Constitution Gardens is a vast green space at the center of many monuments and memorials on the…read moreNational Mall along Constitution Avenue. The gardens have access to the Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, Reflecting Pool, JFK Hockey Fields, U.S. Park Police Horse Stables, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. The area is approximately 50 acres. At its center is a pond where you will often find ducks and geese. At the center of the pond is a memorial stone honoring the 56 signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. You can find many willow trees along the pond. There are concession stands located around the pond and food/ice cream trucks to the south closer to the WWII Memorial and Constitution Avenue. During the summer the concession stands are open, however, during the colder months the concessions normally are closed. NOTE: Over the years, the end of the pond near WWII Memorial has been littered with debris, and because the water is stagnant the pond sometimes gives off a horrible smell when the water moves. I've driven by in spring 2026 to see that the pond has been cleared and cleared at this end of the pond (I'm assuming as a part of the 2026 DC Safety and Beautification Initiative). You can often experience swarms of gnats and mosquitoes during the summer. The best time to visit is early spring or fall when these pests are done for the season. Overall, a great grassy area in the heart of downtown with plenty of street parking along Constitution Avenue.

Constitution Gardens are a pleasant park area that feels like a peaceful oasis near the busy…read moreNational Mall. Water features, greenery, and pathways create a very harmonious environment for walks or a short rest. I especially appreciate the calmer atmosphere and the sense that it is not just a tourist spot, but also a park that locals enjoy using.

If you ever go to Old Town, the historic district of Alexandria, Virginia, there are pleasant and…read morepanoramic views of the Potomac River from the parks & walkways along the waterfront area. We parked on the waterfront and walked through each park. The first one we encountered was the Waterfront Park. The park is well maintained , has many views, and things to do with lots of benches to sit . It had a statue of "The Shipbuilder". There are public bathrooms nearby by the art building. The paid parking lot beside the Waterfront Park is very affordable and not so stressful to park at despite the tight parking spaces. We paid only $15 - for the whole day (unlimited hours). It was very easy to find, and we had no trouble parking.

Such a cool spot along the Potomac River. There was space for chillin, eating, playing, and…read morerestaurants along the way. You can catch the ferry. The atmosphere was wonderful on this beautiful sunny day. The visitors center was around with staff dressed like it was the 18th Century. Such a wonderful experience.

After a period of construction, this area has been renovated. It contains some previously neglected…read moreburial sites. A swampy area, it has a boardwalk as well. The park is not large and the waterway here possesses no great aesthetic merit. However, the heritage here is important to ponder, and the setting is peaceful, so there is some value in a city like this to having this little interstitial space.

What a beautiful walk around this nice surprise I found today while I'm here in Alexandria. Loved…read moreseeing people out and about especially with their little furry friends. The surrounding cemetery gives you pause of thought for your blessings. The sculptures, as well.

A lot has changed since my last review and I've been meaning to update for a couple of years. The…read morepark has had an incredible makeover. It's a pleasant area for eating lunch and/or people watching. Lots of events held here. Lovely and serene urban green space.

We went here for the Girl Scout festival during our 58th National Convention. The park was great,…read morethere were so many activities for the families to participate in. From food to games to dance parties. Franklin park was the perfect setting for all of the fun that was hosted.

This is a small park in Occoquan, VA. Have been here many times. The view of the river here is…read moreexceptional. It's best to park on the side streets, and walk on to the property. This park is convenient to all in town. The gazebo is relaxing. Here you can literally chill. Quite often I'll bring a cooler with sandwiches, and almost meditate here, as the waves of the river are a great environment. It's not too busy also. That alone is another reason to like it. Parks are a great way to spend time, and although this one doesn't have a lot going on, I do sometimes like to just "veg " out and kick back.

[Coronavirus review] This is a small area with a gazebo…read morewhich leads to a boardwalk about a block long. What's notable about it is that it's open, and with all the local restaurants still in takeout mode as of this writing, you can social distance and eat at a bench or picnic table with a view. The space was also nice enough that some local graduates of something were taking their post-commencement pictures there. And of course, even when business returns to normal, getting takeout and eating it on the river is still a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Perhaps one side effect of the virus will be to make us appreciate our outdoor spaces a little more. This one is just a short little boardwalk in front of a residential area, but it's good that it's there.

