Fall is a great time to enjoy some fresh hair and experience the natural beauty around Washington DC. When you want to get off the beaten path, Washington DC has some incredible places that are perfect for exploring. Whether you want to kayak, bird watch, or explore acres of gardens and woods, these ten places are the perfect destination for you!

9. Marvin Gaye Park

Marvin Gaye Park hasn’t always had a great reputation but the city has worked hard to revitalize over the last few years and it’s become a much safer and gorgeous park. It’s the longest city park in Washington and perfect for exploring the trails.

8. Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is a historic estate in Georgetown that has some of the most beautiful gardens in the entire city. The 27 acres of gardens have been designed into different garden rooms each with different features.

7. Fort Dupont Park

Fort Dupont is one of DC’s largest parks and you can explore the remains of the Fort Dupont, which was designed to defend DC from a Confederate attack during the Civil War. You can go mountain biking, take nature walks, and learn about the history.

6. Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail is an amazing multi-use trail that stretches from Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. You will love seeing the uninterrupted views of Washington DC’s skyline on the trail.

5. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Explore acres and acres of water gardens, beautiful flora and fauna, and bird and fish at Kenilworth Park. It’s an incredible place to see wildlife in the district.

4. C&O Canal

C&O Canal Towpath follows the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. You can get a glimpse of the earliest transportation system through the original features including locks and aqueducts.

3. Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

Rock Creek Park is the perfect place to be an explorer and the best place to start is at their Nature Center and Planetarium. Explore the trails and learn about the area plants and animals at the center.

2. Potomac River

The Potomac is one of the best places to feel like an explorer. There are multiple boathouses across the city where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards or canoes and venture out onto the river.

1. Kingman Island

Kingman Island is a remote park in the Anacostia River. These islands are man-made but the entire island is remote and peaceful, and is a natural oasis. Visitors can bike, hike, bird watch, or boat on the island.

When you want even more of the natural beauty in DC, visit these 10 incredible natural wonders hiding around Washington DC.