Pershing Square Park is another fine example of repurposing federal land in the nation's capital to…read morecommemorate U.S. wars and doubling the space for leisure and recreation. Pershing Square Park has seen a few renovations over the years. In typical downtown DC fashion, this park highlights design elements embracing stone and water displays. Pershing Square Park is home to both the WWI and General John Pershing memorials. The space is part plaza, amphitheater, and park. The plaza, incorporating designs from developer M. Paul Friedberg, highlights an amphitheater-style seating, green space on the exterior of the park, and a central sunken pool basin. Erected is a life-size portrait status of General Pershing. The park's transformations over the years is a part of a long-term plan to renovate the NW Pennsylvania Avenue corridor, which aside from a few landmarks, federal buildings, and commercial businesses closing when downtown DC commuters leave work for the day, is a relatively uneventful thoroughfare in the heart of downtown DC. And much of which is due to the better developed and tourist-attracting Constitution and Independence avenues along The National Mall. Pershing Park is conveniently located and adjacent to Freedom Plaza and within short walking distance to the White House, Ford's Theater, fine restaurants and hotels, and of course The National Mall. During the day, the park is beautiful, however, at night the park is a spectacle. The water displays, memorial lighting, and backdrop of the well-lit Willard Center, Washington Monument, and Washington Hotel are the perfect setting for a date night itinerary, evening stroll, or a destination to simply relax after an eventual day on The Mall. If you're visiting DC or are a local looking for a no-cost destination to add to your itinerary, certainly Pershing Park is a must-visit.

The new Pershing Park looks snazzy, but I'm not really convinced of its use. It is billed as a WWI…read morememorial, and the Great War is a strangely forgotten piece of our history, but this spot which most people have always walked by isn't likely to change that. It has a few general sentiments, but compared to our other numerous memorials I didn't really get a sense of who fought the war. On a more practical level, the square at the center was partly overflowing with water in a way that didn't appear to be an intentional part of the overall waterworks, the seating was limited, and there are no facilities in sight. I wish we had a great WWI memorial. But this little square of theoretically very important real estate right near the White House still doesn't seem to be a destination.

Since I have moved to the area I have been to Fort Washington Park at least once a year. Why…read morehaven't I reviewed it until now? Your guess is as good as mine. I can't speak for the whole park as I have only really seen one area of the park on each visit. Picnic area B and I are very familiar, and I have come to like this part of the park. Maybe one day I will make it back out here and explore more, but this review at this time is for what I have experienced thus far. Picnic area B is a set of areas sandwiched between Battery Meigs and Battery Humphreys. A great area to have a big gathering as both ends have bathroom facilities for use and those can be very useful. The one thing that you do not realize is how close you are to the water. No matter where you are in this park you are a very short walk to the water. Picnic area B is fairly close to both the Potomac River and Piscataway Creek. There are also trails that will connect areas and take you along the waterways. Specifically for Area B, there is ample parking for any amount of people you may invite to an event. It is shaded, but not as shaded as you would think. Throughout the day, if you want to be in the shade you will either have to move or bring a way to keep the sun away. If you do plan an event here, be sure to clean up after yourself. Do not leave anything behind as this is a park that is patrolled and it is your duty to pick up after yourself.

I really enjoy going to this park, however there isn't any upkeep to the historic buildings at this…read morepark and it's sad to see the buildings in disrepair. Trash cans are overflowed no security or Park Rangers insight, when there are multiple spots where anything could happen. It doesn't feel safe and given the recent news it makes sense it happened here.

Fort Ward is a must-see; whether you're a history buff visiting the area or a long-time local -…read morethere is much to see and learn here. It doesn't cost a thing to visit the museum, which is staffed by city of Alexandria employees. There are brochures and fact sheets upon entering the museum and the staff will be happy to answer questions. They have events throughout the year and there's a donation box for those that want to support their ongoing efforts. The park itself is a nice retreat from the city. There are a few areas that are off-limits in terms of picnics and events - and most people seem to respect that. It's pet and kid friendly as well.

