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Fall is coming. That means fall foliage is on the way, and the District’s tree canopy is about to turn orange, yellow, red, and brown. For autumn appreciators, here are 18 places in the city where you can enjoy such arboreal transformations this season.
1. Politics & Prose Bookstore
Washington, DC 20008
Step 1: Buy a book at Politics & Prose. Step 2: Find a bench on Nebraska or Connecticut avenues NW where you can read it under changing leaves.
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2. American University
Washington, DC 20016
A canopy of gold and red converges in the areas surrounding the university, including Tenleytown, American University Park, and Spring Valley. Lucky students!
3. Rock Creek Park
Washington, DC 20015
Walking through Rock Creek Park in the fall can feel magical. Try a picnic here on Columbus Day or Veterans Day.
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4. Sherman Circle Park
Washington, DC 20011
This Petworth spot is beautiful not only within the circle itself but also on the streets going out from it in every direction.
5. Duke Ellington Bridge
Washington, DC
From either side of this bridge connecting Woodley Park and Adams Morgan, you can look down at Rock Creek Park and get an awesome aerial view of all its colorful trees.
6. Montrose Park
Washington, DC
Montrose Park is a lovely spot in Georgetown to take in the fall sights. In fact, most of Georgetown north of O Street NW is a good bet for leafy goodness.
7. Meridian Hill Park
Washington, DC 20009
Meridian Hill Park in Columbia Heights is a no-brainer for seeing fall foliage. You might even be able to jump into a pile of leaves.
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8. Langdon Park
Washington, DC 20018
Northeast’s Langdon Park is filled with tall, leafy trees. Bonus points: It’s also home to D.C.’s Chuck Brown Memorial.
9. U.S. National Arboretum
Washington, DC 20002
Here’s another no-brainer on this list. The most tree-filled location in Northeast becomes a paradise of red and orange during the fall. Pack some cider for when you visit.
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10. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Washington, D.C. 20245
Generally, the entire National Mall is a reliable area for viewing fall foliage. Find a sitting spot on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and admire the Reflecting Pool as well as the Washington Monument amid colorful trees.
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11. Tidal Basin
Washington, D.C.
In addition to being the heart of D.C.’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival each spring, the Tidal Basin is also a wonderful place for checking out some fall foliage. Expect all manner of oranges, yellows, and reds on the trees.
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12. Georgetown University Law Center
Washington, DC 20001
For those who work near Judiciary Square, the area around Georgetown’s law school (particularly on 1st Street NW between G and H streets NW) is a tableau for autumnal change.
13. U.S. Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
If you’re in the vicinity, take a moment to sit below one of the many trees surrounding the iconic U.S. Capitol this fall.
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14. Eastern Market
Washington, DC 20003
While you’re shopping at the Eastern Market building, saunter around the neighborhood and take in peak fall.
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15. Congressional Cemetery
Washington, DC
In Southeast, there are gorgeous red maple trees within the Congressional Cemetery.
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16. Anacostia Park
Washington, DC 20020
Along the Anacostia River, the expansive Anacostia Park turns into a sea of orange and yellow during the fall.
17. Fort Dupont Park
Washington, DC 20019
You could easily spend a day observing fall foliage at the 376-acre Fort Dupont Park. Better yet, you can hike while doing it.
18. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Washington, DC 20019
In Northeast, near D.C.’s border with Maryland, Kenilworth Gardens offers lily ponds below and changing leaves above. It’s easy to get lost in it all.
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