From Our Archives: DC's Best Areas for Outdoor Enthusiasts

• April 2nd 2010

by Mark Wellborn

It is hard to concentrate on work on days like today when you wish the clock would just get to 5:30pm. With this feeling in mind (and with cherry blossom fever hitting DC), we felt that it was fitting to dig back into our archives and re-publish our list of best areas around DC for those of us who love to be outdoors.

(Originally published in June 2008)

DC is a city of immigrants (largely from other states), and those immigrants usually have more options for outdoor activity back home than they do in the District. So, when these folks are looking for a place to live in the nation’s capital, a major factor can be the neighborhood’s proximity to water, exercise areas or even a small patch of grass. Below we list spots that are suitable choices for virtually any fan of the outdoors.

Best Area for Those That Miss the Colorado River

Great Falls – Some of the best white water conditions on the East Coast are in Great Falls, VA. Home to the Potomac Whitewater Festival, Olympic champions have honed their skills in these waters, which should give you warning that they are not for the faint of heart. The rapids can be classified as high as Class V, one level below the toughest category as ranked by the American Whitewater Association.

Best Area for Those That Love the Masochism That is Crew (Not J. Crew)

Georgetown – This neighborhood is not just for shopping at places like H&M and Club Monaco. With its proximity to the waterfront, Georgetown is the ideal DC neighborhood for those who want to get out on the Potomac River. Thompson Boat Center and Fletcher’s Boat House offer rentals for everyone from the hardcore rower to the casual paddleboat rider. The C&O Canal Towpath, which is a great option for biking and running, also starts in Georgetown.

Best Areas for the Jock Who Played Everything

Friendship Heights/Tenleytown/American University Park – Regardless of what your traditional sport interests are, the three neighborhoods of Friendship Heights, Tenleytown and AU Park can satisfy your needs. For basketball, there are numerous outdoor courts in the area, but the best are at American University where there are three full courts. For tennis and baseball, there are two courts and a field at Chevy Chase field is the best place to shag flies (when not dominated by little leaguers).

Best Area for a Native of Iowa or Colorado

West Loudoun County – While eastern Loudoun is dominated by new development, the west is filled with farmland, open spaces and mountain views. Morven Park in Leesburg is a great place for anyone who prefers the upper echelon of outdoor activities (polo, steeplechase racing and horse riding), and for those days when a scenic drive will be a cure-all, hop on the Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Best Area for the New Yorker Who Misses Central Park

Van Ness/Cleveland Park/16th Street Heights – These neighborhoods were chosen primarily because of their proximity to Rock Creek Park. A favorite for joggers and bicyclists, there are also recreation facilities including equestrian trails, a nature center and planetarium, an outdoor concert venue, and picnic and playground facilities. Although its 1750 acres are twice that of Central Park, there is less grass to loll around on. Also, the roads that bisect it are a popular shortcut for those who want to get from downtown to the 20015 zip code.

Best Areas for Those That Loved Ultimate on the Quad

Penn Quarter/Foggy Bottom – Okay, so we know that these areas bring to mind the concrete jungle that is downtown DC. But they are also two zip codes that are close to The Mall. For those pining for their college days when throwing the Frisbee was considered serious exercise, the expanse of green that surround the Washington Monument is the place. While not all 309 acres are suitable for tossing the B, there are plenty of places to jog, have a picnic or just lie around. It is the preferred viewing point for 4th of July fireworks and it hosts Screen on the Green, a film festival that shows classic movies during the summer months.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/from_our_archives_dcs_best_areas_for_outdoor_enthusiasts/1941.