Guide to Washington D.C.: Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living in the D.C. Metro

For a city of its size and population density, Washington D.C. lays claim to an outstanding collection of parks and preserved natural areas. Due mainly to Federal management of the city's spaces and the presence of large conservation organizations, D.C. is a city with a variety of natural escapes within close proximity to a predominately urban landscape. The Center for Urban Ecology, part of the National Park Service, is a major resource for urban land use policy and has established the city as a center for research on urban wildlife management and restoration.

Urban Chic Meets the Great Outdoors

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is situated within the expansive Rock Creek Park. Free and open to the public, the National Zoo is home to world famous exhibits including the always popular giant pandas.

The United States National Arboretum is a major center for botanical research overseen by the US Department of Agriculture. Located only two miles from the capitol building, the National Arboretum hosts an amazing array of meticulously maintained gardens. Operated by the US National Park Service, the nearby Anacostia Park encompasses over 1200 acres and provides ball fields and recreation areas for the public, as well as access to the Anacostia River.

A River Runs Through It…

The Potomac River, winding through the heart of the city, is considered one of the healthiest urban rivers in the country. The beautiful Potomac Gorge, a 15-mile section of the river, offers spectacular opportunities for hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The river is home to vibrant fisheries and nesting areas for bald eagles. There are few cities in the country that rival Washington, D.C.'s opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Sources:
Lonely Planet
US National Arboretum
US National Park Service
Washington, D.C. Tourism