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Outdoor Recreation


Greater Washington provides plenty of opportunity for adventure. Both in our urban neighborhoods and throughout the region, scores of outdoor activities await. City and county parks and recreation departments throughout the area sponsor numerous youth and adult athletic programs. There are lots of choices: baseball, softball, Little League, volleyball, soccer, football, rugby, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, golf, swimming and more.

Visit the area's local jurisdictions, the Washington D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, the Virginia Tourism Corporation or one of these offices for specifics on outdoor recreation in the region: District of Columbia Fisheries and Wildlife Division; the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Activity Information
Tennis Tennis lovers show off their form in style on hundreds of public and private courts throughout the area.
Golf Golfers have lots of opportunities to improve their game in Greater Washington. They can take their choice of 169 public and private and municipal courses.
Skiing To the west and north of Greater Washington lies a variety of options for skiers. Virginia's Shenandoah Mountains are the home of four superb ski resorts: Bryce, The Homestead, Massanutten and Wintergreen. Wisp Resort is Maryland's only downhill ski area. Pennsylvania's Ski Liberty and Whitetail are less than 90 minutes from downtown Washington. And for more experienced skiers, consider West Virginia's Snowshoe and Canaan Valley.
Sailing and Boating The nearby Atlantic Ocean features everything from short fishing trips to extended powerboat and sailing outings. Sailors throughout the world come to the legendary Chesapeake Bay to test their skills. And our freshwater rivers, streams and lakes offer even more possibilities.
Swimming For recreational swimming, kids and adults alike dive into our local waterways and scores of area public and private pools.
Rafting and Kayaking Our rivers offer some of the best white water rafting and kayaking in the country. The white water conditions along the Potomac are so perfect that the U.S. Olympic kayak team trains here.
Nearby Beaches The beaches along the Atlantic shore in Delaware and Maryland make a great day trip or weekend getaway from Greater Washington. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, they offer their own special brand of dining, shopping, amusements and nightlife.
Biking and Jogging Hundreds of miles of paved bicycle and jogging paths crisscross Greater Washington, including a winding 200-mile towpath along the historic C&O Canal. Experienced runners can try their luck in the annual Marine Corps Marathon.
Mountains Majesty The Shenandoah and Blue Ridge Mountains work their magic on hikers, campers and mountain bikers. And the stunning fall colors of the Skyline Drive in Virginia are mother nature at her majestic best.
Wine Country Greater Washington's wine country draws connoisseurs and enthusiasts from around the region. Our many vineyards host wine festivals that entertain visitors in every warm-weather months.
Hunting and Fishing The region's many waterways and forests offer superb opportunities for hunting and fishing in season throughout the year.
 
 

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Greater Washington Initiative
(202) 857-5999