Top Rated Parks to Visit in Washington DC

"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."

"Rock Creek Park is the main stretch of woodland that runs through the city's northwest corridor. If you want to escape the mob of tourists on the Mall, or you just want to spend time in an urban oasis, head to Rock Creek Park. Any section between..."

"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."

"This National Historic Landmark is home to a beautiful and welcoming tiered fountain. Home to a statue of Joan of Arc, Dante and a memorial to President Buchanan, this space has been hosting a drum circle on Sundays in the summer for the past 50 years."

"16th Street & W Street, NWWashington, DC 20009(202) 895-6000. One of the fun things to do in Washington, D.C., is to spend a relaxing day in Meridian Hill Park. It’s an urban park built in Columbia Heights in June 1910."

"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."

"There are actually 2 playgrounds at this park plus basketball courts and the Mount Vernon Trail. The first playground is right by the parking lot and great for preschool ages. The second is through the underpass and next to the water."

"Start the day by snapping share-worthy photos of picturesque row houses on cobblestoned Captain’s Row, or catch a sunrise at Jones Point Park on a morning walk through the neighborhood and along the Potomac River waterfront."

"Groundswell by Mark Reigelman is the third installation for the Site See: New Views in Old Town annual public art series at Waterfront Park. Mirror Mirrorby SOFTlab was the inaugural exhibition in 2019 followed by Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies by Olalekan Jeyifous in 2020. Learn more about the expanded Waterfront 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."

"Couple at Yards Park Bridge in Capitol Riverfront - Washington, DC. DC’s lively Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is home to the always-exciting Yards Park, which has an iconic bridge and plenty of adventures nearby, like Ice Cream Jubilee for when you’re feeling extra sweet."

"Named for the mythical dragon-like beast said to terrorize the region at the turn of the century, Snallygaster is DC's largest beer festival. It features a beastly display of over 250 unique craft beers, sourced from the best local, domestic, and..."

"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."

"3518 Newark St NW, between N 35th St and N 36th St in Cleveland Park. View this post on Instagram"

"The Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center tells the story of the wider Dora Kelley Nature Park. At the center you will find programs and exhibits that will fill you in on the natural history of Alexandria as well as take you back through the story of how humans first came to be here. You can also see animals here in their natural environment and learn about the flora and fauna in Dora Kelley Nature Park."

"At the Nature Center, you can see live animals up close and learn about the cultural and natural history of Dora Kelley Nature Park. The nature center provides year-round programs and exhibits on Alexandria's human and natural history. For more information, call the nature center at 703-746-5525."

"Named after Rome’s “Spanish Steps,” the staircase — the Decatur Terrace Steps and Fountain — is another hidden gem for your potential Instagram shots. It was designed by architect Robert E. Cook, and constructed in 1911 on a steep slope in the Kalorama neighborhood in order to connect S Street and Decatur Place. The Spanish Steps is the only public park that occupies a street and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989."

"Make a dash for the Spanish Steps, located on 22nd Street in Dupont Circle. This little lovers nook is a prime picnic spot and off-the-radar gem. Alright, now that you’ve got the most romantic spots sorted out, you’ve laid the groundwork for a great date."

"Izakaya Seki in the U Street Corridor, is another pricey go-to, with four stars out of 415 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1117 V St. NW to see for yourself. Yelper Kathy T., who reviewed Izakaya Seki on Feb. 29, wrote, "I think the one dish that wowed me the most was the baby squid. My cousin also ordered the beef tartare and beef tongue, both of which I never tried before. The beef tartare also had a raw egg in it, and after mixing it with the beef, gave it a creamy taste. After that meal, I learned that I really like beef tongue, which was very buttery and soft."

"There is something special about being able to see a master at work. That's the experience you will get watching Chef Hiroshi Seki serve up minimal yet exquisite Japanese dishes at Izakaya Seki. Try some of their raw offerings like Hokkaido scallop carpaccio or tuna sashimi."

"Izakaya Seki is tucked into an unassuming and narrow, two-floor row house. Choose to eat upstairs in the dining room or downstairs at the chef’s bar. Either choice is equally no-frills; coat hooks are just about the only décor."

"Chaplin Restaurant & Bar sirve cocina de inspiración asiática que transporta a los comensales al Japón y la Shanghai de los años 20."

"Reserve a table - Take Away"

"DC’s Hirshhorn Museum is undoubtedly among the top contemporary art spaces in the United States. Founded in the 1960s from art collector Joseph Hirshhorn’s private collection, the museum exhibits artworks by some of the modern and contemporary art world’s greatest masters, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon, and Edward Hopper. Temporary exhibitions have showcased the iconic works of Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, and Ai Weiwei."

"The great Gordon Bunshaft conceived the landmark cylindrical building for this modern art museum established by collector Joseph H. Hirshhorn. Set halfway between the Washington Monument and the Capitol, the Hirshhorn was ready in 1974 and houses one of America’s best collections of modern and contemporary art. Think Picasso, Matisse, Henry Moore, Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock, Edward Hopper and Franz Kline, just by way of introduction."

"The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum dedicated to contemporary culture and art. Located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum offers tours, a cafe, exhibits, monthly events, and a museum shop for people of all ages and all interests. They also have a storytime event for children (ages 6 and younger) that features book readings, arts, and crafts."

"This was the first art museum to open in Washington, D.C. It has a permanent collection of some of the finest works of art from the 20th century from famous artists like Claude Monet, John Sing Sargent and Mary Cassatt. The Corcoran Gallery of Art is only one block away from the White House so you can see both in one morning or afternoon, and it only requires a short walk on your part."

"500 17th St. NW Washington, DC. The historic building was established as a private art gallery to house the extensive collection of Washington banker and philanthropist, William Wilson Corcoran (partner of the bank Corcoran & Riggs)."

"Basically, any style of beer can be found in Washington, D.C., as long as you know where to look. Lucky for you- we do."

"Beers here are produced in 20-barrel batches in a 100% solar-powered Ivy City facility. That means you can expect fresh product and a good deal of variety, from the citra and mosaic Dance of Days pale ale to the crushable District Common lager. Visitors are welcome to return to its original Ivy City location, as well as its newly minted location in Navy Yard for limited indoor and patio seating."

"Atlas Brew Works is part of the growing number of reasons to eat and drink around D.C.’s Ivy City neighborhood. Notable beers include the hop-forward Rowdy Rye, the District Common ale, and the Dance of Days pale ale. The taproom is open daily and hosts tours on Saturdays at noon, 2 p.m., and 6 p.m."

"Take a tour on Saturdays at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., or 6 p.m. Kid- and dog-friendly. No reservations on Saturdays after 2 p.m."

"3 out of 5 stars Restaurants Steakhouse. District Chophouse dates back to 1996, the original emerging days of the brewpub craze, and long before the craft brewing surge truly took hold. Located near the Verizon Center in Chinatown, they're a full-service restaurant known for their steaks and burgers."

"District ChopHouse is not only a fine brewery, it’s an upscale restaurant with an extensive wine list, too. They offer a small, but well-rounded, selection of standard brews, including a lager, an IPA, a Scottish, a stout, and a Belgian pale ale. They’re located just outside Capital One Arena, so stop in for a steak or some fresh seafood before a game."