Potomac Park
The American system of National Parks was the first of its kind in the world. Whilst many visitors associate America’s great parks with wild and wide-open spaces, such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, they can also be enjoyed in city centres. The prime example is Potomac, the world’s most photographed and visited park that is the green heart of Washington DC.
In the late 19th century the US Army Corp of Engineers reclaimed nearly 700 acres of land from the Potomac River and the US Congress decided to preserve this land permanently in the public trust. Stretching west and south from the Washington Monument, and now divided into two sections, the park is home to some of the city’s most iconic sights and the spectacle of the springtime cherry blossom that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors is celebrated with an annual festival.
The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin has come to symbolise the natural beauty of Washington DC. The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, cover the area in a sea of pale pink and white.
East Potomac Park boasts 1,681 cherry trees in 10 varieties, so it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic or simply take a break from sightseeing and watch the Washingtonian world go by. The more energetic can enjoy a leisurely bike ride, play tennis or hit a few balls at the golf course, which includes a driving range and mini golf that’s fun for families.
Rock Creek Park
John Quincy Adams delighted in retreating to what he described as “this romantic glen, listening to the singing of a thousand birds”, nature-loving Teddy Roosevelt would often bird watch and walk across the vast terrain, while Ronald Reagan frequently rode horses at its stables. Now everyone can follow in the illustrious footsteps of American presidents with a visit to the unique gem that is Rock Creek Park.
Named after the Potomac River tributary snaking through Northwest Washington DC, the 2,000-acre wilderness is one of America’s finest and largest city parks. Designated a National Park in 1890, it was the first urban natural area set aside by Congress as “a pleasuring place for the enjoyment of the people of the United States”. Rich in history, the park has served as a quiet refuge for many of DC’s leading citizens and politicians. In fact it became such a presidential favourite that after the Civil War a special commission seriously considered relocating the presidential residence to Rock Creek.
These days Washingtonians and visitors escape into the park to cycle, play golf, ride, picnic, enjoy live performances, visit the only planetarium inside a national park or simply enjoy a breath of fresh air and explore the 29 miles of trails. The creek itself tumbles through six miles of wooded forests and rolling hills creating a landscape of wild flowers during the spring and summer, which make way for spectacular autumnal colours in October.
Rock Creek Park is open daily during daylight hours and admission is free.
Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC, credit Jaime Rose Photography
Contact details
5200 Glover Road NW
Washington DC
20015
001-202-895-6070
