July is Park and Recreation Month! This year’s theme is “Where Community Grows” to celebrate how parks and recreation can bring people together and help foster community growth. The Washington, D.C. region is home to 25 National Park Service (NPS) sites, 74 historic landmarks, and 670 locations on the National Register of Historic Places!
July is a great time to get out and enjoy the iconic NPS sites like the National Mall, the White House and President’s Park, and the great memorials on and surrounding the National Mall. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin and enjoy the FDR Memorial, the MLK Jr. Memorial, the George Mason Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
If you’re interested in exploring some NPS sites that are less crowded with summer tourists, check out the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, Theodore Roosevelt Island, the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, the C&O Canal, the African American Civil War Memorial, or the Carter G. Woodson Home. If you need a break from the heat, soak up the air conditioning with a tour of Ford’s Theatre!
Summer is also a great time to get in some hiking. Check out some of DC’s National Trails! Learn about the Chesapeake Bay region’s involvement in the War of 1812 along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail covers 560 miles of land and water throughout Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. Or hike, bike, or paddle along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, learn about local American Indian communities and their interactions with Englishman Captain John Smith along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. You can also explore the 680 miles of land and water that American and French soldiers took in 1871 and 1782 and walk, hike, run, bike, drive, or paddle the Washinton-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.
Don’t forget about your local parks! Explore Washington D.C.’s parks, Maryland State Parks, Maryland county parks, NOVA Parks, and Virginia State Parks. With so much to explore in the D.C. region, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors and celebrate Park and Recreate Month this July!
