happyly approved

Hains Point & East Potomac Loop

East Potomac Park, Ohio Drive Southwest, Washington, DC, USA

Daily dawn to dusk.

$

run

Come to Walk, Stroll, or Run Outdoors with your Kids in Hains Point and East Potomac Park in DC's Southwest.

Stroller running and walking are enjoyable for parents and kids alike, and a great way to get the family exercising outdoors while taking in the unbelievably beautiful views of our nation's Capitol. 

This fun route from East Potomac Park along Ohio Drive (if you park at the beginning) and around the tip is about four miles. I love that large sections are closed off to cars on the weekends too, which makes it especially kid-friendly regardless of whether you choose weekday or weekend running. The views are truly lovely, and it's a stroller-friendly route since it is flat all the way around.  

Running with kids often requires finesse in order to make sure they get a healthy amount of movement while trying to get sufficient exercise yourself. The playground at the end of Hains point is a nice solution, allowing for some playtime mid-run. If the kids aren't feeling running today, enjoy the stroll and the views anyway!

Tip: On windy days, the breeze will be pronounced on this particular run, so pack layers. We would not recommend this route after dark and always suggest running with others to maximize safety. 

This article by Roots Rated provides interesting historical details and a bit more context about the loop too!

For a bite to eat following your run, Due South is less than fifteen minutes away on the Capitol Riverfront, as is Shake Shack on the Wharf.

For a little museum time, the National Mall is just minutes away by car, including the amazing Smithsonian Museum of Natural History!

Features

Good for All Ages River views Scenic Walk
Thoughtfully captured by:
Caitlin Iseler
Caitlin Iseler, happyly founder and CEO, was born in New York and is one of eight children. Her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and the chance to sit at one table with her favorite 40 people. Caitlin, her outdoor loving husband, Thomas, and daughter, Hanah, live in Virginia Beach. She is also blessed to be a bonus mom to 2 incredible humans, Max & Elizabeth. Being a mom has always been something she dreamt of and it brings her joy beyond measure. Before starting happyly, Caitlin spent 15 years working in executive search with technology companies, most recently with Korn Ferry. In what seems like a lifetime ago, she attended the University of Virginia and was a member of the National & ACC Championship Teams, a gift that keeps giving.
More activities by Caitlin
3-mile out and back run or walk in the heart of DC.
Great public pool in the West End neighborhood.
An older playground with views that never get old, and running routes too!

Recommended Gear