Washington D.C.'s Underrated Islands Offer A Wild And Serene Escape From The Bustling City

Hidden beyond the iconic monuments and bustling crowds of Washington, D.C., lies a landscape few expect: A pair of wild, serene islands on the Anacostia River. Kingman and Heritage Islands offer visitors and D.C. residents an escape into nature and are a refuge for birds and other wildlife. But the islands are relative newcomers to Washington D.C. — when many presidents walked the streets of our nation's capital, the islands didn't exist!

In the early 20th century, Kingman and Heritage Islands emerged from material dredged out of the Anacostia River. From humble beginnings, the islands have evolved to provide habitats such as tidal freshwater pools and wildflower meadows that play host to scores of wildlife, from herons and kingfishers to turtles. Both Heritage Island and the larger Kingman Island are easily accessible from the center of D.C. by car, public transport, or on foot, making them an easy getaway from the city. If you've already found things you want to skip in Washington, D.C., put these islands on your list instead!

Once you're on the islands, the best way to discover them is via their network of paths. The trails are fairly short — around 1.5 miles — but they wind through the island's ecosystems, offering beautiful views across the river and Kingman Lake. You can walk or bike on the trails, and dogs are welcome if you keep them on a leash. Visitors love the lack of crowds on the islands and the sense of solitude they offer, though several AllTrails users warn that parts are a bit overgrown.

You can access the water from Kingman and Heritage Islands, too. If you're into fishing, bring along your rod, but treat it as recreation rather than a chance to catch dinner — there are strict warnings not to eat the fish out of the Anacostia! Though the water quality in the river is improving, it's still not ideal. However, there are many fun, free things to do in Washington, D.C., and helping to clean up the Anacostia is one of them. A lottery system allows people to sign up to join the Green Boats initiative to paddle the river for free and give back by picking trash out of the water. However, if you're looking to swim, you'll want to get outside of D.C. and take this easy road trip to explore the best beaches nearby.