|
Sports and Recreation
You can combine your exercise regimen with your sightseeing adventures in DC by taking part in one of these tours, designed with active travelers in mind. DC's wide sidewalks and flat roads make it perfect for exploring on foot or on bicycle; in fact, the District was recently named the most pedestrian-friendly city in the U.S. in a study by the Brookings Institute.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a beginning rider, Bike and Roll, Inc. enables you to explore the rich history and renowned architecture of the nation's capital and surrounding areas on two wheels.
Find your way around DC's neighborhoods with narrated and self-guided walking tours. Dazzling storyteller and celebrated author Tony Pitch brings trendy Georgetown, vibrant Adams-Morgan and historic Lafayette Square to life on his Anecdotal History Tours.
For more fun facts, fascinating neighborhood history, Washington Walks offers ghost tours, food-themed tours and more. Or, blaze your own trail by following one of Cultural Tourism DC's neighborhood heritage trails. DC By Foot entertains with free walking tours, offered six days a week, February through November.
If you're drawn to the water, head to the Georgetown waterfront and climb on board the Nightingale for a narrated sightseeing tour from Capitol River Cruises. You can also tackle the land and the water on board the DC Ducks, or plot your own course in a canoe or kayak, available for rental on the Georgetown waterfront.
Runners can join a knowledgeable local for a jaunt past the city's famous sights and charming neighborhoods with a jogging tour from DC Run. The one-on-one tours are tailored to each participant's speed and must-see list. Runners receive a special water bottle and goodie bags with run-friendly treats, plus insider's tips from knowledgeable guides.
Political party loyalties and majorities may come and go, but the District's sports fans remain enthusiastic and faithful. Beyond its six professional teams, DC has also played host to high-profile athletic events such as the NBA All-Star Game, the WNBA All-Star Game and the Tiger Woods AT&T National Golf Tournament.
Washington Nationals: DC's Major League Baseball team, the Washington Nationals, play in a new "green" ballpark on the Capitol Riverfront. Tickets are frequently available, and prices start at just $5 for grandstand seating.
Washington Redskins: DC stands awash in red and gold in football season, when the beloved 'Skins take to FedEx Field in nearby Landover, MD. Although tickets are hard to come by for the regular season, they're generally available for preseason games.
Washington Capitals: The NHL's Washington Capitals take to the ice at the Verizon Center in downtown Washington, DC. Tickets are frequently available for the October-April season.
Washington Wizards: The talented Wizards bring hot basketball action to downtown DC. Home games are played at the Verizon Center.
Washington Mystics: The third professional sports tenant of the Verizon Center is also one of the youngest professional sports teams on the block, the WNBA's Washington Mystics.
DC United: Four-time Major League Soccer Cup champions, the DC United play their games at RFK Stadium from April to October.
With more than 230,000 acres of parkland within the metro area, DC is a nature-lover's paradise. If you're looking for a place to picnic or an urban retreat, escape to one of these beautiful parks and gardens.
Constitution Gardens
Constitution Gardens spreads across 45 acres of landscaped grounds, including an island and a lake. Trees and benches line the paths to create a tranquil atmosphere and a perfect spot for a picnic. The gardens boast approximately 5,000 oak, maple, dogwood, elm and crabapple trees, and spread over 14 acres. Bordering the Reflecting Pool to the north, the gardens also include the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial.
Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
Located in the heart of Georgetown, the Dumbarton Oaks estate offers 10 acres of formal gardens in a charming Georgetown setting. Oak trees, a rose garden, a towering bamboo stand and an English country garden surround the mansion. The grounds of the mansion consist of several terraces devoted solely to the planting of herbs, cherry trees and forsythias.
|
|
