The new year is an amazing time. You can let go of the past and make plans for the future. As 2016 ends and we all look forward to a brand new year in 2017, we’re taking a look back at best places we found in and around Washington DC. If you are planning adventures for next year, add these 19 places to your bucket list for 2017.
- National Arboretum
Flickr/Geoff Livingston The Arboretum is a natural oasis set in the middle of the city. Visit the 445 acres of beautiful gardens, secluded spots, incredible wildlife and the iconic Capital Columns. The best part is, the Arboretum is free to visit and it’s beautiful any time of the year.
- Mansion on O Street
Yelp/Pui Ying S. The Mansion on O Street is unlike any other museum you have ever visited! There are over 100 rooms to explore and 70 secret doors in this series of connect Dupont townhouses. Visitors are encouraged to explore all of the artifacts and treasures that are all over the house.
- Billy Goat Trail
Yelp/M. Gabriela C. This 4.7 mile trail is one of the most popular trails near Washington DC. You can enjoy a mile of fun rock-hopping and are rewarding with breathtaking views of the Potomac River.
- Brewmaster’s Castle
Flickr/grover massenburg Also known as Heurich House, the Brewmaster’s Castle is an incredible 19th century Victorian castle near Dupont Circle. You will feel as if you have been transported back in time when you step inside and can experience the original ornate decor and furnishing.
- Masseria
Facebook/Masseria Enjoy an evening of delicious twists of Italian classic meals in a charming and unique atmosphere at Masseria. Hidden away behind wooden walls, this rustic and cozy restaurant is a hidden gem in Union Market.
- Dupont Underground
Flickr/tdr28 There is an amazing abandoned underground trolley station underneath Dupont Circle. Starting in 2017, Dupont Underground will be open for public tours and visitors can explore a series of dark and mysterious passageways.
- Greenbrier State Park
Yelp/Courtni R. You might not think of clear water when you think of swimming spots near Washington DC but you will be amazed at the beautiful water in Greenbrier State Park in Boonsboro Maryland. This picturesque lake makes for a perfect summer day!
- The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
Yelp/Robin P. Get away from the trendy city restaurants and experience a true farm-to-table experience at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. You will love the beautiful views of the Loudon countryside, as well as, the delicious and innovative food and drinks.
- Glass Forest
Flickr/Wendy Harman The bizarre and mysterious Glass Forest is hidden off of an old trolley trail in Palisades Park. Someone or someones have left an array of fascinating art sculptures in what is an otherwise normal park. It’s truly a unique sight to see in DC!
- minibar by José Andrés
Facebook/minibar by José Andrés minibar is one of the most fascinating and talked about restaurants in Washington DC. Experience one of a kind dining experience at this tiny restaurant that only seats 12 guests every seating. Our recommendation is to make a reservation!
- Kingman and Heritage Islands
Flickr/Andrew Turner You can only access these two man-made islands by crossing a wooden boardwalk bridge that is located in Anacostia, near Stadium Armory metro. They are the perfect place to experience nature and forget city life while still being in the city.
- Dinosaur Land
Flickr/Tom Simpson Dinosaur Land is an awesome roadside attraction that has giant replicas of dinosaurs, sharks, king cobras and even King Kong. Located in White Post Virginia,an hour outside of DC, this quirky park has been a fun and silly place to explore for the last 50 years.
- Tregaron Conservancy
Courtesy of Wikimedia/By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D.
A hidden gem in DC, Tregaron Conservancy takes up 20 acres between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. Visitors can roam the beautiful 13 acres of gardens that were designed to resemble natural forest.
- Beaver Dam Swim Club
Facebook/Beaver Dam Swim Club Beaver Dam is a flooded marble quarry that serves as an excellent summer fun destination 90 minutes out of Washington DC. Visitors can cool off on a hot summer day by swimming in the quarry, jumping off floating platforms and swinging off the amazing rope swing.
- Hillwood Estate
Flickr/Max Borge At Hillwood Estate, visitors will enjoy the finest combination of culture, art, history and beauty. The former home of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood is an iconic mansion decorated with famous artworks and surrounded by stunning gardens.
- Sandy Point State Park
Flickr/Allen Chu Sandy Point is the closest beach to Washington DC and is the perfect escape when you want to be at the beach in an hour. Swim in the ocean, lay out on the sand, rent a boat or even fish in the water Sandy Point!
- Kilgore Falls
Flickr/Bart Kilgore Falls is Maryland’s second highest free falling waterfall and is only two hours north of Washington DC. The hike is short and relatively easy and you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area.
- Gathland State Park
Flickr/Fred Schroeder Gathland is an amazing state park in Jefferson Maryland where you can find iconic buildings and structures that date back all the way to the Civil War. Only a 90 minute drive from DC, Gathland is the perfect place for history lovers.
