Summer Guide: Shhh! Secret Picnic Spots

THE TIDAL BASIN’S SWELL, if you consider tourist-dodging a competitive sport. So, where should you take that red-and-white-checked blanket? Here are five local spots that haven’t been overrun by the fanny-pack set (yet).

» THE LAWN OF THE OMNI SHOREHAM HOTEL:
Any driver who has zoomed off Rock Creek Parkway onto the Woodley Park stretch of Connecticut Avenue has passed this welcoming swath of grassland, freckled with buttercups and dandelion seedlings. Starting at Calvert Street, walk around the east side of the Omni Shoreham and claim a shady space beneath one of the voluminous oaks. Cyclists, pickup soccer games and runners with dogs create a relaxed backdrop that almost makes you forget the throng of cars behind you.
2500 Calvert St. NW (Woodley Park)

» CRYSTAL CITY WATER PARK:
This well-groomed area is ideal for picnickers who don’t want to march through greenery to lay down their blankets. Here, loll on nice, clean concrete around the circa-1988 man-made waterfalls, seen at right. To the east, sturdy metal tables and chairs beg for leisurely lunch breaks. And as you walk by the gurgling geysers and waterspouts to the west, you’ll do a double take … yep, those are two Bose speakers gently pumping soothing tunes into the air. Follow the western curve around the waterfalls to the top of the falls for the park’s most private patch.
Crystal Drive between 15th and 18th streets. (Crystal City)

» WEST LAWN OF THE WASHINGTON HEBREW CONGREGATION:
The grounds of this Upper Northwest reform synagogue welcome folks of any religious belief or creed — provided they believe in the merits of a chill, honeysuckle-scented retreat. While hardly vast, there’s still plenty of room for picnickers to do as they please. Although if you see a man whacking a tennis ball to his golden retriever at the other end of the field, you may want to move out of range. Just sayin’.
3935 Macomb St. NW at Massachusetts Avenue NW.

» DUMBARTON OAKS PARK:
A tiny sign at the cul-de-sac of Whitehaven Street signals the entrance to this treasure, nestled between Glover Park and Georgetown. A few minutes of trekking on a dirt path brings you to an open area bordered by a gurgling creek. The grass is pretty thick here, but if you continue a little bit further you’ll find stone benches tucked into shadowy spots along the water that entice you to take a load off. Read more from an earlier visit by Express’ Michael Grass.
Whitehaven Street NW east of Wisconsin Avenue or Lovers Lane off R Street NW

» BATTERY KEMBLE PARK:
Turn onto Chain Bridge Road off Loughboro Road and you’ll reach the northwestern tip of this 146-year-old park. After a mile, a gravely drive descends to a parking area, but this writer parked off Chain Bridge Road instead and stumbled upon a view worthy of a Jane Austen novel. A slight drop-off opens onto a stunning scene of rolling grass and ivy-veiled trees below. Wild daisies pepper the landscape, and cool areas abound under leafy trees. You might even stumble upon the eponymous Battery itself.
Chain Bridge Road betwen Loughboro Road and MacArthur Boulevard.

Photos by Kris Coronado for Express and Michael Grass/Express