District of Columbia National Parks

Washington DC National Parks

Washington DC national parks tell the story of this country through its monuments, memorials, museums, parks, dedicated to past leaders, those who fought and died in wars to build and protect this country.

Visit These District of Columbia National Parks:

Anacostia Park: Listen! Beneath the bustle of busy Washington, DC, the sounds of friends, families, and fun can be heard. Authorized almost a hundred years ago as a multiple use park, Anacostia Park serves as a city playground while protecting the natural scenery and water quality of the Anacostia River. The park serves as an example of how far-sighted urban planning of Congress serves today's generation as well.

Anacosta Weather

Capitol Hill Parks: Capitol Hill Parks includes those park areas between 2nd Streets NE and SE and the Anacostia River. Included in this group are Folger, Lincoln, and Marion Parks, the Maryland Avenue Triangles, the Pennsylvania Avenue Medians, the Eastern Market Metro Station, the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, Seward Square, Twining Square, Stanton Park, and 59 inner-city triangles and squares.

Capital Hill Parks Weather

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail: Imagine a world of deep, ancient forests, strong, proud people and water teeming with life. Such was the Chesapeake that Captain John Smith and his fellow travelers encountered on their journeys through this "goodly bay" and its rivers. Follow in the wake of Smith's journeys on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first national water trail.

Captain John Smith Weather

Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site: During much of Dr. Woodson’s life, there was both very little information and a lack of knowledge concerning African American life and history. Through his extensive studies, Woodson almost single-handedly established African American historiography.

Carter G. Woodson Weather

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began as a dream of passage to western wealth. It operated as a conduit of eastern coal, suffered extensive and finally fatal flooding, and then resisted being paved as a highway

Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network: First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story - early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more.

Constitution Gardens: Dedicated in 1976, Constitution Gardens serves as an oasis within the bustling city for visitors, residents and wildlife. A memorial island in the middle of an artificial lake has stones bearing the names and signatures of the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Their pledge to freedom exists as a living tribute within this natural setting celebrating the U.S. Constitution.

Constitutiona Gardens Weather

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site: 

Ford's Theatre Weather

Fort Dupont Park: A "park for all seasons" describes the 376 rolling wooded acres that make up one of the largest parks in all of Washington. Picnics, nature walks, Civil War programs, gardening, environmental education, music, skating, sports, and youth programs are among the varied seasonal activities possible at this spacious area east of the Anacostia River.

Fort Dupont Weather

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. These are the words of our 32nd President, a man who truly knew the meaning of the word courage. Despite, at age 39, being stricken with polio and paralyzed from the waist down, he emerged as a true leader, guiding our country through some of its darkest times: the Great Depression and World War II. The FDR Memorial honors this man and his story.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Weather

Frederick Douglass National Historic Site: The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the most famous 19th century African American. His life was a testament to the courage and persistence that serves as an inspiration to those who struggle in the cause of liberty and justice. Visitors to the site learn about his efforts to abolish slavery and his struggle for rights for all oppressed people.

Frederick Douglas Weather

George Mason Memorial: The George Mason Memorial, dedicated on April 9, 2002, honors the little known but widely felt contributions of an important Founding Father. The memorial is located in East Potomac Park near the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Born in 1725 George Mason wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights and later attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

George Mason Weather

George Washington Memorial Parkway: The US National Park Service built the Mount Vernon Trail in 1973 so visitors could better enjoy the diverse natural and historic areas along the Potomac River. Today, this foresight is appreciated by thousands who enjoy the trail for its many recreational opportunities. Please help us care for this park – for your pleasure and for future generations.

Netherlands Carillon: Near the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial stands a large bell tower, the Netherlands Carillon. This was a gift "From the People of the Netherlands to the People of the United States" in gratitude for American aid during and after World War II. The carillon symbolizes and is dedicated to the friendship between two countries and their common allegiance to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy.

George Washington Parkway Weather     George Washington Parkway Ratings

John Ericsson National Memorial: During his lifetime, John Ericsson revolutionized several facets of technology. The Swedish-born engineer-inventor is best known for his work during the Civil War when he transformed naval warfare through his design of the iron-plated USS Monitor. The movements of Ericsson's pencil across his drafting board were as crucial to victory as the movements of Lincoln’s armies across battlefields.

John Ericsson Weather

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens: In an age old dance land, water, and wind combine at Kenilworth Park, Aquatic Gardens, and Marsh. Sparkling in the sun on a breezy day, this natural area of Anacostia Park has origins in a 1926 act authorizing parks to preserve forests and natural scenery. The park reflects the history of the nation's rivers and wetlands. Come, join the dance.

Kenilworth Weather

Korean War Veterans Memorial: "Freedom is not free." Here, one finds the expression of American gratitude to those who restored freedom to South Korea. Nineteen stainless steel sculptures stand silently under the watchful eye of a sea of faces upon a granite wall—reminders of the human cost of defending freedom. These elements all bear witness to the patriotism, devotion to duty, and courage of Korean War veterans.

