Green Space Map: Georgetown University

Heyden Memorial Gardens (Observatory Gardens)

This relaxing garden features grass, a koi pond, benches, and a garden, making it the perfect atmosphere to relax or stargaze. The Observatory Hill Gardens have many native and non-native organisms, including herbaceous-plant, shrub and tree species from different parts of the world. The Heyden Observatory and Gardens at Georgetown University were originally created in 1844 to study the sky, but light pollution limited the observatory's capability and caused it to officially close in 1971. It is currently used by the GU Astronomical Society as a location to discuss new developments and history in the field of astronomy and physics.

Directions: 1. Start at Yates Field House 2. Turn left and walk straight on road (slight incline)  3. The gardens will be on your right

Fun Fact:  In 1969, through Congress, NASA’s director designated the Heyden Observatory as a national monument, and it is listed on the national register of historical places in the US.

Regents/MSB Lawn

This large, open grassy space features a garden and lawn chairs. It is a great place to spend time with friends, relax in the sun, have a picnic or study between classes.

It is located next to the outdoor staircase between Regents Hall and the Hariri Building.

Hoya Harvest Garden

The Hoya Harvest Garden is an initiative created in 2023 by the Earth Commons. It is a space used for farming using sustainable agriculture practices and provides food to the community.

It is located on the 4th floor patio of Regents Hall.

Ryan/Isaac Hawkins Hall Lawn

This green space features benches, lawn chairs, a manicured lawn, and gardens Students can study, relax in between classes, sunbathe, and hang out with friends in this space.

It is located to the left of the entrance to the residence Ida Ryan and Isaac Hawkins Hall (commonly referred to as "Jes Res").

Georgetown Community Garden

The GREEN Garden is maintained by a team of students from GREEN (Georgetown Renewable Energy and Environmental Network). The garden is home to over 20 different vegetables, flowers, and plants. The fruits and vegetables produced are enjoyed by undergraduates, given to the Hoya Hub (our student food pantry), or donated to DC-area food banks.

It is located on the south side of Leo O’Donovan Dining Hall.

Urban Herbs

This medicinal garden was a project created by the Georgetown University School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology & Physiology. It is home to Western and Asian medicinal plants, culinary herbs, wildflowers, fruits, and more. The garden is used in various courses and cared for by student volunteers. There are benches and tables near the gardens to relax, study, or eat.

Directions: 1. Begin facing the stairs to Yates Field House and head right. 2. Walk up the hill along the road until you reach the hospital. 3. Continue left until you see the courtyard leading to the medical campus on your right. 4. Go down the stairs into the courtyard then up the other set of stairs 5. You will see the Dahlgren Memorial Library, and the gardens are located to the right of that

Find out more about the plants in this garden here:  https://sites.google.com/a/georgetown.edu/urban-herbs/plant-descriptions 

Koi Pond

While small, this koi pond is a prime spot on campus to unwind and be present in nature. When there, try listening to the sounds of the water or try spotting a koi fish amongst the floating lily pads. This green space features manicured lawns and bushes in addition to the pond. There are benches and shade to contribute to the relaxing atmosphere.

The pond is located on the lawn to the right of White-Gravenor Hall.

Healy Family Student Center Patio

With grass, shade, tables and chairs, and sweeping views of the Potomac, the HFSC Patio is a popular spot on campus to study, eat, hang out with friends, and relax. The patio allows you to be in nature without being fully immersed in the wild. 

To find the patio, exit the glass doors built into the windows of the HFSC Great Room.

Leavey Esplanade

This green space has tables and chairs, gardens, grass, shade, and panoramic views of campus. It is perfect to spend time with friends, study, eat, or watch the sunset over campus. It is the site of many events hosted by Georgetown and various student groups including some of the activities for New Student Orientation and Parents Weekend. Adjacent to this space is the coffeeshop Uncommon Grounds, one of the Corp locations on campus.

You can access this space by using the staircases in the Leavey Center, through Uncommon Grounds in the second level of the bookstore, or by the bridge at the top of the slope on the road by Yates Field House.

Alumni Square Courtyard

This small grassy lawn has trees, lawn chairs, benches, and trees. It is a secluded area surrounded by only the Village B/Alumni Square Residences. It is a great place to relax with friends or escape the chaos of the city.

