In between the busy streets, museums, shops and restaurants there is a little known natural oasis in Washington DC. In Northeast DC, Kenilworth Gardens and Aquatics is a natural paradise where beautiful lilies, lotus flowers, among other plants, beautiful bodies water, wildlife and incredible nature exists.

Kenilworth Gardens are actually a National Park full of marshes, ponds, and beautiful lilies and lotuses.

Flickr/TrailVoice

You can easily spend all day exploring and relaxing at Kenilworth Gardens. There is so much beauty to see and experience.

Flickr/Kevin Harber

You can walk around the ponds, explore nature, and capture photos of the beautiful lilies and lotuses.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

Keep an eye out for animals including many different types of birds, frogs, turtles and other wildlife that live in the park.

Flickr/Yuan2003

There is a boardwalk trail or if you’d like to hike, there is a dirt path that leads you closer to the Anacostia River.

Flickr/Michael Galkovsky

Rangers lead Garden Walks every day if you want to learn more about the different types of plants, flowers and animals in the park.

Flickr/Amaury Laporte

Visitors can bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy during their day and the park is also dog friendly.

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

The stunning beauty of Kenilworth Gardens is always surprising to those who have never visited. The array of colors, sounds and smells make you forget that you are even close to a city.

Flickr/NPS CulturalLandscapes

It’s best to go in the summer and warm weather when the flowers are in bloom. Kenilworth is open year-round and is free to visit.

Flickr/Ron Cogwell

Kenilworth is located at 1550 Anacostia Avenue and is open from 8am-5pm.

Flickr/Amaury Laporte

Kenilworth is not the only hidden oasis. There is another little slice of paradise right near it!

Flickr/TrailVoice

Flickr/Kevin Harber

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

Flickr/Yuan2003

Flickr/Michael Galkovsky

Flickr/Amaury Laporte

Flickr/Mr.TinDC

Flickr/NPS CulturalLandscapes

Flickr/Ron Cogwell

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