The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Washington DC Who Loves The Outdoors
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Maura
Author
As the weather warms up and spring comes to DC, you might be itching to enjoy being outdoors in the district. Even though we’re a city, DC has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. If you are looking to fill your days exploring leafy forests, cruising down waterways or just sitting in the sun, then this is the bucket list for you! Enjoy the warm weather months with the ultimate outdoorsy bucket list in Washington DC.
DC’s biggest park is the perfect place to hike, bike and jog. Get lost among the intersecting trails and forget that you are literally right in the middle of the city.
You can shop in Georgetown but did you know you can also enjoy water sports? Rent a kayak, paddle board or canoe and enjoy a fun day on the Potomac River.
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Get a leg work out and a stunning view of the monuments and memorials surrounding the gorgeous Tidal Basin by paddling your way around!
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The National Arboretum is a nature lovers paradise! This quiet natural oasis features 446 acres of plants, gardens and flowers. You can leisurely walk around the Arboretum or have a picnic. Dogs are welcome as well!
The C&O Canal Towpath begins in Georgetown along the edge of Rock Creek Park. The entire path is 184.5 miles and ends up in Cumberland, MD but you can walk or bike just portions of it!
Hop aboard the fun Boomerang Pirate Ship! They offer cruises for families and for adults only. Go on a treasure hunt or get into a water cannon battle! It’s fun for the whole family!
The Mount Vernon Trail is a 17 mile paved multi-use trail that leads from George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It offers bikers and runners gorgeous views of the Potomac and the DC Monuments.
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Spend a day lounging and playing on DC’s front lawn! The Mall is the perfect place to bring some friends, a picnic blanket and some snacks. Spend the day relaxing in the sunshine.
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Located on Hains Point island on the Potomac River, East Potomac Golf Course has two 9-hole courses and one 18 hole golf course. You can also play mini golf or stop by the driving range.
The Anacostia is one of the most historic waterways in the area and you can paddle it by canoe or kayak. There are rental places at Bladensburg Waterfront Park.
On the Southern Tip of East Potomac Park, Hains Point has beautiful views of the Anacostia and the Washington Channel. Surrounded by cherry blossoms, it’s a popular place for cyclists and picnickers.
Just outside of DC in Maryland and Virginia, Great Falls Parks offers some of the most spectacular hiking in the area. Enjoy Rock Scrambles on the Billy Goat Trail and be awed by amazing views of the falls.
Cross over to this 88.5 acre island and you’ll feel like you’ve been dropped into an abandoned natural paradise. This gorgeous tribute to President Teddy Roosevelt was designed to mimic the natural forest that once covered the island and DC.
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These two rustic islands are the perfect place to escape in DC. Walk over a small bridge near the Stadium Armory metro station and you are surrounded by picturesque water, plants, birds and trails.
A 7.9 mile trail along the hilltops near the Anacostia River in southeast DC, follows part of the chain of forts that once guarded DC. Enjoy the open natural space while seeing a part of DC’s past.
Ready for more outdoorsy fun? Check out these top 10 places to go hiking in Washington DC!
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