DC is one of the best cities to live in if you love nature. There are so many beautiful parks, quiet oases, waterfalls and hiking spots. But even if you don’t love being active, you can enjoy gorgeous nature in DC. Visit one of these 12 amazing natural wonders that don’t require hiking.
- Potomac River
Flickr/ehpien One of the most impressive natural wonders is the mighty Potomac, which many Washingtonians see every day. You can get gorgeous views of the Potomac from Georgetown, Hains Point or from Arlington. Take a moment to enjoy the views!
- Winkler Botanical Preserve
Yelp/C C. Winkler Botanical Preserve is a hidden gem across the bridge in Alexandria. It offers nature trails, a beautiful waterfall and wooded areas, all easy to access!
5400 Roanoke Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311
- Tregaron Conservancy
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy Located behind the Tregaron Estate, a historic mansion, lies 13 acres of protected open green space that will never be developed.
3100 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20008
- Kingman Island
Flickr/Andrew Turner You don’t have to hike to this secluded island just near old RFK stadium but you do need to walk across a boardwalk bridge to get to this peaceful oasis. This stunning island feels like its miles outside of the city.
- Dyke Marsh Nature Preserve
Yelp/Jenny T. Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria is one of the largest freshwater tidal wetlands in the area. It’s home to an array of plants and animals and is perfect for those who want to enjoy leisurely strolls through nature.
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA 22101
- Huntley Meadows Park
Flickr/Malcolm K. Huntley Meadow has a 1/2 mile wetland boardwalk where visitors can view animals such as beavers, frogs, herons and dragonflies. There are over 200 species of birds in this nature preserve.
- Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
Flickr/David Heise An hour outside of DC in Maryland, Jug Bay Wetlands is right on the Patuxent River. Explore the wetlands and enjoy the diverse animals in the area.
1361 Wrighton Rd, Lothian, MD 20711
- Brookside Gardens
Flickr/Mr.TinDC Brookside Gardens is located within Wheaton Regional Park and has several different areas including a butterfly garden, rose garden and woodland walk. It’s open year round and is a fantastic way to get your dose of nature.
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
- Meadowlark Gardens
Flickr/DC Gardens 45 minutes outside of DC in Vienna, VA, Meadowlark Gardens is a 95 acre complex that features gorgeous flowers, gardens and plants. Stroll through the easy trails and stop by in the winter for the walk of lights!
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
- Tidal Basin
Flickr/aveira While it’s technically partially man-made, the Tidal Basin is one of the easiest ways to experience nature right in the middle of the city. Paddle around in a paddle boat or simply take in the views underneath the trees.
- C&O Canal
Flickr/Samir Luther Tucked in behind the shops of Georgetown, you can experience the natural beauty of the C&O Canal post-shopping spree or before your evening meal!
- Anacostia River
Flickr/Joseph Gruber You can enjoy the gorgeous Anacostia River from the comfort of Yards Park. You can even get views from a nearby restaurant!
It’s so amazing living in a city and being so close to such incredible nature! Which natural wonder will you be visiting?
Flickr/ehpien
One of the most impressive natural wonders is the mighty Potomac, which many Washingtonians see every day. You can get gorgeous views of the Potomac from Georgetown, Hains Point or from Arlington. Take a moment to enjoy the views!
Yelp/C C.
Winkler Botanical Preserve is a hidden gem across the bridge in Alexandria. It offers nature trails, a beautiful waterfall and wooded areas, all easy to access!
5400 Roanoke Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy
Located behind the Tregaron Estate, a historic mansion, lies 13 acres of protected open green space that will never be developed.
3100 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20008
Flickr/Andrew Turner
You don’t have to hike to this secluded island just near old RFK stadium but you do need to walk across a boardwalk bridge to get to this peaceful oasis. This stunning island feels like its miles outside of the city.
Yelp/Jenny T.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve in Alexandria is one of the largest freshwater tidal wetlands in the area. It’s home to an array of plants and animals and is perfect for those who want to enjoy leisurely strolls through nature.
700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA 22101
Flickr/Malcolm K.
Huntley Meadow has a 1/2 mile wetland boardwalk where visitors can view animals such as beavers, frogs, herons and dragonflies. There are over 200 species of birds in this nature preserve.
Flickr/David Heise
An hour outside of DC in Maryland, Jug Bay Wetlands is right on the Patuxent River. Explore the wetlands and enjoy the diverse animals in the area.
1361 Wrighton Rd, Lothian, MD 20711
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Brookside Gardens is located within Wheaton Regional Park and has several different areas including a butterfly garden, rose garden and woodland walk. It’s open year round and is a fantastic way to get your dose of nature.
1800 Glenallan Ave, Wheaton, MD 20902
Flickr/DC Gardens
45 minutes outside of DC in Vienna, VA, Meadowlark Gardens is a 95 acre complex that features gorgeous flowers, gardens and plants. Stroll through the easy trails and stop by in the winter for the walk of lights!
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182
Flickr/aveira
While it’s technically partially man-made, the Tidal Basin is one of the easiest ways to experience nature right in the middle of the city. Paddle around in a paddle boat or simply take in the views underneath the trees.
Flickr/Samir Luther
Tucked in behind the shops of Georgetown, you can experience the natural beauty of the C&O Canal post-shopping spree or before your evening meal!
Flickr/Joseph Gruber
You can enjoy the gorgeous Anacostia River from the comfort of Yards Park. You can even get views from a nearby restaurant!
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