Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Washington DC

"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!"

"Tucked away in a 38-acre wooded area of footpaths, streams formed by the nearby Potomac and lush greenery, is this little oasis perfect for some outdoor communing with friends or family. There’s a lot to take in here with the surrounding log cabins, the winding Potomac River Trail, and there’s even a blacksmith shop with a working forge. The park provides interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups."

"Military RoadLength: 1.4 milesDifficulty: Moderate to difficultBikeable: NoTrail Map:ViewDescription: To the east of Military road, this trail features a forested area and rocky stream that runs down to the Potomac River and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. There are several areas where you will have to cross the stream. On the west side of Military road, you will find hilly, wooded trails around Gulf Branch Nature Center."

"Nature Centers provide kids with lots of hands-on opportunities to explore our environment. From Rock Creek Park to Montgomery County, MD, to Arlington, VA, year-round naturalist guided programs will give you insight into the natural habitat of the Washington, D.C."

"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."

"Address: 301 South Harrison StreetLength: 1.2 milesDifficulty: Easy to difficultBikeable: Paved trail yes, natural trail noTrail Map:ViewDescription: This beautiful and secluded 95.5 acre park offers a whole host of family activities. Trails throughout this park offer a beautiful setting for bird watching and other outdoor activities. There are sightings of everything from woodpeckers to wood ducks and warblers."

"The Nature Center is the first stop for visitors to Rock Creek Park, a natural area in northwest D.C. Ranger-led programs and some of the park's shorter trails begin at the center, where visitors can find trail maps, a planetarium, and a children's discovery room."

"Z-Burger is known for serving some of the best burgers around town. Stop in and try the bacon cheeseburger, fresh cut fries or onion rings, and one of the 75 varieties of milkshakes. Even vegetarians don’t have to shy away from this restaurant, as they also have delicious black bean burgers."

"They're here 🎉the flavors we've all been craving: Girl Scout Nicecream!. Every year we host a girl scout troop at our... Nicecream was opened in 2013 by Sandra Tran and Gil Welsford and was born out of the passion for food and adventure."

"Columbia HeightsThis quirky specialty market works directly with farmers in neighboring states so shelves are always filled with funky new cheeses, fresh in-season produce, and gorgeous bundles of wildflowers that’ll brighten up your home. In addition to standard items, some purveyors that typically stock the store are offering CSA-style boxes where you can get a heaping box of produce for a set price."

"Rock It Grill in Alexandria, VA is a friendly, neighborhood bar & grill. Join us for great food and a good time!"

"Even though it’s only a couple of years old, I think of the LINE Hotel as the grand dame of DC’s new wave of design-focused, boutique hotels. The photo below is a PR photo I took for them while the hotel was still very much under construction (they had to remove the scaffolding from the front of the hotel so we could take this shot). The LINE DC endeavors very much to be part of the community."

"Located inside a 110-year old historic church, The LINE puts visitors close to the National Zoo in an area known for its music and nightlife. This hotel offers a stylish, sophisticated stay, though it is located a bit further outside the central action and downtown."

"DC Instagrammers love stopping by the lobby of the Line Hotel with their unique stairway with mirror in the corner. They also have a cute coffee shop in the lobby and occasionally have events on the rooftop. 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC 20009"