Top Rated Parks to Visit in Gaithersburg

"Couple in Rock Creek Park - Free Outdoor Activities in Washington, DC. Walk, jog or bike with your love through the rustic expanse of 2,100 acres that comprise Rock Creek Park. The historic park also includes attractions such as Peirce Mill and the Old Stone House, as well as a nature center, riding stables, tennis courts, a golf course, picnic areas and playing fields."

"Take a deep breath in crisp, clear air when you visit Rock Creek Park. It’s one of the most beautiful places to go in Washington, DC, and thanks to careful conservation efforts by the community, it’s also one of the best sites for escaping the smog of the city. Water glides over the rocks in cold, clear streams."

"Rock Creek Park is near the National Zoo, Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens. If you are interested in visiting any or all of these places, it might be worth renting a room in the area and then either driving into DC or taking the Metro. Rock Creek Park is a national park with 1,754 acres to explore."

"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."

"On hot summer days you will find plenty of families and pups spread out across the lawns in Yards Park along the Anacostia River. Right near Nationals Park and the Washington Navy Yard, the Yards Park wading pool has a huge waterfall sheet that comes down for you and your kids to play in. You can also walk behind the waterfall for a bit of shade and cool spray if you aren’t up for a water pounding."

"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."

"Named for the mythical dragon-like beast said to terrorize the region at the turn of the century, Snallygaster is DC's largest beer festival. It features a beastly display of over 250 unique craft beers, sourced from the best local, domestic, and..."

"The biggest park that nobody seems to know about, Montrose Park was once the land of rope making — yes, rope making — tycoon Robert Parrott. Parrott allowed local residents to use his grounds for picnics and leisurely strolls, and that generous spirit remains honored today. Tucked away from the noises of the city, the park’s ancient trees and open fields have the ability to transport visitors back to the 18th century."

"Montrose Park, while not strictly a dog park, is a beautiful park that’s favored heavily by locals. Many strive to keep this great Washington, DC dog spot a well-kept secret. A variety of regions, including a children’s play place, tennis courts, picnic areas, and short trails, are tucked away so thoroughly that a simple stroll can remove you entirely from the sights and sounds of the city."

"is one of the few cities to have one of these—officially, that is. Sandwiched between Montrose Park and Dumbarton Oaks Museum and Gardens, this picturesque trail starts near 31st and R Streets NW in Georgetown and cuts through Rock Creek Park..."

"This superb memorial is a five-minute taxi ride from the centre. The well-maintained compound has marble slabs bearing detailed descriptions of battles fought during the Guadalcanal campaign. It was unveiled on 7 August 1992, the 50th anniversary of the US beach landings. There are also great views of the northern coast."

"At the heart of the Iwo Jima Memorial (or the Marine Corps War Memorial) is a massive bronze statue based on an iconic World War II photo of the Marines planting the flag at Iwo Jima. The Memorial is next to Arlington National Cemetery on a hill overlooking the National Mall."

"Tenleytown is home to the highest natural elevation in the city, Fort Reno Park. Fort Reno has baseball fields, soccer fields, hills, a tennis court, and stage. Keep an eye out for its annual summer concert series, a local music tradition."

"Military RoadLength: 0.6 miles, + 0.15 to Potomac river & heritage trailDifficulty: Moderate to difficultBikeable: NoTrail Map:ViewDescription: Features a forested area and rocky stream that runs down to the Potomac River & Potomac Heritage Trail. There are several areas where you will have to cross the stream. If you walk far enough, you’ll find the remnants of an abandoned swimming resort."

"Address: 301 South Harrison StreetLength: 1.2 milesDifficulty: Easy to difficultBikeable: Paved trail yes, natural trail noTrail Map:ViewDescription: This beautiful and secluded 95.5 acre park offers a whole host of family activities. Trails throughout this park offer a beautiful setting for bird watching and other outdoor activities. There are sightings of everything from woodpeckers to wood ducks and warblers."

"Tucked away in a 38-acre wooded area of footpaths, streams formed by the nearby Potomac and lush greenery, is this little oasis perfect for some outdoor communing with friends or family. There’s a lot to take in here with the surrounding log cabins, the winding Potomac River Trail, and there’s even a blacksmith shop with a working forge. The park provides interpretive environmental education programs for all ages and for a wide variety of audiences including small groups."

