When thinking of Washington, DC, images of idyllic gardens and lush forests probably do not immediately come to mind…
However, with 697 city parks, over a dozen beautifully curated gardens, and miles of woodland trails, visitors and local nature-lovers alike need not be discouraged, as there is ample opportunity for outdoor exploration within city limits. The District is consistently ranked as being the US city with the best park system, and here we are sharing 12 of our favorites, many of which are tucked away in plain sight.
National Arboretum
ADDRESS: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | HOURS: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
Visiting an arboretum when you’re craving some nature is a no brainer – but the National Arboretum gives its visitors a taste of history as well. The columns in the photo above supported the U.S. Capitol for years before they found their new home at the National Arboretum in North East Washington, D.C.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
ADDRESS: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019 | HOURS: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm daily | COST: Free
Tucked into the eastern corner of D.C., Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a National Park site that is teeming with turtles, butterflies, and during the summer months, various species of beautiful, pink lotus flowers and lilies.
Dumbarton Oaks Garden
ADDRESS: 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC 20007 | HOURS: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Tues-Sun (3/15- 10/31); Off Season: 3:00PM – 5:00PM Tues-Sun | COST: $7 advance tickets required
The grounds of Dumbarton Oaks are Georgetown’s version of The Secret Garden that we all read about as kids. Wherever you look there is something in bloom, and you can’t help but feel as though you’ve been transported to a European estate.
Potomac River
LOCATION: Several access points exist | HOURS & COST: Vary depending on the season
Whether you prefer a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, experiencing the city from this perspective is a must during the warmer months. There are several boat houses that provide rentals and access points to the Potomac River, and despite the many boaters and other paddlers that you will encounter, floating atop the water provides a feeling of tranquility that is unmatched elsewhere in the city.
U.S. Botanic Garden
ADDRESS: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 | HOURS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
The U.S. Botanic Garden offers an ideal venue for immersing oneself in a lush, green environment no matter the season. The biodiversity found within this indoor garden is unmatched, and is the perfect place to place to spend a rainy or cold DC afternoon pretending you are actually somewhere tropical.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
PARKING LOT ADDRESS: 38°53’48.7″N 77°04’02.6″W | HOURS: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm | COST: Free
GETTING THERE: The Island is only accessible by land via a pedestrian bridge – more info here.
Located in the middle of the Potomac River, directly below the Georgetown Waterfront, Roosevelt Island is one of my favorite outdoor spaces. This 90 acre island hosts river trails, a raised walkway through a marsh, a monument park commemorating Teddy himself, and awesome views of the city perched on the river.
Constitution Gardens
ADDRESS: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20024 | HOURS: 24/7 | COST: Free
Located in the shadow of the National Monument, Constitution Gardens provides an oasis for nature-lovers within the boundaries of the otherwise bustling National Mall. It is one of the most peaceful areas within city limits, and a true hidden gem in the district. When visiting, you’ll share this space with chirping birds, feeding ducks and geese, and a handful of runners, but you’ll always be able to find a quiet bench or inviting patch of grass where you can lay down your blanket and spend a few hours escaping it all.
Enid A. Haupt Garden
ADDRESS: 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 | HOURS: Dawn-dusk daily | COST: Free
While you’re downtown, checkout the Enid A. Haupt Garden located behind the Smithsonian Castle. This public garden boasts a variety of vibrant flora in all seasons and provides the perfect juxtaposition of urban nature and architecture.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
ADDRESS: Constitution Ave NW & 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408 | HOURS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is yet another green haunt found in the heart of the city. It is the perfect place to take a spring or summer stroll with an ice cream in hand. The museum also hosts a Jazz in the Garden concert series that runs Fridays from mid-May through late-August.
Tidal Basin
Each spring, the Tidal Basin draws thousands of visitors as its trees blossom into a sea of pink. By the time summer rolls around, the pink turns to green and the hordes of tourists fade away; this is my second favorite time to visit the area and surrounding monuments… I’m a sucker for those cherry blossoms.
Georgetown Waterfront
The Georgetown Waterfront is nothing short of spectacular, especially at sunset. Take a stroll along the C&O Canal Towpath or a bike ride down the Capital Crescent Rail Trail for the best views.
Tregaron Conservancy
ADDRESS: 3100 Macomb Street, NW & 3031 Klingle Road NW |HOURS: Dawn to dusk | COST: Free
Tucked into a little valley that separates Woodley Park from Cleveland Park, is a historic woodland park known as Tregaron Conservancy. This 13-acre park is home to six interconnected trails that meander through the forest and fields and open every day from dawn to dusk, free of charge. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed.
Rock Creek Park
ADDRESS: 5200 Glover Rd, NW | Multiple entry points | HOURS: Dawn-dusk daily | COST: FREE
Although it is twice the size of NYC’s Central Park, Rock Creek Park is somehow an underrated and often forgotten about DC green space. Complete with a boathouse, zoo, miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, this forest is the nation’s oldest urban National Park, and to this day offers district dwellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
According to the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore survey, 99% of DC residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park, and the District consistently earns the honor of being the US city with the best park system. So whether you are a DC denizen just visiting, you’ll have no trouble finding somewhere green to spend an afternoon. I hope my list of favorite nature-based spots gave you some ideas!
