Nature & parks in Washington DC
Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Washington DC, DC
Nature & Parks in Washington DC
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What travelers are saying
- notenuftravel2017Port Huron, MI78 contributionsSaw many sites from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Saw many beautiful and historical sites in between. Everyone should visit Washington DC at least once but given all there is to see you will want to return.Written January 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gayle B1 contributionHillwood is well worth the visit! The house is elegantly furnished and the collections of beautiful objects are amazing. Mrs. Post had a remarkable eye for art. We were able to join a guided tour and the docent was very knowledgeable about Mrs. Post's life and the collections. I would go back again because there was so much to see that I'm sure we missed some things.
We also saw a special exhibit of Grace Kelly's clothing in the Adirondack building when we were there.Written December 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BillyMacPSUNovi, MI134 contributions(Please give thumbs up if you found review helpful)
While visiting family in the Maryland Area, we took drove to DC to experience the United States Botanic Garden. Not being one that would select this given all the other museums and sites in the area, I'm glad we went.
The plants are well displayed utilizing groupings of regions, climates or types of plants. There were docents available to answer geeky plant questions but most impressive was the self-guided audio tour. This worked with your phone and provided information in an entertaining way that would appeal to a wide group of people.
The added bonus on why this maybe a must is that as you tour the grounds, they have displays / replicas of all of DC's greatest tourist sites made from plant mater. It was impressive and made what I thought could be a boring visit looking at plants into a vastly entertaining experience in which was educational too...Written January 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andrew NHendersonville, NC107 contributionsGood size zoo with a variety of animals. We didn't get to see everything as it was December and some animals were off exhibit due to the cold weather.Written December 31, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China11,286 contributionsIn contrast to the crowd and bust at the National Mall, Tidal Basin is a peaceful area with serenity. The small reservoir offers a perfect respite from the city. A stroll along the waterfront is particularly enjoyable. Great picnic spot, too.Written December 16, 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 September 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steven H2 contributionsThe museum is very fascinating with antiquities, and the gardens are beautiful.
There seems to be a surprise around every bend when you explore the vast gardens.
Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to take it all in. The different levels are really unique and it's much larger an area than it looks like from the street.Written December 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SDCooksSpearfish, SD804 contributionsMy daughter and I enjoyed a stroll through the sculptures late in the day in December. Laughed when we thought about what future generations may think of the giant typewriter eraser...they won't know what it is! Interesting trees....Botanical and sculpted. Something to find every where you looked. Enjoyed the giant metal object having g seen similar in Seattle earlier in the year. A fun place to stroll through or have lunch on a bench.Written January 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- worktotravel14Trenton, NJ2,045 contributionsOf course, when Yayoi Kusama's in the building the Hirshorn becomes an intense experience because it is a crowded. We weren't there for her or her exhibits which we hope to see one day, but we were there to enjoy a second half of an art class, looking at inspiration and then taking in two other beautiful artists works, Laurie Anderson, and Sam Gilliam. Mr. Gilliam's exhibit was particularly special as a local artist, an artist of color who was the van guard, and who had recently passed. The hustle and bustle of the museum can be much to take, but it is wonderful be able to a part of the Smithsonian experience -- and to be in awe that we get to be a part of an era where we honor art as a quintessential experience for humanity.Written January 7, 2023This 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 July 23, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robert DDamascus, MD181 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 June 6, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Alice3 contributionsI had a great experience! It was kind of a shame that I was the only one there for my tour time, but it was also wonderful for me! Stacy was my guide, and she is extremely knowledgeable about the history surrounding the house, including the owners and the enslaved people who lived there. I ended up staying around 2.5 hours for the tour, and exploring the gardens.Written September 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rmpanguiSantiago, Chile146 contributionsBeautiful astroll alongside the river with Yatchs on one side and an incredible variety of restaurants. Great pavement makes walking easy and the activity, even in winter, is entertaining. At night lights reflect on the water creating a seductive ambienceWritten January 12, 2023This 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 April 7, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Margaret BGreenbelt, MD671 contributionsBeautiful garden right on the National Mall. Great place to stop in and experience the beauty while in the midst of touristing.Written December 24, 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
- Perfect Private Night Tour of Washington DC
- Whitetail Mountain One Day Skiing Tour from Washington D.C
- 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 kids 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
- United States Botanic Garden
- Tidal Basin
- 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
- United States Botanic Garden
- Tidal Basin
- U.S. National Arboretum
- These are the best hidden gems for nature & parks in Washington DC:
- Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
- Dumbarton Oaks
- U.S. National Arboretum
- Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
- Tudor Place