Historic Walking Areas • Parks
Cleveland Park
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Nature & Parks in Washington DC
THE 10 BEST Washington DC Parks & Nature Attractions
Nature & Parks in Washington DC
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Nature & Parks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Outdoor Activities (33)
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Historic Sites • Gardens
Cleveland Park
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
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Marinas • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Southwest Waterfront
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Military Museums • Speciality Museums
Cleveland Park
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Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Cleveland Park
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Columbia Heights
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Parks
Foggy Bottom - GWU - West End
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Showing results 1-30 of 159
What travelers are saying
- Joasi23South Yorkshire, UK1,996 contributionsThis was our reason for visiting Washington , so many iconic vistas and memorials that we have seen over the years on tv . It is incredible. The monuments to the fallen are superb and fitting . We were left feeling very humble and appreciative of those that have been part of shaping historyWritten September 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- isabellaboston2017Portland, ME20 contributionsGreat experience -- busy on weekends of course. Friendly staff, and there are activities to hook in the interest of kids. Restrooms have flowers too!Written October 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- isabellaboston2017Portland, ME20 contributionsI always like to see a beautifully furnished estate when the opportunity is available on travel. The Garden Tour guide was great; my inside guide Wilhelmina was also great - even superb - as she pointed out that there were chairs in each room if one wanted to sit a bit. Wilhelmina answered my myriad questions (I have worked in a number of museums), and she was even delighted to be asked for more. The Faberge eggs are even more beautiful in reality than they were in photos. Restrooms, water fountains, cafe, seats to sit a minute, helpful staff, and a Lovely gift shop. I had to remind myself to be moderate in shopping.
If you have any appreciation for fine historic ceramics, this is the place. Also, Marjorie M Post like to host lawn parties, there are few bedrooms, but a large dining room, and a really fabulous kitchen where the chef, butler and staff might turn out large volumes of fancies. Although of 1950's design, the kitchen layout is one of the best large, production kitchens I've seen and it would be easy to walk in there and cook dinner for 50 or luncheon for 300.
Should have taken a cab TO the site -- instead I took the metro, and my Maps app on my phone got my direction of travel -- so I walked 1.5 miles before finding out I needed to retrace my steps AND continue a mile to the site. Take the Cab to the site, take the metro back home! My cab fare back was a value as it gave me back an hour I would have lost in transit and only cost $30 incl the tip.Written October 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Adventure DivaManchester, CT2,781 contributionsLocated in the heart of northwest part of Washington DC, it is about a three mile walk around the zoo. It took me about an hour and a half to check out the space. Layout of zoo is well designed to accommodate the crowds and informative signs are posted for each of the species. The zoo is also well known for its animal center that takes care of both the well being and health for all the species. More pop up food stations were available since last year's visit.
P.S. Just found out that the Giant Pandas are returning and there was much buzz about that announcement. Panda Bao Li and Qing Bao will be back by year end 2024.Written September 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - psudinoWeehawken, NJ4,429 contributionsBeing near water can add to to the appeal of nearly anything. The tidal basin is useful as a reservoir, it's primary purpose, but it also adds to the beauty of the area and gives a peaceful area to enjoy the outdoors. Simply adds to the already incredible outdoor spaces of DC.Written August 12, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- William T6 contributionsThe park is so huge and we only had a couple of hours. Will definitely have to go back during the different growing seasons!Written March 18, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KhudaiKarachi, Pakistan305 contributionsYes that’s what we were missing at Washington DC. It’s lively must visit kind of place a lot of restaurants Boats and river activitiesWritten September 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ElaineAndGregChesterland, OH3,088 contributionsDumbarton Oaks is really at least four things, and arguably more. That is both its strength and its primary drawback from the standpoint of a visitor.
The house itself was the gift of Robert and Mildred Bliss to Harvard University, along with their art collections. Because this was the Bliss's home and because of their tastes in collecting as well as diplomatic accomplishments, the house itself has several parts.
The first, and probably the primary attraction for most visitors, are the extensive gardens, which may come as a surprise to one visiting Washington, DC. According to the website, the garden has been ranked as one of the best in the world. You will want to book ahead for the garden as they only have timed tickets. The cost was a little less than $15.
We liked the gardens, but they felt a little unkempt compared to others we have seen in the US and Canada. Still, they are very nice and fun to walk around.
The second attraction is the museum inside, which is free, and based on the Bliss's own collection. This really has two main parts, a collection of Byzantine Art and one of pre-Columbian art from South America. This second collection is in a well-designed and architecturally interesting addition. The works and their descriptions are all excellent. The Byzantine works had their own interest, but we did not find them as striking. The main house also has a library that is largely roped off, so it is of lesser interest.
There are no guides, or at least there were none during our visit, only security guards.
One feature of the main house is the impressive music room. Unfortunately, the descriptive materials were not that good. One painting on the wall was plainly an El Greco, but the descriptions said little about it. The piano had signed photos by Igor Stravinsky, who must have been a friend but, again, no description and I simply recognized it from photos of Stravinsky elsewhere. They had other autographed photos from musicians or composers, but it was too dim to make out the signatures.
This room is also where meetings were held in 1944 leading up to the formation of the United Nations. I only knew that because we visited with a political science commentator. There was virtually nothing about it. It's still a great room, but it might be worth reading ahead.
