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10 Nature & Parks in Upper Northwest That You Shouldn't Miss
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
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1. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,251 reviews
Hillwood, the grand estate of Post Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, sits on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park in northwest Washington DC. Along with a world renowned collection of Russian and French decorative arts, Hillwood also features extensive gardens and special exhibitions.
Reviewed By wbee2016 - Lincoln, United States
Ms. Post amassed a huge and varied collection of Russian artifacts from the days of Imperial family rule, including Fabrege eggs, jewelry, porcelain, and religious icons. Arrive early to see the gardens and grounds when not crowded. When standing on the steps looking toward the putting green across the lunar lawn, spot the Washington monument in the distance. Take the docent led mansion tour. Not on the guided tour but not to be missed is the icon room. There is a cafe on the grounds with delicious lunch fare and attentive service. This is a quiet jewel in a bustling tourist town. Go when you need to refresh.
2. Dumbarton Oaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Dumbarton Oaks is an institute of Harvard University dedicated to supporting scholarship internationally in Byzantine, Garden and Landscape, and Pre-Columbian studies through fellowships, meetings, exhibitions, and publications. It opens its doors to the public to visit its historic Gardens, designed by Beatrix Farrand; its Museum, with world-class collections of art; and its Music Room, for lectures and concerts.
Reviewed By NikaJunie - Jersey City, United States
This is a hidden gem, but will only be interesting to people with certain refined tastes. Basically, it is a big, early 19th century country house set in a large, extraordinary garden. It contains a small museum dedicated to Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art. Musical events and lectures are often held here and it is a center of active scholarship, an enclave of Harvard University. These areas do not form a coherent whole but, rather, reflect the interests of the donors. If you are drawn to landscaping, Byzantium, or the ancient Americas you should not miss Dumbarton Oaks. There is a good bookshop/gift shop. Opening hours are limited, so plan ahead.
3. National Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,259 reviews
Open area of gardens, fountains, trees and monuments stretching nearly two miles between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
Reviewed By gvr001 - Laurel, United States
Despite living in Maryland, it has been a few years since we had visited the Mall. It was a cool, sunny, 60 degree day, and the Cherry Blossoms had not yet bloomed. Despite all the Smithsonian museums being closed, we thought this would be a fun outing, and we were not disappointed. We arrived at the Lincoln Memorial around 10:30, and parked on 17th street. We had 2 hours of parking. We walked to the Lincoln Memorial, and then walked down to the Korean memorial, Martin Luther King, and then FDR. Each one is peaceful, beautiful, and powerful in its own way. We then walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial, which was under construction. Bathrooms were open at MLK and Jefferson. We walked quickly back and retraced our steps before our parking expired. We then drove to 21st street (around F street) and parked again. We had lunch at one of the food trucks across from the Washington Monument. We walked to the Washington Monument, then WWII, and then walked back to our car (2:45). The total distance walked was around 6.5 miles, and it was a wonderful visit of almost all the monuments (we missed Vietnam). Our children (11&13) were old enough to appreciate the powerful history of these monuments, and had the energy for the walking. A great way to spend a day outside.
4. Rock Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
Not just a park in the city, but a kind of leisurely museum, with a scattering of Civil War forts, a cemetery and a 19th-century mill within its bounds.
Reviewed By michaeljE3760TZ - Washington DC, United States
I have lived in DC for 23 years and 21 of those in Mt. Pleasant which is just 5 minutes away from access to Rock Creek Park where Peirce Mill is located. On weekends and holidays, portions of the main road through the park, Beach Drive is closed off to motor vehicle and on warm summer days is filled with bikers, joggers, walkers, skaters/bladers, and puncuating by picnickers at park sites scattered in between the closed off roads. There is the mill, the creek itself, which is beautiful in winter snow, many miles of trails through the woods, a horse stable that offers riding lessons, a golf course that meanders through the trees in a rustic oasis with few others around, and the National Zoo is in the park as well. I like to drive down to the mill and go sit beside the low dam wall with a sandwich on a sunny Saturday afternoon and just breathe the fresh air, looking across the mowed meadow of green grass and daffodils in dapples sunlight through the trees, with a cool breeze blowing along the creek (it can be 10 degrees cooler down here on hot summer days), and gaze at the craftmanship of the old stone mill and its waterwheel. One of the very best things about Washington DC and a true gift for me to live practically in it!
5. United States Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,777 reviews
Steeped in history, rich with tradition, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that informs visitors about the importance, and often irreplaceable value, of plants to the well-being of humans and to earth's fragile ecosystems. U.S. Botanic Garden campus includes the Conservatory, the National Garden, and Bartholdi Park.
Reviewed By dawnfromseattle - Vienna, United States
I went for a history/culinary presentation that was held right in the midst of the orchid exhibit. It was beautiful. The orchid displays are worth the trip. The garden isn't big but it is nicely done. I go at least twice each year. If you need a meal to top off your visit, check out the nearby Museum of the American Indian cafeteria. The Indian tacos are fantastic.
6. C & O Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
A 185-mile canal which runs from D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland.
Reviewed By VickiA156
We LOVED our hike along this part of the C & O Canal Towpath. A little narrow at points and having to cross the bridge to continue on the path but we found our way. We loved it!
7. Tudor Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
A model of Federal-period architecture in the nation’s capital, Tudor Place was home to six generations of Martha Washington’s descendants from 1805 to 1983 and the enslaved workers and servants who lived and worked here. With over 18,000 decorative objects, including the largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon, Tudor Place sits on 5 ½ acres in the heart of Georgetown.
Reviewed By DDavistraveler - Tulsa, United States
What a lovely historic home, then you find out the George and Martha Washington connection wonderful items relating to the Washingtons and incredible history of the four owners and six generations of occupancy. An awesome must see for repeat visitors to DC
8. Smithsonian Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By helenruthc
Meandering through a habitat full of varieties of plants and flowers all beautifully kept and labeled is an experience that we ought to have time for and the early June cloudy day was perfect for that. I was fortunate to have a comfortable day to be outside, and loved the chance to smell the flowers, such a pleasure. It wasn't crowded, and was amazingly lovely, plus the smell of a white hydrangea that I hadn't recognized before was a treat.
9. National Zoological Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,472 reviews
A park-like zoo containing 4,000 animals and 500 different species.
Reviewed By 525deannem - Dublin, Ireland
I had a couple hours before I needed to be at the airport and saw that the National Zoo was within walking distance of my hotel on a sunny DC day. After grabbing some lunch to take along, I headed to the zoo. Orangutans that can cross the pedestrian path high over head and giant pandas strolling through their enclosure made this a particularly memorable visit. I would love to go back with my grand daughters!
10. Potomac River
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 304 reviews
River separating Washington D.C. from Virginia.
Reviewed By tigerbox - San Jose, Costa Rica
Perhaps one of the best big city water features in the country. There are several parks, walking paths along the entire length of the river maybe 3 miles or more, incredible views, C&O canal, Kennedy center, Jefferson Memorial and of course the direct access to Georgetown itself. If you are visiting DC you need to get to the water front for a nice bike ride or walk to fully appreciate all that DC has to offer.
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