Washington, DC

The National Mall
DESCRIPTION: Located between Constitution and Independence Avenues, this national greensward bridges the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the District; this expansive park extends two miles east from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and 1 mile south from the White House to the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial; the nation’s most famous park also features Smithsonian museums, war memorials, National Archives, and botanic gardens.  These grand venues are only closed on major holidays and are within walking distance of the Smithsonian Metro Station

ADDRESS: The Mall  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/nama

Lincoln Park
DESCRIPTION: This small park features Emancipation Memorial and Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial

ADDRESS: East Capitol Street between 11th and 13th Streets NE

Malcolm X Park
DESCRIPTION: Beautiful Italian style-park that was renamed Malcolm X Park during the 1960s; popular place during summer for informal jam sessions

ADDRESS: 16th Street NW near W Street  MAP

Lafayette Square
DESCRIPTION: Named for the Marquis de Lafayette following his visit to America in 1824, a superbly landscaped park overlooking the White House

ADDRESS: 16th & Pennsylvania Ave, NW  MAP

McMillan Park & Reservoir
DESCRIPTION: Part of a chain of green spaces established in Senator James McMillan's 1901 plan for beautifying Washington; the grounds of the site were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., who also designed Central Park in NYC; designated a historic landmark by the DC Historic Preservation Review Board

ADDRESS: North Capitol Street, Channing Street, First Street and Michigan Avenue, NW  MAP

West and East Potomac Park
DESCRIPTION: This park covers over 700 tree-lined acres, it is one of the most beloved parks in DC, as witnessed by the parking problem if you arrive late on a pleasant or hot day; one side face the Potomac river the other side face the Washington Channel; within the West Park is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Monument; the atypical for DC monuments also pays tribute to that great First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt

ADDRESS: west of the Tidal Basin and southwest of the Jefferson Memorial  MAP

U.S. National Arboretum
DESCRIPTION: Over 400 acres of trees, flowers, picnic grounds, herb gardens; National Bonsai Collection and Japanese Garden

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-5p

ADDRESS: 3501 New York Ave, NE  MAP

PHONE: 202-245-2726

Rock Creek Park
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1890, one of the oldest national parks and largest forested urban parks in the US covering over 1700 acres; picnic areas, horseback riding, tennis, golf, hiking, nature and biking trails; Nature center with Planetarium; Old Stone House, Pierce Mill, Fort Stevens; open daily during daylight hours

ADDRESS: 3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW  MAP

PHONE: 202-282-1063

WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/rocr

Piscataway Park
DESCRIPTION: Established in 1961; featuring picnic areas, nature trails, bird watching, National Colonial Farm; open during daylight hours

ADDRESS: along the  Potomac River southeast of DC  MAP

PHONE: 301-763-4600

WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/pisc

C & O Canal National Historical Park
DESCRIPTION: A one-hour narrated trip on a canal boat pulled by mules; National Park Service staff in period clothing guide the boat through an eight foot lift lock and past historic buildings along the canal in Georgetown; day and evening trips from April-November; Adults $8 Senior Citizens $6 Children $5

ADDRESS: Extends from Georgetown to Potomac  MAP

PHONE: 202-653-5190

Fort Washington Park
DESCRIPTION: Featuring picnic areas, nature trails, lighthouse, tours of Fort Washington available; daily 8a-dusk

ADDRESS: 13551 Fort Washington Road, Fort Washington, MD  MAP

PHONE: 301-763-4600

WEBSITE: http://www.nps.gov/fowa