Top Rated Parks to Visit in Bull Run

"Hugging the banks of Rock Creek on its meandering route down to the Potomac is a big urban park, spreading over more than 2,000 acres and drawn up in 1890. Previously this land had been the site of a chain of batteries defending Washington in the Civil War. The valley is often steep, and blanketed with beech, oaks, dogwoods and cedars, while some of Washington’s favourite historic bridges cross the creek, like Lauzun’s Legion, the Duke Ellington Bridge, the Daft Bridge and the Dumbarton Bridge."

"The Rock Creek park is a massive urban park measuring over 3,000 acres in land area. It was established under the Act of Congress in 1890 in an effort to preserve a series of batteries and forts that surround the District of Columbia to defend the city during the US Civil War era. According to the designation of the site as a park, it would aim to preserve the animals and timbers within the property from damage in order to preserve its natural condition for as long as possible."

"Rock Creek Park is near the National Zoo, Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens. If you are interested in visiting any or all of these places, it might be worth renting a room in the area and then either driving into DC or taking the Metro. Rock Creek Park is a national park with 1,754 acres to explore."

"Lord Aziantu, left, and Sydney Todd dance to the drummers who are a regular feature in Meridian Hill Park © The Washington Post via Getty Images. Every Sunday at around 3pm, Meridian Hill Park (also called Malcolm X Park) plays host to the drum circle, a tradition that started in the 1960s during the Civil Rights struggle. These days it has the ambiance of a mini music festival: a crowd heads to the park to lounge, enjoy a picnic or just tap to the rhythm."

"The beautified Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park in Columbia Heights has hosted a drum circle every Sunday (weather permitting) for four decades, inspiring dance and — more recently — a thriving scene of circus artists who juggle, do tightrope walking and demonstrate impressive hula-hooping and human-pyramid skills. While not everyone is happy to see this event become a tourist attraction, it's still a peaceful way to picnic and enjoy a community."

"With its 13-basin, cascading waterfall fountain and reflecting pool, this 12-acre formal Italianate-style park is open during daylight hours. On a warm day, it is the perfect spot for a pleasurable afternoon of getting to know one another. On Sundays, musicians gather for impromptu performances."

"Who would have guessed there would be such a gorgeous picnic spot located under a bridge?. The path gravel paths will lead you to the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a flatbread (or two)!. Choose to setup at one of two fishing piers, under the trees on the banks of the Potomac River or even at the base of Jones Point Lighthouse."

"The Jones Point Lighthouse is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse operated from 1856 to 1926. You can find it inside Jones Point Park."

"Stroll down to Old Town’s Waterfront Park and enjoy an unbeatable view of the Potomac. Grab a cone from nearby Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream or picnic on the park’s green lawn as boats pull into the harbor."

"Yards Park overlooks the Capitol Riverfront and hosts events throughout the year. It’s complete with cool architecture,  a dog park, views of the Anacostia River, boardwalk, grassy areas, and dining options. You can spend a whole day here just exploring, and trying one of the many restaurants they offer for brunch, lunch or dinner."

"A waterfront park with a boardwalk running along the Anacostia River. Home to well-known ‘outdoor rooms,’ visitors to this park can wander near the dancing fountains at the entrance that welcome visitors to this special space."

"The Yards park has great restaurants but also an impressive bridge that is perfect for portraits. 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003. View this post on Instagram"

"Nestled in the Palisades, west of Glover Park, this park was once home to a strategic encampment of Union soldiers, staked out to defend the city from Confederate raids. Today, it’s host to running trails, majestic giant pines trees, and a grassy, rolling meadow.Best for: running haphazardly with your dog, or when it snows, sledding.Photo by Geoff Livingston."

"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."

"This park was once a defensive site for the Union Army during the Civil War. Today the large space serves as a public park for picnicking, hiking, sledding, and running. It also happens to be one of the best (unofficial) dog parks in the city."

