Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Bull Run

"Just down the hill from the Capitol building is a place where children can stretch their legs and everyone can enjoy a diverse oasis of green. Sparked by George Washington’s notion that a national garden would demonstrate the importance of botany, the United States Botanic Garden was established by Congress in 1820 and has since grown into an impressive showplace, a museum of plants from the desert to the tropics. The glass and stone Conservatory offers a canopy walk above a tropical rainforest and a collection of 5000 orchid varieties."

"Located at the base of Capitol Hill, the conservatory features more than 20,000 plants, including exotic flowers and fruit species. First Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. The sprawling lands of the National Mall & Memorial Parks include the Mall, the public promenade extending from 3rd Street near the Capitol to 14th Street, including the:"

"While crowds are drawn to the smelly 'corpse flower' (Amorphophallus titanum – we'll let you translate that), which blooms every three to five years, the United States Botanic Garden is equally fragrant at other times. The greenhouse conservancy and the children's garden are particularly beautiful spots to stroll through."

"Encircled by marvellous memorials to Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and FDR, this reservoir to the south of the Washington Monument was excavated in 1880 to replenish the Washington Channel, a long harbour extending to the south-east and emptying into the Potomac. The Tidal Basin covers 107 acres and for a brief time in spring is the most beautiful place in Washington, when 3,750 mostly Yoshino cherry trees are in bloom on its banks. These were a gift to Washington by Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo City in 1912 and are the basis for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, mostly taking place around the Washington Monument in March and April."

"The Tidal Basin is known for being one of the best places to see cherry blossoms as they bloom in spring – usually between mid-March and mid-April when the National Cherry Blossom Festival is held. The Japanese cherry trees surrounding the basin were gifted to DC from the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912, and they have become a celebrated part of the city ever since. A popular photo spot to capture the cherry blossoms is around the Japanese Lantern on the north side of the basin, where you can look out over the water towards the Thomas Jefferson Memorial."

"There are also ranger programs and tours and musical entertainment that take place in the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. If you do visit for the Cherry Blossom Festival, be prepared for crowds!. We recently visited Washington DC over Easter Weekend and the combination of the holiday weekend, plus the Blossom Kite Festival on the National Mall made the crowds crazy. So you really need to ask yourself if seeing the cherry blossoms is worth it."

"Built around the concept of mimicking a “real forest,” the Theodore Roosevelt Island was developed as a tribute to our nation’s 26th president. Through the remarkable wilderness setting of this DC park, you can enjoy ranger-led activities to explore the island, bird watching, hiking, jogging, and also engage in kayaking or canoeing."

"This island and national memorial is located in Washington DC’s Potomac River. It measures at 88.5 acres and was given by the American people to commemorate the life of the US’ 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. The island was donated to the Theodore Roosevelt Association."

"A profound feeling of security makes Roosevelt Island, seen here from the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, an extraordinary spot to covertly plant a kiss on your cherished. Theodore Roosevelt Island pic:flickr,mr.t"

"Lord Aziantu, left, and Sydney Todd dance to the drummers who are a regular feature in Meridian Hill Park © The Washington Post via Getty Images. Every Sunday at around 3pm, Meridian Hill Park (also called Malcolm X Park) plays host to the drum circle, a tradition that started in the 1960s during the Civil Rights struggle. These days it has the ambiance of a mini music festival: a crowd heads to the park to lounge, enjoy a picnic or just tap to the rhythm."

"The beautified Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park in Columbia Heights has hosted a drum circle every Sunday (weather permitting) for four decades, inspiring dance and — more recently — a thriving scene of circus artists who juggle, do tightrope walking and demonstrate impressive hula-hooping and human-pyramid skills. While not everyone is happy to see this event become a tourist attraction, it's still a peaceful way to picnic and enjoy a community."

"With its 13-basin, cascading waterfall fountain and reflecting pool, this 12-acre formal Italianate-style park is open during daylight hours. On a warm day, it is the perfect spot for a pleasurable afternoon of getting to know one another. On Sundays, musicians gather for impromptu performances."

"Who would have guessed there would be such a gorgeous picnic spot located under a bridge?. The path gravel paths will lead you to the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a flatbread (or two)!. Choose to setup at one of two fishing piers, under the trees on the banks of the Potomac River or even at the base of Jones Point Lighthouse."

