Local Guides World
Charlie Long
3 reviews on 1 places
Playing pick-up volleyball at the Lincoln Memorial sand courts is one of my favorite ‘DC Summer’ activities. The courts are managed by the government department of recreation and are the only public courts from the Capital to the Potomac - they're usually in pretty decent shape
You simply can’t beat the views located along the Potomac River and essentially at the backstops of the Lincoln Memorial and the entire National Mall.
You’re able to just show up and jump in for pick up and can find games at all competitive levels. There are also leagues and you have the ability to reserve courts/sites online. If you’re worried about availability, check the schedule ahead of time online.
Other Thoughts:
- (11) Sand Courts
- “Season” is technically April 01, 2020 – October 31, 2020
- Court/site reservable for $30 day
- Public water fountain/hose
- Plenty of shaded area for in-between games
- Courts will fill up quickly on nice weekend days
You simply can’t beat the views located along the Potomac River and essentially at the backstops of the Lincoln Memorial and the entire National Mall.
You’re able to just show up and jump in for pick up and can find games at all competitive levels. There are also leagues and you have the ability to reserve courts/sites online. If you’re worried about availability, check the schedule ahead of time online.
Other Thoughts:
- (11) Sand Courts
- “Season” is technically April 01, 2020 – October 31, 2020
- Court/site reservable for $30 day
- Public water fountain/hose
- Plenty of shaded area for in-between games
- Courts will fill up quickly on nice weekend days
The footbridge is in Rosslyn (off the Mount Vernon Trail) and is about a fifteen minute walk from the Rosslyn metro station. It is the only way to access Theodore Roosevelt Island.
The island is one of my absolute top spots in DC, both to bring visiting guests and to enjoy as a resident throughout the year. Although it’s an island in the middle of the Potomac, it surprisingly flies under the radar for a lot of people.
The footbridge is a really enjoyable aspect of the park/island. It offers unparalleled views of Georgetown, the Key Bridge, and the Rosslyn Skyline.
Other Thoughts:
- Hours: 6AM - 10PM (7) days a week
- Best at Sunrise/Sunset
- Signs “prohibit” biking but frequently see bikers on bridge/trail without issue
- Two parking lots, accessible only from the northbound lanes of the GW Parkway, can fill up on the weekends
- Capital Bike Station in the parking lot near the footbridge
The island is one of my absolute top spots in DC, both to bring visiting guests and to enjoy as a resident throughout the year. Although it’s an island in the middle of the Potomac, it surprisingly flies under the radar for a lot of people.
The footbridge is a really enjoyable aspect of the park/island. It offers unparalleled views of Georgetown, the Key Bridge, and the Rosslyn Skyline.
Other Thoughts:
- Hours: 6AM - 10PM (7) days a week
- Best at Sunrise/Sunset
- Signs “prohibit” biking but frequently see bikers on bridge/trail without issue
- Two parking lots, accessible only from the northbound lanes of the GW Parkway, can fill up on the weekends
- Capital Bike Station in the parking lot near the footbridge
One of the best little hidden gems for a hike in the Arlington area. The trail entrance is at the end of a cul de sac so most days there’s plenty of parking.
The trail is really nicely developed for being so close to DC. There’s a stream that runs through the wooded area with footbridges and railings for more difficult spots. The trail takes you under the George Washington Parkway and then to a beautiful ~35 ft. Waterfall that leads down to the banks of the Potomac.
At the bottom you can split off in either direction to walk along the river. To the right you’ll have great views of Georgetown and the Key Bridge.
Awesome place for a quick afternoon hike without having to go to Great Falls or Shenandoah.
The trail is really nicely developed for being so close to DC. There’s a stream that runs through the wooded area with footbridges and railings for more difficult spots. The trail takes you under the George Washington Parkway and then to a beautiful ~35 ft. Waterfall that leads down to the banks of the Potomac.
At the bottom you can split off in either direction to walk along the river. To the right you’ll have great views of Georgetown and the Key Bridge.
Awesome place for a quick afternoon hike without having to go to Great Falls or Shenandoah.