It has been unseasonably warm the past few weeks in the Washington DC area which means time for outdoor fun. I’d like to say that is unusual, but Washington DC likes to throw a few beautiful days at us each winter. I think this year is unusual because it’s been more than a few days. It actually feels like we’ve had more warm days than cold days so far in December.
When these days happen, it’s important to get out and USE them. Many of the activities that are crammed full of people in the summer and on spring break are EMPTY in the winter. In fact, a beautiful winter day is the best time to visit the city as far as I’m concerned.
Here are my top five favorite outdoor activities in Washington DC on a beautiful winter day…
- Visit the monuments. Obviously, the old standbys are there: the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial. But it you are looking for something different, check out the Martin Luther King Memorial or the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. If you are feeling really adventurous, cross the river into Virginia and visit the Air Force Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial, or the Iwo Jima Memorial. I promise you that none will disappoint and they are all lovely places to visit in beautiful weather.
- Check out the National Arboretum. With four smaller areas to investigate (the Aquatic Garden and Koi Pond, the Friendship Garden, the National Herb Garden, and the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum), as well as lots of walking trails, there’s something for everyone. Even in the winter things are in bloom (and if my yard is any indication, this winter things are in bloom that shouldn’t be.)
- Got kids or just a kid at heart? Head to the Smithsonian Zoo. Parking is expensive, but the actual zoo entry is free and you can walk to it from the metro. In addition to all the awesome animals (panda baby, anyone?), in the winter, they light up the zoo with Zoolights. Check out the cool lights, see the nocturnal animals, and get your “snow” tube fun in. (OK, no snow in the snow tubing, but that’s ok, because on a warm day in December you might be in shorts.)
- Take a cruise. Dinner cruises, moonlight cruises, casual daytime cruises… You name it and you can probably find an option. Cruises leave from various places in DC, from National Harbor, and from Alexandria, VA. Some allow you to stop and explore and get back on another boat, while others are meant to be an event in and of themselves.
- Hit up one of the many trails in the area – Rock Creek Park, C&O Canal, Capital Crescent trail and the Mount Vernon Trail are all lovely places to go for a walk or bike ride. Rock Creek Park even allows horse back riding!
I have to admit – winter is not a bad time to be in DC most years. Sure, some years we get crazy cold and some years we get walloped with snow, but most years there are a few days in each of the cold months where you actually want to do outdoor activities. (Weather not cooperating? Here are some fun things to do in Washington DC when it’s cold out…)
I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for Friday Five. Check out their link up for other activities people like to do in the winter.
Nice list of outdoor activities in DC during the winter! There’s so much to see in DC! Loved going to all the monuments when we were there a couple of years ago.
Sherry recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Winter Activities
Now you are making me want to plan a trip to DC. It’s been too long and we’ve never brought the kids. I love that Zoo and all of the great museums and everything! Great ideas!
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Winter Activities for staying active. Friday 5.
That panda is adorable! I have never been to the zoo there. Seeing the zoo lights would be cool even if you don’t have kids. I wouldn’t mind walking around looking at the monuments, as long as it’s not cold out!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com recently posted…What running has kept me from…….
I love your Outdoor Excursion Adventures for this winter! I just moved here, and I didn’t know about the dinner cruises or the wonderful trails! Thanks for sharing, it motivates me to step away from the computer!
Susan recently posted…Dreamy Cheesy Potatoes
We used to do the botanical gardens and the zoo a ton when the kids were little but haven’t been there in years. Fun ideas!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Holiday Lights & Generous Friends
Thanks for sharing, i am glad you have been having good weather! It’s so nice to be outdoors rather than cooped up in a house!
All of these look like fun. When Thing 1 went on her class DC trip last winter it was nasty sleety weather. I guess you get what you get in winter.
Marcia recently posted…Runfession Friday: Holiday Edition
Wow, I’ve never been to the National Arboretum! It looks lovely.
Did you see the panda cub’s media debut? He’s so stinkin’ cute, I can’t handle it!
Lesley recently posted…3 Times a Lady
I keep telling myself that I need to visit DC again. I need to make that happen in 2016!
Margo recently posted…What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag with Natalie Dormer on the Cover!
You have so many things to do there! One day I’m going to plan a trip up there!
I don’t get up to DC nearly as often as I should but I have a trip planned in January! I definitely want to check out the zoo 🙂
i have done all the things on your list and they are all fun. i feel like the arboretum is a hidden gem!
courtney @ eat pray run dc recently posted…Favorite DC Winter Activities
I love taking my children to the monuments. They always seem to know less than what I think they should know. I love the new MLK one. Great selections!
One day I hope to visit DC and see all of these things… pandas and boat rides are among my favorite things!
Elle recently posted…Is it Worth it?
What a nice list! Is it cold in DC in the winter? I’m all about being bundled up indoors over here in Toronto haha
Carmy recently posted…Fit & Fashionable Friday: December Haul!
I loved running on the trails in DC when I was there last October. I wish I lived a little closer because I would definitely drive there for my long runs!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…5 Winter Things + Runfessions
I’ve heard Rock Creek is where bodies are dumped… haha. I’ve never been to the Smithsonian zoo oddly enough. I’ll add it to my list!
Rachel recently posted…Five Favorite Winter Memories [Friday Five]
I’m sad to say that I’ve never been to DC. I’d better hurry! This is a great list though, especially since so many things are inexpensive or free. Thanks for sharing at the Blogger’s Pit stop!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…Blogger’s Pit Stop #3
I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve never been to DC. What kind of American am I?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Runfessions for December
We love DC and it’s one of my favorite cities to run in.
jill conyers recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide
ooooo so many great ideas!! My sister just moved down to DC, so when I come visit her, I’ll have to ask to do one (or all!) of these things!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Ditch The Diet – Book Review + DISCOUNT
I need to do so many of these things the next time I’m in DC! The arboretum sounds awesome and I really enjoyed my brief time in Rock Creek Park back in February.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…ZOOMA Run Love 5K and 10K Challenge!
thank you for the reminder – I have yet to go to the Arboretum but need to!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Tips for Your Running Off-season