Blue Ridge Mountains

Noted for their bluish colour when seen from a distance, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains include Shenandoah National Park, a breathtaking park known for hiking, fishing, biking and scenic overlooks.

National Arboretum

In Washington, DC, nine miles of roads wind through gardens featuring aquatic plants, bonsai trees, historic roses and the national herb garden. The arboretum is also home to the National Capitol Columns, shown here, an arrangement of 22 Corinthian columns from the US Capitol Building. 

Chesapeake Bay

The Capital Region is home to Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The bay offers numerous recreational opportunities from swimming to sailing, kayaking to fishing. The bay is also the source for much of the fresh seafood you'll find in the region's restaurants including oysters and blue crabs. 

Assateague & Chincoteague National Seashores

View wildlife including herds of wild ponies on these pristine Atlantic Coast islands.

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the US - twice the size of Central Park in New York City! The park offers hiking and jogging trails, educational programs, a tennis center, 18-hole public golf course, a boat house, playgrounds, planetarium, and much more!

Great Falls National Park

This 800-acre national park in Virginia along the Potomac River features viewing platforms for the waterfalls, 15 miles of hiking trails and cliffs for rock climbers.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

This Maryland bird sanctuary has paddling and hiking trails and a visitor centre with an eagle cam.