Just an hour west of Washington, D.C., Sky Meadows State Park opens into a wide sweep of pasture, ridge, and sky. I come here with my daughter Claire, my golden retriever Parker, and Flan, her flat-coated retriever, for a…
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Originally published March 2022. Updated March 2026. Each spring, Washington, D.C.’s cherry blossoms draw crowds to the Tidal Basin—but the most rewarding views often unfold elsewhere. In this guide to non-Tidal Basin cherry blossom spots in DC, I walk…
San Francisco is a city best explored slowly—on foot, by cable car, and by ferry. In my city guide to the best things to do in San Francisco, I recommend you explore San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods and parks, check…
Visiting Sausalito on the public ferry is one of the best travel deals in San Francisco. The round-trip cost is $28. Since I am a senior, I only paid $16. If you only have three days in San Francisco,…
Neighborhood: Southwest DC – The WharfStart: Municipal Fish Market End: Transit Pier Total walking distance: ~0.6 miles (1 km)Total walking time: ~15 minutes (30–60 minutes with stops)Terrain: Flat, paved boardwalkBest time: Late morning or early evening (golden hour) The…
Originally published February 2023. Updated December 2025. Washington, DC is best understood on foot—block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood. This guide is the starting point for my self-guided walks through DC’s most distinctive neighborhoods, written for curious travelers, locals,…
This DC holiday tree walk connects Washington DC’s most accessible Christmas trees—indoors and outdoors—through Capitol Hill, downtown, and President’s Park. The route works well after dark, stays mostly flat, and pairs architecture with seasonal displays rather than crowds or…
Revised August 20, 2026 Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights transforms the botanical gardens in Vienna, Virginia, into a half-mile trail of sparkling Christmas lights each holiday season. Visitors walk through illuminated trees, tunnels, nature displays, and interactive exhibits from…