Spring and summer are ideal times to explore the area’s abundant parks.

Strike out in any direction from Washington and you can enjoy a day of hiking. Here are four favorite hikes through quiet woods, past waterfalls, or up to dramatic overlooks.

Here are a dozen good hikes within walking and driving distance from DC.

We asked Ben Cooke, a three-time All-American runner at James Madison University who’s now manager of the Georgetown Running Company, for his favorite summer running routes.

A walk to a pretty waterfall, a stroll along the surf, and other great paths to lose yourself on happily.

Head to one of these parks for fresh air and maybe a spring picnic.

Nothing brings back summer childhood memories of melted ice-cream cones and belly flops quite like the smell of chlorine.

Check out our breakdown of area neighborhoods to find the best places to eat, shop, and explore.