Directions 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus from the main entrance on O St NW 2. Continue straight on O St until you see the first path between buildings on your right 3. Enter here

During class days, no amplified sound is permitted between 9:00am and 5:00pm.

Glover Archbold Park

This park is 183-acres and about 5.7 miles of trail that begins at Van Ness Street and ends at the Foundry Branch Park trail which connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. Biking is not allowed as the trail is rugged. It is a moderate hike with slight elevation. The canopied dirt trails are perfect for walking, running, hiking, walking a dog, watching birds, or looking at historic trees. It is conveniently located right behind campus.

Directions: 1. Begin at Heyden Memorial Garden 2. Behind the observatory there is a small path. Take it 3. Turn right when possible and merge onto the Glover Archbold Park Trail

Fun Fact: This park is home to over 200 species of fungi.

Capital Crescent Trail

This trail features a main paved path, perfect for walking, running, biking, or roller skating, and luscious green trees with a view of the Potomac. There are also soft paths to more fully immerse oneself in nature or access the river for fishing. 

Length: 11 miles 

Directions 1. Start at McDonough Arena doors  2. Walk down the stairs by the bus circle 3. Walk down the hill to the main road 4. Turn right on sidewalk when you reach Canal Rd NW 5. Walk along sidewalk until you see a path on your right hand side 6. Go down the path, turn left at the fork, and through the tunnel 7. Walk straight to trail 

Fun Fact: This trail is built on the former route of the Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad, a freight line that opened in 1910 which carried coal and building materials to Georgetown, Chevy Chase, and Bethesda. 

Georgetown Waterfront Park

This park is an extremely convenient walk or run from Georgetown's main campus. It features grassy expanses, gardens, a fountain, and a labyrinth with a paved path for biking, skating, walking, and running. It lies along the Potomac River from 31st St NW to the Key Bridge with great views. There also many boat launches.

Hours: Always open

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus using the Prospect St entrance 2. Head east along Prospect St 3. Turn right onto 33rd St NW 4. Cross the canal using the bridge by Blue Bottle Coffee 5. Continue along 33rd St NW 6. Cross Whitehurst Fwy NW and you will reach the park

Fun Fact: The Georgetown Waterfront was always an important port of business. Over 400 years ago, it was established as a prominent meeting center and trading hub for Native American tribes living in the region. 

C & O Canal Towpath

This national park is a 184.5 mile dirt and stone path runs along the C & O Canal. Here, visitors can walk, run, hike, bike, rock climb, paddle, or camp from Georgetown all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. Not only is the path a great place for recreation, but there are many historic sites along the path including a 19th century stone cutting mill at mile marker 22.8. It is also home to over 200 rare and threatened species of plants.

Hours: Dusk to Dawn

Directions (These directions are to the closest access point to Georgetown University, but the trailhead is further east near M St NW and Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW): 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus using the Prospect St entrance 2. Head east along Prospect St 3. Turn right onto 34th St NW 4. Continue straight towards the river and you will reach the path

Fun Fact: This path was originally built for the canal mules to walk beside the canal as they “towed” the canal boats through the waterway, hence the name "towpath".

Whitehaven Parkway

This 32.4 acre park has dirt trails in green forested areas and expansive open spaces. The trails range from 0.5-1 miles and are great for walking, running, or biking. There are also picnic tables and benches to relax. Off the trail, in the middle of the woods, there is a community garden (this can be most easily reached by the trail entrance on 40th and W St).

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the Reservoir Rd Entrance past St Mary's Hall 2. Turn left on Reservoir Rd and continue along the road 3. Turn Right on 39th St NW and continue along the road 4. At the end of the road continue along the pedestrian path into the greenery

Fun fact: 12 acres of this park were purchased from Clarence Forbes Norment, a banker/real estate developer who shook the hand of every president from Lincoln to FDR.

Dumbarton Oaks Park

This 27 acre park features many paths and meadows along a stream with plenty of benches and arbors to relax and enjoy the naturalized woods and wildflowers. Within the park is a 1.4 mile dirt trail called Dumbarton Oaks Loop which is great for hiking, running, or walking. Hours: Dawn to Dusk There are several point of access to Dumbarton Oaks Park. A popular entrance is Lovers' Lane, a quarter mile pedestrian only paved path to the park entrance which separates the Dumbarton Oaks estate from Montrose Park.

