Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

How To Get To Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial

There are no vehicles allowed on Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial; you'll need to walk there on the Theodore Roosevelt Island Pedestrian Bridge. To get to the parking lot, take I-66 from Washington, D.C., or Arlington, Virginia, to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The parking area is located just north of the Theodore Roosevelt bridge.

Address

George Washington Memorial Parkway, northbound lanes between Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge, Arlington, VA 22209

Fee: Entry fee $0

As you explore the tree-lined paths of Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial, the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., fades away; it's the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate on your trip to the capitol. Whether you want to hang out by the fountains or get in a hike or a trail run, this quiet park is perfect for the whole family. If you want to experience even more of the local landscape, an RV is a great way to visit. Set up camp on the outskirts of the city, and return home to a comfortable bed and a crackling campfire.