tired National Mall visitors. Located off Independence Avenue near the entrances to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the National Museum of African Art, the park is easily accessible. With a rooftop garden with a three-story building lying beneath, the park is designed to delight and be aesthetically pleasing. Visitors will love taking a leisurely stroll here amidst the 19th-century style benches and urns along the park's brick paths.

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a national park that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in an urban setting. The park is known for its unique aquatic gardens, which contain a variety of water lilies, lotus flowers, and other aquatic plants. Visitors can explore the gardens on a walking path or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the park's waterways. In addition to the aquatic gardens, Kenilworth Park offers a range of other recreational activities, including fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and picnicking. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, beavers, and a variety of fish species.

Meridian Hill Park in Washington showcases a rich tapestry of European park styles, seamlessly blending elements of French Baroque and Renaissance designs. The park's enchanting landscape is adorned with waterfalls, pools and meandering pathways, with the Cascading Waterfall standing out as a prominent and picturesque feature. Throughout the year, cultural events and gatherings enhance the park's vibrant atmosphere, making it a cherished destination for both locals and tourists. Adjacent to this verdant oasis lies the historic Adams-Morgan neighborhood, renowned for its diverse culinary scene and eclectic array of shops, offering visitors a delightful blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

One of the most popular rail trails in the country and also the most used, the Capital Crescent Trail is a pleasant 11-mile (17.70 kilometers) stretch covering through Georgetown on Water Street till Silver Spring. Set on the once deserted Georgetown Branch rail line, it is a hotspot for rollerbladers, hikers, skateboarders, walkers, bikers and joggers. Most of the trail is asphalt and is also used for commuting. Winding through parks, wooded areas, water bodies and local attractions, it is indeed a landmark in the locality and the nearby areas. So if you're planning to spend a day outdoors without venturing far away from civilization, then Capital Crescent Trail is your destination.

Along the city's waterfront is the wonderful Yards Park, which opened in September 2010. A stunning example of how urban planning can play such a vital role in ensuring that city-dwellers enjoy their time in the city, this park comes replete with fountains, a pool, jogging tracks, biking trails, waterside lawns, shopping spots, cafes, bars and more. Also, a special platform has been constructed here to host outdoor events like concerts, community get-togethers, dog shows, and festivals.

Freed slaves first settled this area, once known as Uniontown, just after the Civil War. Today, this 1200-acre (485.62 hectares) 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.

Constitution Gardens is a park located on the National Mall. It covers an area of approximately 50 acres (20 hectares) and includes a lovely lake, walking paths, and several memorials. The park was established in 1976 to honor the United States Bicentennial and is named after the United States Constitution. The centerpiece of Constitution Gardens is a clear pond surrounded by walking paths and benches. The pond is home to several species of fish and waterfowl, and visitors can rent paddleboats to explore the water. The park also features several memorials, including the World War I Memorial and a memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

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