Overview
Rock Creek Park is a large urban park in Washington, D.C., known for its extensive trails, diverse wildlife, and historical sites. It offers a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
One of the oldest and largest natural areas in an urban setting in the United States.
Location
Address
Washington DC
Neighborhood: Adams Morgan
Coordinates
38.944200, -77.048900
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
March-May, October-November
Best Time of Day
Early morning
fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild to warm
- • cherry blossoms
- • wildflowers
summer
hot and humid
- • long daylight hours
autumn
cool and crisp
- • fall foliage
winter
cold, occasional snow
- • holiday lights
- • snowy landscapes
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- No admission fee
- Leashed pets allowed
- Check trail conditions
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: moderate for some trails
- • uneven terrain
- • wildlife encounters
Medical facilities: first aid available at visitor center
Payment Information
Accepted
cash, cards
Currency
USD
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable, hiking shoes, layered clothing, walking/hiking shoes, inappropriate attire for hiking
Booking Tips
- • not required
- • official website for events
- • n/a
- • not applicable
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Rock Creek Park Explorer
Size: 60 MB
Features: Trail map, Audio guide, Event calendar
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center
Charging Stations: Visitor center
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Distance: 10 km
Travel Time: 20 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 5 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Peaceful escape, rich history, diverse wildlife
Historical Significance: One of the first national urban parks
Insider Tips
- Free entry always
- Best views from High Point Overlook
Local Recommendations
- • Try local coffee at nearby cafes
- • Ask rangers for hidden gem trails
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Spanish
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Nature Center
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low angle for landscapes
Result: Great natural shots
Beaver Pond
Best Time: Early morning
Tips: Wide shots for water reflections
Result: Serene water scenes
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
National Zoo
Distance: 2km
Walking: 25 min
Type: Zoo
Adams Morgan
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Neighborhood
Reviews
Based on 850 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit early"
- "Explore all trails"
- "Bring water"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
Bliss - Sedona’s Most Luxurious Wine Tour - Lunch Included!
Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco
Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise ex Te Anau Stunning Views with Lunch
Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland
PRIVATE Tour to Antelope Canyon/Horseshoe Bend
The EDGE: Zip Line Tour
Grotto Canyon Icewalk
Katherine Gorge Cruise & Edith Falls Day Trip from Darwin
Small-Group Death Valley National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas
Peekaboo, Spooky and Dry Fork Slot Canyon Tour
Kanheri Cave with Global Vipassana Pagoda Tour in Private Vehicle
4x4 Hatta Safari to Fossil Rock & Honey Bee Garden visit with Breakfast
Old Dubai Gold Souk and Water Taxi
Grand Canyon Full Day Private Tour & Hike
Phoenix Grand Canyon Sedona Oak Creek Canyon Shared Tour
Private Vancouver City Amazing Highlight Tour With Chinese Garden
Explore Mt. Rainier National Park with a Local Guide
4 Day Kakadu Katherine Gorge with Guluyambi Cultural Cruise
Small-group Mt. St. Helen National Park Tour from Seattle in SUV
Mendoza: Aconcagua Adventure in the Andes Mountains
Buffet Dinner at Dubai Marina with Round-Trip Transportation
Rocky Mountain Escape - Private Tour
Dubai City tour sharing
Quick Info
Available Tours
3
Rating
4.6 / 5.0
Reviews
850
Adult Entry
Free