Alexandria, Virginia
Top Spots in and near Alexandria
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Alexandria, Virginia
Run or Bike the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
3 miStart your adventure at the Belle Haven Parking area then head down the Dyke Marsh Trail. To add on additional distance, head south down the Mt. Vernon Trail for more views, well maintained paths, and even some sitting areas. You'll find boardwalks that take you right across the marsh, so keep an...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial
4.8Located on the far-west portion of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. stands the Lincoln Memorial. At almost 100 feet tall, this majestic structure overlooks the reflecting pool and offers an iconic view of the Washington Monument. Parking is almost always an issue near the Lincoln Memorial, ...Read more -
Arlington, Virginia
Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island
4.32 miIt seems only fitting that the president who gave us our national parks would have one all to his own. Located on the edge of Washington D.C., Theodore Roosevelt Island offers a glimpse of what the city may have looked like before the politicians, before the marble buildings, before the traffic-...Read more -
Arlington, Virginia
Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail
5.014 miStart your ride at the Teddy Roosevelt Island parking area and head southbound towards Mt. Vernon. You'll be riding next to the Potomac the entire time, with great views of the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the Memorial Bridge. The ride is as long as you want to mak...Read more -
Falls Church, Virginia
Bike the W&OD Trail
45 miThe Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail stretches through northern Virginia and is a great spot for bike riding, running, or walking. The trail is paved, well maintained, and wide enough for traffic in both directions. There are also a couple breweries along the way that you can make a f...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
National Mall in Washington D.C.
4.74.99 mi / 89 ft gainEveryone has so many things on their plates these days that take all their time up. It is hard to get away for adventures or to experience new things. The National Mall in Washington D.C. is within an hour from millions of people on the East Coast. This centralized location makes the National Mal...Read more -
Arlington, Virginia
Fish the Potomac River in Arlington
Parking along 36th Road in Arlington, VA, head down the path on the Gulf Branch Trail. Walk northeast for roughly a quarter mile, where you will intersect with the Potomac River. Find a spot along the sand, cast out, and watch the catfish bite! Chicken liver seems to work well. Don't forget to h...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail
4.02 miThis is an out-and-back trail that starts and ends on different roads, but you will have better luck parking on Albemarle Street NW (where I have indicated the trailhead is on the map). This is a long street with plenty of street parking, just pay attention to the signs to see how long you can le...Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Hike at Turkey Run Park, McLean
4.02 mi / 200 ft gainTurkey Run Park is available to hikers year-around and is located just off of George Washington Parkway in McLean, Virginia. The exits are clearly marked and you simply drive to parking lot C-1 to start this hike.Turkey Run has numerous trail options available but I chose an out-and-back. When yo...Read more -
Washington, District of Columbia
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
4.51.5 miThe Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are a unique spot in Washington, D.C. The grounds are full of ponds, boardwalks, and a trail that connects you to the Anacostia River Trail. The main draw of this park are the ponds full of lotus flowers. During the summer months, they grow tall with colors ranging ...Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop
4.22.51 mi / 397 ft gainThis nature preserve can be hiked year-round and is a sanctuary for rare wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife including deer and fox. There are six main interconnecting trails that run through the preserve; winding their way around matured hardwood forest, sheer bluffs, and rocky cliffs overloo...Read more -
Fairfax Station, Virginia
Explore Burke Lake in Fairfax
4.54.7 mi / 0 ft gainBurke Lake Park has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy trail running, hiking, fishing, canoeing, Frisbee golf, or just having a picnic with your family, you can do it all at Burke Lake. Those who want to be active or exercise can run, hike or biket the 4.7 mile trail that circles the entir...Read more -
Lorton, Virginia
Woodmarsh Trail
4.02.83 mi / 154 ft gainJust at the entrance to Mason Neck State Park is the Woodmarsh Trail. The entire loop is about 3 miles. This is a pleasant easy hike that is relatively flat with no rocks to speak of. The trail wanders through a forest and passes by a large swamp along the Potomac River. There is one well built o...Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Difficult Run, Ridge, and River Trails
4.53.28 mi / 463 ft gainDifficult Run is a popular hiking location right down the street from Great Falls National Park. Starting at the Difficult Run parking lot you head to the trail at the far end of the lot. The trail will split. The green blazes will take you to the left but you can also stay to the right and hike ...Read more -
Potomac, Maryland
Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail
4.54.61 mi / 272 ft gainJust outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don...Read more -
McLean, Virginia
Photograph Great Falls of the Potomac
5.00.69 mi / 131 ft gainViewing Great Falls is easy which makes this adventure great for all levels of adventurers. There is a ~$10 entrance fee, there you will receive a map of the park. There are 3 platforms of viewing Great Falls, each platform has stunning panoramic views. Make sure you do not forget to bring your ...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Alexandria
Washington, District of Columbia
Hains Point Picnic Area (East Potomac Park)
Overview
Hains Point Picnic Areas are located in East Potomac Park. Reservations for picnic areas (A, B, C, D) are required seven days a ...
Washington, Virginia
Parkway Drive Volleyball Courts
Overview
The Parkway Drive Volleyball courts are located along the Potomac River, northwest of the Lincoln Memorial. The Parkway Drive Vo...
Washington, District of Columbia
Fort Dupont Park Picnic Areas
Overview
Fort Dupont Park has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups from spring to fall each year. There are also pi...
Alexandria, Virginia
Fort Hunt
Overview
Located only two miles from Mount Vernon, the historical home of George Washington, Fort Hunt Park is a local favorite for picni...
Fort Washington, Maryland
Fort Washington Park Day Use Facilities
Overview
Fort Washington is located 15 miles south of Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River. Part of the National Park Service, it is...
Washington, District of Columbia
Rock Creek Park Group Picnic Areas
Overview
Eight group picnic areas in Rock Creek Park are available for advance reservation from May through October. These picnic areas a...
