Washington DC was built on a marshy swampland and while it’s more city than swamp these days, it’s not lacking in natural beauty. You won’t believe how much green space and natural beauty exists in the city. All over there are natural wonders in Washington DC that you need to experience this fall.
- Rock Creek Park
Flickr/John Leszczynski Rock Creek is the natural gem of Washington DC. This sprawling urban park was created in 1890 and is popular with runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the city.
- C&O Canal
Flickr/ehpien Otherwise known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the C&O Canal runs 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. You can walk, jog, run, or bike the tow path along the Canal.
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
Flickr/Katja Schulz Roosevelt Island feels like a natural oasis. Just across the river from Washington DC, this 88.5 acre island is a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt. What was once marshy farmland, Theodore Roosevelt Island was designed to mimic a real forest and you can spend all day exploring the trails and swampland.
- Lake Artemesia
Flickr/Matt Johnson Lake Artemisia is a man made lake in Prince George’s County that is right off the Green Metro line. There is a fishing pier, aquatic gardens, and two miles of trails around the lake.
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Flickr/Payton Chung Kenilworth is the picture of peace and quiet. Surround yourself with the beautiful lily pads and lotus flowers in this charming oasis run by the National Park Service.
- National Arboretum
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond The Arboretum is a living museum. Bring a picnic and explore the Capitol Columns, Bonsai Museum, the Asian Gallery and the many beautiful gardens, flowers and nature that are on the property.
- Glover Archbold Park
Flickr/Meta-Man Glover Archbold Park is on the western edge of Georgetown University and is a 183 wooded park where residents come to enjoy the bright green foliage, bubbling streams, and tons of wildlife.
- Kalorama Park
Flickr/MJWein Kalorama means “Beautiful view” in Greek and Kalorama Park gives visitors a beautiful view right in the middle of the city. It’s a quiet place to lounge, play, or take part in their community gardens.
- Hains Point
Flickr/Rudi Riet Hains Point is on the southern tip of East Potomac Park, right on the Potomac River and Washington Channel. This peninsula makes for a charming waterfront park perfect for a picnic to catch the sunset.
- Enid A. Haupt Garden
Flickr/american_rugbier In the back of the Smithsonian Castle, is the enchanting Enid A. Haupt Garden. Wander through the brick paths to see the beautiful flowers and splashing fountains.
Once you start seeing the incredible nature in Washington DC, you won’t want to stop! While you are exploring, be sure to find these 15 hidden gems in Washington DC that most people don’t realize exist!
Flickr/John Leszczynski
Rock Creek is the natural gem of Washington DC. This sprawling urban park was created in 1890 and is popular with runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the city.
Flickr/ehpien
Otherwise known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the C&O Canal runs 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. You can walk, jog, run, or bike the tow path along the Canal.
Flickr/Katja Schulz
Roosevelt Island feels like a natural oasis. Just across the river from Washington DC, this 88.5 acre island is a memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt. What was once marshy farmland, Theodore Roosevelt Island was designed to mimic a real forest and you can spend all day exploring the trails and swampland.
Flickr/Matt Johnson
Lake Artemisia is a man made lake in Prince George’s County that is right off the Green Metro line. There is a fishing pier, aquatic gardens, and two miles of trails around the lake.
Flickr/Payton Chung
Kenilworth is the picture of peace and quiet. Surround yourself with the beautiful lily pads and lotus flowers in this charming oasis run by the National Park Service.
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
The Arboretum is a living museum. Bring a picnic and explore the Capitol Columns, Bonsai Museum, the Asian Gallery and the many beautiful gardens, flowers and nature that are on the property.
Flickr/Meta-Man
Glover Archbold Park is on the western edge of Georgetown University and is a 183 wooded park where residents come to enjoy the bright green foliage, bubbling streams, and tons of wildlife.
Flickr/MJWein
Kalorama means “Beautiful view” in Greek and Kalorama Park gives visitors a beautiful view right in the middle of the city. It’s a quiet place to lounge, play, or take part in their community gardens.
Flickr/Rudi Riet
Hains Point is on the southern tip of East Potomac Park, right on the Potomac River and Washington Channel. This peninsula makes for a charming waterfront park perfect for a picnic to catch the sunset.
Flickr/american_rugbier
In the back of the Smithsonian Castle, is the enchanting Enid A. Haupt Garden. Wander through the brick paths to see the beautiful flowers and splashing fountains.
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