I have been coming to this park for awhile. It is a grassy oasis away from the city and the masses…read more It is mainly inhabited by the locals of the area who bring their kids here for the playground, tennis players, and to toss the ball around for the dog. You have a couple of well educated homeless people who stay here too, but unfortunately they fell on hard times and find it to be safer here than the shelters. If you run into Kathleen, she'll tell you about her Irish heritage and her performing arts degree from Catholic U and GW. Nice lady... she just talks and talks and talks. You're going to have a couple of trails around here that are good for an easy to moderate work out depending on your level. Wear comfortable shoes since they have some off a beaten bath off the main paved road. As far as the kids park, it is quaint and simple. It is gated so the youngsters won't make their great escape while you're typing away at your phone. This seemed to be the case every time I go over there. They have swings for both toddlers and older kids. Indoor handicap accessible bathrooms are on-site next to the entrance of the park next to Oak Hill Cemetery. This is what I'd consider a Victorian era park. It was established about that time and still reflects a beauty of that era that will never escape it.

In the north end of Georgetown is a large park that was once the estate of a ropemaker. He let…read moreneighbors picnic on his property and that legacy remains. The park became a public park in 1911. Today, it's a large park with grassy areas with picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and trails. One trail connects to those found in nearby Dumbarton Oaks Park, a public park behind Dumbarton Oaks Gardens.

This was a small park near the water, by some nice apartments, and a little beach area. A pleasant…read morearea, and as they say, not too much parking available. A beautiful view.

It's good for little ones. Getting a parking spot close by can be a challenge. To most Jones Point…read moreisn't too far, but for some apparently it is. I don't think walking 2/10ths of a mile is a hardship, but some parents over here have complained about it. My thoughts of "grow a pair" were kept silent, but as one would expect, yuppie type of folks don't want any kind of exertion. I used to take my son when little here and it worked. The park looks like it needs some work. Admittedly Covid and other things, have probably interfered with this. My hope is the sandbox and playground can be updated for families. It's fenced in adding more security, as little ones can be rather fast. The hill still offers a nice view of the Potomac River. Also it's close to the Wilkes Street Tunnel, which is enjoyed by all ages.

Want to pretend you are in a foreign land for a few minutes? Seek out the Spanish Steps, in…read moreKalorama. A peaceful hidden gem with European vibes, providing a romantic spot and scenic view. A fountain sits amidst the steps. Pros: Accessibility: Nestled in Kalorama, but walk-able distance to the West End neighborhood, as well as Georgetown. Once you climb the stairs, you get a beautiful view of Dupont Circle. Views: A great place to watch the sunset, or sunrise over Dupont. The mix of the brick and cobblestone on the street, contrasted with the stone stairs, gives the area an old and beautiful European flair. I think this would be a great (and not cheesy or basic) spot for DC wedding, prom, brides-party, or engagement pictures. I have gotten the best picture lighting here in the "golden/sunset" evening hours between 5-8 depending on the season. Not busy: This spot is a bit hidden, and not super touristy, which adds to its charm. Never super busy, it truly is a great place to "get-away" from the busyness of the city. Dog friendly: My pups enjoy walking up and down the steps on their daily walks. They seem to enjoy sitting at the top and looking at the view as well (at least I tell myself they enjoy it as much as me!) A dog friendly spot! Decently maintained: The stairs and surrounding area seem well-maintained overall, and not in decay. Some small chips of stone, but overall, in good condition. I am glad that this spot is being preserved and cared for! Shady: The Spanish Steps make a great spot to read a book or to cool down after a run through DC. Also would be a nice place to have a relaxing lunch. The steps are surrounded by big trees, which provide shade, and the fountain has a cooling effect. Cons: Water sometimes a bit dirty: Not disgustingly so, but water is sometimes a bit dirty in appearance, though I think this would be hard to manage. My pups still try to drink it when I walk them by the fountain, so they seem A-OK with it! Other: Once you reach the top of the stairs, there are some markers indicating the history. Below the staircase, on the street, there are additional historical markers with text about the neighborhood, as well as with information on some of the noteworthy individuals represented in statues at nearby embassies.

The Spanish Steps is a slice of Europe in the middle of DC. They are several layers of stone steps…read moreconnect Dupont Circle with Kalorama. There's a fountain half way up the steps and a brochure that speaks to its history at the very top. Once at the top, it's a beautiful view of Dupont Circle. Fun fact: The city does not maintain the Spanish Steps, the community does. The neighborhood pays for its upkeep and preservation. Thanks, Kalorama!