And that takes us to what this site needs, which is a dedicated curator who wants to show visitors all of these disparate parts and possibly even tie them together. What is in the roped-off library? There are several empty displays along the way - surely something in the museum could go there. The Blisses donated the property to Harvard in 1940 and perhaps it is not a priority for a university several hundred miles away. Still, this otherwise wonderful site and its visitors deserve a little more.
The moral: Read up, come, and enjoy.Written May 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Karen VTampa, FL3,162 contributionsIt most certainly is an eccentric collection of art. I guess you can say art is like beauty, or beauty is like art. You either love the look of the art piece, or you don't. As a whole, I'm not in love with abstract art. However, I do appreciate some of the works.
The entrance to the museum is currently along the side of the building in the courtyard near the fountain. The main entrance is blocked off. Once inside the building, you're hit with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee. There is a Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato café in the main lobby with a very sleek design. The furnishings and overall look of the lobby was reimagined by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. He was inspired by the circular form of the building, and created a functional area that would incorporate the circles in nature. I was immediately drawn to the large table base with the spiral chairs. It's a slice of a 700 year old nutmeg tree that displays an intertwining root system under the glass table top. It's very unique, and really compliments the Hirshhorn Museum quite well.
We immediately headed up to the next level to view the "Revolutions" exhibit. This is where you'll find most of the famous contemporary art pieces from art history class. There were paintings from Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Mary Cassatt, Jackson Pollock, and so many more. We walked through the "Four Talks" exhibit on our way to the next gallery. I won't even begin to interpret the thoughts painted in black and white with mixed grey swirls around each comment. We also saw a few Auguste Rodin sculptures along the way. We both agreed that Delaunay's "Eiffel Tower and Garden's, Champ de Mars" was truly the one art piece that captured our full attention.
We didn't get to see "Pickett's Charge" by Mark Bradford, nor did we see "Belief+Doubt" by Barbara Kruger. It was almost lunch time, and these 2 exhibits deserve more than just a brief walk through. We'll just have to revisit this museum the next time we're vacationing in the DMV.Written September 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - psudinoWeehawken, NJ4,429 contributionsThe Potomac River is actually 405 miles long and starts in West Virginia. The most famous point is around DC, separating it from Arlington, VA. It then continues south to form the border between Maryland and Virginia.
Around DC are nice outdoor pathways and the rest of the river is a mixture of completely rural mountains to a wide basin entry.Written August 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Patrice AGrosse Pointe Park, MI120 contributionsOne of the best kept secrets in Washington. The memorial was appropriate in size and nature, in a frontier like landscape. It was appropriate for his legacy. Stay and hike the trails. It is only accessible on the Virginia side of the river. It was poorly signed and is easily missed if you're not paying attention. This island is walking distance from Georgetown.Written March 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephen BPhiladelphia, PA30 contributionsWe had a very pleasant walk four miles upstream from our hotel to another destination. We had been there a year before, but this was a more ambitious walk.
The path is well maintained and attractive. It is a great place to spend some time, whether you are using it to go somewhere or just to unwind.Written May 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kleicSan Antonio, TX1,085 contributionsI actually didn't get to go on the house tour but I'm giving it five stars and taking time to write the review because of the impressive work they're doing to tell the stories of people of African decent who lived and worked here. The grounds are lovely and the history of the house is fascinating precisely because of the enslaved people who lived here and a real effort is being made to document their lives and their stories. Would that all house museums did the same!Written April 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- O1080XEbrandonDallas, TX10 contributionsKenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a tranquil oasis in the heart of D.C. I visited during the summer when the lotus and water lilies were in full bloom, and it was absolutely stunning. Walking along the ponds, surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery, felt like stepping into another world. It’s peaceful, with the soft sounds of birds and frogs adding to the serene vibe. There are also easy trails that take you through wetlands and along the Anacostia River, perfect for a quiet nature walk. Whether you're a nature lover or just need a break from the city, Kenilworth is a hidden gem worth exploring.Written September 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Karen VTampa, FL3,162 contributionsThis is one of my favorite Smithsonian Gardens. It's the 4.3 acre garden that is nestled between the National Museum of Asian Art and the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building. It also sits above the underground quadrangle complex in what used to be known as the South Yard. We happened to enter it from a walkway on the side of the Freer Gallery of Arts building. The path of beautiful tropical flowers lead us to the Smithsonian Castle and The Parterre. It felt like just another hidden garden on the National Mall until we saw the Renwick Gates on the way out to Independence Ave. It's a very grand entrance to the castle. There's even more to discover as you walk around Enid A. Haupt Garden.
Make sure to continue your walk around the pavilion entrances of the Sackler Gallery and the National Museum of African Art. You'll come across the Moongate Garden that is inspired by the Temple of Heaven Garden. The gates and walkways are made of pink granite. There's a black granite pool surrounding it. There is also a Moorish fountain that faces the Museum of African Art. You wouldn't even know that it's all there unless you walk through the garden.
This beautiful garden restoration of the quadrangle was made possible through a generous donation from horticultural philanthropist Enid Annenburg Haupt. I didn't know who she was until doing a little research. She's credited for partly funding Gerald Van Der Kemp's orchid project at Monet's Garden in Giverny. She is best known for her $34 million gift to the New York Botanical Garden & Conservatory. Her name lives on through many of these projects.Written August 26, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
