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Popular Outdoor Activities in Washington
We all know Washington as the capital city of America. The centerpiece of American democracy, its libraries, museums and art collections need no introduction. But Washington has more than one face and there are plenty of things to do away from the grand buildings and archives.
One of the best ways to view the city is on an "Old Town Trolley Tour". These tours operate by day or night (the Moonlight Tour.) It`s not hard to spot these orange and green trolleys as they rattle through the streets. Covering a large area the trolley can drop you off at places like the Zoo, Arlington Cemetery or the National Cathedral and makes sure that the route takes in all the best sights Washington has to offer. The full commentary from the tour guide gives you plenty of information and keeps you smiling throughout your trip.
For those who would like to stay away from the streets but still see some of the sights then a Potomac River Spirit cruise is a very enjoyable way to see the city en route to Mount Vernon (President Washington`s estate). This narrated tour starts quite early, at 8.30 a.m from Pier 4 on 6th and Wester. But the early rise is well worth it.
Washington has a number of golf courses for those who would like to get in some "green" time in their visit. The course at Rock Creek is sited in the Rock Creek National Park and is renowned as a challenging course with plenty of elevations. One of the only two remaining Public golf courses in the city it also has a snack bar, putting green and a golf school.
Don`t let your visit to Rock Creek end at the eighteenth hole; the National Park itself is a gem in the heart of the country`s capital.One of the first federal parks it was founded in 1890 and is now home to coyotes, raccoons and deer. Migrant birds drop by on their journeys and the nine mile park preserves a Piedmont stream valley in this urbanized area.
The countryside surrounding the capital offers plenty of opportunities for hiking. As well as in Rock Creek there are hiking trails to be found in Theodore Roosevelt`s National Monument and also in the Arboretum. The Arboretum, on the shores of Lake Washington itself is a 230 acre home to a unique collection of plants. Especially scenic during the fall, there is a five mile loop through the Arboretum with offshoots into other destinations such as Marsh Island.
To fully appreciate the countryside around the capital its best to hire a car; car rental in Washington can give the potential visitor some useful tips and pointers as to where and how to find the best car hire opportunities.