Top Rated Parks to Visit in Bethesda

"Rock Creek Park was one of the first national parks developed by the federal government. Dating back to 1890, the park is a DC treasure that affords visitors a scenic getaway from the hectic pace of the day-to-day in the nation’s capital. Boasting 32 hiking trails, landmarks such as Civil War strongholds, colonial houses, and activities like horseback riding, picnicking, and the opportunity to play tennis or golf, among others, a trip to the Rock Creek Park can quickly fill up your day with immersion in nature."

"Since becoming one of the first federally managed parks in the United States in 1890, Rock Creek Park has been a green oasis in the heart of Washington DC. Covering an astounding 1,700 acres, Rock Creek is larger even than New York’s Central Park. Nature lovers exploring its grounds may catch a glimpse of some of its residents: the white-tailed deer; red foxes, or even coyote. Hikers enjoy more than 32 miles of trails, while cyclists can follow a paved path all the way to the Lincoln Memorial."

"Venture away from the city by exploring the hiking trails of Rock Creek Park. This park isn't very well known, so you won't find too many tourists there."

"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."

"This sprawling DC urban park is conveniently located in the trendy Columbia Heights neighborhood. One of the gorgeous features of the park is its thirteen-basin cascading fountain, which just so happens to be the longest in the country. The park also has many other notable monuments, such as statues of Joan of Arc and Dante and the James Buchanan Memorial."

"Also known as Malcolm X Park, this 12 acre park is perhaps the most popular park on this list. But being a bit out of the way of Washington’s many tourist traps, it’s almost never overly crowded. Plus, for those willing to trek up the steep hill, it remains a treasure."

"There are actually 2 playgrounds at this park plus basketball courts and the Mount Vernon Trail. The first playground is right by the parking lot and great for preschool ages. The second is through the underpass and next to the water."

"Start the day by snapping share-worthy photos of picturesque row houses on cobblestoned Captain’s Row, or catch a sunrise at Jones Point Park on a morning walk through the neighborhood and along the Potomac River waterfront."

"Groundswell by Mark Reigelman is the third installation for the Site See: New Views in Old Town annual public art series at Waterfront Park. Mirror Mirrorby SOFTlab was the inaugural exhibition in 2019 followed by Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies by Olalekan Jeyifous in 2020. Learn more about the expanded Waterfront Park."

"Yards Park overlooks the Capitol Riverfront and hosts events throughout the year. It’s complete with cool architecture,  a dog park, views of the Anacostia River, boardwalk, grassy areas, and dining options. You can spend a whole day here just exploring, and trying one of the many restaurants they offer for brunch, lunch or dinner."

"Couple at Yards Park Bridge in Capitol Riverfront - Washington, DC. DC’s lively Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is home to the always-exciting Yards Park, which has an iconic bridge and plenty of adventures nearby, like Ice Cream Jubilee for when you’re feeling extra sweet."

"If you love unique architecture the bridge at The Yards if a fantastic spot to capture day or night. I wouldn’t recommend heading here too late since you’ll be hassled by security guards after 10pm. To avoid large crowds avoid this spot when a National’s game is happening."

"This wonderful park near Bethesda, Maryland, offers year-round activities in dance, theater, and the arts for all ages. There are concerts, demonstrations, workshops, and festivals. The 1921 Dentzel Carousel delights children May through September."

"If you’re headed up north along the Potomac River, you might be interested in checking out the Madison Community Center!. The community center has playrooms for kids and multi-purpose rooms for adults, so it’s an especially fine choice if you’re bringing the whole family along to spend the day out with the dogs. The nearby Ethan Allen Park stretches for 15 acres, and features a playground, athletic courts, and of course, a fully fenced-in dog park."

"The Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center tells the story of the wider Dora Kelley Nature Park. At the center you will find programs and exhibits that will fill you in on the natural history of Alexandria as well as take you back through the story of how humans first came to be here. You can also see animals here in their natural environment and learn about the flora and fauna in Dora Kelley Nature Park."

"At the Nature Center, you can see live animals up close and learn about the cultural and natural history of Dora Kelley Nature Park. The nature center provides year-round programs and exhibits on Alexandria's human and natural history. For more information, call the nature center at 703-746-5525."

"Strolling through this park, you’ll visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial and the Navy and Marine Memorial. The park is a tribute to Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to beautify America. // Between 14th St. and Memorial Bridges, Arlington"

"Examining the history and impact of architecture, design, engineering and landscape architecture, the National Building Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring edifices in the city, which is saying something for Washington. This is the former Pension Bureau from 1887, composed of more than 15 million bricks and featuring spectacular 23-metre Corinthian columns inside and a 400-metre terracotta frieze on its facade. Those columns stand in the Great Hall, which is 15 storeys high and laid out like an outsized Italian Renaissance courtyard, framed by tiers of arcaded galleries."

"Formerly known as the Pension Building, this immense Italian Renaissance–style structure is home to more than 200 exhibits showcasing the construction, architecture, and engineering heritage of the U.S. and Washington, D.C. A favorite is the..."

"The National Building Museum is dedicated to educating the public on the impact of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and urban planning. The museum offers exhibitions, educational programs, and special events for all ages."

"Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Hirshhorn is one of 19 Smithsonian museums. It is the national museum of modern and contemporary art and one of the world’s leading voices for 21st-century art and culture. The permanent collection is comprised of approximately 12,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photographs, collages, and decorative art objects."

"A cylinder with a hollowed out middle, the Hirshhorn Museum is a visually stunning building from the outside as well as the inside. Its location set amidst a number of more traditional buildings makes it stand out even more. The structure, housing an incredible modern art collection, should be on your list of places to see."

"Located on the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution's only modern art museum boasts the United States' most comprehensive collection of 20th-century art, with more than 12,000 paintings, sculptures, and photographs."

"The sumptuous home of cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) is one of the top museums for decorative arts in the United States. Post had an eye for 18th-century French and pre-Revolution Russian art, particularly Fabergé eggs, and there are two in the collection, along with liturgical art, porcelain, tapestries, furniture and portraits. A painting of one of Post’s heroines, Catharine the Great commands the Entry Hall stairway, and the tour will show you through a series of lavish rooms like the French Porcelain Room, Russian Sacred Arts Room and the Post Bedroom Suite."

"Put together by a rich heiress with a taste for high art and culture, the Hillwood Estate is filled with things like tapestries, portraits, ornaments, flowers, tea sets and porcelain goods. It’s a collection that spans the globe, and it’s one of the best places to visit in Washington, DC if you enjoy delicate beauty. The Hillwood Estate is technically known as a “decorative arts museum."

"This beautiful museum and estate offers a collection of 18th and 19th century French art and art treasures from Imperial Russia. There are also lovely gardens that should offer a scenic area for kissing. Don't pick the flowers, though!"