Don't Miss Out On These DC Parks!
The days are getting warmer, the sun is setting later, and you are beginning to crave a nice long day outside. Pack your picnic basket! Throw in that book you’ve been eyeing! Grab your dog, a frisbee, and a yoga mat. It’s time to enjoy the day.
DC is full of parks, special green spaces made for residents to relax in. Keep reading to find out about the miles of trails in the District of Columbia.
Must-Visit Parks and Green Spaces in Washington, DC
- Civil War Defenses of Washington: Historic Fort Circle Parks were established in 1919 to preserve Civil War forts and connect them with trails.
- Fort Dupont Park: Offers a Summer Theatre with movies, concerts, and plays, along with sports facilities and a community garden. It’s also historically significant as a refuge for runaway slaves during the Civil War.
- Little Falls Stream Valley Park: A 160-acre shared park between DC and Maryland featuring a 3.5-mile trail, scenic views, and reforestation efforts to remove invasive species.
- Georgetown Waterfront Park: Located near Washington Harbor, this park is perfect for strolling, enjoying waterfront views, and recreational activities like pirate ship rides.
- Rock Creek Park: One of DC’s oldest parks with diverse activities, including a planetarium, horseback riding, boating, and historical programs tracing Native American and Civil War connections.
- Dumbarton Oaks Park: A Harvard-affiliated estate with a renowned garden, library, and museum, significant for hosting WWII diplomatic meetings that led to the UN Charter.
- Montrose Park: Accessible from Georgetown, it features a playground, tennis courts, and trails connecting to Rock Creek Park.
- Glenwood Cemetery: Historic cemeteries in Edgewood offer tranquil, tree-lined paths for quiet reflection.
- Battery Kemble Park: A serene park in NW DC with open fields surrounded by trees, perfect for relaxation away from city life.
- DC’s Green Spaces: Washington DC uniquely blends city living with access to nature, offering numerous parks for recreation, historical exploration, and community events.
Civil War Defenses of Washington
Along the hills across from the Anacostia River in South East DC is a park that was once part of the something called the Civil War Defenses of Washington, the “Fort Circle Parks.”
In the late 1890s interested parties began to conceive a vision of a ring of trails around Washington DC connected by lush green parks that preserved these historic forts; by 1919 Congress approved and thus the Fort Circle Trail was established.
Fort Dupont Park
Come to Fort Dupont Park for their Summer Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater which hosts movies, concerts, and plays.
They already have a list of events for August.
That isn’t all the park offers! You can also check out Fort Dupont itself, which was once a major spot for runaway slaves to find refuge at during the war and is right around the corner from Dupont Circle.
There is also a sports complex where you can play tennis, basketball, and softball, and volunteers grow fruits and vegetables in the community garden.
Found at 3600 F St SE.
Little Falls Stream Valley Park
This park, located in Northeast DC, is actually shared between DC and Maryland. It covers 160 acres, has multiple trails, and is truly one of DC’s loveliest gems. Check out Little Falls Trail, a 3.5-mile trek for bikers and hikers that takes you to multiple views of Little Falls.
Fun Fact: In 2018 a reforestation process was put into effect, in which volunteers helped remove non-native invasive species.
Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park
This park is situated along the Whitehurst Freeway and begins right next to the Washington Harbor, near Farmers Fishers Bakers and, of all the things, the Embassy of Sweden.
You can jump on a Pirate Ship or other cruise ships, or you can just stroll the park, buy some ice cream, walk your dog, and enjoy the day.
Rock Creek Park
One of the oldest parks in DC, construction began for Rock Creek Park was in 1897. This land was deforested during the Civil War, when the Union soldiers cut down the trees in what would soon become the park and laid down the logs so that the Confederates couldn’t march through.
There is a lot more going on here than you might expect. A planetarium offers a high-tech simulation of the night sky above, there are horses you can ride, pre-Civil War buildings to sightsee, a golf course, tennis courts, even boating on the water!
And that’s just the beginning. You will find plenty of events here too, like the weekly Creature Feature at 4 pm on Fridays where you can learn all about a new animal, or the Exploring the Universe show at the Planetarium every Saturday at 4 (both are free!) You will also find scout ranger programs for boys and girls.
