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Best Parks in DMV!
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items The DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse parklands in the country, ranging from rugged waterfalls to manicured botanical gardens. Here are the best parks to visit:
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DC
My safe places in DC
Best Thing to Do here is to explore the Planetarium and Nature Center. As one of the oldest federal parks in the U.S., it offers over 1,700 acres of wooded bliss. On weekends, parts of Beach Drive are closed to cars, making it the perfect spot for ro...
Rock Creek Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Best Thing I would do here is to visit the National Capitol Columns. These 22 original Corinthian columns from the U.S. Capitol stand in the middle of a massive meadow, providing one of the most iconic photo ops in DC. Don’t miss the National Bonsai ...
United States National Arboretum
Best Thing I would do here is to paddle to Roosevelt Island. Rent a kayak or SUP and paddle under the Key Bridge. You get a unique water-level view of the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center.
Key Bridge Boathouse
Best Thing I would do here is to visit Georgetown to Bethesda Run. This 11-mile rail-trail is mostly shaded and slightly uphill toward Bethesda, making for a very fast, fun ride back down into the city.
Capital Crescent Trail
MD
My safe places in Maryland
Best Thing I will do here is to Walk through the Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit. This seasonal live butterfly show is a fan favorite. The 50-acre award-winning garden also features a serene Japanese Tea House and Garden, complete with koi ponds and...
Brookside Gardens
Best Thing i would do is to stay at the Houck Area Campground. It’s walking distance to both the 78-foot waterfall (the tallest in Maryland) and Hunting Creek Lake for swimming.
CUNNINGHAM FALLS STATE PARK - Maryland DNR
Best Thing I would Do here is to Hike the Monadnock Forest. It offers several looping trails ranging from easy to difficult. Afterward, head to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard at the base for a post-hike glass of wine.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Best Thing I would do here is to Kayak through the "Ghost Fleet." This is a National Marine Sanctuary containing the remains of over 100 wooden steamships from WWI. It’s eerie, beautiful, and a haven for bald eagles.
Mallows Bay
Best Thing I would do is to visit the Wild Horse Spotting & Beach Camping. This is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can see wild horses roaming freely on the beach.
Assateague Island National Seashore
VA
My safe places in Virginia
Best Thing I will Do here is to view the Falls from Overlook 1. This park offers dramatic views of the Potomac River crashing over jagged rocks. For those seeking adventure, hike the Billy Goat Trail (located on the Maryland side) or the River Trail ...
Great Falls Park
Best Thing I will Do here is to go wildlife Watching on the Boardwalk. This park features a famous 1/2-mile wetland boardwalk that puts you right in the middle of a vibrant marsh. It is a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers looking...
Huntley Meadows Park
Best Thing I would Do here is to Camp at Big Meadows. It’s centrally located and offers easy access to the best hikes. It’s also a designated "Dark Sky" area, making the stargazing spectacular. Pro Tip: If you aren't into pitching a tent, the Skyland...
Shenandoah National Park ...
Best Thing I would do here is start from The Rock Scramble. This is the most popular (and challenging) hike in the region. You’ll be pulling yourself over boulders to reach a 360-degree summit view. Note: You now need a day-use reservation (ticket) t...
Skyline Drive
Best Thing I would do here is to ride from Rosslyn to George Washington’s Estate. This 18-mile paved trail hugs the Potomac River. You’ll pass through Old Town Alexandria, which is a perfect halfway point for lunch.
Mount Vernon Trail
Best Thing I would do here is to visit the Great Stalacpipe Organ. This is the world’s largest musical instrument. It uses rubber-tipped mallets to gently tap ancient stalactites, turning the entire cavern into a massive, echoing piano.
Luray Caverns