Oxon Run Parkway

Things To Do Near Oxon Run Parkway

RVers will love the Oxon Run Parkway for its proximity to many significant American landmarks. It's not just full of history, either; visitors can find all sorts of hiking trails, shops, and restaurants, all inspired by different cultures and peoples. Check out the easygoing Oxon Run Trail, or stand in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Those looking to expand their knowledge will feel right at home here.

Hiking Trails

• Oxon Run Trail

  This partly forested trail is located near the Potomac River in southeast Washington, D.C. When not under the trees, the wide trail boasts panoramic views of the surrounding areas. With relatively low foot traffic, Oxon Run Trail is great for a relaxing walk.

  Location

  S Capitol & 1st Street SE 

  Length

  3.4 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Rock Creek Trail

  The trail starts on the border of Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Rock Creek Trailis mostly forested, and hikers can see fields of bluebell flowers in early spring. A bridge spans the river, and the rest of the track is flat and clearly marked.

  Location

  1730 Juniper St NW, Washington, D.C., 20012

  Length

  1.3 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Boulder Bridge Trail

  This busy trail is great for those looking for a more intense hike. With woods and a bridged river, there are plenty of sights to take in. Theodore Roosevelt was fond of visiting this area during his tenure as president. 

  Location

  Shoemaker St NW, Washington, D.C., 20008

  Length

  3 Miles

  Intensity

  Intermediate

Sightseeing

• Lincoln Memorial

  Here, Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States, sits immortalized in stone. This massive statue was designed by Henry Bacon to imitate the ancient Greek temples and carved by the Piccirilli brothers between 1914 and 1922. Millions of people visit it each year. 

  Location

  2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, D.C., 20002

• Washington Monument

  The Washington Monument was built to honor George Washington and stands 555 feet tall. Robert Mills designed the monument, and Thomas Casey completed it. This took nearly 40 years, from 1848 to 1884. A tree-lined path runs in front of it, with water in the center. 

  Location

  2 15th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20024

• Thomas Jefferson Memorial 

  This memorial representing one of the Founding Fathers sits on 19.2 acres of land. Construction lasted from 1939 until 1943 under the supervision of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Most of the monument is made of white marble while the floors inside are made of shining pink marble. A bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson towers over the central chamber. Outside, 3,000 cherry trees, all planted in 1912 after the mayor of Tokyo gifted them to the United States, dot the landscape.

  Location

  16 E Basin Dr SW, Washington, D.C., 20242

Museums

• Smithsonian National Museum of American History

  This large museum houses and displays the history of the United States of America, from social and political history to scientific and military history. With three floors full of exhibitions, one can spend an entire day here. One can also view sculptures outside the building.

  Location

  1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20560

• The Museum of Natural History

  The Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1910 and has been open 364 days a year ever since. Access to the 325,000 square feet of exhibitions is free. Scientists from all over collect and study plants, animals, minerals, and human artifacts, always finding out new things about how the world works. 

  Location

  10th St & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20560

• National Gallery of Art

  The National Gallery of Art is widely considered one of the greatest museums in the United States. The gallery was established in 1937 by Congress and is free to enter. Art from medieval times to the present adorns the museum's walls, and it is home to the only piece of Leonardo da Vinci's art in the entire country. Modern art pieces are constantly being donated, so the gallery grows with each visit. 

  Location

  Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20565

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• NT Souvenir

  This massive souvenir store always has bits of American history hidden within it. Besides shopping around inside, you can also have custom souvenirs made, so you'll always have a reminder of your visit. Custom souvenirs can be jewelry, plates, and more. 

  Location

  525 Morse St NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

• Urban Dwell

  You can find a little bit of everything at Urban Dwell, from gift cards to furniture. Mugs, books, clothes, and more are available. Urban Dwell also carries toys for kids and infants. 

  Location

  1837 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, D.C., 20009

• CityCenterDC

  This enormous mall houses over 40 shops. You find fashion accessories, restaurants, and gift shops inside, so there's an endless variety of things to check out. Some stores offer supplies in case your RV needs restocking. 

  Location

  825 10th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

• Grillfish

  Those hungry for a taste of the sea will love Grillfish. You can order local oysters, fried calamari, and buffalo shrimp. Main entrees include salmon and, if you're feeling exotic, swordfish. Round out the deal with their excellent wine selection.

  Location

  1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20036

• Bistro Aracosia

  If you're looking to expand your palate, give Bistro Aracosia a visit. Their Afghani-inspired menu includes quroti on toasted Afghan bread with minced beef, lentils, and various sauces. They also have soups and salads, leek and scallion dumplings, and burgers. There are many vegetarian options available.

  Location

  5100 MacArthur Blvd, Washington, D.C., 20016

• Tortino

  At Tortino, you can order some grilled salmon, chicken parmigiana with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, and much more. Other Italian dishes include their special roasted pork chops or chicken breasts. There are more Italian dishes on the menu, such as pasta and desserts. 

  Location

  1228 11th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

How To Get To Oxon Run Parkway

Head northwest on I-695 W. Use the second from the right lane to take Exit 2 for M St SE toward Navy Yard. Use the left lane to turn left onto M St SE, and follow it for about 320 feet. Then, turn left onto 11th St SE. Continue onto Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE. Turn left onto Good Hope Rd SE. Follow for a little over one mile, and turn right onto Naylor Rd SE. Turn right onto Southern Ave SE. Follow it for 1.6 miles. You will pass United Medical Center on the left. Once you see Serenity Rehab and Health on the right, turn right, and the Oxon Run Parkway is straight ahead. 

The Oxon Run Parkway is open from dawn until dusk year-round. 

Address

900 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, D.C., 20032

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

If you have an RV and want to learn about United States history, you'll love the Oxon Run Parkway. The parkway sits nearly in the middle of all the great activities and sites, so you're never too far away from anything interesting. Knowledge is everywhere, and an RV is the perfect way to find it while traveling in comfort.