It’s officially summertime in the District! A time of year where people take off their blazers and loosen their ties, in anticipation of enjoying the outdoor DC summer activities. Although DC is known for being the center of global politics, it also has a wide variety of outdoor experiences to explore and enjoy. We’re breaking down some of our favorite DC summer activities for to inspire your calendar this summer.
The Great Outdoors
In the middle of a bustling metropolis, the District has multiple parks for nature enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy. Use these parks as an opportunity to take a break from city life and be at one with nature.
Rock Creek Park
At over 1700 acres, Rock Creek Park is bigger than New York City’s famous Central Park. The lush green oasis is the first federally managed park in the nation. It includes over 32 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, a planetarium, tennis courts, a horse center and a paved bike path that leads all the way to the Lincoln Memorial. Certainly people with all types of interests can find something to do here.
Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
Located on an island in the Potomac river between DC and Arlington, VA. Theodore Roosevelt Park provides a feeling of escapism for DC residents. Visitors to the park can enjoy the great statue of Roosevelt and contemplate his contributions to the outdoors across the nation. They can leave behind the noise of the city on the picturesque island centered in the middle of the bustling metropolis.
Meridian Hill Park
Like much of DC, this park is full of history. It was originally the home of John Porter where a mansion was constructed along the same longitude of the original placement of Washington D.C., hence its name. John Quincy Adams later called this mansion his home. The park and its gardens are now open to the public where you can also see where Union troops camped out during the Civil War. This park is quintessential Washington D.C. steeped in history and beauty. After enjoying the multitiered fountain and multiple statues, head into neighboring Adams Morgan for something to eat.
Take to The Water
Situated amongst the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Washington D.C. offers nautical adventures for those looking to get off land, the perfect DC summer activity.
Rent Pedal Boats in the Tidal Basin
The tidal basin is a body of water located between the Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Monument. Pedal boats that accommodate 2 or 4 people are available for rent as well as some swan boats. On the basin you can leisurely pedal around while taking in the views of the national monuments from a new perspective. After coming back to shore, spread out a blanket on the nearby lawns and enjoy a picnic.
Paddle Board Next to the Monuments
At the Key Bridge Boathouse along the Potomac River, there are rentals available for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. This activity involves both exercise and sightseeing the skylines of DC and Arlington, Virginia with a thrilling ride along the river.
Explore the National Mall in a New Way
Even for the residents of Washington DC, visiting the National Mall never gets old, however, consider touring it in a way that you haven’t before.
Get Off Your Feet
The mall is expansive at a full 2 miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building. Although it is certainly possible to walk the mall, it is tiring, especially with the summer heat and humidity. There are several options to rent bikes or take a segway tour around the capitol. Hop off and enjoy a game of frisbee on the lawn next to the Washington monument.
Art & Fountains
One of the overlooked areas of the National Mall is the National Gallery Art Sculpture Garden and its adjacent fountains. It is tucked away behind National Gallery of Art and isn’t readily visible from the street. Take your book and blanket for a pleasant afternoon for a stroll in the garden, and dip your feet in the impressive fountain as you read outside.
Cool Off with a Sweet Treat
Nothing says summer like getting some ice cream. Check out some of the local favorite ice cream spots to give your taste buds a special treat. Opened by DC resident, Victoria Lai, Ice Cream Jubliee is as local as it gets, with three different locations serving the district. Bon Matcha offers ice cream with a twist. Located in a window counter in downtown, it offers soft serve ice cream with a twist of matcha. If you’re in the mood for gelato check out Pintago located in Penn Quarter, their gelato is made with ingredients sourced directly from Italy.
Extend Your Evening on the Rooftop
One of our favorite DC summer activities are the long balmy evenings. Enjoy this magical time on the rooftops around DC while enjoying fantastic fare. Get a drink at Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, devour some sushi at O-Ku near Union Market, or savor European and Mediterranean inspired cuisine at La Vie located in the Wharf.
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Many of these DC summer activities are the perfect socially distant activities. Be sure to plan ahead and call to see what availability is based on the excursion you’re hoping to enjoy. Lastly, remember that these businesses typically thrive on tourism, so you can do your part to help them stay afloat during the pandemic.
Stop in and let them know that The Kree Team sent you!
**We are not a sponsor or affiliate of any establishments mentioned in this post. These opinions are our own.**
