The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail is a great place for a jog along D.C.’s Capital Beltway. This 3.5 mile paved path crosses the Potomac, linking Prince George’s County, Maryland to Alexandria, Virginia. Bicyclists and runners appreciate that it connects with a network of trails in Northern Virginia and offers spectacular views of Old Town Alexandria, Reagan National Airport and the Potomac River. The trail even offers binocular stations so you can enjoy the view. Many trail users are training for an endurance event, and love the challenge of the spiral climb up to the bridge. Don’t worry about traffic since all sections of the trail are car-free.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail
Interstate 495
Washington, DC 20001
(301) 699-2255
www.pgparks.com/Your_Parks/Trails/Woodrow_Wilson_Bridge_Trail.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/woodrow-wilson-bridge-trail-washington

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/honorphotobar

Have you tried Capital Bikeshare? This bike rental service is a great way to see the sights or run errands. They boast more than 1800 bicycles at over 200 stations throughout D.C., Arlington, and Alexandria.

The rentals are intended for short trips, and one-way trips are fine. You pay a membership fee – either daily, three days, a month, or a year — the annual fee is just $75. You can take as many trips as you like and the first 30 minutes is free, with each additional half hour charged.

It’s a good idea to download their smartphone app before you set out, it lets you check the availability of bikes and open docking stations. Remember to bring your own helmet!

Capital Bikeshare
Washington, DC
(877) 430-2453
www.capitalbikeshare.com
www.yelp.com/biz/capital-bikeshare-washington

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Arend Vermazeren

The smallest things can be the biggest hits, especially at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo. Located inside the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the Insect Zoo is creepy, crawly fun! Want to know how insects live? The museum has many exhibits where you can observe how insects live in their environments. And best of all, they’re alive! Come to the tarantula feedings, go to a demonstration where you will actually get to hold an insect! The Insect Zoo is also a favorite spot for teachers to bring students on field trips, because it’s pretty hard to find any exhibit that’s this much fun while being educational.

If you visit, make sure you see the butterfly pavilion, too!

Insect Zoo
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
10th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20560
(202) 357-1729
http://www.yelp.com/biz/insect-zoo-at-national-museum-of-natural-history-washington

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Karen Roe