"The Jones Point Lighthouse is one of the last riverine lighthouses in the country. The lighthouse operated from 1856 to 1926. You can find it inside Jones Point Park."

"More than 44 acres of plants and trees indigenous to the Potomac River Valley have been curated by the Winkler Botanical Preserve, which is managed by a private, non-profit organization with a mission to provide free environmental education for the students of the Alexandria City Public Schools and is open daily for visitors. The preserve also offers popular nature camps in summer and during spring and winter breaks. Admission is free and visitors can enter the preserve through an open gate in a small apartment complex parking lot between 8:30 a.m."

"Winkler Botanical Preserve stretches for over 44 acres and you will find a beautiful array of flora and fauna that typifies the Potomac River Valley. The preserve here aims to showcase the natural beauty of Virginia, and is open to the public daily. You can walk around and take in the trails here and get up close to the picturesque plant and wildlife that abounds."

"DC's best meditation spot has to be the West Potomac Park, the area between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It includes the Tidal Basin, which shimmers pink when the beautiful cherry trees bloom around March or April (according to spring's whim)."

"This is a national park adjacent to the National Mall, west of the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument. Major attractions in the area include Constitution Gardens, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, Jefferson, World War II, and FDR memorials."

"This wonderful park near Bethesda, Maryland, offers year-round activities in dance, theater, and the arts for all ages. There are concerts, demonstrations, workshops, and festivals. The 1921 Dentzel Carousel delights children May through September."

"If your love is a little bit on the fancy side, you’re sure to impress them with a truly Instagrammable box of Parisian macarons from Maison Ladurée. Be sure to order at least four flavors as the coffee, rose petal, salted caramel or lemon macaron. The only thing better would be actually takin them to France!"

"Named for the third US president and main author of the Declaration of Independence, the Jefferson has the presence of a stately home, with heavy busts and TJ-signed documents on the walls. Headboard flourishes and gilt mirrors pep up calm, cream-hued rooms. A Michelin-starred restaurant, Plume, serves slivers of perfectly pink meat, while the Greenhouse’s checkerboard floors and glass ceilings set the scene for your afternoon tea."

"DC’s most awarded hotel offers a lovingly updated historical experience with layers of luxury not often found. Built in 1923 as a luxury residential building and fully renovated/reopened in 2009, this 5-star hotel has modern day conveniences added to the stately Beaux Arts structure. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more convenient location in town."

"Another local favorite for the best breakfast in DC is the Greenhouse at the Jefferson Hotel Washington DC. Patrons enjoy the elegant and historic charm of the colonial decor."

"Founded in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest saloon in Washington, DC. The restaurant’s convenient location near the White House means you won’t have to travel far to eat good food. The restaurant’s atmosphere is family-friendly and people of all ages will be intrigued by the famous dinner guests of days past, including President Teddy Roosevelt, Alexander Hamilton and many more. The Hamilton is a recently opened restaurant near the White House designed to honor Alexander Hamilton."

"Enjoy a fireside nightcap with craft cocktails and delicious apps at Quadrant Bar & Lounge in the Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC. This luxe locale also hosts live jazz music every Saturday night, a smooth complement to the swanky setting. And while you’re there, make sure to keep your eyes peeled. You never know which celebrities you’ll see checking in at the Ritz."

"If shellfish is your thing, you won’t be disappointed with Mussel Bar & Grille. Since beginning life as a Belgian style roadhouse serving ‘Bière, Moules & Frites’, it’s expanded its menu to include good ol’ Southern dishes like Maine Lobster Cocktail, Blue Crab Dip, and Chilled Snow Crab Cluster. The classics haven’t gone though, and it’s still one of the best places in town to grab a cold beer and enjoy some seriously good mollusks."

"Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt, Teddy & The Bully Bar has an atmosphere that envelops visitors with natural elements, rich history, and ornate details to represent a few of the many hats Teddy Roosevelt wore during his time as President and throughout his life. For a beautiful birthday location with great food and palpable energy, this spot has you covered. Featuring classic and modern cocktails, The Bully Bar serves a variety of cocktails inspired by “the Golden Era” of cocktail history."

"The nation's 26th president and outdoors enthusiast, Teddy Roosevelt, is the inspiration behind Teddy and the Bully Bar. Using Roosevelt's love of fresh produce and simple, well-pr..."

"Located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, this is another spot for the best breakfast in DC. This eatery has a historic fe..."