The city is filled with gardens from The Mall at center stage to the
Tidal Basin. Parks, conservatories, memorials and squares throughout
Washington and the adjacent areas
are a draw for local citizens as well as tourists. From the splendid
spring arrival of the cherry blossoms to the colorful cacophony of
autumn, there is always a special venue to explore in the outdoors
of Washington and the surrounding environs.
Anacostia
Park - The site of a 1608 visit by Captain John Smith,
the park straddles the Anacostia River. Over 1,700 acres contain playing
courts for tennis, basketball, soccer and baseball. The park also
has askating rink; fishing and biking are permitted. / Northeastern
and southeastern section of the District./ 202-690-5182 / Free
C & O Canal Boat Trips - Mule-drawn
boats trips take place from mid-April through October 31st and travel
along the old canal as they did in the 19th century. The one-hour
excursion leaves from either the Georgetown location in D.C. or from
the Great falls Tavern. / Georgetown / Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National
Historical Park / 202-653-5190 / Modest Fee
Chinatown Friendship Archway - Viewed
as one of the largest single span archways in the world, the red and
golden dragon covered arch was dedicated by the mayors of Beijing
and Washington D.C. in 1986 and is the major site for the Chinese
New Year's parades. / 7th and H Sts. N.W.
Constitution Gardens - Adjacent to
the Lincoln Memorial, this 52 acre park holds the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial (see below) and the Memorial to the Signers of the Declaration
of Independence. On the lake, there are 56 large granite blocks, each
carved with a signature of a signer of the 1776 document. / 17th to
23rd and Constitution Ave. / 202-462-6841 / Free
Enid A. Haupt Garden - A most unusual
rooftop garden that appears to be at ground level, there is a full
three-story building under there! The garden contains Victorian motifs
that are quite lovely and compliment the Smithsonian facade. / Independence
Ave. at the Smithsonian Castle / 202-357-2700 / Free
Kahlil Gibran Memorial Garden - (For
information on this garden see Memorial
Section)
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- Great for bird watching, Kenilworth is the last natural marsh in
Washington D.C. There are 44 ponds filled with various aquatic plants
from water lilies to lotuses. / New York & Kenilworth Aves. /
202-426-6905 / Gardens and Visitor Center are Free
Lafayette Square - The most well
known square in the D. C. area, it is within sight of the White House.
The central statuary is that of President Andrew Jackson on horseback.
/ Massachusetts Ave. N.W. / Rock Creek Park / 202-282-1063
L'Enfant Plaza - A bit more than
a garden can be found here, a wide paved square with landscaped gardens,
hides a subterranean shopping mall and movie complex. / D St. S.W.
and 9th St. Expressway
National
Zoological Park - A new set of pandas has made the National
Zoo their home, other unique animals include Sumatran tigers, Asian
rhinos, lowland gorillas and orangutans, komodo dragons and so
many more. One of the most popular attractions in the D.C. area! /
Connecticut Ave. and Harvard St. / Rock Creek Park / 202-673-4717
/ Free Admission / Parking Fee
Potomac Park - It is here that 3,000
Japanese cherry trees bloom in the early spring, but there is so much
more. Situated along the Potomac River, the park has golf, picnic,
swimming, tennis and ball facilities./ West and East, on both sides
of the Tidal Basin
Rock Creek Park
- Over 1,700 acres of parkland, walking trails, exercise courses,
tennis courts, golf course, bridle paths and riding center, Rock Creek
Park is the main outdoor playground in Washington. The remainsof an
early fort, a poet’s studio, nature center and the Carter Barron
Amphitheater are all part of this park. / runs through N.W. Washington
along Rock Creek / 202-282-1063
United States Botanic Garden - A
plant museum founded in the 1820s, the premise of the garden was to
show the beneficial effects of plants. From cultivation to aesthetic
and ecological importance, plants were of prime importance to the
agrarian age when the garden was founded and even more so in this
day and time. Flower shows are offered throughout the year. / On The
Mall on the west side of the Capitol Building. / 202-225-7099 /
Free Admission
United States National Arboretum
- Established in 1927, the 400+ acres arboretum was created to study
and research ornamental trees and shrubs. Filled with native and introduced
species that are often grown in eastern U.S. gardens, the arboretum
staff often gives lectures, demonstrations and develops horticultural
exhibits. New species from around the world are on display as well
in special gardens. / New York Ave. N.E. / 202-245-2726 / Free
Admission
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