The natural beauty of Capital Region USA
From dramatic, wild and wonderful islands to large urban green spaces and underground caves, Capital Region USA offers a diverse range of natural places to visit and enjoy.
Best for something different …. Assateague Island is a 37-mile long barrier island located off the eastern coast of Maryland and Virginia, accessed by two bridges, from each State. This stunning, little-developed island has some of the finest, pristine white-sand beaches on the East Coast. Wildlife, including wild ponies and marine life thrive in the wetlands, salt marshes, inland pine forests and along the sea shore. Get up close on a narrated wildlife boat cruise and experience the amazing ponies, inhabitants of the island since 1600, as well as plenty of the island’s other creatures. See: assateagueisland.com/explorer.htm
Alternatively you can join a kayak tour to explore the creeks, coves and waterways where you may spot one of the 320 bird species that are known to inhabit the island, including the American Oystercatcher, Great Blue Heron, Piping Plover and Snowy Egret.
Best for contrast … Escape Washington DC’s bustling city life with a trip to Rock Creek Park, located north of the city centre, one of the largest urban parks in the US featuring a wide range of historical, natural and recreational facilities. It is DC’s most ‘naturally created’ green space, centred round Rock Creek and Valley, extending 12 miles from the Potomac River to the border of Maryland. Visitors can see the Nature Centre & Planetarium; the Carter Barron Amphitheatre; and the Rock Creek Gallery featuring works of local artists. Also located within the park is the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium where the Legg Mason Tennis Classic is held every year before the US Open in New York. Recreational activities include hiking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, boating, tennis, golf, running, rollerblading and ranger-led programs, and for the less energetic there are numerous spots for a picnic and also playgrounds for children. See: nps.gov/rocr/index.htm
Best natural wonder … Luray Caverns in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, are the largest caverns in the eastern USA and have been designated a US Natural Landmark. Discovered in 1878, they offer amazing formations housed in limestone caves. The underground cavern system has an abundance of columns, mud flows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone and mirrored pools. One of the best known features is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, played from a regular-size organ, its organ pipes are the stalactites themselves, spreading over 3.5 underground acres, and wired with little rubber mallets. Other captivating formations include the Giant's Hall, vast expansive chambers decorated by predominately golden columns; Titania's Veil, primarily all white and formed by pure crystalline drips; Frozen Fountain, a massive, somewhat rounded white flowstone and the Empress Column, a huge golden column formed when a stalactite and stalagmite met. See: luraycaverns.com
To find out more about journey options in the Capital Region USA, visit: CapitalRegionUSA.co.uk