Nestled in the Palisades, west of Glover Park, this park was once home to a strategic encampment of Union soldiers, staked out to defend the city from Confederate raids. Today, it’s host to running trails, majestic giant pines trees, and a grassy, rolling meadow.Best for: running haphazardly with your dog, or when it snows, sledding.Photo by Geoff Livingston.

Previously a concrete jungle better known for drug deals than dog walkers, Crispus Attucks Park is now a seemingly hidden oasis of greenery tucked amongst the Tudor row houses of Bloomingdale. Named for a freed slave who was killed by British gunfire during the Boston Massacre of 1770, the park is a petite gem of grass, flowers, trees, and walkways.Best for: a short stroll or a picnic.Photo by Flickr user rock creek.

Certainly the biggest greenspace on the list, and perhaps the most well-known, the National Arboretum is still largely underappreciated, as its many wonders seem largely ignored by both locals and tourists. It's a sprawling oasis of flowers, bushes, and trees features meandering walking trails, spacious gardens, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and even abandoned columns (which look like ancient ruins) from the earliest days of the Capital.Best for: a spring time walk, smelling flowers.Photo by L. Shanley.

Once the home of the “world’s oldest brewer,” who ran the Christian Heurich Brewing Company until his death at age 102, this Victorian mansion features a quaint garden, open to the public during lunch hours.Best for:a brown-bag lunch, a break from the 9 to 5. Photo by Valerie Paschall.

This 91-acre wilderness preserve, which honors the nation's 26th president and his commitment to public conservation, is the perfect place to truly escape the city. With more than 2.5 miles of interweaving trails, a variety of wildlife, a view of the Georgetown waterfront and a bronze statue of Roosevelt situated midst the woods, Teddy Roosevelt Island is an ideal afternoon adventure.Best for: bird watching, hiking, pretending you're Huckleberry Finn.Photo by Adam Fagen.

Washington has more than 40 traffic circles, but this one is one of the best. Situated in the half-hipster, half-historic neighborhood off 14th Street, Logan Circle is one of the most peaceful, large and green circles. Outfitted with giant trees and plenty of shade, and surrounded by gorgeous, old row houses, it’s the ideal place to read a book in the open air without venturing far from home.Best for: pretending to read while people watching.Photo by Flickr user NCinDC.

This underutilized patch of grass, complete with flowers, fountains, and benches, sits next to the Smithsonian Castle, one of the more memorable looking buildings on the National Mall. While the hordes of tourists are huddled, drenched in sweat, on the steps of the various museums, in-the-know Mall-goers can escape to this oasis of green for some shade, a moment of peace, and the free Wi-Fi.Best for: checking your e-mail while smelling flowers.Photo by Flickr user cliff1066™

Also known as Malcolm X Park, this 12 acre park is perhaps the most popular park on this list. But being a bit out of the way of Washington’s many tourist traps, it’s almost never overly crowded. Plus, for those willing to trek up the steep hill, it remains a treasure. Boasting a staircase of cascading water and European-style terraces, the park recalls Versailles. While the view isn't quite the French countryside, the high vantage point does offer enjoyable panoramas of the District.Best for: a picnic, a view of the city, watching the 4th of July fireworks.Photo by Alicia Griffin.