DC residents know that there is so much nature hiding among our city! So if you are a lover of the outdoors, you will definitely love these these 14 incredible natural attractions in and around Washington DC!
- Bishop’s Garden
Flickr/DC Gardens Bishop’s Garden is an absolutely gorgeous garden hidden behind the National Cathedral. The gardens were designed in the early 1900s by landscape designer Frederick Olmstead Law. It’s a beautiful place to find some peace and relaxation. More information here
- Deep Creek Lake
Flickr/Lindley Ashline Deep Creek Lake is a stunning lake that is less than 200 miles outside of DC in Garrett County Maryland. It’s tucked away between gorgeous mountains and fantastic hiking spots. More information here
- Kenilworth Gardens
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
It’s so shocking how few Washingtonians have visited Kenilworth Gardens. This outdoor attraction is the home of beautiful lilies, lotuses, plants and wildlife.
More information here
- Constitution Gardens
Flickr/NCinDC Constitution Gardens is such a hidden park right in the heart of DC! It’s the place that many downtown residents and workers love to step into for a quick breath of fresh air and beautiful views of weeping willows. More information here
- United States Botanic Garden
Flickr/DC Gardens The coolest thing about the United States Botanic Garden is that it features plants and flowers from all over the world. You can explore inside the conservancy or outside in the surrounding gardens. More information here
- Sugarloaf Mountain
Flickr/TrailVoice The views from Sugarloaf Mountain are worth the drive to it and the hike up it. White Rocks overlook will give you a perfect place to commune with nature and snap beautiful photos of the area below. More information here
- Kingman and Heritage Island Parks
Flickr/Katja Schulz Kingman and Heritage Island Parks are two remote islands on the outskirts of DC. There are no cars allowed and you need to cross a boardwalk pedestrian bridge to get there. But once you do, there is nothing but trails, plants and wildlife to enjoy. More information here
- Tregaron Conservancy
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy There are 20 acres of gardens, meadows and ponds hidden in Northwest DC at Tregaron Conservancy. The non-profit that manages the property is constantly working to restore it to its original beauty. But even as they work, it’s still a beautiful place to explore and it’s free to visit! More information here
- Granite Hill
Flickr/sully213 If you love to camp, then Granite Hill Camping Resort is the perfect place for you! This gorgeous campground is an hour and a half away from DC and is located on a 150-acre Civil War era farm. More information here
- Rock Creek Park
Flickr/Jason Pier in DC Rock Creek Park really is the natural gem of Washington DC. From hiking, running, biking and horseback riding, there are so many ways to experience nature at DC’s beloved park. More information here
- Kilgore Falls
Flickr/Mark S. Kilgore Falls is only a few hours north of DC in Rocks State Park. Take the Falling Branch Trail for a light 1.3 mile loop and it will take you past the breathtaking Kilgore Falls. This waterfall is the second highest free falling waterfall in Maryland. More information here
- Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls
Yelp/M Gabriela C. If you are looking for a relatively easy hike with spectacular views, look no further than the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls, just outside of DC. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region and for good reason! It’s fun, short and gives world class views of the iconic falls. More information here
- National Arboretum
Flickr/Michael Bentley The National Arboretum is in Northeast DC and gives Washingtonians 446 acres of garden collections, rolling hills and nature to explore. Fan favorites include the Capitol Columns, The Bonsai Collection and the National Grove of State Trees. More information here
- East Potomac Park
Flickr/Steven Harris East Potomac Park is one of those places you’ve probably passed but haven’t realized how beautiful of a spot it is. It’s popular among bikers and runners because it provides excellent views of the Potomac along the biking and jogging trail. More information here
These are just a few of the amazing natural attractions in DC! See even more of our incredible places in nature here!
Flickr/DC Gardens
Bishop’s Garden is an absolutely gorgeous garden hidden behind the National Cathedral. The gardens were designed in the early 1900s by landscape designer Frederick Olmstead Law. It’s a beautiful place to find some peace and relaxation. More information here
Flickr/Lindley Ashline
Deep Creek Lake is a stunning lake that is less than 200 miles outside of DC in Garrett County Maryland. It’s tucked away between gorgeous mountains and fantastic hiking spots. More information here
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
It’s so shocking how few Washingtonians have visited Kenilworth Gardens. This outdoor attraction is the home of beautiful lilies, lotuses, plants and wildlife.
More information here
Flickr/NCinDC
Constitution Gardens is such a hidden park right in the heart of DC! It’s the place that many downtown residents and workers love to step into for a quick breath of fresh air and beautiful views of weeping willows. More information here
The coolest thing about the United States Botanic Garden is that it features plants and flowers from all over the world. You can explore inside the conservancy or outside in the surrounding gardens. More information here
Flickr/TrailVoice
The views from Sugarloaf Mountain are worth the drive to it and the hike up it. White Rocks overlook will give you a perfect place to commune with nature and snap beautiful photos of the area below. More information here
Flickr/Katja Schulz
Kingman and Heritage Island Parks are two remote islands on the outskirts of DC. There are no cars allowed and you need to cross a boardwalk pedestrian bridge to get there. But once you do, there is nothing but trails, plants and wildlife to enjoy. More information here
Facebook/Tregaron Conservancy
There are 20 acres of gardens, meadows and ponds hidden in Northwest DC at Tregaron Conservancy. The non-profit that manages the property is constantly working to restore it to its original beauty. But even as they work, it’s still a beautiful place to explore and it’s free to visit! More information here
Flickr/sully213
If you love to camp, then Granite Hill Camping Resort is the perfect place for you! This gorgeous campground is an hour and a half away from DC and is located on a 150-acre Civil War era farm. More information here
Flickr/Jason Pier in DC
Rock Creek Park really is the natural gem of Washington DC. From hiking, running, biking and horseback riding, there are so many ways to experience nature at DC’s beloved park. More information here
Flickr/Mark S.
Kilgore Falls is only a few hours north of DC in Rocks State Park. Take the Falling Branch Trail for a light 1.3 mile loop and it will take you past the breathtaking Kilgore Falls. This waterfall is the second highest free falling waterfall in Maryland. More information here
Yelp/M Gabriela C.
If you are looking for a relatively easy hike with spectacular views, look no further than the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls, just outside of DC. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region and for good reason! It’s fun, short and gives world class views of the iconic falls. More information here
Flickr/Michael Bentley
The National Arboretum is in Northeast DC and gives Washingtonians 446 acres of garden collections, rolling hills and nature to explore. Fan favorites include the Capitol Columns, The Bonsai Collection and the National Grove of State Trees. More information here
Flickr/Steven Harris
East Potomac Park is one of those places you’ve probably passed but haven’t realized how beautiful of a spot it is. It’s popular among bikers and runners because it provides excellent views of the Potomac along the biking and jogging trail. More information here
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
