Washington D.C. is a city filled with culture, entertainment, history, and art. The states around Washington also contribute to the region’s beauty through their iconic destinations. If you crave an outdoor vacation, below are some national parks you can visit outside Washington city.

Clara Barton National Historic Site 

This national historic site is based west of Washington D.C. in Maryland. Clara Barton site provides guided trips to the early American Red Cross headquarters and Clara Barton’s homestead. Clara was born in Massachusetts in 1821, and she dedicated her life to serving the wounded soldiers during the civil war. Due to her service, Clara acquired the name Angel of the Battlefield. Clara Barton was inspired to start the American Red Cross during the Franco-Prussian war. Also, she collaborated and worked with the International Red Cross team. Clara began the American Red Cross to help people affected by natural disasters such as famines. 

Clara shifted to the American Red Cross warehouse in Maryland in 1897. She settled in the warehouse until her demise in 1912. To appreciate her efforts and service to the forces, the Clara Barton National Historic Site was started. The historic site was appointed as the first National Park Service Site acknowledging the achievements of an American lady.

Fort Washington Park

This park is located in Maryland near the community of Fort Washington. The park involves an approximately three-mile trail where you can enjoy activities such as fishing in the Potomac River. Likewise, a visit to the park can guarantee you a view of wildlife in the park. Therefore, Fort Washington Park is a great place to visit with friends and family. The Fort enhances bonding through activities such as fishing and hiking. 

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia. The power and speed of the Potomac River build up and careens over rock formations creating the iconic waterfalls. You can hike to the great vantage places of falls for a thrilling moment, thus spotting the water flowing through the Patowmack Canal.

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah national park is found in the eastern part of Virginia. Shenandoah park appears as one of the most visited parks on the East Coast due to its beauty. Nevertheless, the park is expensive, and therefore, you should plan well and ensure you have enough capital when visiting. The park allows activities such as hiking which enables you to view beautiful landscapes. The landscapes develop from the Blue Ridge Mountain Range peaks and valleys. 

Hampton National Historic Site

 The Hampton National Historic Site is located nine miles north of Baltimore in Northern Maryland. The site involves gardens and farm buildings which can be enjoyed through self-guidance. Also, you can tour a restored mansion with free guidance. Colonel Ridgely established the Hampton Estate in 1745, and it developed into an agricultural and industrial empire. Ridgely started constructing the Hampton Estate mansion in 1783 and completed it in 1790. During this era, the villa was the most significant private residence in the United States. Charles’ family owned the estate until 1948, when it was designated a National Historic Site. The Hampton Historic site was the first to develop due to its architectural importance. Tourists can explore the rounds of the site and enjoy guided trips to the restored mansion.

 Monocacy National Battlefield

This battlefield is found in Central Maryland and is about forty-five miles west of Baltimore. The park offers a self-guided trip across the battlefield site, about 6-miles. The park has various walking trails with different living history exhibitions. During the 1864 summer, the Confederacy captured Washington D.C. The Confederacy marched through the Valley of Shenandoah with almost no opposition during this capture. Confederate General Lee realized this opportunity and ordered fifteen thousand troops and General Jubal to attack.

Consequently, the Union major heard of the attack and troops at the Monocacy Junction. In 1864, the union major retreated after the opposing forces clashed. Therefore, the Confederacy delayed attacking Washington, giving them more time to prepare.

Thomas Stone National Historical Park

This park is found in Southern Maryland. The park is thirty-miles south of Washington D.C. You can hike in the park as you enjoy the historic home of Thomas Stone. Thomas was a member of the colonial-era Continental Congress and was among the signers of the declaration of Independence. Thomas owned Haber de Venture estate and built his home there. In 1787, Thomas passed away and left his plantation to grow to more than one thousand acres. In 1981, the National Park Service bought the Haber de Venture and re-built the house, later opened to the public as a park. 

Chincoteague and Assateague Island

These beautiful Islands are based on the Atlantic Coast in Virginia. However, the Assateague is shared by both Maryland and Virginia as it is stretched out. Assateague and Chincoteague Islands have beautiful white-sand beaches. The Islands provide one of the best beach vacation ideas with a fantastic experience. You can also enjoy viewing wild animals, including migratory birds, as they create nests on these Islands. Likewise, you can enjoy watching ponies as they run on fantastic windswept beaches. These ponies are usually protected. Consequently, you can swim and enjoy sunbathing at these beautiful beaches.

Historic Jamestowne

If you are a historian, you should not miss out on visiting Historic Jamestowne. A tour of this park will allow you to comprehend America’s Origin through exploring Jamestowne. The first England permanent colony in North America, was Jamestowne. The park offers this critical landmark of restored architecture. You can watch artisans demonstrate glass creation at the park using the 17th-century traditional style. Also, a ranger can guide you to the spot where Rolfe married Pocahontas in the 16th century. 

Greenbelt Park

This park is located just outside Washington D.C., and it consists of a natural oasis. If you enjoy outside activities, greenbelt park is the best destination for you. You can hike the 9-miles of trails and camp at the park. Couples can enjoy beautiful picnics outside at this park. 

The national parks around Washington provide unforgettable experiences for each person, whether young or old. Visiting these parks around Washington D.C. allows tourists experience more of what Washington has to offer.