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Updated by Allison Lombardo
Although Washington may be best known for what goes on inside its hallowed corridors, what’s going on outside is often just as entertaining. Washingtonians are an active bunch and the city provides a fantastic recreational backyard, with dozens of beautiful open spaces in the District and the nearby Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The city’s residents take full advantage of these opportunities, exploring by bike, running amid the monuments, and sailing up the Potomac. They’re also passionate about their local teams—especially the Redskins and the Capitals, whose games are sold out year after year.
Visitors to Washington can enjoy a wealth of outdoor attractions. Rock Creek Park is one of the city’s treasures, with miles of wooded trails and paths for bikers, runners, and walkers that extend to almost every part of the city. The National Mall connects the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol and is one of the most scenic greenswards in the world. Around the Tidal Basin you can run, tour the monuments, and rent paddleboats. Theodore Roosevelt Island, a wildlife sanctuary that deserves to be better known, has several paths for hiking and enjoyable spots for a picnic. And these places are just a few among dozens.
Where the Pros Play
If you’re going to a pro sports event, chances are you’ll be headed to one of four venues.
FedEx Field.
The perennially popular Redskins play football in the Maryland suburbs at FedEx Field. The Redskins’ home is the largest stadium in the National Football League, seating 91,000. Outside of football season, the stadium attracts big-name music acts. Parking is a hassle, so arrive several hours early if you don’t want to miss the kickoff. | Arena Dr. | Landover,
Maryland | 20785.
Nationals Park.
D.C.’s baseball team, the Nationals, plays in the spacious, state-of-the-art Nationals Park, on the Anacostia waterfront in Southwest Washington. The area is booming with entertainment venues, and the stadium offers the option of sitting or standing at a bar within sight of the field. | 1500 S. Capitol St. SE | 20003 | Station: Navy Yard.
Robert F. Kennedy Stadium.
Uniquely, soccer is incredibly popular in the nation’s capital, finding its fans in the international crowds who miss the big matches at home. Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, the Redskins’ former residence on Capitol Hill, is now home to Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. | 2400 E. Capitol St. NE,
at 22nd St. | 20003 | Station: Stadium.
Verizon Center.
Verizon Center hosts many sporting events, including hockey, basketball, and figure skating. | 601 F St. NW,
between 6th and 7th Sts. | 20004 | Station: Gallery Place/Chinatown.
Five Great Outdoor Experiences
Bird-watch on Theodore Roosevelt Island: Take in the spectacular scenery at this tucked-away wildlife sanctuary.
Get a new perspective on the cherry trees: Take a leisurely trip in a paddleboat around the Tidal Basin in spring.
Get moving with picture-postcard motivation: Run or bike on the Mall with Washington’s monuments as a unique background.
See the National Zoo’s giant pandas: Washington’s love affair with the adorable pandas at the National Zoo has gotten a welcome extension; Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are extending their D.C. stay until December 2015.
Stroll through Washington’s loveliest landscapes: Walk through Dumbarton Oaks’ many acres of distinctive gardens modeled after classic French, English, and Italian designs.
Washington for Every Season
With every change of the seasons, D.C. offers new pleasures for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
In winter you can have an old-fashioned afternoon of ice-skating and hot chocolate in the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden, or go to the Verizon Center to see the Wizards play basketball or the Capitals play hockey.
Come spring the city emerges from the cold with activities everywhere. Runners throng Rock Creek Park, softball and kickball games are a common sight on the Mall, and boats float down the Potomac.
In summer baseball fans head to new Nationals Park to see the Nationals play, and Washington Redskins fans check out their favorite football stars at training camp in Ashburn, Virginia.
When fall arrives the seasonal colors of the trees in Rock Creek Park are a spectacular sight for bikers, hikers, and runners. Tickets to see the Redskins at FedEx Field are some of the city’s most prized commodities.
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