"Wonderfully bright and accessible playground right off Potomac Ave. Fenced in and 2 separate lots with tons of interesting play structures, hammocks, swings and more!. My daughter calls it Turquoise Town!"

"Explore the world-famous museums and national memorials on the National Mall, see the iconic government buildings (the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Supreme Court) and check out the local food, arts and culture, history, or shopping destinations. Weekends are often busy, so be sure to check the schedule of events and know what to expect. Here is a two-day itinerary to help you plan ahead, determine what you really want to see and set your own personal priorities. Note, you will need to book a few tours in advance."

"1600 Pennsylvania Avenue The White House is the official workplace of the President of the United States. It was completed in 1800.* Be aware though, the White House is one of the most restrictive photo locales in DC. To photograph the exterior, you will be behind a huge fence and sometimes landscaping will obstruct your view."

"The Famous White House is perhaps one of the most symbolic and iconic structures of the USA. This place is the residence of the President of America which is the highest post of power in the country. Not only this, it is officially the headquarters of the president making it of vital strategic and political importance."

"Served on Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays, the brunch at Del Ray Cafe is delicious. Their brunch menu consists of many starters, eggs, and omelets, including the option to create your own two-egg omelet. Also, their sweet or savory crêpes are available at any time during the day, so if you are in the mood for breakfast food in the afternoon, Del Ray Cafe is the perfect choice."

"This family-friendly restaurant uses local, organic ingredients to create some of the best food around. Even for breakfast, you can enjoy appetizers like a chocolate croissant or a slice of fresh homemade banana walnut bread. For your main course, get an omelet made just the way you like it, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the DRC signature dishes."

"As the new kid on the block in Old Town Alexandria, Bistro Sancerre opened in January 2019 and is already making waves with its innovative take on classic French cuisine. The interior of the bistro is large, sleek and modern and there is also a romantic patio for good-weather dining. You can get started by ordering a few of their appetizers which include classic French favorites like escargot and Foie Gras given a brand new twist."

"As listed in Northern Virginia Magazine’s 50 Best Restaurants of 2016, it’s no wonder that Restaurant Eve is a favorite for residents and visitors, includingBarack and Michelle Obama who ate here for their wedding anniversary in 2011. One of my favorite places to dine in all of Alexandria, this restaurant combines classic American dishes with Irish and French twists—so you’ll feel cultured without even leaving the city. #SpoonTip: Save money by eating for $15 from their bar menu during lunch hours on weekdays."

"Located in the Kimpton Lorien Hotel & Spa, BRABO offers innovative Belgian cuisine by award-winning chef Robert Wiedmaier, who's created a menu that is both creative and varied. BRABO is the name of a hero in Belgian folklore, and the meals combine French and Belgian styles of cuisine for a truly unique blend of flavors."

"Award-winning Chef Robert Wiedmaier is transforming Alexandria's dining scene with this Old Town trifecta. The elegant Brabo Restaurant houses the lively Brabo Tasting Room and The Butcher's Block gourmet market.[Learn more]"

"Enjoy old-world Spanish charm with vibrant, colorful decor at this venue perfect for an intimate gathering or large party of up to 50 guests in La Granja — Taberna’s beautiful semiprivate room. This spot is known for its tapas menu and paella.. with over 300 wines for pairing."

"Brought to you by the same team behind the popular Ghibellina and Acqua Al 2 restaurants, Denson Liquor Bar is a subterranean Art Deco masterpiece in Penn Quarterinspired by hotel bars of yore. Comfort foods (one section of the menu is titled “grilled cheeses”) pair well with a range of seasonal drinks that come with detailed flavor profile notes, and don’t forget about the everyday happy hour starring $9 cocktails and oysters on the half-shell."

"Right across the street from Capital One Arena, Denson Liquor Bar is your go-to spot for a pre-game or -concert drink that’s more than a light beer. The underground, 1920s-style lounge has classic cocktails and private, dimly-lit leather booths. It’s all perfect for a gin and tonic and an escape from the street."