There is also an Archaeology program centered around Rock Creek Park, tracing materials found on the grounds to Native American settlements, colonial frontiersmen, the Civil War and more.
Rock Creek Park is technically part of the Rock Creek Conservatory, meaning that dedicated researchers and specialists are ensuring that the nature and history of the area is preserved.
Dumbarton Oaks Park
This gem is technically not a park so much as a Harvard University Research Institute with a library, museum, and garden.
The estate hosted important diplomatic meetings during the second world war with delegations from China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States all taking part in the “Dumbarton Oak Conversations.” These conversations led to the establishment of the United Nations Charter in 1945.
The garden was featured in National Geographic as one of the top ten best gardens in the world in 2014. You can visit for $10 (discounts for students, seniors, military members, and children apply), or you can get season pass for unlimited visits!
Found on R St. NW.
Montrose Park
You will wander into Montrose Park from Georgetown by walking along R street between 28th and 32nd. This one has a large playground area for children, two sets of tennis courts, and a series of trails that eventually take you over to Rock Creek Park.
Check here to find a map of nearby parking and here to find a complete history and set of maps.
The Glenwood Cemetery
Looking for a quieter, more contemplative place to think? There is a series of historic, connected cemeteries in Edgewood (North East DC). Established in 1852 it sits alongside the Prospect Hill Cemetery and St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, both of which are also considered historic landmarks. Accessed via Lincoln Rd.
These three cemeteries are well taken care of and have large groves of trees that offer a sense of privacy and serenity. The path you choose to walk is up to you.
Battery Kemble Park
We can’t let you go without mentioning Battery Kemble, another one of the Fort Circle Parks.
This one is especially peaceful, tucked way in a NW corner of the city.
It offers an open field surrounded by trees to take your mind away from all of the buildings and responsibilities only a few miles away. Found at 3035 Chain Bridge Rd NW.
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Must-Visit Parks and Green Spaces in Washington, DC
What is the Civil War Defenses of Washington?
The Civil War Defenses of Washington is a network of historic forts preserved as part of the Fort Circle Parks. These parks were established to create trails around Washington, DC, preserving the forts from the Civil War era.
What can I do at Fort Dupont Park?
Fort Dupont Park offers a variety of activities, including outdoor theater events like movies, concerts, and plays. You can also visit the historic fort, enjoy sports at the complex, or explore the community garden that grows fruits and vegetables.
What is Little Falls Stream Valley Park known for?
Little Falls Stream Valley Park is a shared park between DC and Maryland, covering 160 acres with a scenic 3.5-mile trail. It’s known for its natural beauty and efforts to remove invasive species as part of its reforestation program.
What can I do at Georgetown Waterfront Park?
Georgetown Waterfront Park is a perfect spot for leisurely strolls along the water, enjoying views of the harbor. Visitors can also take pirate ship rides, enjoy ice cream, or simply relax in the park with their pets.
What activities are available at Rock Creek Park?
Rock Creek Park offers a variety of activities such as horseback riding, boating, hiking, and golfing. It also features a planetarium, weekly educational programs, and historical tours related to Native American and Civil War history.
What is Dumbarton Oaks Park famous for?
Dumbarton Oaks Park is famous for its stunning garden, which was named one of the top ten gardens in the world by National Geographic. It also played a key role in WWII diplomacy, hosting meetings that contributed to the creation of the United Nations Charter.
What can I find at Montrose Park?
Montrose Park, located in Georgetown, offers a playground, tennis courts, and trails leading to Rock Creek Park. It’s a family-friendly park with both recreational and scenic walking areas.
What makes Glenwood Cemetery special?
Glenwood Cemetery is known for its peaceful, tree-lined paths, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection. The cemetery, along with nearby historic cemeteries, offers a serene environment for visitors seeking solitude.
What is Battery Kemble Park like?
Battery Kemble Park is a quiet and peaceful park tucked away in northwest DC. It features open fields surrounded by trees, offering a calm escape from the busy city life just miles away.
What makes DC’s parks so unique?
Washington, DC’s parks stand out for blending city living with nature. These green spaces offer a mix of recreational activities, historical sites, and tranquil areas for relaxation, making them a perfect part of the city’s community life.
