Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Washington DC

"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."

"Having been established in 1820, this place is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the entire country. While it might not be a museum in the strictest sense of the word, it does provide a large area for your child to explore and burn off some energy. Likewise, it’s one of the best museums for kids in Washington, D.C."

"Kid spaces: The Children's Garden is a newly redone, outdoor children's playspace best for walkers and up. Children can plant, dig and water to their heart's content; explore a large climbing structure; and play in the misters. Only open in summer; be sure to bring a change of clothes!"

"A living exhibition just a short 2-mile hop from the Capitol, the US National Arboretum houses astonishing gardens in the heart of DC, a bonsai museum, and blossoming cherry trees, among other gems. During the summer, you can follow the Azalea Blossom Watching and, if you’re lucky, get a chance to see the July daylilies bloom. When: Year-round, 8am-4:30pm"

"It was established in 1927 and it functions as a major center for botanical research. *It’s free to the public and the arboretum boasts of trees, shrubs, & plants plus a picnic area!"

"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."

"Are you looking for romantic places to visit in Washington, DC?. Take your sweetheart to the Tidal Basin. It’s such a gentle, beautiful location that it isn’t at all uncommon to see lovers picnicking along the shore, renting out a paddleboat for two or just holding hands as they walk under shaded tree groves."

"Needless to say, Tidal Basin during the Cherry Blossom Festival gets very VERY crowded. Best time to photograph would be around 7 AM during a weekday, when DC residents are working and tourists are asleep. Tripods are allowed but actual use may be challenging if you go during a peak..."

"Theodore Roosevelt Island Park is a fitting memorial to America’s 26th President, who was an avid outdoorsman known as The Great Conservationist. Located in the Potomac River, the island is a wilderness preserve containing several hiking trails that lead to a 17-foot bronze statue of Roosevelt himself, created by American sculptor Paul Manship. The tranquility of the park provides the perfect setting to escape the bustle of the city or contemplate quotations from Roosevelt’s writings, found inscribed on four granite monoliths surrounding his statue."

"Theodore Roosevelt Island Park is a national memorial situated on an 88.5-acre island in the Potomac River. A footbridge from the Virginia side of the river provides access to the island. In addition to the memorial plaza featuring a decorative fountain and a 17-foot-tall statue of the 26th president, the park has several hiking trails and boardwalks through the island’s natural habitats."

"Go for a walk in the peace and quiet of the Theodore Roosevelt Island. Extra plus: little to no tourists tour the island."

"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."

"This National Historic Landmark is home to a beautiful and welcoming tiered fountain. Home to a statue of Joan of Arc, Dante and a memorial to President Buchanan, this space has been hosting a drum circle on Sundays in the summer for the past 50 years."

"16th Street & W Street, NWWashington, DC 20009(202) 895-6000. One of the fun things to do in Washington, D.C., is to spend a relaxing day in Meridian Hill Park. It’s an urban park built in Columbia Heights in June 1910."

"With plenty of street parking, Windmill Hill Park is a great place for a family outing. Enjoy the swing set overlooking the river or venture onto the dock with views of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Park Features: Basketball court, playground, riverfront seating, and sand volleyball"

"Just across Union Street, let the children in your group run off steam at the large playground and athletic fields at Windmill Hill Park."

"Botanic Garden, this park is located across the street from the conservatory. A beautifully landscaped flower garden has as its centerpiece, a classical style fountain that was created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor who also designed the Statue of Liberty. ​Independence Avenue & First Street SW, Washington, D.C."

"is that it looks like a small place, but it’s surprising how much walking you do when you're here. Walking in and between the museums, monuments, and other landmarks, you’ll be exhausted if you don’t pace yourself...."

"For your next Fast Food delivery order, give these a try: Onion Rings, Tacos, and Cheeseburgers."

"Mother-and-son chef-duo Seng Luangrath and Bobby Pradachith garnered acclaim for their Laotian cooking at Columbia Heights' Thip Khao, and now they're letting loose at Hanumanh, a fun Shaw newcomer that experiments with tradition. Two must-order starters: an Outback-inspired blooming mushroom and a thinly sliced banana-blossom salad. The compact menu rotates frequently; fresh, funky dishes meant for sharing include vermicelli noodles with fermented fish-pork sauce, steamed Cornish game hens, beef meatballs with sticky rice, and red crab curry."

"Shaw got a brief, beautiful glimpse of this Lao bar from Thip Khao’s Seng Luangrath and Bobby Pradachith in the spring, but it’s been temporarily closed due to a plumbing problem. Monkey murals range from playful to reverent throughout the dim-lit venue full of exposed brick and woven basket lights — G.H."

"The owners of lauded Thip Khao and Northern Virginia’s Padaek bring their skill with Laotian flavors to this bar-forward concept, which also highlights another D.C."

"Starting this weekend, you can support local fishermen and get Maryland crabs dropped at your door through American Ice Company. The beer and barbecue hangout is offering a variety of packages, starting with a dozen medium crabs and a quart of potato salad. Add ons include picklebacks and a six pack of Tiger or Tecate beer."

"A DC classic – this candlelit indoor/outdoor hideaway really does it for me. Offering simple food like pickled vegetables and swachos (swine nachos), it’s the perfect atmosphere for my 30 something lifestyle. A shot and a beer combo only sweetens the deal. 917 V St. NW,www.amicodc.com/"

"America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches and donuts. Order your Dunkin’ faves ahead of time with the Dunkin’ mobile app for a fast grab and go experience."

"This regional chain recently expanded to Shaw, bringing with it superior cake and yeast doughnuts that range from simple to seasonal to nostalgic interpretations of beloved candies and cookies. For those who prefer their sugar in liquid form, the shop houses a subterranean cocktail bar called Nocturne."

"We have only visited late at night when their menu is limited and I look forward to an early morning coffee and doughnut experience. Salted Caramel, Peppermint, Chocolate Chocolate. I wish my stomach/appetite was bigger for the ongoing list of new places I’m eager to try."

"I’m not normally in the market for vegan food but this place is amazing vegan or no. The coffee is great, donut selection is amazing and everything taste..."