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus from the P Street staircase 2. Head east along P St NW 3. Turn left on 34th St NW and continue along the street 4. Turn right on R St NW and continue along the left hand side of the street 5. The entrance to Lovers' Lane will be on your left and demarcated with a white wooden sign with green writing Fun Fact: Dumbarton Oaks Park was designed by Beatrix Farrand, a well-known landscape architect, who also designed the landscape of Princeton University.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens

Explore the picturesque gardens filled with a diverse array of plants, art installations, and architecture which are housed on this 53 acre property. In the words of Diplomat Robert Bliss who founded Dumbarton Oaks, this space was created as "a quiet place where the advanced students and scholars could withdraw", and its tranquil, meditative aura certainly does not disappoint. Don't forget to check out the museum to view a collection of historical pieces from across the globe!

Winter Garden Hours (November 1 - March 14): 2:00-5:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday (excluding federal holidays), free admission

Regular Garden Hours (March 15 - October 31): 2:00-6:00 PM, Tuesday-Sunday (excluding federal holidays), tickets required Museum Hours: 11:30 AM-5:30 PM, Tuesday-Sunday (excluding federal holidays), free admission

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's Main Campus at the P Street staircase near White-Gravenor Hall 2. Head east along P St NW 3. Turn left on 35th St NW and continue along this road 4. Turn right on R St NW and continue along this road 5. Continue along 33rd St NW 6. You will see the gate to the gardens on your left (The Museum entrance is located on 32nd St NW and R St NW)

Fun Fact: During WWII delegates from the US, UK, USSR, and China met at Dumbarton Oaks for a series of important meetings which resulted in the United Nations Charter adopted in 1945.

Rose Park

This park has tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, two playground areas, park benches/rest areas and foliage. In the spring, it has beautiful cherry blossoms. There are many events hosted here including a weekly farmers market, holiday celebrations, and summer movie nights.

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the front gates on O St NW and continue east on O St NW 2. Turn right on Wisconsin Ave 3. Turn left on Dumbarton St NW 4. Continue along this street until you reach 27th St NW where you will see the park

Fun Fact: Rose Park was one of the first officially de-segregated parks in DC.

Volta Park

This park is made up of a playground, a basketball court, a baseball field, a pool, tennis courts, and gardens. It is perfect for some green exercise, a stroll, or a picnic. There are many events hosted here throughout the year including a Friday farmers' market.

Recreation Center Hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Monday-Friday

Pool Hours: 12:00 PM-8:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the P St NW staircase 2. Head east along P St NW 3. Turn left on 34th St NW 4. The park will be on your right at the intersection of 34th St NW and Volta Pl NW

Fun Fact: In the 1950s, JFK played touch football with his brothers at Volta Park.

Rock Creek Park

This oasis from the city is a great place for green exercise or relaxation. From colonial houses, to civil war forts, to working mills, to a planetarium, Rock Creek Park truly has a wide range of sights. It is filled with many trees, wild animals, and no shortage of things to do. There are over 32 miles of hiking trails, but the primary two are the Western Ridge Trail and Valley Trail which run north and south, creating a loop around the park. The other trails run east and west and there are a seemingly infinite number of paths you could take. Aside from hiking you can go biking on the paved paths, play tennis at the courts, have a picturesque picnic, play golf at the 18 hole course, canoe in the Potomac, go fishing, or even ride a horse.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset everyday excluding federal holidays

Directions: (*These are driving directions as this location is 4.3 miles away*) 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the Canal Rd NW entrance 2. Turn left onto Canal Rd NW and head east along this road 3. Continue onto M St NW 4. Turn left onto 29th St NW 5. Turn right onto P St NW 6. Turn left to merge onto Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW 7. Keep right to continue onto Beach Dr NW 8. Turn left onto Porter St NW and you will find yourself in the park Fun Fact: During the US Civil War this park was deforested and the logs were laid out as a defense strategy to halt the Confederate march through the valley. 

Smithsonian National Zoo

Walk along the paved path surrounded by trees in this zoo which is home to over 400 species of animals.

