These. Now these places are what DC is all about. Everyone focuses on the big white marble museums and monuments, but the gorgeous green spaces listed below are the true secret gems of DC. Many people don’t realize that the city actually has so many peaceful paradises within the city limits! Check out one – or all – to experience the real DC, away from the politics (and the traffic!).
PS. Want more DC bucket list ideas? Make sure to check out the Must-See Monuments & Memorials, Underappreciated Monuments & Memorials, VIBs, City Hot Spots, Smithsonians, and Other Museums! Don’t forget about Concerts & Shows and Sports. And here’s a page just for Kids, if that’s your current MO. Finally, the MD and VA burbs have a TON of other natural paradises to offer…or make a day trip for even more green fun!
Feeling lost? Check out this map.
Anacostia Riverwalk
A waterfront 20-mile biking / walking / exploring / sightseeing path along both sides of the Anacostia River in SE DC. There are 12 miles currently completed as of 2021 – in the future, the path will connect the Tidal Basin, Mall, Capitol Riverfront, RFK Stadium, Arboretum, and Bladensburg Marina Park in Maryland, as well as all of the communities in between. Here’s a map.
C&O Canal Towpath
A 184.5 mile (mostly) dirt trail that runs along the canal from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD (click here for a map). It was originally built for the mules to walk on they pulled boats along the canal to move goods and is now used for runners, bikers, hikers, walkers, and more. The C&O Canal is a National Historical Park with lots to learn, see, and do. Jump on the path at any point for any distance (there are parking lots along the route) and click here for a list of highlights by area.
Capital Crescent Trail
Wrapping from Georgetown, around the city to Bethesda and then ending in Silver Spring in a crescent shape, the Capital Crescent Trail is a great path for bikers, joggers, roller-bladers, and stroller-pushers built upon a former path of the B&O Railroad.
Congressional Cemetery
A National Historic Landmark and also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, DC’s coolest cemetery is permanent home to a number of notables including John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, J. Edgar Hoover, John Philip Sousa, and tons of other famous individuals. Congressional Cemetery is free a open to the public daily, but also offers off-leash dog walking for members, ghost tours, movie nights, a Dead Man’s 5K. a book club, and more. It’s also one of the first places in the city with blooming cherry blossoms…a very welcome first sign of spring in the District!
Dumbarton Oaks
A gorgeous mansion and gardens nestled into quaint and picturesque Georgetown. Upon visiting I learned it is actually owned by Harvard as a research institute and museum. If Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art is not your thing (it wasn’t mine…), go just for the beautiful gardens, rated by Nat Geo as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and one of the best places to see spring come alive in DC.
Embassy Row
There are embassies sprinkled all thorough DC, but “Embassy Row” is a section of Massachusetts Avenue that is particularly beautiful and each embassy is a mini oasis. My favorite time to visit is during Passport DC’s annual Around the World Tour, where you can sample the food, clothing, and art of different countries…all for FREE! For more info about Embassy Row (as well as a map and self-guided tour!), take a look at Free Tours by Foot.
Floral Library
Established by Lady Bird Johnson in 1969 as an actual “library” of flowers across the USA, the Floral Library is a nice stop next to the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin in the spring. No need to make a special trek, but it’s fun to walk around if you are in the area! (To note: Instagrammers make this area look WAY cooler than it actually is, but it’s still beautiful)
Franciscan Monastery
Exactly what you would imagine from the name – the Franciscan Monastery is a serene and peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. While the church, catacombs, and shrines are worthy in their own right, my favorite are the gardens, which are especially stunning in the summer when the roses are in bloom. I’ve rarely seen another person here, which is a big win for such a beautiful spot!
Georgetown Waterfront
There is SO much to see in Georgetown – DC’s oldest neighborhood has charming cobblestone streets, incredible retail options, bakeries and restaurants galore, and about a million quaint nooks and crannies. Georgetown’s Waterfront Park is especially special…it has numerous paths for running/jogging/exploring along the Potomac River (as well as a boat house to rent your own watercraft of choice!), is the start of the historic and beautiful C&O Canal, boasts a number of scenic restaurants, is home to an ice skating rink and insta-worthy art installation in the winter, and is one of the top people-watching spots in the summer. Meander down here for a drink, meal, yoga class, movie night or just to walk among the hanging flower baskets.
Gravelly Point Park
Ok, ok, technically in VA but it’s so close to DC that I’m keeping it listed on this page. Gravelly Point is a top pick for picnics and plane watching, located adjacent to Reagan National Airport and across from the monuments on the mall. Popular with runners and cyclists, this place is also a must-do with kids to marvel at the plans flying right overhead.
Hains Point
Hands down one of my favorite places in DC and my top pick for seeing cherry blossoms in the spring. Surrounded by the Potomac River on one side and the Anacostia River on the other, Hains Point is a waterfront retreat, complete with playgrounds, a golf course, and America’s oldest continually operating mini golf course (also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places). It is not often crowded for runner/bikers, has ample parking, and as an added bonus, you can now take a ferry over to the Wharf!
