Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Gaithersburg

"For those of us lacking a green thumb or ones who can grown anything, the U.S. Botanic Garden is the spot to see an amazing array of living plants from many different areas. Dating back to the 19th century, the museum is divided into three separate sections: the Conservatory showcasing displays and exhibits including jungle, Hawaii and endangered plants, the National Garden highlighting a regional and butterfly garden and Bartholdi Park housing the historic, cast iron fountain."

"With all of its vintage theaters and gleaming government buildings, you might not expect Washington, DC to have a lot of greenery. However, the United States Botanic Garden would prove you wrong. It’s a natural oasis in the middle of an urban landscape, and it’s hands-down one of the best places to visit in the city."

"The United States Botanic Garden is next to the Capitol Building. This is a great place to photograph flowers and plants. United States Botanic Gardens by Katja Schulz / CC BY 2.0"

"With flowers, ferns, trees, shrubs, succulents and as far as the eye can see, the National Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US. It’s also one of the most colorful. From the tidy, well-trimmed bonsai collections to the overgrown willow trees hanging over fields of wildflowers, every inch of this arboretum will dazzle the eye."

"Operated by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Center, the United States National Arboretum is a garden open to the public. Visitors can admire the various trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants that have been cultivated for educational and scientific purposes. Located in northeast Washington, D.C."

"Open every day except December 25th, the National Arboretum provides incredible beauty no matter the season. Visit the grounds to see plenty of nature, trees, and paths, all of which appear differently based on the time of day and season. Visit during various times of year to watch the seasons change artfully."

"The Tidal Basin is a beautiful place to spend a few hours in the heart of Washington, D.C. During the warmer months of the year, kids enjoy paddle boating as a break from traditional sightseeing. You can also visit the Jefferson Memorial and the FDR Memorial and learn about a few of our most prominent historic leaders. The Tidal Basin is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River."

"Close to the National Mall, puts visitors smack in the center of all things cherry blossom. This man-made inlet that sits next to the Potomac River is the perfect spot to wile away the hours on a paddleboat or take in the beauty of the seasons. In spring, visitors to the famed festival find themselves in the perfect spot to take in all of the magic of the cherry blossoms."

"The Tidal Basin is a man-made inlet adjacent to the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. It offers beautiful views of the famous cherry trees and the Jefferson Memorial and is a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic or rent a paddle boat."

"This 91-acre wilderness preserve, which honors the nation's 26th president and his commitment to public conservation, is the perfect place to truly escape the city. With more than 2.5 miles of interweaving trails, a variety of wildlife, a view of the Georgetown waterfront and a bronze statue of Roosevelt situated midst the woods, Teddy Roosevelt Island is an ideal afternoon adventure.Best for: bird watching, hiking, pretending you're Huckleberry Finn.Photo by Adam Fagen."

"With his 17-foot likeness rising from an interior plaza, Teddy Roosevelt commands center stage. But as a fitting tribute to the first conservationist in chief, nature reigns on this 88-acre island in the Potomac. Getting a piece to yourself is as simple as taking the 1.5-mile perimeter trail."

"This island and national memorial is located in Washington DC’s Potomac River. It measures at 88.5 acres and was given by the American people to commemorate the life of the US’ 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. The island was donated to the Theodore Roosevelt Association."

"The beautified Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park in Columbia Heights has hosted a drum circle every Sunday (weather permitting) for four decades, inspiring dance and — more recently — a thriving scene of circus artists who juggle, do tightrope walking and demonstrate impressive hula-hooping and human-pyramid skills. While not everyone is happy to see this event become a tourist attraction, it's still a peaceful way to picnic and enjoy a community."

"With its 13-basin, cascading waterfall fountain and reflecting pool, this 12-acre formal Italianate-style park is open during daylight hours. On a warm day, it is the perfect spot for a pleasurable afternoon of getting to know one another. On Sundays, musicians gather for impromptu performances."

"This National Historic Landmark is home to a beautiful and welcoming tiered fountain. Home to a statue of Joan of Arc, Dante and a memorial to President Buchanan, this space has been hosting a drum circle on Sundays in the summer for the past 50 years."

