DC/VA/MD Hidden Gems
Sightseeing
While this place has a disadvantage of being far away from DC downtown and less accessible by train/bus, this is a really nice spot to hang out. We consider it as Central park of DC with amazing bonsai from Japan and China, azalea, different types of garden. The arboretum actually has the best bonsai in the world (i saw some that is 200-300 years old) because Japan gifted the U.S. some of its best after WWII. Highly recommend.
350 locals recommend
United States National Arboretum
3501 New York Ave NEWhile this place has a disadvantage of being far away from DC downtown and less accessible by train/bus, this is a really nice spot to hang out. We consider it as Central park of DC with amazing bonsai from Japan and China, azalea, different types of garden. The arboretum actually has the best bonsai in the world (i saw some that is 200-300 years old) because Japan gifted the U.S. some of its best after WWII. Highly recommend.
Private museum with small entrance fee but you will see amazing gardens and estates. It is upper nw but easily train away ( Red line at Van Ness Station). It is always amazing me how massive this estate is and being next to Rock Creek Park making you forget you are in the middle crowded DC
63 locals recommend
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
4155 Linnean Ave NWPrivate museum with small entrance fee but you will see amazing gardens and estates. It is upper nw but easily train away ( Red line at Van Ness Station). It is always amazing me how massive this estate is and being next to Rock Creek Park making you forget you are in the middle crowded DC
Nice little spot on the other side of the river where you can watch Dc from another view and also watch airplane taking off from DCA. It is a good picnic spot but you certainly need to have a car. It is not far from DC but slightly remote
88 locals recommend
Gravelly Point Park
George Washington Memorial ParkwayNice little spot on the other side of the river where you can watch Dc from another view and also watch airplane taking off from DCA. It is a good picnic spot but you certainly need to have a car. It is not far from DC but slightly remote
One of the add on if you visit Georgetown. It was feature in the movie. During the day you may see people exercise here. It is a nice add on but i dont think you want to go there just for that :)
31 locals recommend
The Exorcist Steps
3600 Prospect St NWOne of the add on if you visit Georgetown. It was feature in the movie. During the day you may see people exercise here. It is a nice add on but i dont think you want to go there just for that :)
A 4.2 acre public garden in the Smithsonian complex, adjacent to the Smithsonian Institution Building (the "Castle") on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was designed to be a modern representation of American Victorian gardens as they appeared in the mid to late 19th century. It replaced an existing Victorian Garden which had been built to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial in 1976.
Enid A. Haupt Garden
1050 Independence Ave SWA 4.2 acre public garden in the Smithsonian complex, adjacent to the Smithsonian Institution Building (the "Castle") on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It was designed to be a modern representation of American Victorian gardens as they appeared in the mid to late 19th century. It replaced an existing Victorian Garden which had been built to celebrate the nation's Bicentennial in 1976.
If you want a little quite time while in DC, this is a place to go. You can walk over from Georgetown (about 20m walk).
165 locals recommend
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
If you want a little quite time while in DC, this is a place to go. You can walk over from Georgetown (about 20m walk).
We absolutely love seeing these water lilies in this park. It is very remote but people have bike/drive there. Those water lilies are hugeeee!
97 locals recommend
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
1550 Anacostia Avenue NortheastWe absolutely love seeing these water lilies in this park. It is very remote but people have bike/drive there. Those water lilies are hugeeee!
Right at downtown with many amazing plants and flowers. it is crowded tho
253 locals recommend
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave SWRight at downtown with many amazing plants and flowers. it is crowded tho
To be honest, i didnt think of going to see this spot during the past 18 years in DC but it is sooo amazing when we saw it last fall. you definitely need a car to get there and probably want to combine with a hiking trip
182 locals recommend
Great Falls
11710 Macarthur BlvdTo be honest, i didnt think of going to see this spot during the past 18 years in DC but it is sooo amazing when we saw it last fall. you definitely need a car to get there and probably want to combine with a hiking trip
A get away spot/museum. This will be a great choice if you combine with visiting MD or on the way in/out of the city. Not many people know about this spot tho
20 locals recommend
Glenstone Museum
12100 Glen RdA get away spot/museum. This will be a great choice if you combine with visiting MD or on the way in/out of the city. Not many people know about this spot tho