National Parks in Washington D.C.
36 NPS units in Washington D.C. — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is home to 36 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from stunning natural areas to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Washington D.C.'s national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Washington D.C..
Other NPS Units in Washington D.C.
African American Civil War Memorial
Over 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors served in the U.S. Army and…
Anacostia
Park
Welcome to Anacostia Park, your neighborhood national park in the heart of…
Belmont-Paul Women's Equality
National Monument
Home to the National Woman's Party for more than 90 years, this…
Capitol Hill Parks
The Capitol Hill Parks include several park areas east of the U.S.…
Captain John Smith Chesapeake
National Historic Trail
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age.…
Carter G. Woodson Home
National Historic Site
Before Dr. Carter G. Woodson, there was very little accurate written history…
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream…
Chesapeake Bay
Over 41 million acres are connected through the waters that flow to…
Civil War Defenses of Washington
On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a…
Constitution Gardens
Officially established in 1965, National Mall and Memorial Parks actually protects some…
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Memorial
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial tells the story of one of America's…
Ford's Theatre
National Historic Site
On April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre.…
Fort Dupont Park
This 361 acre wooded park was once home to an earthen fort…
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
These words by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ushered the United States into…
Frederick Douglass
National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for justice and equality. Born into…
George Washington
Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links…
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Deep within Kenilworth lies an oasis, hidden behind trees and cattails. It's…
Korean War Veterans Memorial
At the Korean War Veterans Memorial, "Our nation honors her sons and…
LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac
From this distance the seat of national power appears pristine across the…
Lincoln Memorial
"...as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the…
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Located in downtown Washington, DC, the memorial honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s…
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
National Historic Site
Mary McLeod Bethune achieved her greatest recognition at the Washington, DC townhouse…
National Capital Parks-East
National Capital Parks — East invites you to explore more than 8,000…
National Mall and Memorial Parks
This is where the nation comes to remember and where history is…
Pennsylvania Avenue
A street unlike any other. It is known the world over as…
Potomac Heritage
National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering…
Rock Creek
Park
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This…
Star-Spangled Banner
National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted…
The White House and President's Park
The White House is owned by the American people and stewarded by…
Theodore Roosevelt Island
In the 1930s, landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland…
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Author of the Declaration of Independence, statesman and visionary for the founding…
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Honoring the men and women who served in the controversial Vietnam War,…
Washington Monument
Built to honor George Washington, the United States' first president, the 555-foot…
Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route
National Historic Trail
This 680-mile-long trail follows the paths taken by George Washington's Continental Army…
World War I Memorial
A grateful nation honors the service, valor, courage and sacrifice of the…
World War II Memorial
Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes…
Planning Your Washington D.C. National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Washington D.C.'s parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 36+ NPS units in Washington D.C. and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Washington D.C.?
Washington D.C. has 0 designated national parks and 36 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Washington D.C.?
The best park depends on your interests. Each park offers a unique experience. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Washington D.C.?
Most NPS units in Washington D.C. charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.