Hillwood
Marjorie Merriweather Post (of the Post-cereals fame and fortune) had a fine eye for art and turned her mansion into a collector’s paradise. While the interior is beautiful, it’s the eight garden “rooms” that range from a classic french parterre to a lunar lawn with views of the Washington Monument that take my breath away. My mom was a garden docent at Hillwood for years, so I have a special place in my heart for this mansion and gardens. To note: you must make a reservation online and there is a fee. Ask for Alicia as your tour guide 🙂
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
One of my favorite DC “secret spots”, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a lush (and HOT!) oasis in an unexpected and always-under-construction area of the city. However, once you pull into this National Park Service garden, you’ll be greeted by pond after pond of beautiful marshland. It’s beautiful any time of year, but really the most spectacular in July during the Lotus & Water Lily Festival. Go early, and be prepared to sweat.
Kingman + Heritage Islands
Visit da islands…right in the middle of the city! Easily accessed by parking lot 6 of RFK and connected by wooden boardwalks, Kingman + Heritage Islands are a peaceful retreat that I only recently visited for the first time. Just look at all there is to do! Bonus: if you have kids, check out The Fields playground – one of my favorites – which is just steps away from the entrance to the islands.
Meridian Hill Park
Technically part of Rock Creek Park and operated by the National Park Service, Meridian Hill Park – also called Malcom X Park – is a gorgeous spot high on a hill in DC with pretty city views (it’s rare to find a high vantage point in DC!). The park’s claim to fame is that it has the longest cascading waterfall feature in the USA, but the fountain has been under repair…for what feels like forever. It’s still a gorgeous and green space to walk, play, yoga, whatever, and their Sunday drum circle is a reason to go and watch all in itself!
National Mall
The National Mall is one of the most iconic places in DC (if not THE most) – chock full of monuments, museums, and important buildings. It’s also quite beautiful and green. Take a look at this map to see all it has to offer!
And no, this pic is not taken ON the National Mall but it is taken OF the National Mall, and it’s one of my favorite views. The other best way to actually see the Mall up close and person is to pick a few top places you want to see (again, see map), and to walk / run / scooter / meander.
Pro tip: Parking is best around 9:45am right before lanes turn over to parking lanes at 10am. Most military folk I know are hesitant to trek into the city because of traffic and parking woes, but you will be missing out if you fall into this camp. Go early, go sometime other than peak-summer, and go often..there is SO much to see! and it’s really quite a green and beautiful place if you can visit off-peak of tourists!
Netherlands Carillon
A special spot located between Iwo Jima and Arlington National Cemetery, the Netherlands Carillion is a scenic sunrise spot with a monumental view. Click here for the history of this symbolic gift from the Dutch or just plan a trip in the spring when there are hundreds of tulips in bloom!
Potomac River
There are so many opportunities to get out on the water in DC – in fact, there are NINE boat houses in the district alone where you can rent a kayak, paddle boat, regular boat, canoe, or stand-up paddle board. For military, check out Capitol Cove Marina, Fort Belvoir MWR, Washington Outdoor Recreation Equipment Rental for less popular (and cheaper) rental options. If you want to rent a boat, you’ll need to take an online course and do an in-person orientation first. There is also a Water Taxi between Georgetown, The Wharf, Alexandria, and National Harbor, or a jitney from the Wharf to Haines Point. Washingtonian has a complete round-up of water options here. Enjoy!
Rock Creek Cemetery
While Congressional Cemetery is my go-to “spring” cemetery for their cherry blossoms, Rock Creek Cemetery is my “fall” cemetery for their stunning foliage (and zero tourists). Is it odd that I have a cemetery for each season? Why, yes, methinks it is. While there are lots of notable people buried here, the big draw is that no one knows about it, I’ve never seen another person here, and it’s one of my favorite (albeit, maybe somewhat creepy to some?) places to spend a fall afternoon peeping leaves.
Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is a beast of a park…it extends throughout DC and has pocket after pocket of hidden areas to explore. I am still figuring it out, quite honestly. Here is a map. And here are a list of top places to visit in the park. I’m always confused by the various road closures to bicyclists and construction, but love the opportunity to take a hike in the middle of the city. Plus, there are trails for the littlest of hikers to the most fit of athletes. Go any time of year, but obviously fall is spectacular.
Teddy Roosevelt Island
The perfect homage to one of most outdoorsy presidents who made conservation one of his main missions, Theodore Roosevelt Island is a “living memorial” that is perfect for walkers, runners, hikers, bird watchers, kayakers, and historians alike. Take a break from the city, right in the middle of the city!
Tudor Place
Nestled into the back streets of Georgetown lies this beautiful mansion and gardens – home to Martha Washington’s descendants. I have heard that the house tour is pretty amazing, and full of legitimately interesting tidbits, but have only explored the gardens, which are also pretty amazing. I have always wanted to attend one of Tudor House‘s kids’ programs, Easter Egg Roll, or Garden Party and hope to one day post-COVID – will report back!
United States National Arboretum
A natural oasis in SE DC with miles and miles to explore (446 to be exact) during every season (especially great for kids and pets!). There are driving and walking trails with ample parking – click here for a map and here to download an app for what’s in bloom. Highlights include the National Capitol Columns, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, and don’t miss the cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring!
Jelly Side Up 