Historic Walking Areas • Parks
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Nature & parks in Washington DC
Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Washington DC, DC
Nature & Parks in Washington DC
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
Showing results 1-30 of 82
What travellers are saying
- ray D5 contributionsWalking from the Capitol to the Washington Monument [and on to the Lincoln Memorial] is a great experience. Fun and free. Many free museums to stop in along the way.Written 28 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SamAuckland, New Zealand26 contributionsGreat garden with a wide range of species. Easy to wander at your own pace and very informative. Lots of information about worldwide farming and garden practices.Written 23 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MAConvertBerkshires, MA405 contributionsEveryone loves the tidal basin during cherry blossom season, but it's lovely the rest of the year too. We went down early in the morning and enjoyed watching an eagle fish for breakfast.Written 21 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Janye N7 contributionsVery interesting history in a beautiful setting. Definitely worth the trip to NW Washington. I would go back again on my next trip.Written 27 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jolene RPort Republic, VA21 contributionsBeautiful zoo. We enjoyed it although some of the more common animals you'd expect to find at a zoo were missing like camels, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, kangaroos,Written 3 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff90038Los Angeles, CA33 contributionsWent specifically to see the bonsai collection and was quite impressed by the variety, age, and styles. A nice place to spend an afternoon.Written 23 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- HardtM8893Toronto, Canada5 contributionsGreat spot to have dinner. There’s a few shops that sell local artists work. Calm atmosphere. Bright lights at night, many restaurants to choose from. Safe, clean and will be return. Only hint; do not wear heals. Cobble stone pathways, uneven side walks would make for un comfortable walk. Have fun!!!Written 23 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- John BNorristown, PA245 contributionsToday the Potomac is a beautiful River where you can enjoy a nice walk along it and have a good boat trip as well. In the past, however, this river was heavily polluted and unsanitary. Good we made progress since then. The river adds life and personality to Washington DC. It's amazing something so natural can do that.Written 7 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CloCroHouston, TX210 contributionsSo glad we went out here, so peaceful and gorgeous gardens. The cherry blossoms had just a few people around, which was nice. We got some of our best photos here!
Other gardens were beautiful as well. Worth it!Written 30 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelerWithOpinionsBoston, MA447 contributionsStrolling through the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden on a beautiful spring day is a pure delight, both looking at the art and the botany. Ahhh...Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- paxaWashington DC, DC6,586 contributionsThis park is a real hidden gem. I can't believe it took us living in DC forever and just visiting it for the first time. For a garden that's right in the middle of the city it has a charming wilderness and deserted feel to it. We came here in mid August after the peak lotus bloom season but there were still plenty of flowers around. Buggy in a good way - no mosquitos which was a pleasant surprise as the whole place is a marsh - lots of pretty dragonflies and butterflies. Also many egrets, even saw one in flight which is a rare sight. Nice trails around the ponds, boardwalks over the marsh and paved bike trails. A bit tricky to get to when you are unfamiliar with the surrounding streets but now that we know how to get there will definitely visit more often.Written 15 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wendy SAustin, TX725 contributionsThe park is lush and green! My sister's dog disturbed a wasp nest, so we were stung multiple times. The Ranger station had water bottles, patches, books, and prints for sale.Written 23 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- steveSedona, AZ6 contributionsIn the Georgetown neighborhood the gardens are a hidden gem. We meandered through the property in about 45 min. Flowering roses and dogwoods provide color against the lush green landscape. I would suggest some pesticide free bug spray.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cruiser5795215 contributionsThe Hirshorn always has exhibits that are worth stopping for. Unfortunately about 1/3 of the museum was closed. But it’s free and near so many other things… definitely worth the stop.Written 22 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert DDamascus, MD178 contributions[Mon., June 6, '22] Today is the 78th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, and being a retired MCPS History Teacher, I had the day off to enjoy exploring.
After visiting my mother's grave at nearby Arlington National Cemetery, and an incredible visit at the Military Women's Memorial (located at the Ceremonial Entrance to the cemetery -- this year is their 25th Anniv. Go check it out!), I decided to stop off at the Teddy Roosevelt Island Park off of southbound G.W. Parkway in DC.
I have passed this place a ton of times, and have wanted to stop FOREVER -- Ah, so glad I did...absolutely the most picture perfect day. Normally I pass it on the weekends when there is a fair-sized crowd, so the trick is go during the week days if you can. PLENTY of parking, including several wheelchair-accessible spots near the pedestrian bridge (with a concrete sidewalk).
If you are in a manual wheelchair, the bridge has a bit of an incline hump you need to get over (I hope they install hand rails), and the jogging/bike path on the island side is gravel...so a bit effortful for mobility-challenged patrons. Still -- don't let that stop you...GO! :-)
DC does have many nice local parks for excellent get-aways on such beautiful days like today, and this one is smack dab right in the middle of the scenic Potomac River near Georgetown Univ. & Reagan National Airport (and if you want to taste local legendary chili, drop by Ben's Chili Bowl in Reagan National...you can park there for a fee, but don't have to pass security...great lunch idea).
Grab a picnic, a blanket, a Frisbee, perhaps a book or listen to relaxing music, grab some water & sun protection...and enjoy kicking back for some well-deserved leisure time on beautiful Roosevelt Island in DC. Enjoy! :-)Written 6 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington DC
- These experiences are best for nature & parks in Washington DC:
- Private Washington DC Guided Tour
- Washington DC Monuments Bike Tour
- Washington DC Sites at Night Bike Tour
- BEST Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Skyline Drive All-Day Tour
- Washington DC Capital Sites Bike Tour
- These places are best for nature & parks in Washington DC:
- National Mall
- United States Botanic Garden
- Tidal Basin
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- National Zoological Park
- These are the best places for kid-friendly nature & parks in Washington DC:See more nature & parks for children in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for couples seeking nature & parks in Washington DC:See more nature & parks for couples in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking nature & parks in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- National Mall
- Tidal Basin
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & parks in Washington DC:See more budget-friendly nature & parks in Washington DC on Tripadvisor
- These are the most romantic places for nature & parks in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- National Mall
- Tidal Basin
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- These are the best hidden gems for nature & parks in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- United States Botanic Garden
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Rock Creek Park