If you’ve been able to keep track of the days, you know we’re going into the seventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic. While different states are in different phases of reopening, there’s plenty of places gradually opening back up while adhering to CDC guidelines.
We’ve found some great parks, museums, restaurants, and other places to visit in the DMV if you feel safe and comfortable returning to these activities.
Before planning your visit to any of these places, make sure you know what the current rules and restrictions are still in place for that area. DC is currently in Phase Two, while Maryland and Virginia are in Phase Three.
- Visit Victura Park at the REACH.
This outdoor pop-up wine garden and cafe is the perfect way to spend your Labor Day Weekend! You can enjoy wine, beer, and family-friendly snacks while maintaining a safe social distance.
- Grab food from Union Market.
This DC favorite is open again for pick-up and delivery, as well as some outdoor seating. You can order online for a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and grocery stores. Check out their website to see which businesses are back open!
- Visit the National Zoo.
The ever-popular National Zoo is open once again for visitors. They are maintaining the highest standards for safety, including limited capacity, one-way traffic, enhanced cleaning, and social distancing.
Make sure you pass by the Cheetah Conservation Station to see the 4.5 month-old cheetah cubs! And if you aren’t quite ready to visit such a popular public space, you can keep up with the zoo’s newborn panda cub on their Giant Panda Cam!
- Go for a hike at Rock Creek Park.
There are over 32 miles of hiking trails open at Rock Creek Park, a beautiful oasis within DC. While there are still some closed areas within the park, all hiking trails, playgrounds, and some exercise facilities are open for your enjoyment!
- See art and nature come together at the Glenstone Museum.
You can enjoy the beautiful blend of art, architecture, and nature at this museum in Potomac. The Glenstone Museum has several guidelines in place–including limited capacity, group sizes of five, and staggered arrival times–so you can experience art and landscape with peace of mind.
- Stroll through Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center.
This center is excited to welcome back visitors to its Sculpture Path, Murray Arts Building, and Fairy Lolly Creative Play Space. Guests can feel safe while enjoying the art and nature while socially distancing.
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- Visit the National Aquarium.
A Baltimore favorite, the National Aquarium is now open to the public with various changes to ensure visitors’ safety. Be sure to reserve your visit as they are open at 25% capacity.
- Explore the historic site at Antietam National Battlefield.
Self-guided hikes and tours of Antietam are a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors while adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Walk the Appalachian Trail.
While the Appalachian Trail still has closures (check their website for more information), you can still enjoy hiking through many miles of trails, finding breathtaking views at overlooks, and visiting Shenandoah National Park.
- Walk around Belle Isle Historic Park in Richmond.
You will find so much history and entertainment on this 54-acre island. You could fill several days’ worth of activities around this park, including walking along the Civil War Trails, visiting the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar and the Richmond National Battlefield Park, and much more.
Of course, make sure you’re following CDC guidelines and maintaining a safe social distance.
Let us know in the comments if you check out any of these places!
