Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove

Things To Do Near Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove

Bring your bike to Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac as the Mount Vernon Trail passes through it, making it a fantastic car-free place to ride. The meadow is a terrific place to enjoy a picnic and go bird-watching. The Boundary Channel runs along this park’s edge, and it is an excellent place for a kayaking adventure. There are great places to rest and soak in the scenery at this location on Columbia Island.

Hiking Trails

• Mount Vernon Trail

  The Mount Vernon Trail starts at George Washington’s Mount Vernon and runs along the Potomac River to Theodore Roosevelt Island. This paved trail is also open to bicyclists. Boardwalks take you across swampy areas. 

  Location

  3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mt Vernon, Virginia 22121

  Length

  18 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Donaldson Run Trail

  The Donaldson Run Trail begins at Potomac Overlook Regional Park by heading down a steep trail to the Potomac River. Then, it follows the river to the east until it reaches the rock jumble at Windy Point. This out-and-back trail runs by some historic boating equipment. 

  Location

  2845 Marcey Road, Arlington, Virginia 22207

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Scott’s Run Loop Hike

  Park in the east parking lot at Scotts Run Nature Preserve. The beginning of this hike that starts out going north is shared with the Stubblefield Falls Overlook Trail, allowing you to see the small waterfall. Then, it turns to the right and runs along through a beautiful wooded area. Finish by climbing the slippery slope of the nearby bluff near the American Legion Bridge to enjoy stunning views of the Potomac before returning to its starting point. 

  Location

  7400 Virginia Highway 193, McLean, Virginia 22102

  Length

  4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Fort Macy

  Soldiers hastily constructed Fort Macy during the Civil War to protect the Chain Bridge as it was one of the only ways to get from Virginia to Washington, D.C. They moved a massive amount of dirt to create trenches and earthwork walls that you can still see today.

  Location

  George Washington Parkway Northbound between the Spout Run Parkway and VA-123 exits McLean, Virginia 22101

• Theodore Roosevelt Island

  Once abandoned in the 1930s, crews recreated what Theodore Roosevelt Island looked like in its natural state. You can see it from short trails or a kayak on the river. Park rangers lead weekend walking events at this location. 

  Location

  Near Memorial Bridge, George Washington Memorial Parkway Northbound, McLean, Virginia 22101

• Arlington National Cemetery

  Arlington National Cemetery is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and you can watch the impressive changing of the guard there. Visit the Memorial Amphitheater, which has housed the official laying of the wreath by many presidents. Stop at the visitor's center to see displays about this location. 

  Location

  1 Memorial Avenue, Fort Myer, Virginia 22211

Museums

• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

  This affiliate of the National Air and Space Museum is housed in two large hangers. It has thousands of artifacts on display, including a Concorde and the Space Shuttle Discovery. Pretend that you are a pilot in the simulators, or drop by storytime with your children.

  Location

  14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, Virginia 20151

• George Washington’s Mount Vernon

  Explore George Washington’s Mount Vernon, including his home, outbuildings, and gardens. See how farming was done during this era, and visit his final resting place. The staff hosts many special events throughout the year. 

  Location

  3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Artisans

  Find funky and whimsical art at The Artisans, with many options handmade in Virginia or in other parts of the United States. You can find jewelry, kitchenware, and bath and beauty products. They also sell wonderful handmade candy.

  Location

  1368 Chain Bridge Road, McLean Virginia 22101

• Alex and Ani

  You will love jewelry from Alex and Ani. This store sells jewelry made with clean metals, and many of their pieces contain recycled materials.

  Location

  1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia 22102 

• McLean Family Restaurant

  Hungry diners have started their day with breakfast from McLean Family Restaurant since 1969. Then, they often find their way back later in the day for salads and sandwiches. This locally owned restaurant also serves excellent steaks and seafood. 

  Location

  1321 Chain Bridge Road McLean, Virginia 22101

• Kazan Restaurant

  Select from a wide assortment of Turkish entrees at Kazan Restaurant. The lamb is particularly great, but you can also find chicken, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. This upscale restaurant has been in business since 1980. 

  Location

  6813 Redmond Drive, McLean, Virginia 22101

How To Get To Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove on the Potomac is on Columbia Island. It is easy to get to this location from the White House, which may be why the president often escaped to this spot. Start by heading east on H Street Northwest. Turn right on 15th Street Northwest and another right on Constitution Avenue Northwest. Turn left on Henry Bacon Drive Northwest, and take the slight veer to the right to get on Lincoln Memorial Circle Northwest. At the traffic circle, take the first exit to get on South Arlington Boulevard. Take the ramp on your left to Reagan National Airport and merge onto George Washington Parkway. Take the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove exit and turn right onto Columbia Island Marina. Directly after you pass the marina, the grove will be on your right. 

Address

Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Washington, D.C., 20037

Fee: Entry fee $0

The 35th president of the United States is memorialized at Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove. This park located about three miles from the White House was selected by Lady Bird Johnson to honor her husband, who was a nature lover. He signed the Water Resources Planning Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and he created the first National Water Commission. An RV is a convenient and comfortable way to explore this and other Washington, D.C.-area attractions. If you do not have an RV, rent one on RVshare.com.