- Middleburg
Facebook/Visit Middleburg Middleburg is the perfect day trip destination from Washington DC. It is the place to experience small town charm, great history, tons of fun activities and incredible food and drinks.
Looking for even more amazing places in Washington DC! Have at look at these 16 things everyone should do in DC before they die!
Flickr/Geoff Livingston
The Arboretum is a natural oasis set in the middle of the city. Visit the 445 acres of beautiful gardens, secluded spots, incredible wildlife and the iconic Capital Columns. The best part is, the Arboretum is free to visit and it’s beautiful any time of the year.
Yelp/Pui Ying S.
The Mansion on O Street is unlike any other museum you have ever visited! There are over 100 rooms to explore and 70 secret doors in this series of connect Dupont townhouses. Visitors are encouraged to explore all of the artifacts and treasures that are all over the house.
Yelp/M. Gabriela C.
This 4.7 mile trail is one of the most popular trails near Washington DC. You can enjoy a mile of fun rock-hopping and are rewarding with breathtaking views of the Potomac River.
Flickr/grover massenburg
Also known as Heurich House, the Brewmaster’s Castle is an incredible 19th century Victorian castle near Dupont Circle. You will feel as if you have been transported back in time when you step inside and can experience the original ornate decor and furnishing.
Facebook/Masseria
Enjoy an evening of delicious twists of Italian classic meals in a charming and unique atmosphere at Masseria. Hidden away behind wooden walls, this rustic and cozy restaurant is a hidden gem in Union Market.
Flickr/tdr28
There is an amazing abandoned underground trolley station underneath Dupont Circle. Starting in 2017, Dupont Underground will be open for public tours and visitors can explore a series of dark and mysterious passageways.
Yelp/Courtni R.
You might not think of clear water when you think of swimming spots near Washington DC but you will be amazed at the beautiful water in Greenbrier State Park in Boonsboro Maryland. This picturesque lake makes for a perfect summer day!
Yelp/Robin P.
Get away from the trendy city restaurants and experience a true farm-to-table experience at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm. You will love the beautiful views of the Loudon countryside, as well as, the delicious and innovative food and drinks.
Flickr/Wendy Harman
The bizarre and mysterious Glass Forest is hidden off of an old trolley trail in Palisades Park. Someone or someones have left an array of fascinating art sculptures in what is an otherwise normal park. It’s truly a unique sight to see in DC!
Facebook/minibar by José Andrés
minibar is one of the most fascinating and talked about restaurants in Washington DC. Experience one of a kind dining experience at this tiny restaurant that only seats 12 guests every seating. Our recommendation is to make a reservation!
Flickr/Andrew Turner
You can only access these two man-made islands by crossing a wooden boardwalk bridge that is located in Anacostia, near Stadium Armory metro. They are the perfect place to experience nature and forget city life while still being in the city.
Flickr/Tom Simpson
Dinosaur Land is an awesome roadside attraction that has giant replicas of dinosaurs, sharks, king cobras and even King Kong. Located in White Post Virginia,an hour outside of DC, this quirky park has been a fun and silly place to explore for the last 50 years.
Courtesy of Wikimedia/By JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ, M.D.
A hidden gem in DC, Tregaron Conservancy takes up 20 acres between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park. Visitors can roam the beautiful 13 acres of gardens that were designed to resemble natural forest.
Facebook/Beaver Dam Swim Club
Beaver Dam is a flooded marble quarry that serves as an excellent summer fun destination 90 minutes out of Washington DC. Visitors can cool off on a hot summer day by swimming in the quarry, jumping off floating platforms and swinging off the amazing rope swing.
Flickr/Max Borge
At Hillwood Estate, visitors will enjoy the finest combination of culture, art, history and beauty. The former home of socialite Marjorie Merriweather Post, Hillwood is an iconic mansion decorated with famous artworks and surrounded by stunning gardens.
Flickr/Allen Chu
Sandy Point is the closest beach to Washington DC and is the perfect escape when you want to be at the beach in an hour. Swim in the ocean, lay out on the sand, rent a boat or even fish in the water Sandy Point!
Flickr/Bart
Kilgore Falls is Maryland’s second highest free falling waterfall and is only two hours north of Washington DC. The hike is short and relatively easy and you are rewarded with one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area.
Flickr/Fred Schroeder
Gathland is an amazing state park in Jefferson Maryland where you can find iconic buildings and structures that date back all the way to the Civil War. Only a 90 minute drive from DC, Gathland is the perfect place for history lovers.
Facebook/Visit Middleburg
Middleburg is the perfect day trip destination from Washington DC. It is the place to experience small town charm, great history, tons of fun activities and incredible food and drinks.
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