"Military RoadLength: 1.4 milesDifficulty: Moderate to difficultBikeable: NoTrail Map:ViewDescription: To the east of Military road, this trail features a forested area and rocky stream that runs down to the Potomac River and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. There are several areas where you will have to cross the stream. On the west side of Military road, you will find hilly, wooded trails around Gulf Branch Nature Center."

"Nature Centers provide kids with lots of hands-on opportunities to explore our environment. From Rock Creek Park to Montgomery County, MD, to Arlington, VA, year-round naturalist guided programs will give you insight into the natural habitat of the Washington, D.C."

"Duration: 2 to 4 hou. Hillwood was the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a pioneering businesswoman, engaged citizen, generous philanthropist, and distinguished collector. As the heir to the Postum Cereal Company, later General Foods, Marjorie (1887-1973) was among the wealthiest women of her time."

"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!"

"Hillwood Estate is a heritage and decorative arts museum which opened in 1973. It was the former residence of Marjorie Merriweather Post."

"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."

"DC's best mecca of modern art The Hirshhorn is a favorite for fans of modern art and sculpture. Guests can view an exhibition "Art and Commodity in the 1980s," and the mind-bending art of "What Absence is Made Of." Past showcases gave a platform for Ai Weiwei, Yoko Ono, and the insanely popular Infinity Mirrors display. An exhibit on Baselitz will open in June and run through September 2018."

"The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is an art museum dedicated to contemporary culture and art. Located near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum offers tours, a cafe, exhibits, monthly events, and a museum shop for people of all ages and all interests. They also have a storytime event for children (ages 6 and younger) that features book readings, arts, and crafts."

"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."

"Bombay Club has been a fixture in Downtown D.C.’s dining scene since it opened three decades ago, where owner Ashok Bajaj is known as a consummate host to the city’s power brokers — the restaurant is across the street from the White House, after all. Bajaj is responsible for being one of the first to introduce Indian fine dining to D.C., establishing himself as a major player in the city’s restaurant scene and opening nine other restaurants since. Here, the decor and menu don’t chase trends, relying instead on tried-and-true white table cloths and consistent preparations of dishes from across India’s vast culinary landscape."

"815 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20006 (202) 659-3727. If you’re in the mood for delicious Indian food, try The Bombay Club for your next date night. The crispy kale chat is a tasty start for your meal, and once you’re ready for your entree, try the Khubani duck with yellow rice."

"Posh old-world dining room delivering sophisticated Indian meals along with live piano tunes. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: Dress JeansPhone: +1 202-659-3727"

"Billed as Washington, D.C.'s most discerning luxury abode, The Jefferson Hotel offers so many different experiences for patrons that they won't experience anywhere else. An in-house historian, a book room filled with leather bound volumes on subjects the hotel's namesake enjoyed and displays of authentic signed historical documents in guestrooms and throughout the hotel are just a few of the amenities you will discover here. Check out their on-site dining with popular pick Plume and The Greenhouse or The Quill Bar to grab a classic concoction or a signature drink."

"The Petite Spa at The Jefferson is an exclusive center for renewal and enlightenment. Enticing massages, facials and body treatments employing herbs and botanicals grown in Monticello’s gardens are custom-crafted to fit your treatment of choice. In addition to spa treatments are nail rituals and post-treatment refreshments."

"As one of the U.S.'s top-rated luxury hotels, The Jefferson certainly sets the standard for elegance and refinement. The Greenhouse at The Jefferson serves one of the best breakfas..."

"Tosca’s menu is a stunning assortment of selections from the Northern Italian fine dining tradition. Chef Massimo Fabbri does more than just cook food—each of his dishes is a unique creation, enhanced by the meticulous plating characteristic of the restaurant. Tosca uses only fresh ingredients and always has a special seasonal menu to highlight the flavors that are currently at their freshest."

"Tosca Ristorante is where the power-lunch-and-dinner types come for delicious Italian food, served in a handsome, stately room. The pastas, in particular, are excellent, as well as..."

"Located right in the heart of Downtown, Tosca features a menu of modernized Northern Italian cuisine in a serene and bea..."