The zoo is open everyday except Christmas. To visit, you must reserve a free entry pass online. Winter Hours (Sept 15-Mar 15): 8:00 AM-6:00 PM with last admittance at 5:00 PM Summer Hours (Mar 15- Sept 15): 8:00 AM-4:00 PM with last admittance at 3:00 PM

Directions: (*The directions provided are driving directions as this location is over 1.5 miles from Georgetown's main campus*) 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the Canal Rd NW 2. Turn left on Canal Rd NW 3. Continue straight on Foxhall Rd NW 4. Turn right on Garfield St NW 5. Turn right on New Mexico Ave NW 6. Continue onto Tunlaw Rd NW 7. Take a slight left onto Fulton St NW 8. Turn left onto Fulton St NW 9. Turn left on Watson Pl NW 10. Continue onto Garfield St NW 11. Turn left on 34th St NW 12. Turn right onto Cathedral Ave NW 13. Turn left onto Connecticut NW 14. Turn right onto North Rd 15. The zoo will be on your right

Fun Fact: After President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, he was gifted two giant pandas who became the first housed at the National Zoo. Today, the National Zoo and its scientists are leaders in giant panda breeding, biology, and conservation. 

National Cathedral Gardens

The 59 acre grounds surrounding the National Cathedral are covered with beautiful, cultivated gardens which visitors can walk around in for hours. Some of the most notable features are the Bishop's Garden (inspired by medieval gardens), Olmsted Woods (an oak and beech forest), the outdoor amphitheater, and prayer path.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Directions: (*The directions provided are driving directions as this location is over 1.5 miles from Georgetown's main campus*) 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the Canal Rd NW entrance 2. Turn left on Canal Rd NW 3. Head west along Canal Rd NW 4. Continue straight onto Foxhall Rd NW 5. Turn right onto Reservoir Rd 6. Turn left onto 37th St NW 7. 37th St NW becomes Tunlaw Rd NW 8. Turn right onto Calvert St NW 9. Turn left onto Wisconsin Ave 10. Turn right onto South Rd

Fun Fact: The plants in the Bishop's Garden are those with historical or biblical significance. 

Book Hill Park

This quaint and quiet park is true to its name in that it is situated on top of a hill. With a paved path for walking and gorgeous ornamental gardens, Book Hill Park is a great place to escape, sit on a bench and study, have a picnic, go for a walk, and take in the view of Georgetown and Rosslyn.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the P St NW staircase 2. Head east along P St NW 3. Turn left on 33rd St NW and continue along the street 4. The park will be on your right hand side at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave NW and Reservoir Rd NW, and the entrance is a staircase on Wisconsin Ave NW

Fun Fact: Every Fourth of July since 2002, Book Hill Park hosts a "Doggie Parade" where local owners bring their dogs to parade down the park's grand staircase. 

Teddy Roosevelt Island

This National Park was created in the 1930s as a memorial to honor the outdoorsman President Roosevelt was. It has wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands with a diverse group of bird populations. The wildflowers are known to be particularly beautiful in spring and summer. A great way to see the island is by canoe or kayak. The island features a variety of trails for walking and running. The Swamp Trail is mostly flat and partially gravel and partially boardwalk. It is 1.5 miles and loops around the island. It passes through swampy woods and cattail marsh. The Woods Trail is more surfaced and made of pea gravel. It is 1/3 miles long and passes through the middle of the island. This path takes you past the memorial plaza to see its statue and fountains. The Upland Trail is surfaced and made of pea gravel. It is 3/4 of a mile long and goes along the length of the island. It goes through forests and loops around the former site of the Mason mansion.

Hours: 6:00 AM-10:00 PM everyday except federal holidays There is no entrance fee.

Directions: 1. Exit Georgetown's main campus through the staircase near Lauinger Library 2. Turn right and continue south along 37th St NW 3. Turn left on Prospect St NW and continue along the street 4. Turn right on 34th St NW and continue along the street 5. Cross M St NW and take the path around the Francis Scott Key Memorial 6. Turn right and continue on along the path until you can turn left 7. Turn left and continue across the Francis Key Scott Memorial Bridge 8. Turn left on Mount Vernon Trail and follow the trail to the Theodore Roosevelt Island Pedestrian Bridge 9. Cross the bridge

Fun Fact: During the US Civil War, this island was the location of Camp Greene, the US Army Training Camp famously known for training the 1st United States Colored Infantry Regiment.