Washington, D.C.
Although Washington may be best known for what goes on inside its hallowed corridors, what happens outside is 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, biking its many trails, running amid the monuments, and sailing up the Potomac. They are also passionate about their local teams—especially the Redskins, the Capitals, and the Nationals, 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 green spaces in the world. Around the Tidal Basin you can run, tour the monuments, and rent paddleboats. Theodore Roosevelt Island, a wildlife sanctuary, has several paths for hiking and enjoyable spots for picnics. And these places are just a few among dozens.
