It is no secret that the midsummer heat of Washington D.C. is stifling and oppressive, and, not to mention, a constant ten degrees warmer than surrounding areas. Although the city offers dozens of fun, fitness-friendly summer activities, it is often too hot to capitalize on them during the summer months and deep into September. While I used to pine over a fleeting summer at home up north, here, I find myself rejoicing in the cool breezes that signify the onset of autumn. Yes, summer is amazing with its warm, crystalline ocean waters and lingering scents of honeysuckle. But come autumn, an entirely different spectrum of beauty arrives, where every tree is saturated in the kaleidoscope colors of a sunset. Imagine kayaking down a river surrounded by trees looking like that. Naturally, fall is now my favorite season (and also much appreciated on behalf of my fair skin.) Labor Day marks a temporary lull in the throngs of tourists milling around downtown Georgetown, making September and October (and even November) ideal months to take advantage of Washington’s outdoor activities before they disappear for the winter.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard on the Potomac at the KeyBridge Boathouse ($15-$20 an hour.)
2. Rent bikes via Capital Bike Share (featured throughout the city) to: bike to the monuments at sunset, on a date, with a friend, or even alone as a workout along the Georgetown canals.
3. Take a walk to Roosevelt Island and absorb some nature vibes.
4. Sit outside for a Coke or Margarita at the Sequoia near Washington Harbour.
5. Pick up cupcakes at Baked & Wired, Sprinkles, or Georgetown Cupcake and eat them on the benches by the waterfront.
6. Take a boat tour of the Washington
Monuments at the Georgetown waterfront
(http://www.potomacriverboatco…. ).
7. Check out the Jefferson Memorial at night, lie in the grass there – or go during the day and rent a paddleboat!
8. Take a trek to southeast D.C. to Eastern Market (a flea market) and eat a delicious brunch.
9. Grab some frozen yogurt at sweetgreen and take it to Dean & Deluca to eat outside.