The District is one of America’s most outdoor-friendly cities, with more green space per resident than roadways. Here's how to make the most of it.
When the weather’s just right, there’s no better place to be than outdoors in Washington, D.C. This city is more than just monuments and museums—it’s a playground of green spaces, scenic trails, and vibrant neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Whether you’re looking to picnic under cherry blossoms, paddle along the Potomac, or simply stroll through historic streets, D.C. has plenty of outdoor adventures to offer. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best ways to soak up the sunshine and enjoy all that the nation’s capital has to offer—so grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore D.C. in the great outdoors!
At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
The Wharf is one of DC’s newest neighborhoods on the city’s picturesque waterfront in the southwest quadrant. During the summer months, visitors of The Wharf can enjoy cocktails and snacks at the dockside Sunset Cinema. Each Thursday and Friday (and select off nights), parties of two to six can purchase tickets to watch a movie at twilight as the sunsets over D.C.'s winding river.
Visiting the National Mall during the daytime (particularly in D.C.’s humidity) can be a crowded experience. Walking the monuments at night is an inspiring outing and a lovely way to see the sights without the frustration of crowds and heat. Of course, patrons can wander at their leisure, but “pay what you’d like” tours like this one offer an in-depth vista into the history behind the stones.
For visitors and residents alike, sometimes you just need to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. RDV Vineyards sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 58 miles from the heart of Washington and has become a local favorite for those looking to wine-down. The adults-only wine tastings are perfect for seeing the rolling hills of scenic Virginia. Reservations are highly recommended.
Washington, D.C. has a rich history of social activism, racial justice, and Black culture. The epicenter of this history is the ever popular Greater U Street Neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant. Today, the neighborhood is marked by signage allowing visitors to embark on a self-guided tour and read the history beneath their feet at designated placards. The tour begins at your leisure on the corner of 13th St and U St Northwest.
The Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. is perhaps the most decadent and elegant of any historic neighborhood on the eastern seaboard. Stately rowhomes with cascading ivy and intricate detailing have housed the country’s elite from the Kennedy’s, Francis Scott Key, and even Julia Child. Starting at Georgetown University, pedestrians can head eastward, down the quaint, tree lined streets brimming with history.
Just five miles northeast of Anacostia, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens feels like a secret escape from the city’s bustle. Nestled among trees and cattails, this peaceful spot is home to beavers building their lodges and turtles basking on logs. In July, the park transforms into a vibrant oasis during the Lotus & Water Lily Festival, with lotus flowers in full, stunning bloom. It’s the ideal place to experience a slice of natural beauty right here in D.C.
Runners and picnickers will find their oasis in Rock Creek Park, Washington D.C.’s largest urban park spanning 1754 acres in the Northwest quadrant. Governed by the National Park Service, Rock Creek dates back to 1890 as the third National Park in the country. The expansive forest and greenery is perfect for jogging, biking, and walking and offers an array of trail options.
View this post on Instagram
Roosevelt Island is D.C.'s best-kept secret for outdoor lovers looking to escape the city without actually leaving it. Tucked away in the Potomac River, this 88-acre island is a serene, car-free oasis where nature takes center stage. As you cross the footbridge from Arlington, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush woodlands, scenic trails, and the sounds of birds chirping away. The island’s centerpiece is the striking Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, complete with towering statues and peaceful reflecting pools. Whether you’re up for a leisurely walk, a jog along the trails, or just some quiet time soaking in the natural beauty, Roosevelt Island offers a refreshing retreat that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Ever kayaked in a city? Most haven’t. The Potomac River winds through the Mid-Atlantic but is a defining geographic feature of Washington. In Georgetown, The Wharf, and near the Jefferson Memorial, visitors can rent kayaks for escapades on the water while enjoying the sights from a new point of view. One of the most popular rental spots is at the iconic Key Bridge Boathouse.
The National Arboretum, located in the Northeast quadrant, was founded in 1927 with the sole purpose of recognizing the importance of cutting-edge landscaping, ornamental garden design, and the crucial environmental role that green spaces play in human life. Open everyday (besides Christmas Day) from 8am - 5pm, visitors can wander the grounds and view exhibits, botanical research findings, and outstanding structures.
Picnics are great, but you should try one on a boat. A new company, GoBoat Boat Rental, offers electric boat rentals to adults 21+ with a valid driver's license and parties up to eight people. GoBoat, founded in 2019, has hourly rates for their vessels from April to October, 8am to 6pm. Food and drink are welcome on board as you captain your own ship, although Cab lovers will be sad to know that red wine is not permitted.
View this post on Instagram
The National Zoo in D.C. is more than just a place to see animals—it’s a sprawling, 163-acre park where you can enjoy the outdoors while exploring wildlife from around the world. Stroll through lush pathways and discover everything from giant pandas to playful otters. The zoo’s natural habitats are designed to make you feel like you’re stepping into the animals' world, and the best part? It’s free!
The Northeast quadrant has undergone unparalleled rejuvenation over the past decade, and at its crown is Union Market. The market stands in the footprint of what was originally Centre Market nearly 200 years ago. Now, it has become a staple for gathering outdoors and browsing new shops in the area. On top of the market sits Hi-Lawn, a locally-owned outdoor bar with turf, picnic tables, and a shipping-container bar.
Smithsonian Museums are famous for their installations, but the Enid A. Haupt Garden brings the art outside. Sitting between the striking Smithsonian Castle and Independence Avenue itself, the 4.2 acre garden is free of charge (as are all Smithsonians). Horticultural lovers will be at home in the space, which was designed to memorialize 19th century American Victorian Gardens.
The National Gallery of Art is a premier location for famous exhibits from around the world, but it has a little local secret up its sleeve, too: jazz. Each Friday from 5:30pm to 8pm, tourists and employees from the surrounding offices flock to the pavilion at the National Gallery, where a free concert takes place in open air. Blankets are highly recommended and pitchers of sangria are also available for purchase.
Discover Time Out original video
