Senator Charles H. Percy Plaza

Probably one of few spots in the city where you can see how much the city has grown, and while taking all of this in, experience calmness. It's like an oasis where least expected. I recommend both strolling alongside the river (maybe get some ice cream where the fountain is and the restaurants, or having a coffee from Grace Street Coffee nearby, or Baked and Wired with its great cupcakes, and bringing that with you) and the brief hike up to the Francis Scott Key statue. You can also walk along the trail but probably better with a bike.

The park along the water in Georgetown is really an oasis. I think it is the best place in the city to take all of it in, and a welcome retreat from downtown or the busyness of M Street. There are a lot of ways to do this. I'd start there and then either get a coffee or go get some pizza or sushi...

Nice park to walk through or sit and relax. There were people feeding birds on the steps...

Great spot to watch the locals as the sun goes down. Grab some takeout and claim...