Top 10 Places to Visit Outdoors in Washington DC

Ranked #252 in Travel & Places, #12,231 overall

A Travel Guide to Washington DC's Outside

Check out our top ten list of the best places outdoors in Washington DC. Learn where in Washington DC you can go horse back riding, rent a paddle boat or see a great blue heron. In the photo is the Jefferson Memorial, which is located in downtown DC on the Potomac River's Tidal Basin.

Washington DC Travel Guides

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Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Lotus at Kenilworth Aquatic GardensLocated on the banks of the Anacostia River, visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for the waterlilies and lotus blossoms. Known also as a spot for birding, you may see great blue herons, marsh wrens, mallards, or Canada geese. For hikers, don't miss the .7 mile boardwalk trail that leads to the marsh.

Rock Creek Park

Rock CreekRock Creek Park is where locals have picnics and family gatherings. While Rock Creek is the park's most notable feature, also there are several wonderful hiking and biking trails. And you can go for a horse back ride during a guided horse tour. Of course, if you bring your own horse, remember to stay on the bridled trails!

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The National Zoo

Getting to Washington

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Tidal Basin

type=Tidal basinBordering downtown DC, the Tidal Basin is an inlet of the Potomac River. It's home to the Jefferson Memorial (in photo at right) and the FDR memorial. The Tidal Basin is also where the cherry trees of Cherry Blossom Festival fame are planted. In addition to the attractions, you can rent a paddle boat or take a leisurely stroll here.

Your Turn

Thanks for visiting. Please let me know what you think by rating this lens with the stars at the top of this page.

  • brynimagire Mar 21, 2012 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    Great information. Thanks for sharing. cool lens !
  • goldenrulecomics Mar 3, 2012 @ 9:18 am | delete
    Nice list! We went to D.C. last month on a trip and it would have been nice to have seen this beforehand. It's such a beautiful city that I'm sure we'll return!
  • waldenthree.net Feb 15, 2012 @ 7:18 pm | delete
    Gotta visit Georgetown of course. We just did last week for specialty food ! Don't want to miss Chinatown and the Museums of course ! Congrads on your Squidoo level 57. Am going for my next level. Thanks.
  • booklover2 Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:16 pm | delete
    A very compact lens. Nice!
  • katesmart Sep 15, 2011 @ 7:31 pm | delete
    Great lens. Wanting to go back to DC. Thanks for the info.
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A Few More DC Lenses

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Getting Around Town

If your plans are to hit the major tourist sites in downtown DC and around the National Mall, forget driving. Finding a parking space is extremely difficult. Take Metrorail, Metrobus or the Circulator.

DC Photos

Capitol. by jiangkeren
Unites States Capitol Building by NatalieTracy
Capital Bikeshare on the Mall by Mr. T in DC
From 409 row F by wfyurasko
United States Capitol Building by Gerry Dincher
Joe the Plumber, Congressman by Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com
Still in session. by Madame Meow
Statuary Room by NatalieTracy
Sunny Capitol by NatalieTracy
Capitol Building #3 by NatalieTracy
automatically generated by Flickr

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Romantic DC River Cruises

Dandy Restaurant Cruises
Take a romantic cruise on the Potomac River.
Dinner Cruise Washington D.C. on the Potomac River
Here's another cruise line for a romantic dinner on the river.

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Celebrate Christmas in Washington DC

Have a Great Holiday in the Nation's Capital

At Christmastime, Washington DC is full of holiday excitement. Holiday concerts and other performances abound.
ZooLights: It's Wild; National Zoo
Nightime holiday celebration

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dcgal

Born and raised in Washington DC

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