"These unique and beautiful gardens are one of the most delightful things to do in Washington, DC. Festivals celebrating different seasons and plants happen year-round, such as the Lotus and Waterlily Festival. The longest path or trail in the park is about half a mile, so there is no need to worry about getting overheated. You can stop at any time."

"Located along the east bank of the Anacostia River, this beautiful spot is filled with hiking trails and boardwalks enticing visitors year round. Play a round of golf, test your skill at the driving range, bird watch, hike, canoe, or enjoy the company of a friend. Visit in summer for the beautiful spectacle of the water lilies in bloom."

"If you’re looking for unusual tourist spots in Washington, DC, consider the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. They’re captivatingly beautiful, but they’re definitely not your average park!. What sets them apart is their water-based plant life."

"This underutilized patch of grass, complete with flowers, fountains, and benches, sits next to the Smithsonian Castle, one of the more memorable looking buildings on the National Mall. While the hordes of tourists are huddled, drenched in sweat, on the steps of the various museums, in-the-know Mall-goers can escape to this oasis of green for some shade, a moment of peace, and the free Wi-Fi.Best for: checking your e-mail while smelling flowers.Photo by Flickr user cliff1066™"

"Encompassing 207 acres, Cylburn Arboretum is a nature preserve within city limits. A Victorian mansion filled with watercolor paintings is surrounded by woodlands with trails from which native and non-native trees, plants, and flowers can be found. Some of the most favored flora in the collection include beeches, hollies, Japanese maples, magnolias, and Maryland oaks."

"Full of gardens, greenhouses, wooded paths, and angelic statues, the arboretum is the perfect place for a quiet proposal where the two of you will have each other’s undivided attention. The Cylburn Arboretum also regularly hosts wedding ceremonies, so you know the location is ripe for romance."

"The Cylburn Arboretum off of Greenspring Avenue is just really fantastic. The grounds are sprawling and there is so much open space to run and play and enjoy seeing the trees and other plant life. There are over 20 individual gardens and some of the coolest old trees I have ever seen."

"With more than 30 acres of recreation and open space, Long Bridge Park is a new-school, distinctive showplace of environmentally sound redevelopment. The park has a central expanse of attractive public green spaces and high-quality outdoor facilities. It used to be an EPA SuperFund site, and now it’s entirely transformed — it just shows what can happen with the will and great planning."

"The Long Bridge Park is a state of the art location, sitting near the Potomac riverscape and the urban corridors. The park features modern recreation and outdoor sports facilities, and a wide stunning green spaces dominating its center. This park is an ideal place to spend quality time with your family."

"The Calabash Teahouse & Café is a charming café-style eatery that serves tea, coffee, and kombucha on tap alongside a vegan menu of freshly baked pastries and healthy snacks. Set in a bright and sunny spot on 7th Street, Calabash Teahouse & Café boasts a tranquil ambiance in which to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee to start the morning or a welcome pot of tea at the end of the day. Choose from a range of fresh pastries, cakes, and other sweet treats or enjoy a selection of healthy snacks and small plates along with other beverages such as kombucha."

"There’s no better spot in DC for a soul-warming tea than Calabash. In addition to family recipes for medicinal teas and elixirs, this holistic veggie joint also serves an array of Jamaican-inspired vegan dishes including chickpea curry, faux BLT sandwiches, patties, and delicious baked goods such as pies, breads and cookies. The original location is in Shaw but don’t miss the new Brookland location for its beautiful ambience created with furnishings from across the African diaspora."

"Calabash Tea Bar & Cafe is located in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and serves tasty, homemade baked vegan treats using handcrafted spices, served with a variety of aromatic teas and tonics, on tap kombucha and the best, fair trade coffee."

"It’s said that there are vegetarian options on the menu at The Imperial Indian in Shirlington."

"Washington, DC. Located just steps from the White House, one of the oldest homes in Washington, DC features Federalist and Victorian style furnishings and exhibits that explore 200 years of Washington, DC history. Continue to 13 of 25 below."

"Today it is a historic house museum managed by the White House Historical Association. The house is open to the public for scheduled tours on Mondays."