Recreation Outdoors

Capitol Riverfront. There are waterfront activities for all ages during the warmer months of the year along nearly two miles of the Anacostia River. Check out the Capitol Riverfront events calendar for the latest information on things like free daily fitness classes at Yards Park and Canal Park during the summer season in partnership with local fitness providers and experts. From yoga to bootcamp, there’s fitness for everyone throughout the summer.

Ballpark Boathouse at Potomac Ave SE and First Street SE is the place to rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and hydro bikes for a spin on the river. Open from April to November. A 35 minute walk, 10-minute ride by Lyft or Uber, and easily accessible on the MetroRail's Green Line to Navy Yard and a short walk south on First St. toward the riverfront.

Navy Yards Park, 355 Water St. NE. Easily accessible via MetroRail's, Metro Bus & Circulator. Capital Bikeshare and bicycle racks are available on-site. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Features water fountains and a shallow (11-inch) splash zone called the Canal Basin.

Anacostia River Walk Trail is a continuous 12-mile trail on both sides of the Anacostia River. The 10-12 foot wide trail is designed for a wide range of users-from cyclists to runners and skaters to walkers. Seating, system maps, bike racks, and interactive maps are available. Ultimately, the trail will be 20 miles long. Pick an entry point by viewing a map of existing and future sections of the trail here. Also, you can view more information on the section of the riverwalk trail behind the Navy Yard here.

Canal Park is a 3-acre neighborhood park at 200 M St. SE. In winter, from November to February, it features an ice-skating rink. Adults, $11. Children, $10. Skate rental, $5.

Anywhere you go on the Capitol Riverfront, you're never far from good places to eat.

Bike Paths

Whether you are looking for a relaxing ride, commuting route to work, or just going out doing errands, the user-friendly Washington, DC Bicycle Map will introduce you to the District’s extensive bicycle network of cycle tracks, new Capital Bikeshare stations, bike lanes, bike routes, trails and safety information. To request a printed copy of the map, contact goDCgo at info@godcgo.com. Or download and print a copy here.

For more adventurous routes, consider the Anacostia River Walk Trail. Or consult TrailLink for challenging off-road trails.

If you don't have your own bike, your best bet is probably Capital Bikeshare that has racks all around the district, including across the street at 7th Street and Mass Ave and at Eastern Market. Failing that, there are a couple of places near the Wharf where you can rent a bike or even go on a bike tour:

Conte's Bikes, 1331 4th St SE, (202) 558-9866

Unlimited Biking, 998 Maine Ave. SW, (202) 842-2453

Jogging

Obviously, you can jog just about anywhere. But if you're looking for more than a good sweat, you might consider these nearby trails:

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail runs 12 miles along both sides of the Anacostia River. The trail is 10 to 12 feet wide so sharing it with bicyclists and walkers won't feel crowded. There are places to eat and drink along the way. Enter just about anywhere along the riverfront.

Kingman and Heritage Islands are home to more than 100 species of animals and birds. They also have more than a mile and a half of trails to hike and explore. If you drive, there is parking by the main entrance in Lot 6 of RFK Stadium. The pedestrian entrance is at 3101 Benning Rd NE. Open dawn to dusk.

Nearby Parks (i.e., less than a 15 minute walk)

Your apartment is within an easy walk from several nice parks, some with children's playground equipment, room for dogs to run, and all with lots of open grass on which you can spread a blanket.

Stanton Park is at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue, bounded by 4th Street to the west and 6th Street to the east. It's a tree-lined neighborhood park with a playground, walkways & a statue of war hero Nathanael Greene.

Lincoln Park is bound between 11th and 13th streets on the west and east and East Capitol on the north and south. The largest urban park on Capitol Hill, it has two playgrounds, a dog run, and lots of green space.

Folger Park, on D Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets, boasts ornamental trees, pathways, and interesting benches. Providence Park is just across D Street from Folger Park with lots of trees and open space.

Marion Park at the intersection of E Street and South Carolina Avenue between 4th & 6th Streets, has interesting walkways and beautiful vegetation. It's the perfect place to take children for a stroll to the playground, to get exercise, or to enjoy a snack in the grass under any of the many ornamental trees.

And of course at the western end of East Capitol are the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Plus, there are small triangular parks just about everywhere major avenues intersect. For example, check out the small park, maintained by neighborhood residents, at the intersection of Constitution and Massachusetts Avenues. See how many small birdhouses you can find in its trees.

Tennis

Garfield Park, 800 3rd St, SC. The tennis and bocce courts are under the expressway so they stay largely dry during rain showers. Also there: tennis court, basketball court, playground, and picnic area. The only drawbacks are the traffic noise and sometimes sketchy people.

Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St. NE. Tennis and Pickelball courts available by reservation and first-come, first-served.

Plus, there are two courts at 599 S Capitol St SW and two courts at 609 3rd St SE.

Boating

Swimming

The William H. Rumsey Aquatic Center at 635 North Carolina Ave. SE offers an 8-lane 20 X 25- yard pool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a wading pool, a community room, and much more. For hours of operation and more information, see the website.

Rosedale Aquatic Center (1701 Gales St. NE) and the Harry Thomas Recreation Center (1743 Lincoln Rd. NE) are probably the closest outdoor public pools. Free to DC residents.

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