The Best Local Parks for Morning Walks, Dog Runs, or Quiet Reading Time

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Hidden gems in Northern Virginia for calm, quiet, and connection with nature

We all need that spot—a pocket of calm where the air feels fresher, the noise fades, and the pace slows down. In Northern Virginia, beyond the popular trails and family-packed lawns, a few lesser-known parks offer exactly that. Here are some hidden outdoor havens you’ll want to keep on your list.

1. Benjamin Banneker Park – Arlington
Tucked behind a quiet neighborhood, Banneker Park is ideal for early risers. The paved trail connects to the W&OD trail for longer walks, but the park itself offers peaceful solitude. Dogs love the open field, and if you’re into birdwatching or journaling in the shade, you’ll feel right at home.

2. Green Spring Gardens – Alexandria
Not your typical park—this is a peaceful botanical retreat. There’s a library, a quiet lake, and curated gardens where you can sit and read uninterrupted. It’s rarely crowded during the morning, making it perfect for a reflective stroll or solo recharge session.

5. Jones Point Park – Alexandria Waterfront
While closer to the Potomac, this spot remains overlooked by many. With long paths along the river, hidden benches, and plenty of open space for a dog to run or a person to decompress, it’s a great “in-between” spot to reset without a long drive.

6. Rutherford Park – Fairfax
A quiet community park with a small loop trail, a tucked-away bench, and a peaceful vibe. You won’t find large crowds here—just a couple of regular walkers, maybe a kid or two on the playground, and a whole lot of stillness.

The Takeaway:

You don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve gotten away. These lesser-known parks in NoVA are perfect for quiet mornings, peaceful dog runs, or unplugged afternoons. Sometimes, the best places are the ones not everyone knows about.


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Dan Rochon

Dan Rochon is an Associate Broker in VA, Broker in MD; Owner of Rochon Investments, LLC; Owner and Co-founder of www.GreetingsVirginia.com and Owner of other Joint Ventures as well as a real estate principles instructor at Moseley Real Estate Schools.

As a real estate sales agent, Dan and his team are consistently top producers in their marketplace and provide solutions for their clients. Through their investing company, Dan and Traci Rochon have been investing in residential and commercial real estate ventures for more than the past decade.

Dan and his wife Traci are frequent speakers and are often quoted in media stories about the current real estate market. The Rochon's have been featured on The Nightly News with Brian Williams, The Today Show, CNBC, The Washington Post, The Washington Examiner, WTOP News, Voted as The Best of DC Real Estate Agent in the Washington City Paper Readers Poll, and more...