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Plan Like a Park Ranger 1-Day Itinerary George Washington Memorial Parkway

Four people walk together down the Mount Vernon Trail along the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is more than just a road!

NPS

You’ve probably heard of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and perhaps even driven on it, but did you know that it is much more than a road? The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a national park that connects people to incredible places to learn and recreate just outside our nation’s capital. This park features incredible natural sites like Great Falls Park, presidential monuments, and historic sites. Running along the eastern edge of Arlington National Cemetery, it is also home to some of the iconic monuments honoring the armed forces, like the US Marine Corps War Memorial.

We have crafted the itinerary below to highlight some of what the parkway has to offer! Just like any excursion into one of our parks, the NPS wants you to plan like a park ranger. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or biking, bringing what you need and knowing where you’re going are essential to your trip’s success.

What to bring

  • Water: Bring enough for your entire trip.
  • Good walking shoes: Wear appropriate footwear for whatever activity you plan to pursue.
  • Appropriate clothes/a hat: Always check the weather and current conditions before you visit a national park and dress accordingly.
  • A leash: If you decide to bring a pet along for the trip, you must have them leashed at all times for the safety of your pet and the habitats we are working to preserve. Also please know that it is strictly prohibited to leave your pet unattended, whether tethered or not. Your furry friend wants to be by your side!
  • Cooler: If you bring perishables be prepared to keep them cool.

Where to go

  1. Theodore Roosevelt Island

    • Start your day at the quiet and secluded Theodore Roosevelt Island. Here you can find a memorial plaza to the 26th president, but the entire island is in fact part of the memorial.
    • As you explore the trails through forest and wetlands, be on the lookout for wildlife. The island is a great place to birdwatch-- one of Theordore Roosevelt’s favorite pastimes.

  2. US Marine Corps War Memorial

    • Your next stop will be the iconic US Marine Corps War Memorial. Situated on Arlington Ridge, overlooking the National Mall, the memorial honors those Marines who fought and perished in every war since the formation of the Marines.
    • The monument itself is a recreation of the famous image of Marines raising the American Flag at the Battle of Iwo-Jima during World War II. The NPS recently cleaned and restored the memorial!

  3. Netherlands Carillon

    • The Netherlands Carillon sits not far from the US Marine Corps War Memorial on Arlington Ridge. The monument is a grand carillon gifted to the United States by the Kingdom of the Netherlands as a symbol of friendship after WWII.
    • On certain days during the summer, visitors can attend a live concert at the carillon performed by a carillonneur!

  4. Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

  5. Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove

    • After a day of exploring the woods, monuments and historic sites, what better way to finish the day with a moment of reflection and relaxation at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove?
    • President Johnson often sought a respite from the pressures of Washington at this very location. This memorial grove offers a meadow surrounded by white pines, meandering trails, and granite megalith. All of this set on the backdrop of the Potomac River and the National Mall.
    • Tables are available in the meadow for a picnic and the Mt. Vernon Trail is accessible from this site as well.

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George Washington Memorial Parkway

Last updated: January 20, 2023