Fort Ward Park is a former Union Civil War defense in Alexandria that protected Washington, D.C…read more from 1861-1865. Now it's a public park and museum. Here's why it's worth a visit: 1) History: There's a small museum (currently closed due to COVID-19 as of July 27, 2020) and a trail that leads through a white gate to earthworks that are mostly still intact. Signs along the way explain the history behind the defense. 2) Space: It's now a large park with a free parking lot and paved trails for strollers, joggers and dog walkers. 3) Amenities: There's an amphitheater for performances and a playground in the park that my toddler loved. The park is wooded well so expect more shade than other public parks in the area.

Grant Circle Park is another circular park around here. It's kind of in a boring area, so this…read moreisn't a real popular site. This doesn't get that many tourists. It's rare when it does. There's a Metro station in the area but it's still a ways from here. If you know anything about Grant, you probably know that he was president and a general. In case you didn't already know, there's a statue of him on the west side of the Capitol Building that's much more popular. Traffic circles in DC were named after war heroes, so it was fitting that he got this honor as well. It's basically just a small park. The area is pretty quiet and mostly safe. There's not much going on around this. It's not a very bad area. There's just not that much else here, so make it a stop along the way.

Excellent spot to hit the j and just enjoy the moment…read more I wish they didn't cut the hedges down and it'd be nice if there was like a bathroom or something, but it's way nicer than Sherman Circle.

A wonderful park with good variety of equipment. Pavilion for seating and easy parking make this…read morevery family friendly!

This is becoming one of my new favorite places for going walking/jogging. I had almost forgotten…read moreabout it. Recently, I wanted a change of scenery from my usual park so I decided to come here early one morning. During the many months of quarantine, I had been enjoying getting fresh air! I like this park since it's not too far away for me. There's plenty of trails to walk and it's not too big where you'd easily get lost! And I'm someone who easily gets lost! They have ample parking. There's a few tennis courts. They have some signs up encouraging people to practice social distancing while exercising!

Was a peaceful park. Had a nice quiet trail you can go…read morerunning or walking. Definitely worth checking out .

Nestled in the neighborhood of Fort Totten is Fort Totten Park, a spacious park run by the National…read morePark Service on the grounds of an old Civil War fort that once defended the city. The fort itself is long gone, but the earthworks are still there. What's also there are picnic tables, trails, green space, and a sign honoring the fort's history. The Metropolitan Branch Trail runs by it. Note: There are no restrooms at the park.

If you ever go to Old Town, the historic district of Alexandria, Virginia, there are pleasant and…read morepanoramic views of the Potomac River from the parks & walkways along the waterfront area. We parked on the waterfront and walked through each park. The first one we encountered was the Waterfront Park. The park is well maintained , has many views, and things to do with lots of benches to sit . It had a statue of "The Shipbuilder". There are public bathrooms nearby by the art building. The paid parking lot beside the Waterfront Park is very affordable and not so stressful to park at despite the tight parking spaces. We paid only $15 - for the whole day (unlimited hours). It was very easy to find, and we had no trouble parking.

Such a cool spot along the Potomac River. There was space for chillin, eating, playing, and…read morerestaurants along the way. You can catch the ferry. The atmosphere was wonderful on this beautiful sunny day. The visitors center was around with staff dressed like it was the 18th Century. Such a wonderful experience.

Decent park. I believe it's about 15 acres in size. For Arlington County it's quite big. My…read morefavorite part is the jogging path. Good pavement for busted up joints. It's helpful for a quick jog. Also you'll see wildlife such as deer. There is a small amphitheater. Also little ones will like the playground. It's nothing extensive but it works. Usually can park here with ease. Is it worth driving miles for? No but it works if you are close by, as basketball and tennis courts are available.

Neighborhood park with lots of trees and a playground, baseball diamond, tennis courts, very small…read moreamphitheater, and a small unpaved dirt/gravel nature trail. The nature trail isn't bad a for a neighborhood park but you're close to Lee Highway and Sycamore street so of course there's lots of traffic noise. This park isn't worth going across town just to visit but it's a nice place if you're in the area or live nearby and are looking to get a few steps for your Fitbit.