Washington, DC’s 1,700-acre urban oasis offers hours of outdoor activities.
The first national park established in a major U.S. city, Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park spans 1,754 acres of National Park Service land from Upper Northwest DC into Maryland, providing sanctuary for wildlife and a retreat for locals and visitors.
With its prime location and numerous access points, a day at the park offers endless possibilities: stroll through lush greenery, hike miles of scenic trails, gather friends or family for a picnic or explore the Nature Center, golf course, horse stables, amphitheater or planetarium.
What's the history of Rock Creek Park?
Before its establishment as a national park, this swath of land played a crucial role in the lives of the indigenous communities that lived in the area for thousands of years. In the 1600s, Europeans took control of the land and the park as we know it was founded in 1890, making it one of America’s first (and largest) designated city retreats. The Olmstead Brothers deliberately designed the park's natural feel, and these principles would influence the layout of other parks nationwide. Vestiges of Rock Creek's history can be found all over, including along the river (Peirce Mill) and hidden in the forest (Boulder Bridge).
Even presidents over the years have considered it a welcome respite from the political climate of Washington. For example, Theodore Roosevelt liked to bird watch in the park and Ronald Reagan would often ride horses at the park’s stables.
Learn more with the National Park Service.
When is Rock Creek Park open?
The park is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Roads remain open 24 hours a day, but be sure to check the National Park Service's website to learn of any closures before you embark on your drive or hike.
The upper portion of Beach Drive is permanently closed to motor traffic, making it a more accessible option, ideal for bikers, families with strollers, rollerbladers, wheelchairs or anyone looking for a flat, paved route.
Rock Creek Parkway converts to one way during rush hour: 6:45 to 9:30 a.m. going south and 3:45 to 6:30 p.m. going north. Otherwise, the Parkway is open to both ways of traffic.
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Is there a visitor center? Can I pick up a map?
Yes! Rock Creek Park has three visitor centers, each in a different area of the park and with its own hours: the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium, the Old Stone House and Peirce Mill.
If you’re new to the site, the Nature Center (5200 Glover Road NW) is the best place to start, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It serves as the park’s primary visitor center and stocks brochures and trail maps; it’s also where park ranger-led programs begin.
What can I do in Rock Creek Park?
In every season, you’ll find visitors and locals taking advantage of all the things to do, including 32 miles of hiking trails and traffic-free running and biking paths.
Visitors can join a walk with an expert ("Ramble with a Ranger") or book a guided hike with DC Design Tours, which reveals some of the park's coolest landmarks from the picture-perfect Boulder Bridge to the ruins of a hidden mansion.
Rock Creek is also the only national park with an on-site planetarium, where National Park Service Rangers conduct free programs twice a day on Saturdays and Sundays. Rangers also lead outdoor night sky programs with telescopes from April through November. Free tickets may be picked up for these programs one hour in advance at the Nature Center.
The park's Tennis Center boasts more than 24 outdoor courts, which can be reserved for one hour, costing $12-$20, and hosts tennis legends at the Mubadala Citi Open each year. An 18-hole public golf course can also be found the grounds, with tee times available for $25.
Explore even more things to do in one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.
Is the park family-friendly?
Yes, there are many options for families. In addition to paved routes and shorter trails, there's a gentle half-mile trail that starts at the Nature Center perfect for young explorers. Inside the building, there's a Children’s Discovery Room that hosts educational games and houses live fish, snakes, turtles and a beehive. Another fun way for kids to remember their visit – and motivate them to explore more of the area – is by collecting stamps for their “passport.” With kids five and older, you can also visit the planetarium next door.
How do I get to Rock Creek Park?
One of the best things about Rock Creek is how easy it is to access. If you’re new to the site, the Nature Center is the perfect place to start, accessible by car, bike or foot. Peirce Mill is another convenient entrance, and both the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park Metro stops are perfect jumping off points for descending down onto your wooded trail of choice.
As a leading green city, DC has endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
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