If you live in the DMV area and are eager to get outside and enjoy nature and sunshine, this is the list for you! These are the top eight ways to enjoy the outdoors in and around the DMV area. From parks within the city to beaches just outside the city, the DMV has a variety of outdoor spaces to enjoy.
The National Mall
We are starting with a classic! There are only so many times you can visit an attraction like the Lincoln Memorial, but taking a stroll around the
National Mall is always a great way to spend an afternoon. Bring lunch for a picnic on the green, toss frozen peas or sliced grapes at ducks in the reflecting pool, or grab a frisbee for a quick game. It’s easy to take the National Mall for granted if you live in the area, but whenever you visit, you remind yourself why it’s such a special retreat for DC residents.
National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden
If you haven’t been to the
National Gallery of Art recently, you might not know that they’ve added a beautiful new
sculpture garden. Easy to access from your Chevy Chase or American University Park home via the metro, the sculpture garden is located right in the middle of the National Mall, between the West Building and the National Museum of Natural History. It’s just over six acres and includes 21 sculptures. Grab a coffee and take the afternoon to learn, stroll, and enjoy.
U.S. National Arboretum
Open daily except for Christmas, the
U.S. National Arboretum is an underrated DC landmark that many visitors miss. However, residents of nearby suburbs should know that it’s absolutely worth a visit.
The Arboretum has over 440 acres of land, with nearly 10 miles of walking paths for guests to wander around and explore. There are often different events for all ages, so check out
the calendar! Even in the winter, the Arboretum is a treat, as it was designed to delight the eye in all four seasons.
Harper’s Ferry
Harper’s Ferry is a bit of a hike for most DMV residents, but it’s located right at the intersection of West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia— an excellent destination for a day trip! Whether you live in a DC suburb like American University Park or the city, you usually don’t get to experience true wilderness or small-town charm —
Harper’s Ferry has both.
Just under an hour from many Chevy Chase homes (depending on traffic: you do take the 270, after all), Harper’s Ferry is a historic town in West Virginia with many small shops, restaurants, and lots of hiking. This is where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, and it’s an iconic point along the
Appalachian Trail, the over 2,200-mile hike that stretches from Georgia to Maine. If you can only do one hike, make it
the Maryland Heights Trail!
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park offers idyllic nature at your doorstep if you live in the DMV area. Located in Fairfax County, Virginia,
Great Falls Park is about 800 acres of a national park that stretches along the Potomac River. Depending on the day, this is only about a half-hour from the central DC area. Pack a lunch and lots of water, and spend the day hiking along the water, enjoying waterfalls and incredible views. Experienced river rafters can
kayak the Potomac Gorge. Be warned; it’s not for beginners!
Meridian Hill Park
It may be more than a walk from American University Park homes, but
Meridian Hill Park is still close by car. This green oasis in downtown DC has just 12 acres, but it packs a lot of gorgeous features into a small area. The park's centerpiece is the cascading 13-basin waterfall, one of the largest of its kind in the world. There are also several statues and a reflecting pool. This park is one of the best places to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon.
Assateague Island
Do you want to put your toes in the sand and watch wild horses roam the beach? Well, I have some good news for you!
Assateague Island is a solid two-and-a-half-hour drive from most Chevy Chase homes, but it’s just a short drive from Ocean City, so you can easily make a weekend out of the trip.
Assateague Island is a barrier island and designated state park. Guests can walk along the beach, swim in the water, and watch the wild horses that call the island home. If you plan ahead, you can book the perfect overnight camping spot along the island and wake up to the horses in the distance.
Dupont Circle Farmers Market
Open year-round each Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the
Dupont Circle Farmers Market is a must for residents of nearby areas. The market has tons of local fruits and vegetables, plus countless stands from nearby farms and baked goods. You can even pick up lunch at vendors such as
DMV Empanadas, a local favorite!
This isn’t just a fun way to spend a Sunday morning; it’s a great way to connect with local artisans and bring yourself closer to the food and goods you consume daily. Plus, you can meet your neighbors in a friendly, open setting.
Looking to move?
If you’re not already a resident of the DMV area, you may not have experienced some of these places on our list! If you’re considering making a move and calling the greater Washington, DC area your home, reach out to
Alejandro Ortega and his team today. Alejandro is regarded as one of the top one percent of realtors in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. His sales surpass over $5 billion each year.
If you need a realtor you can trust when looking for homes in the DMV area, Alejandro should be your first call!
