6 Fall Outdoor Activities in Washington D.C.

Autumn in D.C. can be a magical time. The summer crowds thin down, but fall weather still makes traveling in the city and around its various sites comfortable. One of the best ways to take advantage of autumn in the nation's Capital is by enjoying outdoor activities.

Here are six great options for any family, couple, or individual longing a little outdoor exploration.

The National Zoo is a must-see draw for visitors of all ages. Home to famous Giant Pandas, the zoo has been thrilling visitors since  1889. Take your kids to interactive children's programs to learn about and help with various animals. Or, try some of the special fall events, like the Conservation Festival or Boo at the Zoo. 

So many outdoor monuments line the streets and squares of this city that you may never need to enter a building to appreciate the area's history, art, and science. Look for low-key monuments and historical secrets that aren't as famous — or crowded — as their neighbors.

Visit the laid-back fun of the Albert Einstein memorial near the National Academy of Sciences. Or marvel at the tragic beauty of the 1931 Titanic memorial in Washington Channel Park. Check out the secret Darth Vader head at the National Cathedral or the Friendship Archway that greets visitors to Chinatown. 

According to the Washington Post, forty boundary stones were placed to mark the original perimeter of the city in the late 1700s. Some of these stone markers are still visible today, and they call back to a time when the nation was being birthed and its ideals were all new. Ownership and preservation rights over the markers have been mixed due to the number of entities — federal government and various states — involved in the monuments themselves.

Some markers are protected and well cared for, so you can take a tour of the stones on your own by walking, driving, or bicycling. Because the route can be miles long depending on when you start and how many markers you want to see, bicycles will give you a more enjoyable day. 

Along with award-winning gardens and historical buildings, the National Arboretum is a great way to enjoy a free day in the late summer sunshine. Along with a few hundred acres of trees, herbs, and flowers, enjoy diminutive Bonsai displays as well as the unusual sight of the old columns from the Capitol Columns. Replaced and removed from the Capitol Building years ago, this group of classical stone columns can be enjoyed by arboretum guests.

Harvest is celebrated in a proper manner at the Agriculture History Farm Park in Derwood Maryland. Bring your kids to enjoy volunteer re-enactors, traditional cider activities, music and dancing, pumpkin painting, historical buildings, and a corn maze. In operation since the  1780s , the Farm Park invites everyone to indulge in life as it was in the D.C. area during the early years of the country. 

Individual Washington neighborhoods each have a storied history of their own. Walking tours are available that are geared toward the specific houses, properties, and buildings in each. Start with popular locales like Georgetown or Capitol Hill and move on to less-famous spots. With a regional history that dates back to the beginning of our country, you're bound to find hidden architectural gems and stories everywhere you look.

Ready to start planning your trip to Washington, D.C? No matter what time of year you visit, you'll find plenty to do both indoors and outside. Between smaller crowds and still enjoyable weather, fall could be the best time to venture to the nation's capital. Visit the D.C. travel experts at  Jean's Bus Service, Inc.  today to learn more.