When thinking of Washington, DC, images of idyllic gardens and lush forests probably do not immediately come to mind.
However, with 643 official 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.
Here we are sharing 11 of our favorites, and spoiler alert – many of them are hidden in plain sight.
National Arboretum
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.
ADDRESS: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | HOURS: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
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.
ADDRESS: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019 | HOURS: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm daily | COST: Free
Dumbarton Oaks Garden
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.
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
Potomac River
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.
LOCATION: Several access points exist | HOURS & COST: Vary depending on the season
U.S. Botanic Garden
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.
ADDRESS: 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20001 | HOURS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
Theodore Roosevelt Island
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.
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.
Constitution Gardens
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.
ADDRESS: Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20024 | HOURS: 24/7 | COST: Free
Enid A. Haupt Garden
While you’re downtown, checkout the Enid A. Haupt Garden located behind the Smithsonian Castle. This public garden changes from vibrant color to vibrant color with the seasons and provides just perfect juxtaposition of urban nature and architecture.
ADDRESS: 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560 | HOURS: Dawn-dusk daily | COST: Free
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
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.
ADDRESS: Constitution Ave NW & 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20408 | HOURS: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | COST: Free
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.
Rock Creek Park
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.
ADDRESS: 5200 Glover Rd, NW Washington, DC 20015 | HOURS: Dawn-dusk daily | COST: FREE
According to the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore survey, 98% of DC residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park, and in 2022, the District recently earned the official 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!
