Autumn in Washington, D.C., is one of the most magical times of the year for families to get outside and experience the city’s vibrant colors. From city parks to trails just outside the District, here are the best spots to take in fall foliage with your family.
1. National Arboretum
- Location: 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, DC
With its vast gardens, tree-lined pathways, and the stunning Capitol Columns, the National Arboretum is a must-visit in the fall. Families can explore different plant collections, including maple and dogwood trees that burst into reds and oranges, and enjoy picnicking at the Friendship Garden or at one of the other designated spots.
2. Rock Creek Park
- Location: 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park offers a natural escape right in the city, with numerous hiking trails for all ages and levels. Choose a short trail, like the 1.5-mile Boulder Bridge Trail, for younger children, or bring bikes for an easy ride along Beach Drive. Kids can take in the vibrant fall colors, and parents can appreciate the park’s peaceful charm.
3. The Tidal Basin
- Location: 1501 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC
Known for cherry blossoms in spring, the Tidal Basin is also beautiful in fall when the trees around the basin turn into fiery shades of red, yellow, and orange. Families can take a scenic walk around the basin and see the nearby monuments or, for a unique view, rent a paddleboat to admire the colors from the water.
4. Mount Vernon Trail
- Location: Starting at the Memorial Bridge, Washington, DC, and running to Mount Vernon, VA
The Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac River, offering picturesque views of fall foliage on both the Virginia and D.C. sides. Start at Theodore Roosevelt Island for a peaceful hike, or take the family for a bike ride with plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the leaves.
5. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
- Location: 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington, DC
Known for its water lilies in summer, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens also offers a unique autumn experience. The grounds are covered with colorful trees and winding trails that lead you through beautiful marshes, providing a tranquil backdrop to admire the season’s colors.
6. Dumbarton Oaks Gardens
- Location: 1703 32nd St NW, Washington, DC
This historic garden in Georgetown offers a rich display of fall colors, especially vibrant against the elegant architecture. Children can explore the winding paths through the gardens and parents can enjoy the views of red, yellow, and orange leaves. Note that there is an admission fee, but the beauty of the gardens makes it worth a family day out.
7. The C&O Canal Towpath
- Location: Begins in Georgetown, Washington, DC, and stretches toward Cumberland, MD
The C&O Canal Towpath is a scenic trail along the canal with plenty of fall colors and picturesque locks. The Georgetown section is especially family-friendly and offers easy access to restaurants and cafes after your stroll. For an extended trip, head up to Great Falls for more foliage and stunning waterfall views.
8. U.S. National Mall
- Location: Washington, DC
It may be the heart of the city, but the National Mall also becomes a wonderful spot for fall colors. The trees surrounding the Mall and the nearby Reflecting Pool transform with the season, and it’s a great place for kids to roam, enjoy the open space, and spot monuments surrounded by vibrant leaves.
9. Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
- Location: 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA
Just a short drive from D.C., Meadowlark Botanical Gardens offers scenic, colorful landscapes perfect for families to enjoy. The gardens have a beautiful lake, streams, and walking trails that are all especially picturesque in autumn, along with several themed areas and a Korean Bell Garden.
Tips for Families Exploring Fall Foliage:
- Pack a Picnic: Many of these spots have areas for a picnic, so bring some cozy blankets, warm drinks, and treats.
- Bring Cameras or Binoculars: Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife, birds, or even capturing the beauty of fall on their own cameras.
- Dress in Layers: The fall weather can be unpredictable, so layering up will keep everyone comfortable.
- Plan for Crowds: Weekends at popular locations can be crowded, so consider early mornings or weekdays for a quieter experience.
For families looking to soak in the beauty of fall without a long journey, there are several stunning drives within an hour of Washington, D.C. that showcase the vibrant colors of the season. Here are some routes that blend fall foliage with picturesque landscapes, making them perfect for a family day trip.
1. George Washington Memorial Parkway
- Distance from DC: Starts in Arlington, VA
- Highlights: River views, historical sites
Starting just across the Potomac River in Arlington, this drive follows the river down to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate. The tree-lined road offers spectacular fall colors along the Potomac, with scenic overlooks where families can stop and take photos. Plan a stop at Great Falls Park for a short hike to see waterfalls framed by autumn leaves.
2. The Journey to Sugarloaf Mountain
- Distance from DC: About 50 minutes
- Route: Take I-270 N to Sugarloaf Mountain, MD
Sugarloaf Mountain, just across the border in Maryland, is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking with gorgeous autumn views of Frederick County. The drive itself is picturesque, passing through rolling hills, farms, and fields. Once you reach Sugarloaf, a winding drive up the mountain rewards you with panoramic views of vibrant foliage stretching for miles. Families can park and hike a short trail to the summit, where the fall colors truly shine.
3. Skyline Drive (Front Royal Entrance)
- Distance from DC: About 1 hour
- Route: Head west on I-66 to Front Royal, VA, the northern entrance of Skyline Drive
While the entire Skyline Drive spans 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, families can opt for a shorter scenic drive from the Front Royal entrance. This iconic route weaves through the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a breathtaking display of autumn colors with plenty of overlooks to pause for photos or a picnic. Note that Skyline Drive has an entrance fee, but the views make it well worth the trip.
4. The Catoctin Mountain Loop
- Distance from DC: About 1 hour
- Route: Take I-270 N toward Thurmont, MD, and follow Route 77 through Catoctin Mountain Park
This drive takes you through the stunning Catoctin Mountain Park, which is especially colorful in the fall. The winding roads through the park offer beautiful views of golden, red, and orange leaves. For an added adventure, visit Cunningham Falls State Park along the way for a family-friendly hike to a scenic waterfall framed by autumn foliage.
5. Prince William Forest Park
- Distance from DC: About 45 minutes
- Route: Take I-95 S to Prince William Forest Park, VA
Located south of D.C. in Northern Virginia, Prince William Forest Park offers a lovely drive through a peaceful forest with dense fall colors. The scenic drive through the park is ideal for a relaxed day out, with picnic spots, scenic overlooks, and short trails for young children. This lesser-known park is quieter than some others, making it a peaceful place for families to explore.
6. Great Falls Park and River Road
- Distance from DC: 30 minutes to Great Falls, VA
- Route: Take Georgetown Pike (VA-193) from McLean, VA, through Great Falls Park
Begin this drive in McLean, Virginia, and follow Georgetown Pike to the entrance of Great Falls Park. The road itself is scenic, passing through densely wooded areas that show off fall colors. At Great Falls Park, families can take a break to admire the majestic waterfalls and explore short trails along the Potomac River, which look especially dramatic when surrounded by vibrant fall leaves.
7. The Countryside of Loudoun County
- Distance from DC: About 1 hour
- Route: Take VA-267 W and follow signs to Leesburg, VA, then explore local roads
Loudoun County is known for its vineyards, farms, and charming historic towns. From Leesburg, families can follow scenic back roads to local farms or orchards, many of which have autumn festivals with pumpkins, hayrides, and cider tastings. For those looking to relax and take in the scenery, a leisurely drive through the backroads of Loudoun offers stunning views of fall foliage along with historic farmhouses and rolling hills.
Tips for a Fall Foliage Drive with Kids
- Plan for Pit Stops: Bring snacks or plan a stop at a local café or orchard along the way to break up the drive.
- Pack Activities: Keep kids entertained with road trip games or fall-themed scavenger hunts.
- Dress in Layers: As temperatures can vary, bring along layers for any planned stops.
- Start Early: For more popular routes like Skyline Drive, an early start can help avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos.