Korean War Memorial Weather

Lincoln Memorial: "In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of Freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope.

Lincoln Memorial

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site: "I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you respect for the uses of power. I leave you faith. I leave you racial dignity. I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow man. I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people." Mary McLeod Bethune’s "Legacy," 1955

Mary McLeod Bethune Weather

Meridian Hill Park: Meridian Hill Park is located in northwest Washington, D.C. and is bordered by 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets. It is a 12 acre site situated on an almost perfect north-south axis. Construction of the park was begun in 1914, but it was not until 1936 that Meridian Hill reached the full status of a formal park. In 1933 the grounds were transferred to the National Park Service.

Meridian Hill Weather

National Capital Parks-East: The Washington that you see today had its birth two centuries ago in a rational yet visionary design unprecedented in its scale. Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s plan for the city and its core mall area was influenced by urban planning then current in Europe and neoclassical landscape design exemplified by Versailles.

Capital Weather

National Mall: Impressive structures border it, monuments and memorials stand near it, great museums exist upon it, and grand trees help shade it, yet the harmony of these things together merely enhances the concept at its very best. The Mall is the heart of the Nation's Capital and of the entire United States of America. Here, the nation celebrates, honors, and demonstrates its commitment to democracy.

National Mall Weather

National Mall & Memorial Parks: Officially established in 1965, National Mall & Memorial Parks contains some of the oldest protected park lands in the National Park Service. The areas within National Mall & Memorial Parks provides visitors with ample opportunities to commemorate presidential legacies; honor the courage and sacrifice of war veterans; celebrate the United States commitment to freedom and equality.

National Mall Weather

Old Post Office Tower: The Old Post Office, built between 1892 and 1899, is home to the Bells of Congress, which were a present from England on our Nation's Bicentennial. From the observation deck, located 270 feet above the street level, the visitor can get a spectacular view of our nation’s capital.

Old Post Office Weather

Peirce Mill: Milling became a highly technical operation with the introduction of Oliver Evans’s techniques. Millstones represented the age-old methods that remained unchanged. The bolter stood for the latest in mechanical ingenuity.

Peirce Mill Weather

Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site: Pennsylvania Avenue is among the world's most famous streets. It is known the world over as the heart of the Nation's Capital. America's history has marched, paraded, promenaded, and protested its way up and down the Avenue. It is no wonder that Pennsylvania Avenue is called the "America's Main Street." The Avenue is more than just another city street; it is, rather, America's Ceremonial Way.

Pennsylvania Avenue Weather

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: Linking the Potomac and upper Ohio river basins from Chesapeake Bay and Potomac tidewater to the Allegheny Highlands, this national scenic trail network lets you retrace – by foot, bicycle, horse, or boat – the corridor George Washington explored as essential to U.S. national development.

President's Park (White House): Throughout the years President's Park has served many purposes from bosk to bivouac, from a field for infantry drills to a place for inaugural celebrations. With the White House as a back drop, President’s Park over time has played host to suffragettes, freedom riders, anti-war protestors, Easter egg rollers, and participants of festivities surrounding the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

White House Weather

Rock Creek Park: An extensive system of trails and paths covers Rock Creek Park and outlying areas like Glover-Archbold Park.

Rock Creek Weather     Rock Creek Ratings

Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site:  Part of National Parks-East.

Sewall-Belmont House Weather

The Old Stone House: In the midst of Washington, D.C., a city of grand memorials to national leaders and significant events, stands an unassuming building commemorating the daily lives of ordinary Americans who made this city, and this nation, unique. The Old Stone House, one of the oldest known structures remaining in the nation's capital, is a simple 18th century dwelling built and inhabited by common people.

Old Stone House Weather

Thomas Jefferson Memorial: The words of Thomas Jefferson, some written more than 200 years ago, have shaped American ideals. Today, many of these impressive, stirring words adorn the interior walls of his memorial. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands as a symbol of liberty and endures as a site for reflection and inspiration for all citizens of the United States and the world.

Thomas Jefferson Memorial Weather

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Deliberately setting aside the controversies of the war, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served when their Nation called upon them. The designer, Maya Lin, felt that "the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives." She kept the design elegantly simple to “allow everyone to respond and remember.”

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Weather

Washington Monument: The Washington Monument is the most prominent, as well as one of the older, attractions in Washington, D.C. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence, and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, 555' 5/8" high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884.

Washington Monument Weather

World War II Memorial: The National World War II Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the of the WWII generation. Friedrich St.Florian's winning design balances classical and modernist styles of architecture, harmonizes with its natural and cultural surroundings, and connects the legacy of the American Revolution and the American Civil War with great crusade to rid the world of fascism.

World War II Memorial Weather