What's a good spot for a picnic in DC?

[Pinknails]

Please give your suggestions. I'd prefer a place with tables, but not necessary. Thanks.

[Hungry Man]

One of my favorite picnic spots is Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park between U Street and Columbia Heights. It's currently undergoing some renovation, but it has plenty of benches, flat lawns, and more neoclassical fountains than you'll find anywhere else in D.C.

[dcveggiemom]

Rock Creek Park! Anywhere!
I prefer the lawns by the nature/horse center, but you can also drive back and just pick a spot.

Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown is beautiful
as well

[taresa514]

I second Meridian Hill Park. Plenty of places to sit and watch beautiful fountians and flowers. I think they may still do drums circles on Sundays, too. Pretty entertaining!

[Elyssa]

The mall is an obvious choice but they don't have picnic tables. There are various hidden spots around the Mall that I personally love but I couldn't even attempt to describe how to get there.

One place I discovered awhile back that I really enjoy is the entrance to the National Zoo from Adams Morgan (perhaps someone knows what street that entrance is....it's where the parking is). There is a rolling green area with space for blankets but also a few picnic areas. It's not over run and is quiet enough to enjoy a peaceful picnic...then you can go visit the monkeys and pandas. :)

[mselectra]

Elyssa -- It's Harvard St.

[Elyssa]

Yes...thank you. I should know that since I use to live 2 streets over. But it took me more then a year of living there to even know that entrance existed :)

[katecm]

You need to describe a bit more what you're looking for. Are you asking to pick up food somewhere? Or just a pretty space? In a city with a national mall, several islands and a park that stretches the entire length of the city, there are a lot of choices.

[mixedeyes]

If you can get out there, the National Arboretum is the best around - large enough so you can disappear easily enough, and you can even find some gazebos and benches if you want.