Things To Do Near Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
The hiking trails are the main attraction at Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial. Bring your walking shoes, and enjoy the shade of the tall trees. Within walking distance, you'll find some of the country's most famous monuments and museums as well as an endless array of shopping and dining options.
Hiking Trails
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Swamp Trail
Enjoy a long, leisurely walk through the trees on Roosevelt Island on the Swamp Trail. This loop trail starts and ends at the end of the pedestrian bridge at the entrance to the park. The eastern half is covered with pea gravel, so it's passable for strollers. The western half is an elevated boardwalk; look across the Potomac River to spot the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Island entrance
Length
1.5 miles round-trip
Intensity
Easy
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Woods Trail
If you're searching for a fast and easy walk, head for the Woods Trail. It's the shortest trail in the park, offering a pleasant stroll through the trees. Start at the memorial plaza and the statue of Theodore Roosevelt, and follow the signs to reach the trail.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
Length
0.33 mile one way
Intensity
Easy
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Upland Trail
Check out the ruins of the once-grand Mason mansion on the Upland Trail. It travels the length of the island from north to south. Near the bottom end, the path loops around the old mansion and offers multiple views of the tall, ivy-covered walls.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial
Length
0.75 miles one way
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial
Most of the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial consists of forests and trails. The exception is the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Plaza, a paved area dominated by a statue of Roosevelt himself. Two large fountains create a place to sit and relax after your hike.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Island
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U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
Take a 1-mile walk from Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. Here, an enormous statue depicts troops raising the American flag at Iwo Jima. Explore the park and listen for the sounds of the Netherlands Carillon nearby.
Location
U.S. Marine Memorial Circle, Arlington, VA 22209
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Arlington National Cemetery
About 2 miles south of Theodore Roosevelt Island lies Arlington National Cemetery. Covering 639 acres, it's the final resting place for more than 14,000 U.S. veterans. While you're there, check out the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, explore the Memorial Amphitheater, and wander through the Memorial Arboretum. You can also visit the grave of John F. Kennedy and check out the memorials for the Rough Riders, women in military service, Pan Am Flight 103, and more. If you're not sure where to start, visit the cemetery's welcome center to see a map and learn about the grounds.
Location
1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA 22211
Museums
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National Museum of Women in the Arts
See the world through the eyes of great female artists at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Start by checking out famous works by Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt; then, move on to discover new favorite artists from around the world. The museum is home to art from the 16th century to modern times, so you can see a wide perspective of styles, views, and media.
Location
1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20005
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Dumbarton House
Get a sense of life in historic Washington, D.C., at the Dumbarton House. As you walk through this grand home, you'll see a wide range of furniture, clothing, textiles, and home goods from the Federal period, which extended from 1789 to 1825. Fascinating exhibits tell the story of the house's occupants, from the enslaved people who worked in the kitchen to the original owners.
Location
2715 Q St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
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United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Drive about 5 miles from the Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial to find the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Here, you can discover the events that led to the Holocaust from an international point of view. A particularly moving exhibit tells the stories of Americans who saw firsthand the Nazi concentration camps and the horrors that Hitler brought upon the Jewish people in Europe.
Location
100 Raoul Wallenberg Pl. SW, Washington, DC 20024
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Kennedy Center Gift Shop
Shop for a range of elegant souvenirs at the Kennedy Center Gift Shop. From music recordings to fine-art pieces, this beautiful store is worth a visit whether or not you're attending a performance.
Location
2700 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20566
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Lincoln Memorial Bookstore
If you're visiting the Lincoln Memorial after Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial, don't miss the Lincoln Memorial Bookstore. Tiny but interesting, this store offers books, souvenirs, T-shirts, and more.
Location
Lincoln Memorial Circle NW and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC 20037
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Open Road Rosslyn
With its beautiful, Americana-themed interior, Open Road Rosslyn is a stylish place to grab lunch after your visit to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The menu offers upscale versions of classic comfort food; start with the four-cheese macaroni, and finish with the fantastic steak frites.
Location
1201 Wilson Blvd. Suite 213, Arlington, VA 22209
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Barley Mac
Start your meal at Barley Mac with an order of the house-cut fries — just make sure to leave room for the indulgent brick oven pizza, lobster roll, or stroganoff. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining as well as a fantastic whiskey selection.
Location
1600 Wilson Blvd. Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22209