Things to do / Travel Guide
The District of Columbia (Washington DC) has been the capital of the United States since 1800, and is a showcase of American culture and history. With an endless array of sites to visit, it has become a sought-after tourist destination for travelers from all over the world. The city features a highly-modernized transit system, year-round entertainment and sporting events, hundreds of historical and cultural sites, and, for those seeking an outdoors-style vacation, there are plenty of options, too. Baltimore and parts of rural Virginia and Maryland are also encompassed, and, from the cities, it's just a short drive away to great nature areas, such as Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, Great Falls Park, and Prince William Forrest Park.
Land-based Activities in the Capital Region
Great Falls Park offers a great variety of outdoors activities including hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, cycling, and horseback riding. The park is located east of Washington DC, in McLean, Virginia. Serious hikers should head to Thurmont, Maryland - home of Catoctin Mountain Park as well as Cunningham Falls State Park, both located about 60 miles northwest of DC. Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park feature fresh and cool air, and the sky seems larger than it does in the cities, with a variety of trees adding to the area's charm. On your hike, you'll find wooded uplands, waterfalls, and gorgeous panoramic overlooks. The trail surface is mostly rocky or sandy, while there is some boardwalk, pavement, and grass.
Washington DC has a number of scenic paved bike routes winding their way through the city. Several routes begin at the Lincoln Memorial and make their way across the Potomac River into Virginia. Bikes can be rented at several locations along the river at points along the more heavily-frequented bike routes, some of which also offer bike tours. And if you crave even more speed, regular events for in-line skaters take place around the DC area, organized by the Washington Area Roadskaters.
Golfers need not worry while visiting the Capital region, as there are some outstanding courses at which to play. At Augustine, they call the second hole, the "beauty and the beast" - a description that might be aptly applied to the entire course. With hills, water, and a forest of trees all around, the course is as beautiful as promised, but a tricky round can be expected. Another great course even allows you to relive to Civil War as you trudge along the greens. Stonewall allows players to walk along paths used by soldiers in that conflict, and is named for the great Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson. Here, though, the battle is between you, yourself, and nature. One other good suggestion is the Penn National Golf Club (Iron Forge Course). This beautiful links-style course for those familiar with the British style of the game.
Water Activities in the Capital Region
Boating, fishing, and other related water-based activities flourish in the Capital region. America's largest estuary, in Chesapeake Bay, welcomes all sorts of fans of water sports. Kayaking, in particular, is common in the bay during the warmer months of the year. Options exist for kayaking on your own or with coordinated tours, and kayaking events are held there regularly. There are a wide variety of sites designed for kayak launches on the Chesapeake shores in both Maryland and Virginia.
Canoeing in the Potomac River close to DC is relatively calm and pleasant during the summer months. In addition to enjoying the meandering river and plant life located along its shores, canoe rides are a great way to see some of the region's wildlife.
Pleasure boating in the Capital region ranges from relaxed urban outings, such as paddleboating in Tidal Basin or cruising on Baltimore's Inner Harbor, to excursions in Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac. Boats can be rented along the Rock Creek Parkway as well as across the Potomac in Alexandria. In Annapolis, pleasure boaters can venture out to Chesapeake Bay. In Baltimore, water taxis are an enjoyable way to appreciate the city and its beautiful harbor.
Another good use of a boat is, of course, fishing. The Capital region happens to be home to some great fishing. It doesn't take much time to travel from the downtown areas to some ideal fishing spots for a great fishing trip. Near Georgetown, marinas allow easy access to the Potomac River for the angler. Some species you can catch here are salmon, bass, trout, walleye, crappie, and panfish, among others. In Baltimore, chartered fishing trips originate out of Baltimore Harbor, taking you deep into the Chesapeake Bay. If it's shore fishing you seek, not to worry - Fletcher's Boat House is easily accessible from Georgetown. Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 91-acre island on the Potomac offering 2.5 miles of trails that provide access to the waterfront. Tidal Basin, the site of the Jefferson Memorial, allows fishing as do nearby East and West Potomac Park.
The Capital Region from Above
For the thrill-seeker, try lifting off in a hot-air balloon - there are a few operators in this region. If you want a bit more than just a laid-back view from above, try taking a helicopter tours over the region. These can be arranged at the General Aviation Terminal at Reagan International Airport. In addition, skydiving enthusiasts can get their adrenaline pumping with flights that take off from the Orange County Airport in Orange, Virginia. Pack a lunch, pack a chute, and off you go.
So, as you can see, the Capital region is full of opportunities to make your stay an active, fun, and interesting one
Outdoor Recreation in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
Outdoor-Sports-Recreation
The Beach at Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
The Beach at Colonial Beach, Virginia
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